I was born and raised in the Province of Capiz specifically in Dumarao, that’s why I’ll take this chance to feature where I come from. Roxas City is known to be the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” considering the bountiful and diverse marine products that unsurprisingly earned this title. But wait there’s more about this captivating city so scroll it down and continue reading.
Getting There
By Land
Since we are just an hour and a half ride going to Roxas, we just took a bus. From Iloilo, go to Ceres Bus Terminal located in Brgy. Tagbak, Jaro District. You have two options; you can either ride a bus or van. Travel time is three to four hours. Fare: Bus- Php 180 to Php 200, Van- Php 150. Both rides will take you to Roxas City Integrated Transpo Terminal.
By Sea
From Batangas Pier – Port of Culasi, Roxas City with an estimated 15 hours of travel, available passenger ferries;
- 2go Travel
- Starlite Ferries
By Air
There are direct flights daily from Manila to Roxas City with the country’s leading airlines, the Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. Approximately one hour flight. From the airport, I would recommend grabbing a taxi to check-in at your hotel for convenience.
Mode of Transportation
Public Transportation like jeepneys are allowed to convey in national highways but strictly prohibits within the city proper (route: from Brgy Lawaan Bus Stop or Roxas City Integrated Transpo Term to Capiz Provincial Capitol and vice-versa). Tricycles and cabs are available public vehicles to pick-up passengers within the city. Commuting is very easy and no heavy traffic to worry about. As per City Ordinance; the minimum transportation fare is Php 8 per passenger for the first 2 Kilometers and 50 Centavos for succeeding kilometer. Hiring a tricycle is a good option. Ask first the driver about the fare, make a reasonable deal, and you’re up to go. Beware of abusive drivers.
New Places to Visit
Lunch at Oriental Kitchen
We arrived at the transpo terminal 12 noon already and decided to dine at the nearby Oriental Kitchen, just a 3-minute ride from the terminal. The restaurant serves Japanese, Korean and Chinese dishes. The place has a good ambiance and spacious, good for family and big groups. I tried their Beef Teriyaki and it’s commendable. It is located at Pueblo de Panay, Brgy Lawaan. Fare: Php 45 pesos for 3 of us (overpriced) hehe.
The Edge of Roxas City
From Pueblo, ride a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you at the Burgos Street. There you’ll find yellow tricycles that will directly take you to Culasi Port. It will take roughly 25-35 mins ride (10.5 km). Fare: from Pueblo – Burgos – Culasi is around Php 30 per person). When you got off the tricycle, turn right, you have to walk and take some stairs for this time (lil trek). Feel free to ask someone if you’re unsure.
Location: Brgy Culasi, Roxas City
Operating days and hours: Opens daily, 6 am – 6 pm
Entrance Fee: Php 10
The Edge of Roxas City is a Bali inspired attraction where there is nest, swing, sun and more with a breathtaking view of the ocean. This spot is perfect for piktyur-piktyur and indeed #instagrammable and #feedgoals. They are also open for made to order snacks just be sure to book as early as three days before your arrival. Book thru FB: The Edge of Roxas City.
Culasi Lighthouse
Location: Brgy Culasi, Roxas City
Operating days and hours: Opens daily, 8 am – 5 pm (supervised by Philippine Coast Guard)
Entrance fee: Free
Going to lighthouse a.k.a Parola is just a distant walk from The Edge. Located in the mountainous part of Culasi and faces the Sibuyan Sea. A bit of history, during the Spanish era, the light station is operated with gas lamp or lampara made of bronze and the tower is made of concrete and has a height of 10 meters. On November 1995, it was reconstructed and made with aluminum alloys and powered solar. When I was there, I feel reunited with nature (taray) since it’s away from the bustling city streets and clamors. Best with special someone too!
The Ruins of Alcatraz
Location: Brgy Nipa, Roxas City
Operating days and hours: Opens daily, 8 am – 5 pm
Entrance fee: Free
Nipa is the next barangay from Culasi with 3 mins tricycle ride (1 km).
Are you familiar with the movie The Maze Runner? You can say you’re on their set when you visit this spot. It’s a huge, wide and solid wall. This was named after the Alcatraz Penitentiary in California, USA as to its similarities. It would have been built as a high-end resort with an infinity pool but it was struck by a typhoon and the work discontinued. Just a friendly reminder guys, be careful in your footsteps for there are poops of goats around. Also, be vigilant and don’t leave your things unattended.
Jacque’s Coffee and Chills
Location: Baybay Beach, Roxas City (beside Bitoy’s Grill )
Operating days and hours: Tuesdays – Sundays, 1 pm – 10 pm
Try to visit this beanery located at Baybay. Just a 6-min ride from Alcatraz (2.7 km).
Ofcourse! This trip cannot be completed without a foodtrip. After all the trekking, it’s time to chill. If I go somewhere I always make sure to visit atleast one local coffeeshop. Here, they offer hot and cold coffee, pasta, pastries and a lot more in an affordable price.
My simple itinerary with fare
| Time | Destination | Fare |
| 12:05 nn | ETA to Roxas City Transpo Terminal | 85 / person |
| 12:15 nn | Lunch @ Oriental Kitchen | 45 (3 of us) |
| 2:00 pm | ETA to Burgos Street (Culasi Tricycle Term) | 50 (3 of us) |
| 2:20 pm | ETA to Culasi Port entrance | 10 / person |
| 2:30 pm | ETA to The Edge | - |
| 3:45 pm | ETA to Culasi Lighthouse | – |
| 4:00 pm | Back to Culasi Port | – |
| 4:10 pm | ETA to Alcatraz | 10 / person |
| 5:15 | ETA to Jacque’s Coffee and Chills | 10 / person |
just + kevin 