Panay is an island of the Philippines that become the western part of the Visayas region. It is the 6th largest island in the Philippines and also considers the fourth most populated island in the country.
If you plan to travel to the Philippines, Panay Island can be your best destination. It locates in the heart of the Philippines, this island gives us access to natural wonders, rich culture, and unique experiences. In this comprehensive guide, we learn about Panay Island facts and give you details to improve your adventure.
Festivals such as the Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan, and Dinagyang in Iloilo City bring us cultural heritage.
Panay Island Tourist Spots
Panay Island brings us the several spots and events that we can enjoy. Here are some of the popular tourist spots on Panay Island that you like to visit:
Boracay: A world-famous island known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s a hub for water sports, nightlife, and relaxation.
Iloilo City: The urban centre of Panay Island, Iloilo City provide you with a mix of historical and modern attractions. The Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, Iloilo Esplanade, and Museo Iloilo are some notable places that we see on social media about the Phillippines.
Miagao Church: Also known as the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, this UNESCO World Heritage is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and intricate stone carvings.
Guimaras Island: Known for its sweet mangoes, Guimaras offers beautiful beaches and nature reserves. You can have island hopping and hiking.
Antique Rice Terraces: These terraces resemble the Banaue Rice Terraces in Northern Luzon. That brings the ancient agricultural engineering skills of the locals.
Malumpati Cold Spring: Located in Pandan, Antique, this natural spring offers refreshing cold waters in dense jungle.
Aklan: Beyond Boracay, Aklan offers attractions like Jawili Falls, Bakhawan Eco-Park, and the Kalibo Cathedral.
Capiz: Known as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines,” Capiz is famous for its seafood and is home to the Pan-ay Church Bell, known as the largest church bell in Asia.
Tibiao: This town is known for its Kawa Hot Bath, where you can experience a unique hot bath experience inside large kettles.
Malalison Island: It has rolling hills and clear waters, Malalison Island offers hiking, snorkelling, and beachcombing.
Panay Island Economy
As you move to the 6th largest island in the Philippines, you can notice that each province contributes to the island’s economy in various ways. Below, I mention the most famous businesses on this Island.
Agriculture: Aklan and Capiz bring seafood production. Antique and Iloilo are prominent rice and sugarcane producers.
Fishing: The Island offers us a lot of beach area, and fishing is a significant economic activity on the island. Fishing communities contribute to both local consumption and exports.
Tourism: Boracay, a world-famous tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and resorts, is located on Panay Island. You can notice the revenue source from accommodations, restaurants, water sports, and other tourism-related activities.
Manufacturing and Industry: Certain areas of Panay Island, such as Iloilo City, have developed as industrial hubs.
Education and Services: With cities like Iloilo being education and healthcare centers, You can notice students and medical tourists from other parts of the Philippines and beyond.
Panay Island Food Options
Panay Island in the Philippines is famous due to its delicious dishes. Here are some popular foods you might find on Panay Island:
La Paz Batchoy: A famous noodle soup originating from Iloilo City. It features egg noodles, pork organs, chicharrón (pork cracklings), and sometimes shrimp or beef, all served in a flavorful broth.
Talaba: Oysters are abundant in Panay Island, and we have it as fresh on the half shell, grilled, or cooked in various dishes like sinugba (grilled) talaba or oyster kinilaw (a type of ceviche).
Chicken Inasal: A grilled chicken dish marinated in a mixture of calamansi (local lime) juice, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and annatto oil, giving it a distinct orange hue and flavorful taste. It’s typically served with rice and a dipping sauce.
Kadios Baboy Langka: This dish combines kadios (pigeon peas), baboy (pork), and langka (jackfruit) in a hearty soup.
Binakol: A soup made with chicken, coconut water, and young coconut meat. It’s a colorless dish with clear taste of each ingredient.
Barquillos: A popular snack in Iloilo, barquillos are thin rolled wafers that are slightly sweet and crispy.
Baye-Baye: A local sweet made from ground glutinous rice and coconut, often moulded into small bite-sized pieces.
Pancit Molo: A dumpling soup that resembles Chinese wonton soup. It is small dumplings filled with grind pork and shrimp. You can have chopped chicken, served in your bowl.
Biscocho: These are sweetened and toasted bread rolls that are popular as snacks or pasalubong (souvenirs brought back from a trip). You can eat it with coffee or tea.
Bingka: A type of rice cake made from glutinous rice and coconut milk. You can experience a slightly sweet and unique texture.
Is Panay Island, 6th largest island in the Philippines, Safe?
The Philippines Islands are safe in general for tourism purposes. You have to Use common sense for safety. It means you do not need to trust strangers and avoid certain areas. You can consult the hotel for reliable information. The best way is to get local SIM cards for calls and data but some areas might have weak signals.
