Must-see nightlife in Western Visayas

  • Area 51 Secret Party Facility

    Boracay

    Apart from having one of the greatest club names ever, Area 51 is (low voice) the only underground party spot on the island. Its schedule is appropriately…

  • Hayahay Treehouse Bar

    Dumaguete

    Cosy up to the bar or grab a plastic chair at this two-storey pavilion made of driftwood with a nipa roof, part of a complex of bars and restaurants on…

  • Coffee & Books

    Dumaguete

    You could while away several hours at this student hang-out lined with bookshelves and mini alcoves (inaccessible to anyone over 6ft). Espresso drinks,…

  • Epic

    Boracay

    This flashy club with its world-class DJs remains the most popular of the beach discos, and is also known for its Wednesday-night table-football matches…

  • Kubo Bar

    Kalibo

    Live acoustic music most nights, cheap buckets of beer and an extensive menu of Filipino fare (P250 to P450) are on tap at this open-air bamboo pavilion…

  • Palms at 18th St

    Bacolod

    Small, lively outdoor compound with more than a half-dozen eateries doubling as bars; great spot for a bucket of beers.

  • Offshore Bar

    Bacolod

    A well-stocked, pub-style bar good for drinks with friends. Live acoustic music on weekend nights.

  • Nigi Nigi Nu Noos

    Boracay

    The legendary Mason jars of Long Island iced tea (two-for-one during happy hour, 5pm to 7pm) and weng weng (rum, gin, tequila, vodka and Cointreau with…

  • Cafe Racer Diner

    Dumaguete

    The American-car-culture theme is obvious from the decor: antique petrol tanks, gas-drum chairs and an old VW van parked inside. Less so from the menu…

  • Madge Cafe

    Iloilo

    This local classic, a small well-kept spot with plastic chairs and tables, has been serving roasted Iloilo coffee since the 1940s. It's a refreshing…

  • Tiki Bar

    Dumaguete

    This hopping late-night beach bar offers riotous DJs and live party music, mostly electronic dance music, from its concert stage. Expect a young crowd and…

  • Marlin Bar Restaurant

    Western Visayas

    This bar offers beautiful sunset views and sports on a large flat-screen TV. It's part of the highly recommended Anchor Bay Watersports, and will satisfy…

  • Wayfarer Restaurant

    Panay

    An upscale and stylish spot for a sundowner (P150 for a rum and coke) with tables on a lawn just off the beach. The open-sided pavilion has a pool table …

  • Brewery Gastropub

    Iloilo

    Nearly 100 imported beers, plus several craft brews on tap, are available at this contemporary spot close to SM Mall and Smallville. It has an interesting…

  • Zyron

    Iloilo

    If you like wild evenings, or at least the occasional pyjama or foam party, Zyron, at the western end of the Esplanade, is your place. You can't miss it:…

  • Exit Bar

    Boracay

    This driftwood-and-thatch watering hole, which turns into a mini-disco as the night wears on, is popular with old-school expats. As they're a colourful…

  • Jonah's Fruit Shakes

    Boracay

    Amid plenty of competition, Jonah's proudly boasts the best shakes on the island – the avocado and banana mix is sensational. Also has an extensive menu…

  • Bom Bom

    Boracay

    With nightly acoustic, often reggae and bongo-infused live music, laid-back Bom Bom is one of the best spots to kill time between dinner and late-night…

  • Sugar Rocks Music Bar

    Sugar Beach

    This bar perched atop the hill at the northern end of the beach, with its narrow but fabulous view, is good for a drink and the occasional live acoustic…

  • Aura Chill Out Lounge

    Iloilo

    This dance club with resident DJ attracts mostly students and young professionals. Entrance fee for men is no problem: two beers. No flip-flops.

  • Lorraine's Tapsi

    Kalibo

    This roadside cafe with its tiki-hut feel is popular with foreigners. It serves decent Filipino food and ice-cold beers and has weekend DJs.

  • Summer Place

    Boracay

    This seething disco is known for staying open the latest, making it White Beach's last call; at times it's a little less savoury for it.

  • Red Paprika

    Iloilo

    This open-air Asian place is known for its house cover band, Binhi, which plays 'oldies but goldies' Monday to Wednesday and Friday.

  • White House Beach Lounge

    Boracay

    A shot of Ibiza, this tasteful all-white beach bar, the first north of Station 1, is also the venue for big rave parties in season.

  • El Amigo

    Dumaguete

    Open-air live music makes this a fun and lively bar. Mexican food, not the most authentic, helps wash down the San Miguel.

  • MO2 Ice

    Iloilo

    A complex combining a dance club, KTV lounge and open-air bar, part of the larger MO2 resort. No thongs (flip-flops).

  • Bo's Coffee

    Dumaguete

    The Starbucks of Dumaguete, an especially good place to hang out while waiting for a boat or flight.

  • Club Paraw

    Boracay

    This large, recently renovated open-air club draws people north of Station 1 to party.

  • Pub Crawl

    Boracay

    Organises pub crawls of big groups all outfitted in complimentary yellow T-shirts.

  • Gypsy Tea Room

    Bacolod

    Offers a scarily cheap drinks menu that attracts a young party crowd.

  • Café Joint

    Bacolod

    Art District hang-out for creative types with live acoustic music.

  • JLK Music Lounge & Bar

    Iloilo

    Head splitting from the clubs? For a truly chilled-out experience, submerge into the cool blue lighting and retro tunes of this Smallville lounge.

  • Grand Ville at Gaisano Arcade

    Panay

    This little plaza has karaoke, two dance clubs and a live street band on weekends. Busy till 3am Thursday to Saturday.

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