Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Iloilo Images: Sicogon Island From Afar

With its pure white sand and crystal clear waters, the tadpole-shaped Sicogon Island was once a world-class tourist destination until money problems forced the resort owner to close down. There have been talk of developing the island into a new Boracay, but it seems that Sicogon may lose out to Carabao Island (which, aside from its beautiful white sand beaches, is only about 30 minutes boat ride away from Boracay).

One major drawback is that it is very costly just to get to Sicogon. There are no regular ferry trips to the island (unlike in Boracay where the ferry fare costs only P25) so one has to occupy a banca for the whole day to take you to and fro the island. With banca rent ranging from P1,000 to P1,500, it is indeed quite expensive especially if you are travelling alone or in a small group.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

The reason why the Island close down is not merely because of money matter but the peace and order situation of the country. The once world class tourist destination as you mentioned is truly for high end guests not back packers. It cannot be compared to Boracay or Carabao Island since these islands have their own beauty to offer and so does Sicogon Island.

Anonymous said...

i grow up in sicogon island in my time as a youngster our island was beautiful...it was really a haven for international tourist from europeans to americans to japanese ive'd seen them all there were times were cottages ere fully book and airplanes lands and take off every hour in our small airport. During summer it was fabulous clear blue waters, our sands on the beachs is like diamonds it glitters...our moutains its just amazing....our seas is rich....it is a part of my life i will cherish forever.....

Anonymous said...

there regular passenger boats(saka-yan) in local terms from and to islands of sicogon it costs 25 pesos per person....the trips are once a day it departs from the islands early in the morning to the municipality of Esatancia and departs from eEstancia port around lunch time 11 am or 12. the travel is about an hour or less.....Vist SICOGON Island on the summer you won't regret it... the people are kind and warm.

Anonymous said...

i have live there for almost a year...yeah its really a beautiful island

Anonymous said...

SICOGON is indeed THE WHITE ISLAND OF DREAMS...last summer me and my family was invited by a hospitable and good heart family who lives for so long and knows all the history. We had our summer vacation there...we really enjoy it a lot...one day is not enough to explore the island itself...but in short time...we enjoy the scenery of the white coral sand and blue crystal water...Food?! Mouth watering sea foods...yum! you will surely eat with your bare hand and they serve it with fresh coconut juice. We reach the top of "uPao" as the local calls it and its my first time to see PITCHER plant. That can only be seen in rain forest...very tiring to go up there especially me who doesn’t have excercise.Heheh.but when you reach the top.Oh my! It feels like you reach the sky! and you will see the beautiful,breath taking top view of the island...we had plenty of pictures and memories to cherish from this wonderful island...I’m hoping that this island will develop soon...so that my future siblings will experience the beauty of this island. I believe this will bring pride and prestige to Iloilo tourism and likewise to our county.

---m3rzy_mjs19@yahoo.com---

Anonymous said...

Is there a place in sicogon island to stay and to rent DIVING EQUIPMENT? thanks ..

joey

Anonymous said...

Hi My name is Josie, I am really interested to see this beatiful
sicogon Island. I wonder if some can give me contact. my email address is
jporkert@hotmail.com
tnak you

Anonymous said...

You can make travel arrangements through Pa-on Beach Club located in Estancia- Barangay Paon
Estancia, Iloilo
Philippines 5017
Phone: 011 63 33 397 0444
excerpt from their website- www.paonbeach.com :

"Sicogon Island and other Island Trip" (including Gigantes Island)

Reserve your daytrip for a island hopping and experience the unspoiled white sand beach of different islands, you can also bring your gear for snorkling. These islands can offer you nothing but nature's best."

You want to get away from the crowd and have a true tranquil vacation? Visit these places. Believe me you wont regret it!!Been going to these islands ever since I was young.
Hope this helps.