Gabay Gala: Lanawan Rocks in Concepcion, Iloilo

If you’ve never visited the north-eastern municipalities of the province of Iloilo, Lanawan Rocks is a must-see! Check my story!

“We are not the kind who cancels on plans. Let’s start the long drive at 3 AM!”

So much happened before the trip took off. Fortunately, it took off.

I went to Lanawan Rocks for the first time on a Tuesday, the 13th of this month. The main reason why I went for this quick trek was to recharge. I was starting to lose my sense of direction. I was almost at my breaking point because of so many things. I was sincerely thankful that I took courage to do the whole trip on my own. When I was at the peak, I promised to take my friends back with me to this beautiful place.

I had my tour guides take pictures of me during my solo trip. They are not very experienced when it comes to taking photos as the place is a relatively new tourist location.

After exactly six days, I brought my friends back to the mountain.

Our photos were taken by Karl (our tour guide). He is an athlete in his university and plays volleyball. He told us he would go for an exercise up the mountain with weights on his waists.

Trip Itinerary/Plan

Trip to Concepcion Town Proper

Buses going to Concepcion are at the Ceres Terminal in Buhang, Jaro Iloilo City. I took a picture of the bus I took.

Bus going to Concepcion. This bus stops over at the town proper of the municipality of Sara before going to Concepcion.

The trip in a public utility bus takes 2.5 hours to 3 hours.

Expenses:
376 — for regular buses (188 per trip)
440 — for air-conditioned buses (220 per trip)
*Note: Fares reflected are roundtrip fares.

If you have a private vehicle, you can simply use this link as guide (Google Maps): https://goo.gl/maps/C6TLUmktpZGPvqHA9
The trip in a private vehicle took only 2 hours to reach Concepcion town proper.

Expenses:
Money for Gas

Stop Over at 7-Eleven Store in Concepcion

We stopped over at the town’s 7-Eleven store to buy some snacks, bottled water and breakfast. Some of us weren’t able to eat enough food before the long drive.

Expenses:
Money for food

Trip from Concepcion Town Proper to Lanawan Rocks Starting Point

Two ways:
a. For solo traveller — get a motorbike (habal-habal) at the parking area just beside the 7-Eleven store, will drive you from the town proper to the starting point, and from the starting point back to the town proper; driver’s fee includes the ‘waiting’
b. For groups — get a tricycle at the same parking area (not sure how much this costs)

Note: For tourists with private vehicles, leave your car somewhere in the town proper and get a tricycle or a habal-habal. The road going to the starting point is bad, most especially during rainy season. We did the other way around so look at what the car looked like after the drive. Hahaha!

Credits: Karl (our friend, not the tour guide hahaha)

Expenses:
300— for motorbike or habal-habal (trip to and fro; including the ‘waiting’)
*Note: I added an extra bonus for kuya because he waited a little longer than usual because I took my time at the stations. Hehe.

Breakfast at Ann’s Kitchenette

View from Ann’s Kitchenette.

The kitchenette serves various food choices. Rice meals range from 70 to 120 pesos. Fruit smoothies are around 75 pesos. I ordered the fried chicken rice meal and buko smoothie.

Expenses:
120 — fried chicken, rice, egg, salad meal
75 — buko smoothie

The Quick Trek Up the Hill

The trek was a quick hike. It took around 30 to 45 minutes for non-hikers like us (this includes going up and down). In most social media posts, they say the hike would usually take 15 to 20 minutes. I guess we weren’t all used to walking. Hahaha!

The place had stations: first to fifth station. Each station shows off with a different rock formation. Tourists may opt to stand on the rocks and take pictures. For people who are afraid of heights and death like me, don’t.

The largest rock formation can be found at the fourth station. The local government recently decided to install railings in the station to prevent accidents.

Expenses:
Tour guide fee-100 pesos
Entrance fee-25 pesos per person

Station 4

Here are more pictures of our Lanawan Rocks trip on September 19.

SUMMARY

1. Total trip expense:
   1,075 Pesos (excluding 7-Eleven expenses)
2. Total travel time from Iloilo City to Concepcion Town Proper (7-Eleven): 2.5 hours to 3 hours
3. Total travel time from Conception Town Proper to Starting Point:
   30 minutes
4. Total hike time:
   30 minutes
5. Extent of fun:
   SUPER FUN!

Both my solo trip and trip with friends to Lanawan Rocks were fun!

I hope you can also visit Lanawan Rocks for a breath of fresh air.

Thanks for reading! ♡