Squashed up on the west coast by neighboring province San Jose, San Jose is located on Panay Island and is part of the Visayas Island Groups; it is also the municipality capital of Antique Province.
Sitting on over 17 square miles of land, the town of San Jose has eight miles of coastline and all of the coastal areas are part of the Coastal Resources Management Programme, which works with the people to protect the natural sea front as well as helping local fishing programs.
The town is said to be were the first Malay immigrants settled back in the 1300s and as a result, every year there is a small festival in late April to early May celebrating this fact. Locals are self sufficient, with fishing a major source of income.
With not much else to do but lie on the beach during the day and admire the spectacular sunsets in the evening, San Jose makes an excellent base from which to explore the rest of the province. Breathtaking cliff lines are set back off the coast waiting to be discovered and hidden waterfalls and caves abound.
Travel to San Jose - getting there
From Manila there are flights running at least three times a week directly to San Jose taking around 1 hour, 30 minutes and Manila is also home to the nearest international airport. A boat from the capital leaves three times a week and takes about 16 hours to complete the journey.
San Jose attractions
Malandog Marker: a small monument that marks where the first Malay settlers landed.
Events
Binirayan Festival: December welcomes the celebrations that retrace the region’s roots. This is a massive party full of street dancing, parades, beauty pageants and local arts and crafts.
Tanduyong Festival: a harvest festival that celebrates the city’s history.
In brief
What to do: swim, sunbathe.
Best time to go: December to May
How long? One day.