iloilo tourist spot brochure

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Iloilo Tourist Spots – 14 Exciting Adventures from the Islands to Heritage Sites in the Visayas

• by Hungry Traveller
• August 14, 2021 November 28, 2021

Visit Iloilo and discover its pristine island destinations and preserved heritage sites. Take a virtual tour of the Iloilo tourist spots outlined below so you can carefully plan your next adventure in Iloilo province.

Iloilo province lies in the southeastern portion of Panay Island in the Western Visayas of the Philippines. Its capital Iloilo City is one of the fast-growing business centers in the country, with an excellent opportunity for real estate, business centers, education, and IT/BPO center.

Even though Iloilo City has significantly spur into a busy city, its roots are still intact with its preservation of heritage homes and century-old churches.

Aside from being the urban center, Iloilo City also takes the nickname “the Heart of the Philippines” from its geographical features and rich cultural heritage.

While Iloilo City is the melting pot of businesses, its northern territory showcases natural Iloilo tourist spots like islands and beaches, including rich agricultural and fisheries.

Discover the best Iloilo tourist spots now for your following travel goals in the Visayas region.

Table of Contents

1. Gigantes Islands

Traveling to island provinces primarily highlights its touristy beaches, and the Gigantes Islands in Iloilo is no exemption to the hype.

With the many Iloilo tourist spots to visit, Gigantes Islands is arguably the most famous of all. You won’t get bored from discovering every corner of the islands, from its best pristine beaches to lagoons and fantastic rock formations and caves.

Find out the things to do in Islas de Gigantes.

Cabugao Gamay

Cabugao Gamay stands out among other attractions in the Gigantes Islands, which is why this place gets the most photograph because of its instagrammable ambiance.

The place takes a form of an elongated islet with a pointed northern section. Lush vegetation covers the northern portion of the islet, while the extended middle section has powdery white sands on both sides.

Although it became more of a picture-taking destination other than swimming, Cabugao Gamay is a lot better to make it on your island hopping tours.

Many tourists pile up here to take stunning photos in a short time.

Bantigue Island

Moving north to the map is Bantigue island, one of the favorite island tourist spots in Iloilo because of its long and winding sandbar.

Like the sandbars in  Bonbon Beach  and  Virgin Island , the Bantigue sandbar also changes form and shape depending on the current.

Its long stretch of fine, creamy-white sands during the low tide is a perfect place to stroll in the middle of the sea. You can play all you want, swim along the shallow depths, snorkel, or enjoy the mesmerizing 360-degree views.

Bantigue Island is also an excellent stopover to dine. Scallops and hammer oysters are among the crowd’s favorite to order.

Antonia Beach

Antonia Beach is where you can spend most of your time enjoying more sand and swimming agendas from your tour.

The large rock boulders in Antonia Beach are a sight not to ignore because some look like a sandwich pile. What is exciting here is you can also snorkel to its mini sanctuary for a quick sighting of colorful corals and fishes.

Most stopovers during lunchtime are in Antonia Beach. You can enjoy a freshly caught buffet of seafood and munch on the cottages or under the shades of the tall coconut trees.

Tinagong Dagat

The Tinagong Dagat or Hidden Beach also lies on the coast of South Gigante Island. Close to Antonia Beach, you may visit Tinagong Dagat right after your short trip to Antonia Beach.

The locals commonly refer to the small beach as mini Boracay beach. The powdery white sands and crystal clear waters characterize both of them, hence its name.

While the beachfront width is small, large limestone walls and thick forest envelops the surrounding land areas. There are also enormous rock formations where you can utilize as dramatic backdrops for your souvenir photos.

Pawikan Cave

The Pawikan Cave is a perfect addition to exhaust some adrenaline during your Islas de Gigantes tour for the more energetic tourists.

First, your boatman will drop you at Barangay Lantangan in South Gigante Island. Then, trek uphill for about 30 minutes to reach the entrance chamber of Pawikan Cave.

There are large chambers to explore as you head inside the cave. Stunning rock formations welcome every guest, while atriums provide light for better appreciation.

Guests should not hope to see Pawikan here, even the name suggests. Its name comes from the similarity of Pawikan eggs to the sizeable egg-shaped rock formations inside the cave.

Local guides may ask you to minimize sound, for they believe in spirits enchanting the place. Another folk story relating to Pawikan cave is being the resting place of the old Japanese treasure.

Pawikan Cave is overall one of the thrilling outdoor Iloilo tourist spots to witness. Make sure to bring proper gear when conquering the chambers of Pawikan cave.

Tangke Lagoon

If beaches in Gigantes Islands are not enough for you, the Tangke Lagoon in the southern tip of South Gigantes Island is a choice to include in your Iloilo beach itinerary.

The small saltwater lagoon features a postcard beauty of towering limestones in the background. The lagoon is as enchanting as it looks, and the locals also thought of spiritual beings living here. You might be likely to ask also to keep noises to a minimum.

The clear emerald water perfectly matches the scattered trees and shrubs emerging from the limestone hills. Lounge onto the shallow waters while basking under the sun, or find an ideal spot to perform cliff jumps.

2. Sicogon Island

There are more islands to visit in Iloilo province, and one of the oldest Iloilo tourist spots is Sicogan Island.

Its glory days in the 70s and 80s may have gone, but its alluring beach paradise still catches the attention of most tourists.

Sicogon Island still boasts of coastal beaches made of fine yellowish sands, including thick forest and mountain views of nearby islands.

Buaya Beach is the most famous tourist spot on the island, where tourists can relax and enjoy swimming in the inviting waters. In addition, guests can also camp in Buaya Beach when wanting an overnight island experience. Make sure to bring all your needs and provisions so you can only worry when it’s time to pack and leave the island.

You can also hike Mount Opao for about 1 to 2 hours to summit during your extra time on the island for added fun.

During low tide, you can also traverse into the nearby Tomaquin Island.

3. Garin Farm

Take a break from your island adventures in northern Iloilo and experience a unique undertaking down south at Garin Farm in San Joaquin.

Apart from other natural Iloilo tourist spots, Garin Farm is an integrated inland resort combining agriculture, recreation, and religion in one location.

A tour of their vast farm will surely make you appreciate the essence of organic farming and the advantage of sustainable agriculture. They also house livestock like goats, water buffalos, including horses and turkeys.

Moving onto their recreational facilities, Garin Farm offers activities that kids and adults alike will be more than willing to try. Some outdoor activities are zipline, kayaking, pedal boating, fishing, horseback riding, and all-terrain vehicle.

Lastly, the most known activity in Garin Farm is the Pilgrimage Hill. It starts from 456 steps uphill on rail-guided concrete steps, leading to the dark tunnel entrance. The dark tunnel represents life’s challenges next to ascension as you direct to the bright all-white area called Heaven on Earth.

The total white ambiance of statues and portrayal of biblical sightings may lock you in awe. Overall, the pilgrimage site in Garin Farm is a great place to reflect and meditate, especially when traveling with the family.

Garin Farm also has a restaurant to refuel from the many activities. They even offer accommodation, including a pavilion and conference room for large groups when planning to stay the night.

You can checkout  Queenie’s blog  for some visuals, including rates.

4. Miag-ao Church

Iloilo province also showcases century-old churches, and Miag-ao Church in downtown Miagao is a religious destination not to miss.

Tourists who love visiting olden religious structures will be pleased to witness one of the most beautiful baroque churches in the Philippines.

The nicely adorned facade of Miag-ao Church features a bas-relief with a combined influence of medieval Spanish, Chinese, and Muslim.

Also known as Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, the image of its patron saint is visible above the wooden door.

