The fifth Congressional District in the northern portion of Iloilo is comprised the towns of Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Ajuy, Concepcion, Sara, Lemery, San Dionisio, Batad, Estancia, Balasan and Carles along with 60 islands and islets.
It is positioned as the ISLAND DESTINATION of the province.
The district is an excellent place to island hop. Visitors will find an exclusive place where your only worry will be how much sun you decide to take in during the day.
The prides itself with strings of island beaches that suit all tastes; from sand to gravel to rock to pebble. Most are defined by its sheer limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and clear blue waters attracting thousands of tourists yearly.
Named after Cogon, a type of grass found to be abundant in the area, Sicogon Island is a 1,160 hectare island politically subdivided into three (3) barangays, namely Alipata, San Fernando and Buaya. Mt. Opao serves as its backdrop towering at 702 feet and is accessible on foot. Its summit offers a stunning view of the entire coastline surrounding the island.
The beach is reason enough to go to the island. There is enough space with few visitors that you will probably find a spot just for yourself. It remains among the most beautiful even up to now. It is for those who are dreaming of a quiet vacation under a warm sun and a constant breeze. The island is still a big potential to welcome many tourists looking for the best beach in Iloilo. So, if you are looking for the ultimate tropical paradise, set your sights on Sicogon in Carles. With lesser-known neighboring islands interspersed with picturesque fishing villages where the people live a simple way of life, virtually unchanged in centuries.
Sicogon Island can be reached through a 40-minuter motorized boat ride from Estancia Feeder Port. To get to Estancia, one must take an air-conditioned bus at the new Ceres Terminal in Barangay Camalig, Jaro, Iloilo City.
Rural Farms in Iloilo are becoming attractive tourist destinations because more visitors want an escape from the stress of early mornings and late afternoon traffic jams and tiring daily routine workload. Many enjoy a drive to rural Iloilo and spend the day or to stay overnight to connect with natural and cultural heritage. Enjoy a richer and authentic leisure experience such as picking your own vegetables or fruits in season in a beautiful field, harvesting eggs, a carabao-driven cart ride probably or feeding the goats and doves are just a few of the fun and fabulous activities waiting for you. Farms offer these wonderful unique experiences.
Iloilo has some of the most intriguing ecotourism sites in the region. Many coastal and mainland attractions in the province have the potential to provide crucial ecotourism positioning for Western Visayas. Controlled outdoor recreational programs in these sites have gained wide popularity among domestic travelers, especially students and young professionals.
