SAMPLE ITINERARY and CONTACT INFORMATION: Ilo-Ilo (Isla Gigantes) + Guimaras (express side trip) + Bacolod city (updated)

Six months ago, my sister and I bought tickets going to Bacolod city because of the 14 –peso base fare promo. We really don’t have any idea yet what places to visit and see there. 

Nothing in mind on what to see or expect in Bacolod, all I know is its the home of the infamous Inasal na Manok (their version of Chicken barbeque) and pastries such as the butterscotch bars, biscocho (their version of biscotti) and piaya.

I researched from blog to blog on what are the “must” visit places. After few clicks, I learned that the province of Ilo-Ilo is just one-hour and forty-five minutes away from Bacolod city, why not include it in our trip. I tried to find the "must see" place in Ilo-Ilo and Google returned Islas de Gigantes as the result.  J

Also, Guimaras is fifteen minutes away from Ilo-Ilo city by boat. Now, in this trip we have not one, not two but THREE provinces in one trip!!!

Our strategy was go farther from Bacolod city first and visit Ilo-Ilo city. Later, we thought we should have purchased one-way ticket to Ilo-ilo city then we will depart from Bacolod city going back to Manila. Oh well, it’s there, so bear with it.

Sit back and relax, a non-stop adventure is coming your way, hehehe…

Cabugao Gamay Island "famous" spot

I want to share our itinerary during our 4-day, 3-night trip.

DAY 1:

0845   Arrival in Bacolod Airport
           Van ride going to BREDCO Pier
1045   Ferry ride to Ilo-Ilo city
           Arrival in Ilo-Ilo city
1100   Arrival in Tagbak Terminal
1500   Arrival in town of Estancia
1520   Check in at Aguilar Pension House
1600   Lunch/Dinner
1700   Explore the Estancia port


DAY 2:

0630   Left Estancia for Islas de Gigantes (norte)
0800   Island hopping
1145   ETA in Gigantes Hideaway Resort
1230   Lunch
1330  Continuation of island hopping
1530  Cave tour
1700  visit Light house and catch the sunset
1900  Dinner

DAY 3:

0600  ETD from Islas de Gigantes
0800  Arrival in Estancia
0830  Catch the van going to Ilo-Ilo city
1145  Brunch
1230  visit Jaro Cathedral
1300  visit Tibiao bakery for the famous bread, teren-teren
1400  go to buy ferry tickets to Guimaras
1415  ETD for Jordan, Guimaras
          ETA Jordan Tourism desk
          visit Trappist Abbey and Monastery
          buy mango products at a local stall
1500  back to Ilo-Ilo city
1530  buy tickets for Bacolod city
1700  Arrival at BREDCO terminal
1730  Check in at Bacolod Pension Plaza
1900  Dinner at Aida's - Manokan country
2000  Buy piaya and pasalubong at BongBong's


Day 4:

0900  Check out at Bacolod Pension Plaza
0930  Breakfast at BongBong's
1000  leave baggage in SM Bacolod
1100  jeepney ride to visit the Ruins - Balay Negrense
1300  visit Negros Museum
1400  lunch at Aida's - Manokan country
1500  back to SM Bacolod
          buy pasalubong
1545  ride shuttle SM Bacolod - Silay Airport
1630  Arrival in Silay Airport
1900  Back to Manila


With this trip, I could say that we made the best out of our time and budget. However, we were not able to stay long in Guimaras which we are surely returning for a longer stay. This trip made me love backpacking trip and trill that it comes with.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Here's the contact number of our very accommodating tourism officer in Islas de Gigantes. Joel Decano (0918 4685006) is famous in travel blogs; he was able to answer all my questions and text messages during our trip.