Another impressive feat of the church is the two different belltowers. The different belltowers equate to the other ideas of two priests who commissioned the church’s construction back in the day.

Miag-ao Church now joins the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list in the Baroque-style church category in 1993.

Include Miag-ao Church in your pilgrimage tours in Iloilo or a stopover when exploring other famous tourist spots in Iloilo province.

5. Molo Church

Another famous religious and historical site to include in your pilgrimage tour in Iloilo is the Molo Church in Molo, Iloilo City.

Apart from its noticeable identical Gothic red spires, Molo Church is known for several female saints in its interior. That is why it became one of the favorites of female tourists who seek guidance and empowerment from female saints, earning its name to be a women’s church.

There are 16 images of female saints, and the image of Santa Ana stands on the center of the retablo, their patron saint.

Molo Church has been witnessing the history of Iloilo City and has endured the withstand from natural and human-made activities. White coral stones compose its facade, and robust Gothic design exudes from the exterior to every corner of its interior.

In 1992, Molo Church was declared a national landmark by the National Historical Institute and became one of the popular Iloilo tourist spots up to the present time.

After paying a visit to Molo Church, you can quickly walk across the street and visit Molo Park.

6. Molo Mansion

Apart from historical religious sites, the province of Iloilo also showcases some ancestral domains to give you a hint of what wealthy Ilonggos had during their time. The Molo mansion is one of them.

Molo Mansion is an ancestral domain of the Yusay-Consing family. Completion of the original house dates back to the 1920s, and the design traces to Neoclassical and Art Deco.

Appreciate the innate beauty of the Molo Mansion as you ascend to its second floor. The balcony showcases an expansive view of its open surrounding.

This tourist spot in Iloilo was once close to total deterioration until the restoration efforts made by the SM Group, its current property owner.

Today, the Molo Mansion offers a quick view of what a typical elite Ilonggo house is, which we could appreciate, like the famous ancestral homes in Luzon.

The best time to visit is in the afternoon, so you can also appreciate the night viewing angles of the Molo Mansion. You won’t run out of energy as there is also a cafe at the back. There are also other stalls nearby offering Ilonggo dishes, making it the perfect time to try some.

7. Jaro Cathedral

Tourists who love visiting large yet olden structures, especially churches, will genuinely appreciate pilgrimage Iloilo tourist spots during their Iloilo tour. The Jaro Cathedral in northern downtown Iloilo fits your next travel destination.

Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles are formal names, and locals shortly call it Jaro cathedral. The patronal saint here is Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, and the church serves as a seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro.

The front design of Jaro Cathedral deviates from the usual churches with an external stair leading to a shrine with a statue of Our Lady of the Candles. Another unique feat of Jaro Cathedral is its separate belltower, just like those in Ilocos.

Interestingly, Jaro Cathedral is the perfect counterpart of Molo Church with its all-male images of saints in the central pillars, exempting the Virgin Mary.

8. Calle Real

One of the oldest and premier economic hubs in Iloilo City is in Calle Real. True to its name, Calle Real translates to Royal Street, a prominent place of elite residence back in the day.

You can spot old buildings dating back to the Commonwealth era, some originating back as early as the 1800s.

Also known as J.M Basa Street, this lane is one of the favorite subjects for outdoor photography, appreciating its Retro-themed aesthetic.

These old buildings and houses lining Calle Real are mostly bi-level, where the ground floor utilizes for commercial purposes. The second floor, thus, serves as the residence of the noble Ilonggos.

With the local government’s initiative, preservation and restoration efforts have provided security for these structures to last longer.

Visit Calle Real when you include it in your Iloilo tourist spots itinerary. It’s one of the great ways to explore the downtown on a museum-like setup.

You can find the historical marker by The National Historical Commission of the Philippines in front of the Villanueva Building.

9. Iloilo River Esplanade

Aside from the appreciation of historic landmarks, one of the remarkable undertakings of the local government is its effort at the Iloilo River Esplanade.

The River Esplanade is a well-paved alley along the Iloilo River, adorned with well-maintained landscapes.

Aside from its positive visual impact, it also promotes multi-function uses such as a jogging path and an urban park.

The River Esplanade is one of the favorite hang-out places of the locals, either solo or group passerby. The best time to visit is during the early hours to catch the cooler breeze and late afternoon for dramatic sunset views.

Nearby Iloilo tourist spots are also accessible near the River Esplanade, like the Molo Church and Molo Mansion.

10. Nelly’s Garden

Other than century-old churches, seeing old houses during this time is one of the best experiences of our lifetime, especially for those old architecture fanatics.

The Nelly’s Garden in Jaro is an excellent location to visit and include in your Iloilo tourist spots itinerary under heritage excursions.

Also called Vicente Lopez Heritage House, this grand mansion was built in the 1920s, boasting Beaux-Arts design.

Its name comes from the eldest daughter of local statesman Don Vicente Lopez and Doña Elena Hofileña. Today, it earns the title of the Queen of Heritage Houses in Iloilo.

Nelly’s mansion serves as a lifestyle house to entertain and show how affluent the family is back in the day. Hardwood flooring and antique furniture adorn the large rooms, while its expansive lawn and parking space define what a grand is.

Note that visiting Nelly’s Garden requires booking, as they don’t entertain walk-in tourists. If you want to include this in your Iloilo tourist spots tour, planning your itinerary in Iloilo City is highly encouraged.

11. Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art

After your heritage tour, visit the first and modern art museum in the thriving Iloilo Business Park. The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCO) houses the most extensive art collection in the Visayas region, with a more remarkable dedication to contemporary and modern arts.

ILOMOCO occupies a portion of the Casa de Emperador building of Megaworld, with the rest of the building envisioned for the flagship museum of their brand Emperador.

The ILOMOCO came into reality thru the partnership of Ilonggo art collector Edwin Valencia and one of the executives of Megaworld Corp.

Take a stroll in ILOMOCO and experience a new taste of modernity and art combined. Works of Filipinos, especially with Ilonggo roots, are the significant highlights of the galleries. Works of foreign artists such as Salvador Dali and Marc Chagall are also part of the displays.

The first floor caters to The Hulot Exhibit, an exhibit area for local and international artists to show and sell their works. Next is The Gallery, which occupies the second floor for the rotational exhibit of themes. Lastly, the third floor dedicates to Adoration Valencia Gallery for their family collections.

12. Smallville

A vacation to Iloilo City is not complete without spending a night or two at Smallville along Diversion Road near the Iloilo River Esplanade.

Smallville is a complex of entertainment and dining establishments that attracts both locals and tourists.

Smallville used to be the small area where pioneer bars and restaurants stand near Iloilo Business Hotel. Today, Smallville refers to the strip expanding up to the River Esplanade from the original location.

Spend the rest of the day from your Iloilo tourist spots tour at Smallville and cap the day off with some fun either through dining at a nice restaurant, going karaoke and dancing the night, or just some drinks at bars.

When planning to book hotels in the city, the nearby accommodations in Smallville are known to be of the best value as well.

Iloilo City is one of the emerging business districts in the Visayas region and a melting pot of all things trade and industry. That is why the market for busy nights is high.

13. Try La Paz Batchoy

While touring the islands in the northern treats you with freshly caught seafood, the city center is the best spot and place to hunt for the best La Paz Batchoy.

Batchoy is a clear noodle soup made with pork organ meats, pork cracklings, beef loin, chicken stock, and round noodles.

Finding the best La Paz Batchoy in Iloilo City is one of the best gastronomic experiences after visiting nearby Iloilo tourist spots like heritage sites.

