Down and dirty in Dingle, Iloilo: An adventurer’s itinerary from ‘Biyahe ni Drew’

Iloilo City is known for its amazing food: steaming bowls of La Paz batchoy, chicken binakol, grilled seafood and more. However, the rural municipality of Dingle, Iloilo deserves a spot on your itinerary as welcome side trip away from city life.

Just an hour’s drive away from Iloilo City, you’ll find a world-class rock climbing site, historical caves and a one-of-a-kind pasalubong for your loved ones back home. Here’s the itinerary of Drew Arellano for GMA News TV’s “Biyahe ni Drew”:

The most important contact number
Dingle, Iloilo Tourism Office: 09477424341

All attractions and accommodations in Dingle need to be booked in advance. Don’t worry, though — their tourism officers are easy to talk to and willing to help.

Did you know?

Dingle, Iloilo was the training ground for Nancy Deano, one of the Philippines’ swimmers sent to the 1974 Asian Games. Nancy would win bronze medals in the 100-meter breaststroke, 200-meter breaststroke, 100-meter butterfly and 200-meter individual medley. Nancy was also part of our delegation to the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Today, young swimmers continue to train in Dingle’s swimming pool. Its temperature of 22 degrees Celsius is close to the Olympic standard.

Where to stay
Homestay in Dingle or hotel in Iloilo City?
There are no hotels in rural Dingle. If you’re just staying for a day, you can simply drive back to Iloilo City and stay in your choice of hotel or hostel. If you plan on staying overnight in Dingle, though, you can book a homestay with the help of the local tourism office.

Like any homestay, your room has an owner who simply cleared out for a few days. Expect to pay P500 a night for each person; if you’re traveling in a large group, as the “Biyahe” team was, you can book the entire house.

Homestay etiquette and tips:

1. Bring your own towel. Unlike hotels, homestays don’t offer complimentary towels. Pack your own toiletries and you’ll be fine.
   
   

2. No shoes in the bathroom. Shared bathrooms mean shared responsibilities. The last thing you want to do it bring muddy shoes inside the bathroom and create a mess for the other guests.
   
   

What to do

Rock climbing at Nautod Wall
Dingle may be a rural town on its way up, but the Nautod Wall is already a world-class rock climbing site! Nautod was discovered and developed by Filipino mountaineers and rock climbers. Today, there are 28 routes to the top.

What to see
Bulabog Putian National Park
Did you know that Iloilo was one of the first places to revolt against Spain? Bulabog Putian is home to 30 limestone caves, some of which were used by Filipino guerillas towards the end of the colonial period. Because it’s a protected forest, you’ll also get to see century-old trees! Just be sure to wear proper trekking shoes and apply insect-repellant lotion.

We suggest beginning your tour of Bulabog Putian immediately after lunch so that you can be done before it gets dark. Another tip: Hire one of the park’s local guides for P100. Not only are they fountains of trivia and history, they can also help you navigate some areas’ slippery rocks.

What to buy for pasalubong

Papaya rosettes
Also called “Dulce de Dingle,” these are made by shaving thin strips of green papaya, cooking them in sugar and shaping them by hand into small flowers, with a stick of sweet yema as a stem. The lolas of Dingle remember making these since they were in high school, and you won’t find these anywhere else in the Philippines!

Because of the long process it takes to make papaya rosettes, you’ll have to order them in advance. Just call the local tourism office a few days in advance and let them know how many you need - they’ll make sure the candies are ready for pick-up when you arrive. Papaya rosettes are sold in packs for 25 pieces for P150 to 175. —CM, GMA News