This stunningly beautiful island welcomes visitors with lush green hills, fine sandy beaches, crystal-clear sea, and more
As I walked along the beach in front of the Huni Sicogon Resort Hotel, the warm sand beneath my toes, my mind was lost in thought. I couldn’t help but ponder what made Sicogon Island so different from all the other tropical paradises I had visited before.
Suddenly, a vivid memory of our island tour from the previous day came flooding back to me. It was then that I realized, Sicogon Island had a certain charm that reminded me of the world-famous El Nido in Palawan. The jagged limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life all seemed to be in harmony with the natural beauty of the island, much like El Nido.
As I stood there on the beach, listening to the soothing sound of the rolling waves and inhaling the salty air, a sense of familiarity washed over me. It was then that I turned my gaze toward the horizon, and what I saw left me awestruck. The sun was setting in a burst of vibrant colors, ranging from reds to oranges and yellows, painting the sky with its brilliant hues. The cool breeze that caressed my face only made the moment even more magical, and I couldn’t help but feel at peace.
As I continued to walk, my attention was drawn to the beautiful structure of the resort hotel. Its architecture was meticulously designed to offer visitors the perfect backdrop for their Instagram snaps. The towering Mount Opao served as the perfect backdrop, enhancing the hotel’s beauty even further. I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos myself, wanting to capture the magical moment and the stunning scenery.
Located in the municipality of Carles in the province of Iloilo, Huni is a stylish and characterful hotel located on Sicogon Island. It offers 52 rooms spread over two floors and boasts a beachfront location with stunning panoramic views of the sea. Guests can enjoy direct access to San Fernando Beach and can choose to relax by the infinity pool or explore the sandy stretches of the beach surrounded by trees. The resort also has an all-day dining cafe.
Sicogon Island is known for its delectable seafood dishes, which are a must-try for visitors. One popular dish is steamed scallops, which are locally sourced and are usually served with garlic and butter. Another popular seafood dish is steamed crabs, which are often seasoned with local spices and are best enjoyed with vinegar dip. Grilled squid is another must-try dish that is cooked over an open flame and served with a side of steamed rice. Visitors can experience the island’s local flavors and seafood cuisine, which are a testament to Sicogon Island’s rich culture and history.
The Huni Sicogon is one of the three leisure travel accommodations, all owned by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), that welcome visitors to the island – whether you’re an experienced backpacker, thrill-seeker, leisure traveler, or holidaymaker. The other two are Hatch Sicogon and Balay Kogon.
Hatch Sicogon, with 24 existing rooms and 28 more currently under construction, caters to backpackers and groups of friends.
Balay Kogon, on the other hand, is a luxurious and unique resort situated along Buaya Beach on Sicogon Island. It is surrounded by lush green foliage and provides a cozy and comfortable retreat for couples or honeymooners with 26 rooms.
The resort offers bed and breakfast casitas that are designed with modern Filipino touches, providing perfect views of the sea and landscape. Guests can relax in the reception or bar, enjoy the picturesque seascape from the View Deck, and swim in Buaya Beach’s crystal-clear waters. The resort offers sea-to-table cuisine and warm local hospitality, ensuring a relaxing and memorable stay for visitors and guests.
The island itself measures 1,160 hectares. It lies off the northeastern coast of Panay Island and is part of the Visayan Sea. It is a master-planned sustainable tourism development project that aims to create a harmonious mix of commercial establishments and residential communities in sync with nature.
Sicogon Island has its own airport terminal and jetty port, making it easily accessible from Manila and other major tourist destinations.
Named after cogon, a type of grass found in abundance on the island, this charmer offers pristine white beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush forests. Thrill-seekers can enjoy adrenaline-filled activities such as cliff jumping, ziplining, paragliding, and stand-up paddle boarding. Those seeking fun and relaxation can try activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or biking through the island’s trails.
Sustainable tourism
One of the highlights of my stay at Huni was a guided eco-trail tour. I learned that Ayala Land Inc. is not only focused on developing Sicogon Island as a tourism destination but also takes an active role in preserving the island’s environment.
One of its recent initiatives is the development of the Lagoon Eco-trail. This eco-trail offers visitors the opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife found within the island’s mangrove forest. Along the trail, visitors can observe different kinds of water birds, including the vulnerable Philippine duck and the nesting site of tabon birds or Philippine scrubfowl. The lagoon also serves as a habitat for little grebes, egrets, and black-naped terns, making it an excellent spot for bird-watching enthusiasts.
Through initiatives such as the Lagoon Eco-trail, Ayala Land Inc. is helping to promote sustainable tourism on Sicogon Island while preserving its natural resources.
For a great change of pace and some much-needed rest and relaxation, travel to Sicogon Island directly via AirSWIFT (www.air-swift.com). Flights via the boutique airline are available from Manila to Sicogon Island. Van transport from the Sicogon Airport Terminal is provided to resort guests; get a Sicogon Island map from the airport to help you locate various areas on the island.
Sicogon Island is also accessible via commercial flights to Roxas City or Iloilo City. Allot 1.5 hours and 2.5 hours of travel time from Roxas City and Iloilo City airports, respectively, to reach Estancia Port, then take the designated outrigger boat to Sicogon Island.
For reservations, contact 0917-8270445 or [email protected].