Normally, when you search online for information on routes to take between places, there is always tonnes of up to date information. However, when travelling between Boracay and Iloilo in the Philippines, we found absolutely zero relevant or up to date information. 12GoAsia and even Google Maps said there was no public transport route between the two places, and one reputable website was telling us to go back to Batangas and get a boat from there or go on multiple modes of transport and take 10 hours. However, it is possible to get from Boracay to Iloilo, and this is our guide on ‘Getting from Boracay to Iloilo, Philippines.’
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Getting from Boracay to Iloilo, Philippines – Map
The above map shows the driving distance between the 2 places.
However, this was the sort of stuff that we were finding on Google. This made us a bit worried; we had to get to Iloilo to make onward connections. Had we (I) messed up our travel plans?
No is the answer, and this is our guide on getting from Boracay to Iloilo, Philippines.
Step 1
Getting some cash or supplies for the journey. There is a 7-Eleven at the ferry terminal in Boracay, which is handy to get cash or supplies for the journey ahead.
Step 2
The second step on this journey is to get from the island of Boracay to Caticlan town on the main island of Panay. We have already covered getting from Caticlan to Boracay Island, Philippines. You literally just follow this journey in reverse.
Step 3
When we arrived in Caticlan, we had no idea what we were going to do or if there were any options available, but it transpired that there were options available. We had to decide between:
- Option 1: Use a minibus; they are lined up along the jetty and will take you directly to Iloilo City. Positives: It goes direct. Negatives: won’t go until minibus is full, costs slightly more, not as comfortable with luggage rammed in, and no onboard toilet.
- Option 2: Use a scheduled Ceres bus (we spotted one as we got off the boat); finding the information can be difficult. However, when you dig on their website, you can find a schedule. Personally, I would check with your accommodation, but they seem to run every 40 minutes from early morning until midday and then once again in the afternoon. Positives: Scheduled so everyone goes at a time, slightly cheaper, ample room, toilet, stops for leg stretching, and films to watch. Negatives: It takes slightly longer than a minibus and drops you off at their station, which is slightly outside of Iloilo.
Each journey time is about 6 hours; there is really not much in it. You will need cash for either option as you pay onboard; there is no advanced booking. Having experienced minibus travel in other parts of the Philippines. I wouldn’t be recommending it as an option here, and I would go with Option 2!
Step 4
We opted for option 2, and we boarded our bus about 15 minutes before departure. The bus was as clean as expected; there was plenty of room, and the toilet functioned. After about 15 minutes, the conductor came around and sold tickets for the bus.
We paid for our tickets and sat back and admired the scenery of the island of Panay. I have to say the island is stunningly beautiful and the hours flew by.
Job done, arrive in Iloilo.
There isn’t a lot of information about this route online, which can be stressful; it isn’t one that tourists really use. However, if you are looking to make the journey, it really is as easy as described above. It was one of my favourite bus journeys in he Philippines, and the views were amazing the entire time.
If you have any questions about the journey, please drop us a comment below, and we will happily answer.
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The Lewis family.