You can try a bowl of delicious noodle soups at Ted’s, Deco’s, Netong’s, Toto’s, and Batchoyan ni Jasmin.

Batchoy traces its origin in La Paz, Iloilo City, and has been synonymous with the city’s name. Whether it’s a cold or summer season, there is no perfect time to taste the favorite noodle soup of Ilonggos.

Batchoy, however, is best paired with puto or pandesal.

14. Nadsadjan Falls

If beaches are still not enough to chill in Iloilo province, a visit to Nadsadjan Falls in the town of Igbaras is one of the best options.

A visit to Nadsadjan Falls is a bonus for adventure seekers because you need to trek up to 50 minutes from the drop-off point.

The Nadsadjan Falls is a favorite summer destination of locals and a place to visit for tourists. Water flowing here drops to a 100-foot straight into a large pool basin where you can swim.

While the trek reaching the waterfall is an adventure itself, the rewarding view and rushing of water is an absolute reward after all.

When deciding to take a commute, you can hop onto jeepneys bound to Igbaras from Iloilo City. Then, take a tricycle ride going to Barangay Passi to start your trekking.

However, a quick visit to the local tourism office is highly recommended as they may also arrange a local guide and transportation.

🔗 Nearby Tourist Destinations | Bacolod |

Ready your next iloilo tourist spots adventure now ..

There are many more places to visit and things to do in Iloilo province.

Plan your next trip to Iloilo province now and draft your most favorite picks of Iloilo tourist spots to visit any time soon.

The capital city of Iloilo is a great city to explore, offering a wide array of sectors like hospitality, entertainment, and even tourism. While modern-day Iloilo quickly escalates into one of the fast-growing cities in the Philippines, Iloilo still maintains its charm as one of the loveable cities of today.

Book your travel accommodations in Iloilo so that you can avail of deals, especially before the peak season kicks in. The best time to visit Iloilo is from January to May to enjoy the beaches and heritage tours. At the same time, December is also an excellent time of the year to visit for a laidback and less humidity.

Safe Travels!

Remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. For your guidance about the changes in health protocols, you may visit the guidelines from the  Department of Tourism . Stay safe.

Share this:

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

{{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Learn More {{/message}}

{{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Learn More {{/message}}

Submitting…

Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo: Your Complete Travel Guide

A group of islands offering adventures of mysterious caves, stunning lagoons, out of this world rock formations, sand bars, cheap seafood, and white sandy beaches might sound like a dream but what if I tell you it’s not? That you can find all of this in one place? Filipinos call it “Islas de Gigantes”.

It’s not really an island of giants, but the name was created when some locals stumbled upon coffins with huge human skeletons. People assumed these were skeletons of giants.

Now, it’s paradise for beach lovers and backpackers! If you’re planning a trip to Islas de Gigantes, here’s everything you need to know!

But first things first, do you have travel insurance? This is something you should have but wish you never want to use. Accidents can happen anytime and having travel insurance can save you a lot of money in case something goes wrong during your travels! Never travel without one. Get a free quote here.

Important Things To Know About Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo

ATM: There are no banks or ATM on the island so bring enough cash.

Where is Islas de Gigantes located:  Islas de Gigantes is a remote group of islands located off the coast of Carles and Estancia towns in northeastern Iloilo, Philippines

Electricity: Electricity runs only on scheduled hours.

Mobile Signal: Smart and Sun Cellular are the only sim cards that have signals on the island.

Languages Spoken:  Most locals can speak Hiligaynon and are fluent in Tagalog and English.

Best time to visit:  December to May is the best time to visit so you can avoid the heavy rainfall, typhoons, and strong sea waves.

Tourist Spots & Islands to Visit

Whether you booked a Gigantes Island Tour Package or chartered a boat for your DIY trip, here are some of the tourist spots and islands you shouldn’t miss in Islas de Gigantes!

Let’s start with how our tour went!

It was 7:00 in the morning when the van we were riding in arrived at Bancal Port, Carles, Iloilo which meant we had 2 hours to eat breakfast while we wait for our 9:00 AM tour to Islas de Gigantes. 

By the time we started our trip, the sky was looking dark and grim. As we moved further away from the port, the waves got bigger. And in the near distance, we saw dark clouds which were sure to bring rain.

Good thing our bags are safe under the boat’s deck so we didn’t have to worry about them getting soaked. As we neared the first island, the rain poured down on us while the rough waves rocked us left and right. We were pretty wet in just a few minutes.

And now in front of us was a thick fog. All the islands disappeared!

For some time, we couldn’t see anything in front except for the white fog. Good thing our captain knew where we were going.

Tangke Lagoon

When we arrived at the Tangke Lagoon, it was already low tide. The water was only thigh-deep but that’s fine.

The first things I noticed about the lagoon were the gray and sharp rock formations towering around the lagoon. It was a spectacular sight!

The lagoon itself boasted of clear blue-green waters which made the place looked like a natural pool. Good thing the sun decided to show up for a bit and gave us a glimpse of how the waters sparkled.

Apart from swimming, cliff diving is another favorite here at Tangke Lagoon during high tides.

Cambugao Gamay

Our next stop was Islas de Gigantes’ most iconic spot, Cambugao Gamay. If you searched Islas de Gigantes on Google, the majority of the photos are taken at Cambugao Gamay.

And by looking at the photos below, it’s not surprising that it’s the most photographed spot. The white sand and blue waters provide the best backdrop one could ever ask for.

Bantigue Sandbar

The next place our boat docked at was  Bantigue Sandbar. By this time, we were all quite hungry so we asked our boatmen about our itinerary. Turns out, we were going to visit four islands before lunch. They had to make the necessary changes to the usual tour itinerary because of the bad weather.

Good thing there were kids offering ice candies for 10 pesos. These helped satiate my hunger.

Bantigue Sandbar is pretty wide with turquoise waters splashing on both sides. The sand is quite cream in color and a great place for beach bumming had it not been for the gloomy weather.

Antonia Beach

Once everyone was settled, we hurried to our last stop, Antonia island. From afar, you can see stunning rock formations near the magnificent Antonia beach. 

You can go snorkeling around here, as well as, go on a banana boat ride (P200 each), and jetski (P3,000 for every 30 minutes).

If you’re on a DIY trip, you can buy lunch here. Look out for seafood sold here. They’re extremely cheap! Scallops, for example, are sold at one peso per piece.

Lantangan Beach

And it’s now time for lunch! We headed to Lantangan beach to eat and wow the food serving from the tour we availed was overflowing! Where else can you eat unlimited chicken, scallops, oysters, and fishes? Even the rice was yummy!

When we went to Manjuyod island the month before, we heard people saying scallops were sold at one peso each in Islas de Gigantes. Turns out, it’s true!

Seafood, in general, is cheaper in Islas de Gigantes than Roxas City or Boracay.

Other Tourist Spots

The above-mentioned islands and tourist spots are the ones included in the day tour island hopping tour we availed. There are however a lot more tourist spots you can check out if you’re planning on staying in Islas de Gigantes for a few more days:

• Pawikan Cave
• Gigantes Norte Lighthouse
• Bakwitan Cave
• Lango Beach and Sandbar
• the “Boulevard”
• Pulupandan Island

How to Get to Islas de Gigantes

To get to Islas de Gigantes, you first have to catch a plane to any of the following airports:

⦁ Caticlan – 7 hours travel time to Islas de Gigantes ⦁ Kalibo – 5 hours travel time to Islas de Gigantes ⦁ Roxas – 3 hours travel time to Islas de Gigantes ⦁ Iloilo – 5 hours travel time to Islas de Gigantes

From Boracay/Caticlan

• If you’re coming from Boracay, ride a van going to Roxas City. If you prefer to ride a bus, you’ll have to ride one heading to Kalibo then another bus from Kalibo to Roxas.
• From Roxas, ride a Ceres bus to Estancia then a tricycle to Bancal Port.
• At the port, you can rent a boat to Islas de Gigantes.

