The fishing and agricultural town of Ajuy is quite a remote area although it has popular island beaches that remain a site with minimal disruption. Locals usually find that the island beaches are enough of a reason to visit the area all by itself. It has popular restaurants and scenic mainland resorts and its own share of historical attractions.

Regardless who you are visiting while on vacation in the island or mainland, with friends, your family or as a couple, you will truly enjoy the beauty and the things you do here. And if you want a break from the beautiful island beach experience, there are a number of mainland attractions and things to do.

The Second-Class municipality of Ajuy is situated in the northern portion of the province. It is 91.9 kilometers away or a two-hour drive from Iloilo City. It is bounded in the north by Sara; south by Ajuy Bay; and the west by Barotac Viejo. It has a land area of 19,346 hectares that is politically subdivided into 34 barangays.

Ajuy is populated by 52, 268 (2015 Census on Population) Ajuynons. Market day is every Sunday. The town celebrates its annual Religious Fiesta every 10th of September in honour of San Nicolas de Tolentino.

To get to Ajuy, busses are available daily at the new Ceres Bus Terminal in Barangay Camalig, Jaro, Iloilo City.

HISTORY

Folk history posits the municipality of Ajuy started as a small settlement established by the early Malayan immigrants on the northern side of the Gubaton River near the present site of Barangay Lanjagan.

The natives originally called it “Aswe.” Based on folk history, it is said that during the Spanish time, a Spaniard who was assigned to list the names of coastal villages in this part of the province, came to Aswe where he met a native who was gathering wood. The stranger asked for the name of the settlement. The native did not understand what the stranger was asking thought he was inquiring about what he was gathering and so he answered, “kahoy.” And so the Spaniard noted down the word “Ajoy” which was later changed to Ajuy, the present official name of this town.

Ajuy was formerly a part of the town of Sara and became a separate full-fledged municipality in 1917.

ATTRACTIONS

BARANGAY PEDADA is a small and rich community of mangrove forest with an estimated 42.5 hectares. Worldwide, more than 70 species of mangroves exist. Around 35-40 species are found in the Philippines; and 29 of it are found in Barangay Pedada.

TERRA VERDE FARM AND FOREST PARK is a remnant of an old Hacienda in Barangay San Antonio converted into an inland resort designed to inspired visitors by its surrounding lush and green scenery. The facilities and the amenities blend perfectly with its natural environment surrounded by lush trees, established landscaping, and an ever-so-peaceful environment.

It promises to its guests a unique and comfortable stay. The calmness of nature and the soothing landscapes of the nearby areas make one’s stay an unforgettable one. The resort offers a wide variety of leisure and recreational facilities to its nature visitors. Fishing, camping, paddling, cycling, nature walks and picnic areas are just a few of the many recreational opportunities to be enjoyed when in the resort.

MARBUENA BEACH RESORT in Binongan-an Island is a beautiful holiday destination especially in the bright sunlight of summer. There are plenty of things to do. Activities include sailing, fishing and scuba diving and trekking. You can beach-hop your way down the Island situated seven kilometers from the poblacion. It boasts of white sand surrounding the island; home to birds and fruit bats; and perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling.

NASIDMAN ISLAND offers a place for relaxation, land and sea playground and fishing. There are residential units clustered in the northern portion. Easy motorized boat access of almost 30 minutes motorized boatride from Culasi Wharf makes this among the favorite location when visitors would want to enjoy one of Ajuy’s the best in terms of water, sand and hospitality.

Nasidman is also rich in marine life. It has a Marine Protected Area that is slowly becoming a major attraction for water activities such as snorkeling, paddle boating and diving and promoted continuously by the locals. A holiday weekend is also definitely more fun with friends and families. The island is also a perfect place to witness Tabagak-drying and buy some to bring home. It is only 500 meters away from Calabasa Island.

ISLA BIDA in Barangay Pantalan-Nabaye, Sitio Binongan-an, is a great beach experience that very few people find. It is a small sheltered hidden gem and a magical spot for a dip and a picnic. This is a perfect destination for those of you who want to find a beautiful secluded island, far from the crowds, and the frenetic city life.

CALABAZAS ISLAND commonly called “Parola” has a functioning lighthouse managed by the Philippine Navy. It houses the 1884 Parola or Lighthouse known to the Second Oldest Lighthouse in the country. Tourists can spend a good time swimming, snorkelling, fishing, boating or for just a simple respite.

BAY-ANG POINT in Barangay Peninsula has a clean beach with smooth stones instead of sand thus making its waters crystal-like clear. It is an ideal place for swimming, fishing, skin diving, boating snd solitude.

PANALIKDIKON FALLS is situated in Barangay Tipacla four kilometres away from the town center. It has a cool environment and clean water for swimming and areas for picnic.

FESTIVAL

TAMBOBO is celebfrated every 2nd week of September. Derived from a Hiligaynon word tambobo or a structure from storing agricultural products such as grains, it celebrates the abundance of harvest of crops and the bounties of the seas with series of special events daily for the whole community to enjoy.