After a week of planning, more than an hour of waiting for one of our companions, roughly 2-hour bus ride to the town and 30-minute boat ride, we finally reached the beautiful Sandbar Island. It is the longest and the most beautiful sandbar I've seen so far (check out another sandbar in Nasidman, Ajuy). It is located in Concepcion, a town in the Northern portion of Iloilo. From there, you can see the Mount Manaphag and other islands like the Agho Island (with it's own sandbar as well).
Seeing the crystal clear water makes me want to swim right after the boat stopped along the shore but didn't do so because I need to change clothes first. Unlike other beaches in the province, the island has a peaceful ambiance. There are only a few cottages available for rent hence it is not crowded with people. If given the opportunity, I'd definitely love to spend a few days there to relax, escape the daily grind in front of the computer and to really enjoy what nature has to offer.
How to get there:
From terminal in Tagbak, Jaro, ride a bus bound for Concepcion, Iloilo. Fare is Php 110. The bus will take you to Concepcion terminal, a few minutes walk to the market where motorized boats going to the island are stationed. Boat ride is around 30 minutes. Better contact the resort to arrange the boat and reserve a cottage for a smooth-sailing trip, figuratively.
Tips:
- You can also arrange the management for island hopping.
- Bring your own food and drinking water.
- The boat doesn't have top cover so you may want to bring a scarf or sarong to cover your head and face from Mr. Sun.
- Last trip of bus going back to the city is 3:00 pm so be sure to be back at the terminal before 3:00. You can also ride a jeep to Sara, a nearby town, since the last trip of bus there is 6:00 or 7:00 pm.
- Electricity lasts until 9:00 pm only.
(I love this pic because it captured the clear blue sky with a little white speck which is the moon.)Check out more photos HERE!
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