From Kalibo

• From Kalibo, you can simply ride a bus or a van going to Roxas City. And from Roxas, ride a Ceres bus to Estancia then a tricycle to Carles Port. Then, rent a boat to Islas de Gigantes.

From Roxas City

• From Roxas, ride a Ceres bus to Estancia then a tricycle to Bancal Port. You can also ride a van going directly to Carles Port.

From Iloilo City

From Iloilo, ride a bus to Balasan Terminal and a tricycle to Bancal Port. Alternatively, you can also ride a van directly to Carles port. From here you can rent a boat to Islas de Gigantes. So how far is Islas de Gigantes from Iloilo city? It will take you around 5 hours to reach Islas de Gigantes if you’re coming from Iloilo City.

Travel Tip: Check schedules and availability of buses, ferries, taxis or flights to book online with 12Go Asia .

Islas de Gigantes Tour

The most common way to explore Islas de Gigantes is via an island hopping tour. You can either join a tour or have a private tour. The latter is more expensive.

You can book an Islas de Gigantes Tour via Klook . This is a hassle-free trip from Iloilo City and includes a pick-up and drop off from your accommodation. So if you easily get lost, I’d recommend Klook’s tour.

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS HERE

We also recommend booking with Gigantes Island Tours and Services . Just send them a message on Facebook and they’ll ask for a reservation fee. The rest of your payment will be settled during the island hopping tour.

You can choose from the following packages they offer:

DAY TOUR | 1-day tour

Price: P999 PER HEAD

Inclusions:

• joiners tour (you will be joining other people who availed of the day tour package)
• boat service from/to Gigantes back and forth
• overloaded servings of food for lunch/Tours (as stated)
• all entrance fees
• island hopping= 5 islands to visit
• tour guide fee
• environmental fee

2D1N TOUR | 2 days and 1 night tour

• 1 pax, 2pax or 3pax at1699/head
• 4pax at 1649per head
• 5 pax at 1549 per head
• 6pax at 1499 per head
• 8- 7pax at 1399per head
• 9-10pax at 1349 per head
• 11 pax up at 1299per head
• private night fan room accommodation
• 2 DAYS island hopping (6 islands to visit plus cave tour)
• full board meals (total of 4 meals)
• island entrance fees
• free unlimited coffee
• travel insurance (only when you’re in the boat)

3D2N TOUR | 3 days and 2 nights tour

• 2 pax is 2999 per head
• 3 pax is 2799 per head
• 4 pax is 2699 per head
• 5 pax is 2499 per head
• 6 pax is 2399 per head
• 7 pax to 2299 per head
• 8 pax is 2199 per head
• 9-10 pax is 2099 per head
• 11 pax to 12 pax up is 1999 per head
• 2 nights accommodation-PRIVATE fan room
• island-hopping (6 islands to visit plus cave tour)
• full board meals= total of 6 meals
• island entrance fee

Islas de Gigantes DIY

Here’s a few useful information if you’re planning on visiting Islas de Gigantes on a DIY trip. Note that going on a DIY trip can be more expensive than island hopping tours especially if there’s only a few of you.

• To get to Islas de Gigantes, you first have to ride a passenger boat from Bancal Port to Langub. Don’t forget to register at the Tourism Office and pay the environmental fee.

Boat schedules are as follows:

• Bancal Port to Langub:  8:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM
• Langub to Bancal Port:  7:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM

At Langub, you can find several locals offering boats for island hopping.

• Buy some food and all your necessities before going to Islas de Gigantes since you’ll rarely find a store there.

DIY Expenses

If you’re going on a DIY trip, best prepare for the following expenses.

Accommodation

Most accommodations in Gigantes Island are homestays. Usual prices for fan cottages/rooms are at P200 per person per night. If you prefer airconditioned cottages/rooms, you’ll be paying around P1,500 for each cottage/room which can fit around 2 to 4 persons.

Transportation

• Iloilo City to Bancal Port – around P200+ per person
• Roxas City to Bancal Port – around P200+ per person
• Bancal Port to Langub & Langub to Bancal Port – P300 (adult), P240 (senior citizens and students), P150 (children)

For more information on transportation, please contact 09491311747(smart) or 09053301520 (globe)

Entertainment

• Bancal Port Environmental Fee – P75 per person
• Island Hopping – If you’re going to charter a pump boat for an island hopping tour around Gigantes, you’ll have to pay around P1,500 to P2,000 for a boat that’s good for around 10 people. The guide will cost you another P500.
• Cabugaw Gamay Island – P20 per person (entrance fee)
• Antonia Beach – P20 per person (entrance fee )
• Tangke Lagoon – P20 per person (entrance fee )
• Gigantes Norte Lighthouse – P60 per person (roundtrip motorcycle taxi transfer)
• Bakwitan Cave Tour – P500 (cave guide) and P200 (roundtrip motorcycle taxi transfer)

Where to Stay in Islas de Gigantes

For day trips, you can either stay in Roxas City, Iloilo City or Carles. But for stays within the islands, you can find several accommodations on Airbnb.

Here’s a P2,200 ($44) Airbnb discount on us!

• RedDoorz Plus @ San Roque Roxas City – Check Price and Availability
• Shira’s Bed and Breakfast – Check Price and Availability
• RedDoorz@Lawaan Roxas City – Check Price and Availability
• Grand Gazebo Events Place and Dormitel – Check Price and Availability
• RedDoorz Premium near Health Centrum Banica – Check Price and Availability
• Roxas President’s Inn – Check Price and Availability
• Hotel Veronica – Check Price and Availability
• San Antonio Resort – Check Price and Availability
• Espacio Verde Resort – Check Price and Availability

Iloilo City

• Backpackers Hostel @ Lifesprings – Check Price and Availability
• Green Bamboo – Check Price and Availability
• Figtree Hotel – Check Price and Availability
• Urban Sands Iloilo – Check Price and Availability
• J7 Hotel – Check Price and Availability
• Grand Xing Imperial Hotel – Check Price and Availability
• Goldberry Lite Hotel – Check Price and Availability
• Days Hotel by Wyndham Iloilo – Check Price and Availability
• Park Inn By Radisson Iloilo – Check Price and Availability
• Seda Atria – Check Price and Availability
• Richmonde Hotel Iloilo – Check Price and Availability
• Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo – Check Price and Availability
• RCJ Pension House – Check Price and Availability
• Se San Beach Resort-Isla de Gigantes – Check Price and Availability
• Ludy’s Pension House – Check Price and Availability
• Chateau De Aow – Check Price and Availability
• Solina Beach & Nature Resort – Check Price and Availability

Airbnb (Roxas, Iloilo & Carles)

Aside from hotels and resorts, you can also opt to stay at an Airbnb! You can find here all sorts of accommodations.

Responsible Travel Tips

When traveling to one place, make sure you practice responsible tourism. Here are some tips to do so.

1. Respect the environment

Don’t litter. Please hold onto your trash until you find a garbage can.

Related:  16 Eco-Friendly Travel Products for the Earth-Loving You

2. Avoid single-use plastic

Bring your eco bag and refuse single-use plastic.

3. Shop local

Keep the traditional crafts alive and support local artisans. Buy from them. And try not to haggle, P20 may seem small to you but it can mean a lot to them.

