Banate is a beautiful coastal town in the northern part of the province of Iloilo with an obscure historical background, Having no records of history prior to 1865 when Andres Maningo became its first teniente del barrio (barrio captain), Banate was only a barrio of Barotac Nuevo, and was believed to have been founded by fishermen in the early days of the Spanish regime. Ricardo Ykalina who kept the town’s historical data during his incumbency as municipal treasurer, stated that Banate was not even considered a barrio at that early date.Historians referred to the place as “Visita” because it was visited every now and then by prominent Barotac Nuevo residents for its beautiful, sandy and wide-stretched beaches.

Sometimes, the town’s name is reportedly attributed to the presence of many Banate trees in the area. According to a legend, when the Spaniards arrived in this place, all its inhabitants fled except for an old man who failed to go far because he was so weak. When it rained, the old man took shelter under the Banate tree where a Spanish officer found him, When the white man asked him; ‘Come se llama esto pueblo? “, The old native, uncertain as to what to say, merely said, “Banate”, because he thought that the Spaniard was asking him the name of the tree. While such legend sounds too absurd to be true, it is the only explanation often given by people when asked why their town is called Banate. Indeed, Banate trees still abound within the territorial limits of the municipality.

Where is the most beautiful beach that you have ever been to?

Located 50 kilometers away from Iloilo City, Banate can be reached via Bus or L300 shuttle vans for P40 to P50 fare. It can be reached via National Highway with Tagbak, Jaro as the point of origin or the alternate route from Baldoza, La Paz to Dumangas passing the Monfort Boulevard commonly known as the Coastal Road.

They say life is a beach and the beach is certainly one of the most important ingredients of a good holiday.

CRCI has a nice stretch of sand, good water to swim in, sometimes flat sometimes wavy.

Slip into something a little more refreshing. Awaken your senses. Rediscover each other. Ideal for romantics of all ages, the resort has everything you need to savor the sweet life.

Unlike other beaches, CRCI beach offers a natural charm that is still clean and natural, with traditionally comprised of a very friendly, feel the thrill of adventure on the beach that is still maintained its authenticity.

Intrupahan is a privately-owned and secluded water retreat about two kilometers away from the densely inhabited Barangay San Salvador. It is characterized by coconut tree-lined shores and rocky shorelines. The pristine beach evokes mysticism especially with the masses of rocks that isolate it from the adjoining Solangan and Punta Magkil beaches and the “lunok” trees on the eastern part of the island. Intrupahan has a historical significance. It derived its name from the word “gintrupahan” because it was used as a citadel during the Spanish era.

Two kilometers away from the shore of Sulangan, lies the rocky islet of Hibutkan. A natural coral reef, it abounds with diverse marine species. With is fragile ecosystem, it was declared a protected zone. The two-hectare sanctuary and marine park is barely visible during high tide but a feast of a natural wonders dazzle the eyes as fishes and shelled organism of myriad hues and contours glide among rocks and corals. When the tide recedes, the rocks, exquisitely hewn by nature, come into view.

Another water Eden is towed in the bosom of managopaya Mountain. Adventure-lovers will enjoy clambering up the hills and meandering through a series of streams before reaching the waterfalls. The unsullied beauty of the remotely hidden falls with its gushing water and pools amid the dense forest would make its visitors gape in awe at the primeval sight.

Those who have been to Banate find themselves marveling at its rustic beauty and relishing their experiences Indeed, Banate is a place to come back to. Like its famous lagaw, kasag and bay-ad, it is an experience waiting to be savored again, and again.

The trip of Banate is never complete without going to the pala-pala or the fish brokerages where one can buy the freshest catch of red bream fishes or, “lagaw” “kasag” or blue crabs, and “lokos” or squids that thrive in Banate Bay. The pala-pala bustles with activity in the wee hours of dawn as fresh fish vendors or “lab-asero” and “lab-asera” bargain for sea produce to sell in the wet market or hawk in the city and other towns. The roadside stalls of oyster or “talaba” in Alacaygan and windowpane shells or “bay-ad” in Belen are also worth stopping by.