Secluded getaway. Pristine, sandy beaches. Clear, turquoise waters. A wide choice of nature-based activities. Food, lots of food.
What used to be the playground of the elite in the 80s, tropical nature destination Sicogon Island is on the verge of being re-discovered and enjoyed by seasoned travelers, leisure lovers, and adventure seekers alike.
Sicogon Island fulfills Ayala Land Inc’s pledge to create and replicate models of sustainable development that nurture and sustain surrounding communities. Jomi de Guzman, General Manager and Project Development Head of Sicogon Island, said sustainability is embedded in the design of their hotels and resorts.
“Sicogon is envisioned to be a masterplanned tourism development located at the heart of Western Visayas. The island will give rise to a mix of commercial and residential establishments, including resorts, retail shops, and a town center. With our own Airport Terminal and Jetty Port, Sicogon is accessible from Manila and other major tourist destinations,” de Guzman said.
Sicogon, according to de Guzman, is a fully integrated 1,100-hectare Island Community–810 hectares of master planned island development and 280 hectares of forest lands.
“(We) respect the environment by developing around natural site considerations. Sicogon has multiple island features enhanced into unique character districts integrated into one development,” de Guzman said.
“We make sure we integrate the local community in every aspect of the development,” he stressed.
A hidden gem gleaming off the coast of Northern Iloilo, Sicogon is accessible by air, sea, and land travel. The best would be to take an hour, direct flight from Manila via Ayala-owned AirSwift (Fridays and Mondays only).
The airline re-launched its Manila to Sicogon flights in December of last year, two years after those flights were stopped due to the pandemic. Before their resumption, tourists had to fly to the Iloilo or Roxas airports then travel by land to reach ALI’s Sicogon resorts.
The island is also a central location from other tourist destinations like Islas de Gigantes, Boracay, and airports like Roxas Airport and Iloilo International Airport. Sicogon presently has three types of accomodation: Balay Kogon, Huni and Hatch.
Balay Kogon is a unique Sicogon island resort along Buaya Beach. It welcomes guests to 26 homey, luxurious rooms surrounded by lush green foliage.
Guests can lounge at the reception or at the bar; visit the View Deck to enjoy in the picturesque seascape; and frolic in Buaya Beach’s crystal waters. Careful attention to details, including sea-to-table cuisine and warm, local hospitality, make a stay at Balay Kogon in Sicogon island relaxing and memorable.
Rates average at P20,000 per head for a 4-day, 3-night stay which includes roundtrip flights, Sicogon Airport transfers, room accommodation, daily breakfast, 2k dining credits, use of resort facilities, taxes and service charges.
Huni Resort is a Sicogon island hotel brimming with style and character. As a 2-story, 52-key resort, its beachfront location gives panoramic views of the seaside and of nearby Mt. Opao. Named after the hum of the sea (huni ng dagat),”¯Huni’s spacious rooms designed with modern contemporary interior are perfect for families or friends who are in search of an intimate getaway close to nature activities. Guests may also laze around by the infinity pool, explore sandy stretches of beach bordered by palm trees, and enjoy all-day dining at the cafe.
Rates average at P25,000 per head for a 4-day, 3-night stay which includes roundtrip flights, Sicogon Airport transfers, room accommodation, daily breakfast, 2k dining credits, use of resort facilities, taxes and service charges.
Hatch is a best value boutique beach hostel — 24 existing rooms plus 28 rooms soon to open. Guests have direct access to Sicogon’s 4-km long San Fernando coastline. Witness exhilarating kiteboarding sessions or simply enjoy a laidback afternoon by the beach bar while taking in the views.
No trip to Sicogon Island is complete without experiencing its varied resort activities.
Trek with friends or family up Mt. Opao, or arrange island hopping tours to Islas de Gigantes and Tumaquin Island. For the freshest meals, savor the local seafood, as Sicogon Island is home to one of the country’s richest fishing and shellfish harvesting areas. Thrill-seekers will love adrenaline-filled activities such as cliff jumping, zipline, paragliding, and stand-up paddle-boarding. For fun yet relaxing activities, there’s snorkeling, kayaking, or biking through the island’s trails. Guests can also book private dinners by the beach for the ultimate romantic island experience.
