Things To Do
in Belison

A local sour fish stew made with vinegar, garlic and ginger; often cooked with coconut or tomato. Find it at family-run karinderias and seaside eateries.

Must-Try!

A hearty Ilonggo/Antique stew of pigeon peas, pork and jackfruit with gata (coconut milk). Served at traditional restaurants and during celebrations.

Freshly caught fish, squid and shellfish simply grilled over charcoal and served with rice and dipping sauces — widely available at coastal stalls and markets.

Chicken cooked with coconut water and spices, light and aromatic — a comforting home-cooked dish you may find in local eateries.

The town market is where locals buy fish, vegetables and daily staples — great for tasting fresh fruit, local snacks and seeing daily life. Try grilled corn, boiled saba bananas and local pastries.

Simple benches and grills along coastal roads sell freshly grilled fish and squid. Order by weight or choose a catch for immediate cooking.

Use polite greetings and show deference to older people; addressing older locals as 'Manong' (male) or 'Manang' (female) is common and respectful.

Dress modestly when visiting churches, municipal offices and households; swimwear is fine at the beach but cover up when returning to town.

If attending religious services or fiestas, follow local customs—arrive on time, be respectful during ceremonies and accept invitations graciously.

Some homes may ask visitors to remove shoes before entering; follow the host’s lead and accept offers of hospitality politely.

Tipping is not mandatory in small towns like Belison but is appreciated for good service; round up bills or leave a small tip (20–50 PHP) at restaurants or for helpful guides. For drivers and tricycle operators, tipping is occasional—rounding up the fare is common.

Cash (Philippine peso) is king in Belison; small vendors and tricycles rarely take cards. ATMs may be limited—withdraw cash in larger nearby towns or bring enough for your stay. Mobile e-wallets like GCash are growing in use but acceptance varies; always carry cash for remote areas.

The majority of locals speak Kinaray-a, the traditional language of Antique, often alongside Hiligaynon (Ilonggo).

Many residents also understand and speak Hiligaynon due to regional interaction and media.

A large portion of the population works in farming, coconut production and coastal fishing, giving the area a rural, community-oriented character.

Younger people often migrate seasonally or long-term to larger cities for work, while maintaining strong ties to their hometown.

Vegetarian options are available but limited; order vegetable dishes, egg-based dishes and rice with vegetables. Communicate clearly—use 'no meat, no fish'—and expect dishes may include fish sauce or shrimp paste unless specified.

Vegan choices are scarce; focus on fresh fruit, rice, boiled or grilled vegetables and request no animal products. Bringing snacks or relying on larger towns for specialty options is recommended.

Rice is the staple so many dishes are naturally gluten-free, but be careful with sauces and marinades which may contain soy sauce. Ask vendors about ingredients and when in doubt avoid soy-based condiments.

Halal-certified restaurants are uncommon; seafood is widely available and can be a good option, but confirm preparation methods with vendors.