Boracay is not the only tourist spot on Panay Island in the Philippines. The island is abundant in astonishing mountain views, cascading falls, deep caves, and seaside escapes. Each of its four provinces, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo have something distinct to offer. Whether you are traveling solo or in a group, you can appreciate its beauty through its diverse spots.
Stuck on what to add to your Panay Island itinerary? Here is a detailed guide to the best tourist attractions worth checking out.
The Ultimate Panay Island Travel Guide For Visitors
All About Panay Island
Island Profile and Geographic Features
Panay Island is located in Western Visayas (Region VI) and is composed of four provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo. Panay Island spans approximately 11, 809.64 square kilometers and is surrounded by key bodies of water, including the Sibuyan Sea, Panay Gulf, Guimaras Strait, and Visayan Sea
The Central Panay Mountain Range to the east of the island is the location of local watersheds. Lastly, Mount Madja-as is the highest peak in the island, sitting at an altitude of 2,117 maSL.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Panay Island during the dry season, which is anytime from December to May. You may also want to visit Panay Island during its many festivals, such as:
- Ati-atihan Festival at Aklan (January)
- Dinagyang Festival at Iloilo (January)
- Paraw Regatta Festival at Iloilo (February)
- Capiztahan at Capiz (April)
- Manggahan Festival at Guimaras Island (May)
- Binirayan Festival at Antique (December)
How to Go to Panay Island via Ferry
Getting to Panay Island via ferry is now easier and more convenient, especially if you are coming from Batangas, Romblon, Bacolod, or Mindoro. Starlite Ferries Inc. has eight (8) different routes traveling to Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo.
Book a ticket for Starlite Ferries at an authorized ticketing outlet. For convenience, you can also book tickets via Chelsea Travel website or app.
- From Batangas
- Batangas to Caticlan, Aklan
- Batangas to Roxas City, Capiz
- From Romblon
- Romblon to Roxas City, Capiz
- Odiongan, Romblon to Caticlan, Aklan
- Sibuyan, Romblon (Magdiwang) to Roxas City, Capiz
- From Bacolod
- Banago, Bacolod to Dumangas, Iloilo
- From Mindoro
- Roxas, Mindoro to Caticlan
- Roxas, Mindoro to Culasi, Roxas City, Capiz
Getting Around Panay Island
You can get around Panay Island using a private car when you book a roll on/roll off passenger vessel. Starlite Ferries offers RoRo shipping for motorcycles, light commercial vehicles, utility vehicles, buses, trucks and industrial machinery.
Group travelers can rent a tourist van hosted by accredited tour agencies in Panay Island.
If you cannot bring your car, there are many options for commuting to Panay Island tourist attractions, such as jeep, pedicab, and taxis. Buses also travel throughout the island and pass through RoRo vessels to cross to neighboring islands.
Panay Island Tourist Attractions You Should Visit
Several fascinating tourist spots are located across the four provinces of Panay Island, Philippines. It is recommended to spend a few days to a week on the island to visit all the destinations and make the most out of your stay.
Aklan Tourist Spots
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Bakhawan Eco-Park and Research Center (Kalibo, Aklan)
This 220-hectare mangrove forest in Kalibo is not just a tranquil Panay Island tourist attraction; it began as a reforestation project in the 90s until it developed into the fascinating ecopark it is today. Bakhawan comes from the Aklanon word for ‘mangrove’. Visitors can walk through a majestic 1.3 kilometer bamboo trial that takes you through a canopy of mangrove trees. You can also kayak or try woodworms or tamilok, slimy saltwater clams without shells. They burrow into mangrove wood and are harvested for eating.
Entrance Fee:
Aklanon – Php 60
Aklanon Students, Senior Citizens, and PWD – Php 40
Non-Aklanon – Php 120
Non-Aklanon Students, Senior Citizens, and PWD – Php 60
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Dela Cruz House of Piña (Kalibo, Aklan)
Discover the brilliance of Aklanon piña weaving at Dela Cruz House of Piña. It was born from a family business in 1986, aiming to promote the province’s legacy of weaving cloth and native products from pineapple fibers. They export piña cloth and other handcrafted goods to Japan and the US. Their showroom displays different products that you can admire and purchase as a souvenir or decoration for your home.
Entrance Fee: None
Price Point for Items: 400 Php and above
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Boracay Island (Malay, Aklan)
You can never go wrong with the classic, world-renowned, Boracay Island, one of the most popular Panay Island tourist spots. Its famous white beach, luxurious resorts, beachfront getaways, and buzzing party vibe draws crowds of visitors all year round. Don’t miss out on thrilling water activities like cliff diving, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Antique Tourist Spots
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Malalison Island (Culasi, Antique)
The province of Antique contains many natural hidden gems, such as Malalison (or Mararison) Island. It is sometimes called ‘Little Batanes’ due to its lush green hills reminiscent of the islands of the north. Go trekking (guide is mandatory) to the top for spectacular views of the whole island, go boating around the perimeter, taste sea urchins, and go swimming in the surrounding crystal clear sea.
