Panay Island Road Trip: The Epic Ceres Antique Liner Route from Mohon, Iloilo to Caticlan via Bukid Nabas

For travelers seeking a scenic and budget-friendly way to reach Boracay or simply explore the heart of Western Visayas, the Ceres Antique Liner bus route is a classic Philippine adventure. This journey from Mohon, Iloilo to Caticlan is a spectacular traverse of Panay Island's western coastline, highlighted by the breathtaking views of the Bukid Nabas mountain range.

The Route: Coastal Beauty Meets Mountain Vistas

While many buses to Caticlan originate from Iloilo's Tagbak (Northbound) Terminal, the Mohon Terminal in Iloilo City's Villa Arevalo district serves as a key departure point for routes following the southern and western corridors.

This specific Antique Liner route takes the legendary Western Nautical Highway, a road trip famous for its raw, unfiltered beauty:

1. Departure from Mohon, Iloilo

• Mohon Terminal: Located in the southern part of Iloilo City, the terminal connects travelers to the first district towns. Your journey begins with a smooth transition out of the urban center, heading west.

• The Southern Towns: You will quickly pass through the heritage towns of Miagao (home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site church) and San Joaquin, with glimpses of Spanish colonial architecture and the Iloilo coastline.

2. The Golden Coast of Antique

• The Province of Antique: As the bus crosses the provincial border, the scenery dramatically shifts. Antique is known as the "Land where the Mountains Meet the Sea," and you will experience this firsthand. The road often runs parallel to the coastline, offering spectacular views of the blue Sulu Sea on one side and terraced rice paddies and towering mountains on the other.

• Key Stopovers: The bus typically makes a few designated stops in major towns like San Jose de Buenavista (Antique's capital) and Culasi or Pandan, allowing passengers to stretch their legs and grab a quick meal or snack.

3. The Grand Finale: Bukid Nabas

• Entering Aklan: The final, and arguably most picturesque, part of the trip begins as you enter the province of Aklan and the municipality of Nabas.

• Bukid Nabas: "Bukid" means mountain, and this section of the road is an ascent into the hills overlooking the northwestern tip of Panay. The route winds through lush green landscapes and gives way to expansive, sweeping panoramas. On a clear day, you can see the azure waters of the Sibuyan Sea and the approach to the Caticlan mainland. Nabas is also known for its wind farms, which add a modern, striking element to the rugged natural backdrop.

4. Arrival in Caticlan

• The Gateway: The journey concludes at the Caticlan Bus Station, just a stone's throw away from the Caticlan Jetty Port. From here, Boracay Island is only a 15 to 20-minute boat ride away.

Essential Travel Details (As of Late 2025)

The Ceres Liner (operated by Vallacar Transit) maintains a reliable service network across Panay.

Pro-Tips for the Road Traveler

• Get a Window Seat: This route is famous for its views. Secure a seat on the left side of the bus (facing the front) to see the dramatic Antique coastline for most of the ride.

• Pack Light Snacks: While there are stopovers, having a personal supply of food and water is always best for a long trip.

• Final Destination Check: Remember the bus drops you at the Caticlan Bus Station. From there, you will need to take a tricycle or walk to the Caticlan Jetty Port to pay the necessary terminal fees, environmental fees, and boat fare for the trip to Boracay Island.

The Ceres Antique Liner journey is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best part of a trip isn't the destination itself, but the long, scenic road that leads you there. Enjoy the ride!