4. Always ask permission

Be sure to ask for permission first when taking photos or videos especially when it comes to children.

5. Don’t bring home sand and seashells

Take nothing but photos. Removal of seashells can harm the ecosystem and endanger creatures such as hermit crabs. You’ll often also find seashells sold as decorations, ornaments, or keychains. Please avoid supporting these and don’t buy.

What to Pack for Islas de Gigantes

• Eco-friendly Reusable Water Bottle
• Light Rain Jacket (especially from June to November) 
• T-shirts, a nice top, and a long-sleeved shirt
• Power Adapter
• Universal Waterproof Phone Case
• Packing Cubes
• Microfiber Towel
• Travel Insurance
• Reusable Straw and Reusable Bag (no to single-use plastic!)

Related Article:  The Only Travel Packing List You’ll Ever Need (Trust Me)

Our Camera Gear

• Mirrorless Camera: Fujifilm XT3
• Lenses: Fujifilm Fujinon kit lens (18-55mm) | Fujinon 35mm f2 | Fujinon 50mm f2
• Drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• GoPro: GoPro Hero Black 7
• Power Bank: Romoss Powerbank
• Camera Backpack: Case Logic Camera and Laptop Backpack
• Monopod: Ifootage Cobra 2 a180
• Mic: Rode VideoMicro
• Gimbal: Zhiyun Weebill-S

You might also like…

• Kawa Hot Bath in Tibiao, Antique: A Must-try Experience
• A First-Timer’s Guide to Boracay Philippines
• 10 Unforgettable Things To Do In Siquijor
• 30 Crazy Fun Things To Do In Cebu, Philippines
• 7 Things To Do In Moalboal Cebu That You Can’t Miss
• Apo Island Travel Guide: Snorkeling in Turtle Paradise

Related Posts

What It’s Like Living In the Coldest City of the Philippines

This page may contain affiliate links. More info in our Privacy Policy Growing up in the province of Benguet, it’s no secret that I would…

Read this article »

La VeryOl’s: A Relaxing Glamping Experience in Tagaytay

This page may contain affiliate links. More info in our Privacy Policy If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Tagaytay – check…

Mactan Island Hopping (Complete Travel Guide)

This page may contain affiliate links. More info in our Privacy Policy Did you know there are several islands near Mactan island? Yup! And you…

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Top Tourist Spots in Iloilo [And How To Get There]

• Post author: Glen Nomad
• Post comments: 1 Comment
• Post last modified: June 12, 2023

Iloilo is one of the prime tourist destinations in the Visayas region. Founded in 1581 as La Villa Rica de Arevalo, Iloilo is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines. Yet despite its fast-growing transformation, it has kept its old charm while embracing modernity. Indeed, it has balanced its old and new vibe.

There’s always something new (or old) to love when you visit Iloilo. It was my fourth time visiting the city and it feels like it was my first time. There were already a lot of developments since I last visited a few years ago. Fortunately, it has maintained its “old feels” which is one of the reasons why people keep coming back to the city.

Best Tourist Spots in Iloilo City

Molo church.

The Molo Church is one of the most familiar landmarks of Iloilo. Built in 1831, the church stands as a reminder of Iloilo’s rich history and a monument for Ilonggo artistry. It is famous for being a “feminist church” with all-women saints surrounding the walls of the church.

BOOK a discounted tour : Iloilo City Heritage Tour

Jaro Cathedral and Belfry

Built in 1864, Jaro Cathedral (Church of St. Elizabeth of Hungary) is one of Iloilo’s most famous icons. The church was once damaged by an earthquake in January 1948 and was only restored in 1956. Its belfry is not attached to the main church but stands in front of the cathedral.

Calle Real Iloilo

JM Basa Street, popularly known as “Calle Real,” is a historic street located in the downtown district of Iloilo City. It is the place where elites in the Spanish era lived.

Casa Mariquit

Casa Mariquit is a two-story privately-owned ancestral house situated behind a banyan (balete) tree at a corner of Sta. Isabel Street in Jaro District.

Nelly’s Garden

Nelly’s Garden is a Lopez-owned heritage house located in the Jaro District of Iloilo City. It was built in 1928 by Ilonggo statesman Don Vicente Lopez. Over the past decades, the mansion has hosted several elite and notable personalities both local and foreign.

Museo Iloilo

Situated along Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City, Museo Iloilo is the first government-sponsored museum outside Metro Manila. It was built in 1971 and was designed by Ilonggo architect Sergio Penasales. It has a remarkable display of Panay’s cultural heritage and historical artifacts.

Top Tourist Spots Iloilo Province

Islas de gigantes.

Islas de Gigantes is a group of islands that is part of the municipality of Carles in the Iloilo province. It is one of the top tourist destinations in the province and is frequented by both local and foreign travelers. One of its most visited attractions is the Tangke Saltwater Lagoon. BOOK a discounted tour to Isa de Gigantes from Iloilo City

Damires Hills Tierra Verde Farms

Located in Barangay Janiuay, Iloilo, Damires Hills sits on a 40-hectare property owned and managed by the Tirador family. It is situated less than 20 kilometers away from Iloilo International Airport and about 30 minutes drive from Iloilo City. This Iloilo mountain resort is ideal for people who are looking for a quiet place to spend quality time with family and friends.

Ephrathah Farm

Ephrathah Farm is a farm tourism site in the Province of Iloilo. It features small but pretty accommodations, a swimming pool, a 7-hectare farm of rolling hills and a glass chapel which is ideal for intimate weddings.

Miag-ao Church

The Miag-ao Church was built in 1786 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries and was declared as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Baroque Churches of the Philippines” in 1993.

Located in the town of San Joaquin, Garin Farm is a popular tourist spot in the southern part of Iloilo province. It’s an inland resort and at the same time a functional farm that combines leisure, religion and agriculture making it a unique destination in Iloilo.

Campo Santo de San Joaquin

Campo Santo is located in the town of San Joaquin, Iloilo, around 55 kilometers away from Iloilo City. It is situated along the Iloilo-Antique national highway and a walking distance from the town plaza where the famous San Joaquin Church is located.

San Joaquin Church

Situated in one of Iloilo’s oldest and most historic towns, the church of San Joaquin is a Roman Catholic parish that was built during the Spanish era in the late 1800s. It is known as the only church in the Philippines with a “militaristic” facade, incorporating the bas-relief mural called Rendicion de Tetuan .

Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary

Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary is a hidden paradise located in Barangay Sinogbuhan in the town of San Joaquin, Iloilo. It is a protected marine sanctuary that features a beautiful seascape.

Notable Iloilo Tourist Spots

Angelicum School (Lizares Mansion) Iloilo City

Iloilo River Esplanade Iloilo City

Concepcion Island Concepcion, Iloilo

Camina Balay nga Bato Iloilo City

Santa Barbara Church Santa Barbara, Iloilo

Must-Try Food in Iloilo

• Pancit Molo at Camina Balay nga Bato
• La Paz Batchoy at the La Paz Public Market in Iloilo. You can get it at Netong’s, Deco’s or Ted’s
• Tinuom at Lea’s in Cabatuan, Iloilo
• Seafood at Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant or at Breakthrough Restaurant
• Fried Liempo at Ramboy’s
• Pork Estofado at Wawa Heritage Restaurant
• Siopao at Roberto’s

Festivals in Iloilo

• Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City
• Paraw Regatta Festival in Iloilo City
• Binanog Festival in Lambunao, Iloilo
• Leganes Saad Festival in the Municipality of Leganes, Iloilo
• Jimanban Festival in the Municipaliy of New Lucena
• Hirinugyaw-Suguidanunay Festival in the Municipality of Calinog
• Pasungay-Pahibag in the Municipality of San Joaquin
• Saug Festival in the Municipality of Lemery
• Salakayan Festival in the Municipality of Miag-ao
• Kanaway Festival in the Municipality of Barotac Viejo
• Pintados de Passi Festival in the City of Passi
• Tampisaw Festival in the Municipality of Concepcion
• Lechon Festival in the Municipality of Balasan
• Tinuom Festival in the Municipality of Cabatuan
• Sandiya Festival in the Municipality of Oton

Where to Stay in Iloilo City?

