Panay Island

Traditions, Treasures, and Timeless Shores

Located in the heart of Western Visayas, Panay Island is a vibrant blend of heritage towns, coastal gems, highland escapes, and deep-rooted traditions. Composed of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo, Panay invites travelers to explore the soul of the Visayas—from century-old churches and indigenous communities to pristine beaches and culinary wonders.

Gateway to Boracay and Beyond

While most know Aklan as the gateway to the world-famous Boracay Island, the province itself offers much more than a departure point. In Kalibo, the vibrant Ati-Atihan Festival held every January honors the Santo Niño with street dancing, tribal rhythms, and colorful costumes. Visit the Aklan River bamboo raft experience or explore Bakhawan Eco-Park, a 220-hectare mangrove forest ideal for quiet walks and environmental learning. Venture inland to see piña weaving, where artisans handcraft pineapple fibers into delicate textiles—an Aklanon heritage that lives on through generations.

Where Mountains Meet the Sea

On the island’s western coast, Antique is a haven for nature lovers and slow travelers. Here, you can trek through Mount Madja-as, soak in the Kawa hot baths of Tibiao, or paddle along the Bugang River in Pandan, often cited as the cleanest river in the Philippines. Antique is also home to the Ati, one of the country’s oldest indigenous groups. Cultural immersions are possible in remote barangays, where ancestral practices, farming rituals, and oral traditions are still passed down today. From its mountains to its marine sanctuaries, Antique offers peace, authenticity, and raw beauty.

Seafood Capital of the Philippines

Famous for its bountiful waters, Capiz is dubbed the Seafood Capital of the Philippines. The provincial capital, Roxas City, sits at the mouth of the Panay River and is known for its lively seafood markets, riverside dining, and heritage landmarks. Visit the Roxas Cathedral and the statue of President Manuel Roxas, the first president of the independent Republic of the Philippines. Capiz is also rich in folklore and spiritual tradition, and the countryside is dotted with ancestral homes, churches, and quiet fishing villages. For a scenic experience, take a river cruise through the Palina Greenbelt Ecopark, where mangroves, fish pens, and traditional rafts line the calm waters.

The Cultural Heart of Panay

Known for its graceful heritage and grand festivals, Iloilo is a cultural gem that blends history, devotion, and cosmopolitan flair. The city of Iloilo showcases well-preserved Spanish-era churches, colonial mansions, and museums that speak of its importance as a trading and religious hub. The Molo Church, Miagao Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Jaro Cathedral are just some of its iconic religious landmarks. Every January, the city bursts into celebration with the Dinagyang Festival, a dazzling mix of street dancing, music, and religious devotion to the Santo Niño. Beyond the city, scenic escapes await in Garinfarm in San Joaquin, Islas de Gigantes in Carles, and the rolling hills of Bucari in Leon, often called the “Summer Capital of Iloilo.”

The Spirit of Panay

Across the island, you will find people deeply connected to their land, proud of their languages, and generous in their hospitality. Panay’s festivals, weaving traditions, ancestral homes, and coastal waters all reflect the richness of Visayan identity. Whether you are walking barefoot on Boracay’s sands, trekking the highlands of Antique, feasting in Capiz, or strolling the elegant streets of Iloilo, Panay offers an experience that is both grounding and uplifting.