Things To Do
in Calinog

A comforting beef soup similar to bulalo or kansi (sour beef soup popular in Western Visayas); find it at local carinderias (small eateries) especially on market days.

Must-Try!

Simple marinated grilled meat available at roadside grills and small restaurants — order with garlic rice and local dipping sauces.

Sticky rice treats such as bibingka, puto and other local sweets sold at the public market or bakeries — perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Vegetable dishes simmered in coconut milk; common in home cooking and available at local eateries for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Central hub for fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and local street snacks; try freshly grilled fish, pancit from small stalls, and sweet kakanin in the morning.

Small vendors set up in the plaza or near transport nodes in the late afternoon and evening serving grilled skewers, fried snacks and soft drinks — great for casual tasting.

Polite greetings, a friendly smile and addressing elders with titles (Manong/Manang) are appreciated. A nod or handshake is common; use both hands when giving something to show respect.

Casual, modest clothing is appropriate. Remove shoes when entering private homes if asked. Public displays of anger or loud confrontations are frowned upon.

If you attend a fiesta, participate respectfully: sample communal food when offered, ask before photographing people, and accept invitations politely. Fiestas are communal and family-oriented.

Ask permission before photographing people, religious sites during services, or private property. Locals are generally friendly but appreciate being asked.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small tips (a few Philippine pesos to 10–20 PHP) for helpful service are common in small eateries and to drivers. Hotels with higher standards might include service charges — tip extra for exceptional service.

Cash (Philippine pesos) is King in Calinog, especially for markets, tricycles and small shops. ATMs may be limited — withdraw cash in Iloilo City if possible. Mobile payment apps are gaining ground but are not universally accepted in rural areas, so carry physical cash for most transactions.

Primary gateway for the province, located near Cabatuan and about 1.5–3 hours drive from Calinog depending on route and traffic. Regular flights connect to Manila and major Philippine cities; onward travel by bus, van or private car to Calinog is common.

Smaller regional airport to the north-east; useful if your itinerary includes northern Panay — land travel to Calinog takes longer and may require connecting buses or vans.

International airport serving Aklan and Boracay with more flight options from some international carriers; considerably farther by road but an option if combining trips around Panay and Aklan.

Across the water on Negros Island; useful as an alternate regional hub but requires ferry or additional land travel to reach Calinog.

Vegetarian options exist but are basic (vegetable stews, ginataang gulay, rice cakes). Ask for no fish sauce or shrimp paste (bagoong) and be explicit about no meat when ordering; markets sell fresh fruit and vegetables for self-catering.

Vegan choices are limited outside bigger towns — inquire about the use of fish sauce, oyster sauce or animal-based broths; bring snacks if you have strict requirements.

Most food is pork- and seafood-based; halal-certified options are limited. If avoiding pork, specify your preference and stick to seafood and vegetable dishes; major dietary needs are easier to manage in Iloilo City.

Cross-contamination is possible in small kitchens; always explain allergies clearly (in English or a simple local phrase) and consider bringing a translation card for specific ingredients.