Courtyard by marriott iloilo.

Check rates, reviews and availability

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo

Seda Atria Iloilo

Sample Iloilo City Itinerary

9:00 AM – Iloilo City Gallery, Iloilo City Hall Roof deck 10:00 – Plaza Libertad (the last capital of Spain in the Philippines) – passing: Gen. Hughes St. Fort San Pedro Muelle Loney Arroyo Fountain Casa Real 11:00 – Museo Iloilo – passing: Gen. Luna St. St. Paul Univ. University of the Philippines (City Campus) Molo District Molo Church Arevalo District 12:00 – Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood for Lunch 1:30 PM – Iloilo River Esplanade 2:00 – Jaro Cathedral and Belfry 2:30 – Casa Mariquit (a heritage house) 3:15  – Biscocho Haus (famous pasalubong center) passing: Jaro Evangelical Church Sanson Y Montinola Antillean House Nelly’s Garden St. Clement’s Church 4:00 – Original Lapaz Batchoy – Netong’s Batchoy/Ted’s Batchoy passing: Forbes Bridge Iloilo River

How to Get to Iloilo City

Iloilo is pretty much accessible from major cities in the Philippines. It’s an hour’s plane ride from Manila, 30 minutes from Cebu, less than an hour from Davao and Cagayan de Oro, and about 1.5 hours from Bacolod City by ferry. Book your ticket to Iloilo now .

Follow Us on Instagram

escapemanila

Glen Nomad is a travel blogger and the founder of Escape Manila, one of the top travel blogs in the Philippines. He has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines and has explored 53 countries across Asia, North & South America, East Africa, Europe, and Australia. Follow him on IG at @escapemanila

This Post Has One Comment

Nice article from whereinbacolod

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Best Travel Apps
• Bus & Ferry Tickets
• Cheap Flights

Privacy Overview

15 BEST ILOILO TOURIST SPOTS (Heritage & Islands)

With 7,641 islands, the Philippines has always been one of the top countries explored by both local and international tourists. The Pearl of the Orient Seas will never run out of spectacular places to discover and thrilling activities to try on.

Such as Iloilo,   which has been recognized as one of the best vacation spots to visit in the country. The province is known for its authentic and rich history – from historical sites such as Spanish-inspired churches, old houses, European and American-inspired old buildings, to breathtaking islands, lively festivals, and mouthwatering delicacies, Iloilo is a perfect glimpse of the life of the country before and after the 20 th century.

As many tourists would commend, visiting Iloilo is like traveling back in time and being at the present time all at once as you’ll be surrounded by both old and modern infrastructures that depict the evolution of the province over time. If you’re someone keen to discover more about the history of the Philippines or eager to learn more about the culture of the country, Iloilo should be a good starting place to visit.

Here are some of the best places you wouldn’t want to miss on your trip to Iloilo.

Isla de Gigantes

Photo Credit: Panay News

Popularly known as Gigantes, this remote group of islands is worth the five-hour travel time from Iloilo City. Upon reaching the place, you’ll be welcomed by one-of-a-kind sand beaches, spectacular rock formations, and hospitable locals who’ll even share with you mystical tales of the islands.

Aside from its magnificent scenery, the Gigantes has also sumptuous delicacies that will make you crave for more. It’s known for its affordable yet superb seafood. Other activities such as visiting the old lighthouse built during the Spanish era and rock climbing in the Gigantes Sur for the thrill-seekers would give you an awe-inspiring view of the island.

READ THE BLOG POST: Pulupandan Island in Carles, Iloilo

Dinagyang Festival

Credit: EdseastresD600 / Wikipedia Creative Commons

The Dinagyang Festival embodies the Ilonggo community – from their lively and warm traits to their enthralling history and culture. The festival originated as a form of celebration for Senor Santo Niño.

The festival usually starts with festival highlights which include: the Fluvial Procession, it showcases the arrival of the Spaniards in the islands of the Philippines through a boat, followed by Kasadyahan Cultural Parade , a cultural dance parade, and Dinagyang Ati Competition , a warrior-dance themed competition where performers are smeared with dark brown body paint that represents folkloric scenarios. After the festival highlights, there will also be a vigorous and engaging street dance parade.

Miag-ao Church

Credit: Alienscream / Wikipedia Creative Commons

Built around the 1800s, the Miag-ao or Saint Thomas of Villanova Church is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. As one of the earliest and withstanding Baroque Churches in the Philippines, the Miag-ao, as of to date, manages to maintain its sculptural relief carved on its facades.

Most people who have visited the church considers the Miag-ao Church as one of the most important architectural structure of the city and the country for its authentic designs and ornaments. Its unique theme may root from the process it went through on the cultures that have had influence in the province such as Spain, America, and China. Reaching the church should be easy for anyone as it’s only a half-hour ride from Iloilo City.

READ MORE: Dumangas Port: Your Gateway to Western Visayas

Iloilo River Esplanade

Credit: Cpparreno / Wikipedia Creative Commons

Also known as Esplanade, the river is best to be visited during sunrise and sunset as it gives you a surreal feeling when you’re strolling alongside the Iloilo River. You’d also appreciate the initiatives of the locals to preserve the beauty of the river and the city itself.

This should also be a perfect place for athletes and alike to go for a jog while you indulge your eyes with the mesmerizing sceneries. You may also visit the Esplanade with your friends and loved ones while having memorable conversations over lunch or dinner as the place is nearby coffee shops and restaurants.

A favorite spot for photographers, the heritage street, Calle Real, has been shown in several magazines for its Spanish-themed infrastructures. The place once became the central shopping and entertainment district for Spaniards and where most elites used to live during the said era.

Over time, the place still serves as a shopping area for both locals and foreigners. It’s one of the most visited places in Iloilo City as it takes the tourist to a different era and ignites their imagination of the life people used to have in here. It also shows how the Ilonggos are passionate about their roots as they thoroughly preserved the place despite natural calamities it had to endure.

Credit: GarinFarm Pilgrimage Resort Facebook Page

Lies in San Joaquin, Iloilo, the Garin Farm is different from a typical resort – it emphasizes on agriculture while serving its purpose as leisure and religious destination. A trip to this place should fill both your mind and soul as you’ll be introduced to the following activities: insightful practices in agricultures, guide on farming, recreational activities such as zip line, kayak, fishing, golf cart, pedal/rubber boat, and swimming pool, and definitely not the least,  its Pilgrimage Hill that seat at the top of 456-stairs.

A day in the Garin Farm would not be enough to take in all its activities as well as the places you can wander on while gaining a handful of knowledge on protecting and preserving the natural wonders.

Molo Church

Credit: Allan Jay Quesada / Wikipedia Commons

Dubbed as the Feminist Church, the St. Anne “Molo” Church is one of the most popular churches in Iloilo and is also listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The Gothic-inspired design of the church and its renovations to preserve its original structure made it a frequently visited place in the city.

