Affordable Beach Destinations in Iloilo

Text and photos by: Bombette G. Marin

Summer is here and the days are longer and the breeze is warmer, and if you have been dreaming of the sun, sand and sea, you are certainly not alone.

Iloilos coastline is lined with scenic beaches. Beach hopping is definitely a great thing to do while in the province. There is no vacation destination quite like the beach, and no experience quite like staying in a beach house.

There is something memorable about setting up tents on a beach, whether you are on the hunt for a family-friendly getaway or a coastal hot spot for the peace and quiet. The province has plenty of affordable beach resorts that vacationers are just starting to discover.

EVELYNs Beach Resort in Barangay Cabubugan, Guimbal is recommended if you are looking for a quiet nights sleep. Walk out the door and you are right on a scenic beach that seems to stretch forever. The price is extremely reasonable with an entrance fee of P20 per person.

Amenities include an open cottage that can accommodate 12 persons, a closed cottage for 10 persons, a pavilion good for 40 persons that can be rented for day and night events, and an open air mini bar and store and for those who would want to stay overnight.

They have a small rest house good for a maximum of four persons and a main house that can hold four persons. The resort is 34 kilometers away or a 40-minute drive from the city. For more information, please call 0927 544 3163 or 09995579475 or visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/evelynsbeachresort.

TALISAYAN Beach Resort in Villa Alfonsa, San Joaquin is just within the poblacion area. It is regarded as one of the best beaches in Iloilo with a tranquil nature, which could be an ideal retreat spot. You can enjoy an absolute solitude while walking on the beach, reading a book or lying on open bamboo cottage or just plainly soaking in the sunlight.

Sunset, with a cold bottle of beer or a glass of wine, is an ideal way to have good cheers at the end of the day. The laid-back atmosphere in the area is what makes it one of the most appealing beach destinations in the province.

It has 7 open cottages and for those who would like to stay overnight they offer 5 rooms air-conditioned rooms and three (3) fan rooms.

Entrance fee is P50 per person. The resort is around an hour and twenty-minute drive south from the city. For more information, please contact Ramona Nierves at 09778031899 or 09504315842 or email at talisayanbeachresort@gmail.com.

PARTNERS PARADISE Beach Resort in Sitio Magurampao, Barangay Cataan, San Joaquin remains a secluded haven. It attracts different visitor groups such as families, couples, and friends, due to the convenient amenities it offers.

Upon your arrival at the resort, you wont be able to resist the urge to bath in the warm sunlight while contemplating the alluring charm of the beach. If what you are looking for is a tranquil experience, it is the resort to be. The resort has 9 air-conditioned rooms. This fascinating coastal area is also home to an array of resorts where you dont need to look any further for an ultimate beach vacation.

The resort is about an hour and forty-minute drive south from the city. For more information, please contact Rachel Catedrilla at 09994553700 or email at nicocatedrilla@yahoo.com.

Lhetz Snorkel and Dive Camp in Barangay Cata-an, San Joaquin is set in an area surrounded by coconut trees that visitors will surely find a friendly relaxed atmosphere. The resort promises a pleasant outing with safe swimming conditions ideal for swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling. The cove has a beautiful marine garden which interests dive enthusiasts.

The resort has been an excellent choice for those who prefer to enjoy peace and quiet time with family and friends. It has 9 very affordable rooms where guests can enjoy spectacular sea views from your cottages. It has air-conditioned single and duplex rooms and fan rooms.

These comfortable cottages are located amid beautiful coconut trees. Guests can come for the day for P30 as entrance fee and P50 for those staying overnight.

Guests can also pitch a tent for P150.00. For those who wish to avail of its scuba instruction and services, please contact Mr. Abdon Santocildes at 09186033946/ 09167656146 or 09164938633.

CRCI Beach Resort in Barangay Aglacaygan, Banate is just hour and forty-minute drive north of the city. It has one of the few scenic beaches that can provide the utmost relaxing and sensual atmosphere to its visitors. It is also perfect for those who are fond of a lively ambience, beach sports, and unique local delicacies.

If you ever miss the taste of the sea after playing in the sand, the resorts gastronomic delights will make you never want to leave the beach again. The resort offers 4 air-conditioned rooms for those who would want to stay overnight. It has spacious parking area. For more information, please contact IgliedoCabangal Jr. at 09455730627 or 09103901100.

ALTA MARR Beach Resort in Ajuy sits on a pristine beach with water that is calm, warm and shallow. Room options include an air-conditioned bamboo house with two rooms good for four persons each room and are just steps from the beach. There is also an air-conditioned bamboo room/ dining area that can accommodate 15 persons. The resort has eight open cottages that can accommodate 10 persons per cottage; 14 closed cottages; 2 pavilions that can accommodate 30 persons; an event hall that can accommodate 100 persons and a mini store. Aside from swimming and playing beach volleyball, the resort has a motorized boat that can accommodate 13 persons for a nearby island adventure in Gin-asyanDako Islet. For more information about Alta Marr Beach Resort, please contact 09275035471/ 09485835793/ 09487655888 or at 09063558127.

There are many things that make Iloilo Province special, whether it is the endless destinations to see, tasting a unique mix of flavors, year-round festival celebration, or the friendly locals.

Iloilo is receiving the recognition it deserves as one of the best beach destinations in this part of the region. And there is definitely no shortage of them. So, what are you waiting for.