Environmental Fee: 30 Php at the Culasi Tourism Office
Boat Fare: 500 Php roundtrip for Day Tour, 1,000 Php for overnight
Trekking Guide Fee: 300 Php at the Culasi Tourism Office (up to 5:1 ratio)
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Malumpati Health Spring & Tourist Resort (Pandan, Antique)
Swim in turquoise waters at this buzzing ecotourism spot in Panay Island. Situated in the forestry hills of Antique, you can find Malumpati Cold Spring, a nature getaway with natural and man-made pools. You can try tubing with your friends, picnic in one of the many cottages and pen areas, take a kawa bath, or simply relax and wade in the sweet spring water.
Entrance Fee:
Adult Non-Residents of Pandan + Environmental Fee: 100 Php adult, 20 Php minor
Foreigners + Environmental Fee: 150 Php adult, 50 Php minor
Pandan Residents: 30 Php adult, 20 Php minor
Cottage Rental Fee: 300-500 Php
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Aningalan Highland Strawberry Garden (San Remegio, Antique)
Situated at 869 maSL on Panay Island, Philippines, you can find the one-of-a-kind Highland Strawberry Garden. This ‘Little Baguio’ is known for its lush greenery, colorful flower gardens, and cozy mountain views. If you visit from November until March, you can harvest strawberries to take home. They also feature a playground, horseback riding, a coffee bar, and even cabins and fan rooms for overnight stays.
Entrance Fee: 30 Php
Cabin (w/ complimentary breakfast and WiFi): 2,899-5,999 Php (up to 8 pax)
Fan Room (w/ common lounge, shower, WiFi): 1,699-4,399 Php (up to 12 pax)
Capiz Tourist Spots
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Panublion Museum (Roxas City, Capiz)
This former communal water tank that was built in 1910 on Panay Island, Philippines has become a popular Capiz tourist attraction. Panublion comes from the Hiligaynon word for ‘guardian of precious things’. It now houses historical artifacts and memorabilia of prominent figures that hail from Capiz. The museum also hosts pop culture events, exhibits, and gatherings.
Entrance Fee: None (donations accepted)
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Suhot Cave and Spring (Dumalag, Capiz)
Suhot Cave and Spring is another cold spring you should add to your Panay Island itinerary. Located at the foot of Mt. Paningra-on in Dumalag, this spring is rich in minerals, keeping it healthy and healing for those taking a dip. The pools of cool water are perfect for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing. You can explore the impressive Suhot Cave system with the help of a tour guide.
Entrance Fee: 50 Php
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Palina Greenbelt Ecopark (Roxas City, Capiz)
Embark on a breathtaking river cruise at Palina Greenbelt Ecopark on Panay Island. It is a community livelihood project in Roxas City. Here you can rent out a small (15-18 pax) or large (20-40 pax) cabana that will take you on a relaxing cruise while enjoying freshly cooked seafood and drinks. This is the ideal hangout for large groups, but if you want to relax by yourself, they also offer wellness services like massage, manicure, and pedicure.
Entrance Fee: 10 Php
Small Cabana: 1,500-2,000 Php
Big Cabana: 3,000-4,000 Php
*Meals are ordered separate from cabana fees. Check out their menu here.
Iloilo Tourist Spots
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Islas de Gigantes (Carles, Iloilo)
Enjoy island hopping in the northernmost part of the Iloilo province on Panay Island. Islas de Gigantes outranks Boracay in terms of adventure, thanks to its remoteness and diverse features. The larger North and South Gigantes Islands are home to many resorts and beach hotels where you can relax, snorkel, and dine. Tour packages typically include the following:
- Pulupandan Island
- Cabugao Gamay
- Bantigue Island and Sandbar
- Tangke Saltwater Lagoon
The islands feature pristine white sandbars, towering karst rock formations, the stunning turquoise lagoon, and other untouched nature spots waiting to be discovered.
View the island hopping tour packages and fees at the Facebook Page of Gigantes Island Tours and Services.
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Iloilo River Esplanade (Iloilo City, Iloilo)
The stretch of Iloilo River has become one of the popular Panay Island tourist attractions and hangout spots for locals. The Iloilo River Esplanade was developed to combat pollution along the river and create more public green spaces. Each walkway is paved, making it safe for walks, jogs, cycling, and more. Various events, cultural festivals, concerts, and even art installations are held along the esplanade.
Entrance Fee: None
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Bucari Pine Forest (Leon, Iloilo)
The municipality of Leon is one of the ultimate Panay Island tourist spots for hikers and nature lovers. Bucari Pine Forest, in particular, offers remarkable adventures amongst massive pine trees and lush gardens. You can unwind overnight at any of their cottages and even source fresh fruits and vegetables. Bucari is also known as one of the highest points in Iloilo, which is one of the reasons for its unique landscape and views.
Entrance Fee:
Camp Site / Masigna Cave: 30 Php
Imoy / Kataw Falls: 30 php
Environmental Fee:
Non-Residents: 50 Php (20% discount for PWD, Senior Citizens)
Residents: 30 Php
View the complete fees at Bucari Pine Forest Facebook Page.
The beauty of Panay Island in the Philippines lies in its natural features, as well as the wonderful residents that welcome visitors with open arms. Within each province of the island are hidden gems worth checking out and coming back to.
ALSO READ: Quick and Easy Travel Guide from Cebu to Kalibo
Ready to make your Panay Island itinerary come true? Book a trip to Aklan, Capiz, or Iloilo with Starlite Ferries, Inc. and embark on a delightful trip to your desired destination with us. View our updated schedule here and book now!