Upon visiting, the two red spires will instantly catch your attention, as well as the coral rocks and limestones surrounding the church. On the inside, you’ll five gothic-inspired altars made of wood, and the main altar has gold linings making it distinct and different from all churches in Iloilo City.

Museum of Philippine Economic History

Opened on the 1 st quarter of 2019, the Philippine Economic History Museum situated at the Elizalde Building showcases several abacas, pottery, boat-making materials, body ornaments, blacksmithing materials, textiles – a picture of the economic and political history of the Ilonggos.

Aside from being the third museum to open in Iloilo, the Philippine Economic History Museum is the only gallery in the country that shows the economic history of a city. It is fitting for Iloilo City back in the day it served as the central area of retail and trade between the Philippines and other countries such as China, Spain, and Japan.

Jaro Cathedral

Credit: Americana22ount / Wikipedia Creative Commons

Finished around the 1800s, the Jaro or St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church had been restored in the 1900s after it had been hugely affected by an earthquake. Up to this date, the church managed to maintain its Baroque and Gothic design elements.

Among its attractions is the Lady of Candles as it is frequently visited by religious individuals for its acclaimed miraculous deeds. It has a festival, the Jaro Fiesta, that happens every 1 st week of February to commemorate the 400-year-old shrine. As the only cathedral built in Panay, the church is continuously being taken care of by the community as it symbolizes the devotion of the Christian community and the history of the city.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Started in 2018, the Contemporary Art Gallery is a dedication to all contemporary artists in the Philippines. It also features some of the best pieces of foreign modern and contemporary artists.

Situated at the Casa Emperador Building, your eyes will be mesmerized by several artworks – from Hiligaynon that shows the eccentric visions of some artists, to the Philippine flag that was first raised in Santa Barbara, Iloilo, to the artworks of Gerran, a famous artist during the colonial era – the museum will ignite the inner artist in you and at the same time became more appreciative of the life we live in.

Camina Balay nga Bato

This Stone House, standing still after more than 100 years, is preserved by the Camiña family. Found in Osmeña, Villa de Arevalo, anyone is welcome to explore the Balay na Bato from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM. You may either take a cab or jeepney to reach the place, so visiting it would be easy and convenient for you.

Aside from the house tour, the PHP 150.00 entrance fee includes unlimited hot cocoa, toasted bread, and other food that you may dip in their homemade chocolate. For an additional PHP 50.00, you may also fill your stomach with their delicious pancit molo. Such expenses would also help in the continuous preservation of the ancestral home.

Eat La Paz Batchoy

Credit: Kawaling Pinoy 

You wouldn’t want to leave the Iloilo without trying their signature dish – La Paz Batchoy. This noodle soup that has pork, chicken stock, beef loin, shrimp stock, and pork cracklings can be found in the La Paz Market. Due to its popularity, restaurants such as Ted, Deco, Netong, and Inggo have all made their signature La Paz Batchoy to cater to its demand.

Most people who’ve visited Iloilo would praise how the dish tastes different compared to other places. May it be because of the freshness of ingredients, the place, or the chefs themselves, the Iloilo City serves the La Paz Batchoy you’ll never taste anywhere else in the country.

READ MORE: Cebu Pacific: Manila to Iloilo Flights (Schedule & More)

Nightlife in Smallville Complex

Aside from day time activities of the Iloilo, its nightlife at the Smallville Complex will make your evenings more memorable. This is a favorite hangout place for dining and entertainment.

The Smallville actually refers to the variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants that you may find from Iloilo Business Hotel to the Iloilo River Esplanade. If you’re a night owl and can’t think of anything else to do, you may invite your friends or enjoy some alone time walking alongside the Iloilo River and enjoying the scenery of people having some good times at the Smallville Complex.

Side trip to Guimaras

The Mango Capital of the Philippines, Guimaras , will not only fill your stomach with the sweetest mangoes but will also fill your hearts with the desire to go back to the place over and over again for its several Instagram-worthy sceneries.

The Guimaras has the Guisi Beach and Lighthouse that had been built around the 1800s. It also has the Alubihod Beach where you can do island hopping and sunbathe while lying at the fine white sand. It also the home of the Sand Lorenzo Wind Farm that has 54 windmills. You can also find here the Guinness Book World of Records’ smallest town plaza.

More Iloilo Blog Posts 

• Iloilo to Bacolod by Ferry
• Iloilo to Guimaras by Ferry 
• 2GO Travel: Manila to Iloilo (Schedule, Fare & More)
• OceanJet – Bacolod to Iloilo 
• Best Resorts in Iloilo
• Cheap Hotels in Iloilo

More Beach Resorts in the Philippines

• Best Beach Resorts in Batangas 

 previous

PIZZA HUT MENU & Delivery (One of the World's Biggest Pizza Chain)

newer 

PULUPANDAN ISLAND in Gigantes Islands, Iloilo

You might also like.

ILOILO TO CAGAYAN DE ORO by Ferry (Vice Versa with Sched & Rates)

Supercat: Bacolod to Iloilo (Schedule & Fare)

Iloilo to Guimaras by Ferry: Schedule and Rates

One comment.

The Iloilo tourist attractions are very underrated & are not promoted properly by the tourism Dept.& by the local government of the province!…The Iloilo city & the province themselves should play aggressively to promote the province to attract more tourists & investors to Iloilo! instead, these local administrators/officials are doing nothing that’s why Cebu, Negris Occ. Davao, Palawan & even Cagayan de Oro are surpassing Iloilo in terms of developments & revenues@ wake up Iloilo!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Privacy overview.

Top Things to Do in Iloilo City - Iloilo City Must-See Attractions

Things to do in iloilo city, explore popular experiences, ways to tour iloilo city.

Iloilo City Tour (Garin Farm, Molo Mansion/Church, Vanishing Mansion)

Ilo-ilo Southern Countryside Tour

Mysterious Tour Iloilo

Experience Gems in Sibalom National Park (Nature Tour)

Pilgrimage Tour In Iloilo

Southern Countryside Tour In Iloilo

Iloilo Fishing Port Tour and Local Market Food Trip (Fresh from the Sea)

Tours & sightseeing, top attractions in iloilo city.

Other Top Attractions around Iloilo City

Cultural & Theme Tours

Private & custom tours, what travelers are saying.

21 Best Iloilo Tourist Spots and Things To Do in Iloilo (Travel Guide)

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on Published: May 1, 2022  - Last updated: January 26, 2023

Categories Asia , Philippines

Last updated on January 26th, 2023 at 12:51 pm

Different  Iloilo tourist spots  and  things to do in Iloilo  are waiting for you, so book a flight and prepare your itinerary as you read through this Iloilo City travel guide.

La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciuded de Iloilo  (Most Loyal and Noble City), or modernly known as the City of Love,  Iloilo City  is one of the highly urbanized cities to visit in the Philippines.

Iloilo City  is located at the western part of  Panay Island  and is composed of approximately 1,721 barangays in its 43 towns. It is truly a great example of a city growing towards progress without ruining its century-old central business district.  But you might be wondering and dying to ask us “why should I visit Iloilo City, Philippines?”  Here’s why.

The city boasts of modern infrastructures such as malls, bars, hotels. On the other hand, well-preserved old buildings, churches, and houses from the Spanish era also abound in Iloilo. It is also surrounded by numerous beaches and resorts that will satisfy your wanderlust.

Unlike some of the most crowded and major cities in  the Philippines ,  Iloilo  is more laid-back. It is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and just relax. Driving around the city is a pleasure since the traffic is not as horrible as in  Manila .

You can even roll your window down and get a whiff of clean, fresh air that your lungs can thank you for, as you enjoy a scenic view of the city as well. Now, doesn’t that sound great? If you’re getting excited to visit Iloilo City, continue reading to learn more about this destination.

Read here  where to stay in Iloilo and  how to get to Guimaras Island

Table of Contents

SIM CARD AT MANILA AIRPORT

I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Manila airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Manila. Read here Philippines sim card for tourist and best Philippines eSim

You can find the cheapest Filipino eSim with Airalo Philippines eSim prepaid for  $4 USD with 1 GB  data valid for 7 days ( USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10% ). For $9 USD with 3 GB data, for $13 USD with 5 GB data, for $21 USD with 10 GB data and for $32 USD with 20 GB data valid for 30 days.

Nomad eSim Philippines for  $5 USD  with  1 GB  data valid for 7 days. For $10 USD  with  2 GB  data, For $13 USD with 3 GB data and for  $15 USD  with  5 GB  data valid for 30 days. MTX Connect eSim Philippines for  €24  with  4 GB  data valid for 14 days. Holafly Philippines eSim for $44 USD  if you use our code  GAMINTRAVELER   coming with 8 GB data valid for 30 days and you can activate with QR Code.

WHERE TO STAY IN ILOILO

There are plenty of hotels, inns and resorts in the city and all around the province. For as low as  400-1,000 PHP , you can book modest rooms at dorms, pension houses and B&Bs. Staying at a nice hotel is also inexpensive at  1,300-2,500 PHP . That’s only  $24-47 USD  per night!

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

You can read  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full  Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

You can get  Safetywing Travel Insurance  for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days  Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

ILOILO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE

How to get to iloilo, getting to iloilo city b y plane.

The fastest way to get to  Iloilo City  is definitely  by plane . From Manila, you can fly to  Iloilo  for around 3,000 PHP or so for a round-trip ticket that lasts an hour. You can purchase cheaper flights online if you decide to book usually 2-3 months before your planned date of visit, go ahead and  check out Cebu Pacific .

Also, the weather can be a bit unpredictable. It could be boiling hot during the summer, or too rainy around December to January. So it’s better if you mentally prepare yourself ahead of time, unless those are the type of climates you’re used to then, welcome!

GETTING TO ILOILO CITY  FROM ILOILO AIRPORT

You can hail a cab and ask to be dropped off at your destination. You can search in advance some rental cars and transportation services you can avail in Iloilo City. The  Grab app  is widely used in the city as well.

GETTING TO ILOILO CITY B Y SHIP/BOAT

There are regular trips to and from Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod that are headed to Iloilo. The schedule and the trips can be modified and cancelled because of weather conditions, especially during rainy season. Make sure you take a look to the weather in rainy season. C

BEST TIME TO VISIT ILOILO

As part of the Philippine archipelago, Iloilo shares the humidity and 2 seasons of the country. It is common sense to travel to a city’s dry season to explore all its best locations without worrying about the rain, but Iloilo is pretty much a year round destination.

The driest months and therefore the best time to visit Iloilo is from  January to June . December is also a good time to visit, but you can expect high rates from hotels during this month. If you want to visit Iloilo during its low season, August is the best time to do so, though you should expect plenty of rain. The warmest months, on the other hand, are April to June.

Click here to know more about the weather in Iloilo !

DAILY BUDGET TO VISIT ILOILO

Fortunately, the cost of living in Iloilo is pretty low, especially compared to other island destinations. Decent  meals  can be afforded at  100-200 PHP  and beer is also readily available at 40-60 PHP.

Pretty cheap, right?  Moving around Iloilo also isn’t a problem with the abundance of transportation options here. You can start your trip with the flat rate of  9 PHP  on the jeepney and  40 PHP  on a taxi.

There are plenty of hotels, inns and resorts in the city while visiting Iloilo tourist spots and all around the province. For as low as  400-1,000 PHP , you can book modest rooms at dorms, pension houses and B&Bs. Staying at a nice hotel is also inexpensive at  1,300-2,500 PHP . That’s only  $24-47 USD  per night!

Those who want to splurge on accommodations will find establishments with rates of  $55-95 USD . You can also book your trips in advance and find the best deals with  Booking  and  Agoda .

Click here if you want to get your discount booking activities in the Philippines with Klook !

TRANSPORTATION AROUND ILOILO

Commuting around Iloilo and to other nearby locations is very easy and convenient. The province is highly accessible and is actually a transportation hub in Western Visayas. You can get pretty much everywhere without any hassle as there are several terminals dedicated to various towns and areas in Iloilo.

TRANSPORTATION AROUND ILOILO BY BUS

You can reach as far as Manila when you ride a bus from Iloilo. How, you ask? Thanks to the RORO, the ship vessels that carry land vehicles across the seas, it is possible. From  Tagbak Terminal  (the biggest one in Iloilo), you can go to Manila and Boracay. A trip to Boracay lasts around 5 hours while going to Manila costs around  765 PHP .

Buses here also have trips to other cities in the province like Anilaw, Batad, Dingle and Estancia. You can also take a minibus or van to various destinations in Iloilo.

TRANSPORTATION AROUND ILOILO BY JEEPNEY

Jeepneys are the #1 mode of transportation all over the country. These vehicles travel all sorts of routes and distances, and have the cheapest fares compared to buses and vans. As a transportation hub, Iloilo City has plenty of jeepney terminals with trips all over the province.  Mohon Terminal  and  Iloilo Terminal Market  has jeepneys headed to Southern Iloilo towns like Guimbal, Oton, Tigbauan and San Joaquin.

Those visiting Alimodian, Leon and San Miguel can take the jeeps and vans at  Ungka Terminal ,  Pavia People’s Terminal ,  Hibao-an Terminal , and  Jaro Big Market.  These terminals are bound to Central Iloilo. Prices of the jeepney are starting from  8.50 PHP  in Iloilo the minimum fare for all these things to do in Iloilo.

Read here our  27 favorite Instagrammable places in the Philippines !

MORE TRANSPORTATION AROUND ILOILO

We used  Grab  to move around Iloilo since we were having luggage and we had to change the jeepney it was more comfortable. Prices going to the bus station were around  150-200 PHP .

ILOILO TOURIST SPOTS AND THINGS TO DO IN ILOILO

There are many amazing Iloilo tourist spots to visit and things to do in Iloilo. So take the challenge and maximize your precious time  learning about the city’s history and culture, sampling its tasty cuisine, and seeing calm beaches .

Don’t sleep—although with the hotel option I will give you below, you might find that idea hard to embrace. But here are some  things to do  in Iloilo City!

1. ST. ANNE PARISH CHURCH / MOLO CHURCH

Molo Church is known to be a feminist church or Church of the Women because the images of the saints in the church are all female. Built in 1831, the structure is made of white coral and has been well-preserved since.

It was declared a national landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1992. The church was so well-constructed that it withstood several strong earthquakes in the past. You can’t miss it churches as Iloilo tourist spots.

2. JARO CATHEDRAL

Jaro Cathedral, formally known as Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles, was previously destroyed by an earthquake. It was repaired by the first Archbishop of Jaro. One of Iloilo City’s cherished icons, the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral is famous for its wonderful design and devoted church-goers.

3. GARIN FARM

Garin Farm is one of the most popular Iloilo tourist spots. This is a perfect place for family, friends and people who love nature and outdoor activities. It is also ideal for those into educational travel, especially in matters like farming and agriculture.

This is a great place to relax, replenish and meditate as you bring yourself closer to nature. Garin Farm is an inland resort in Purok 2, San Joaquin, Iloilo.

The famous imitation of how heaven would look like is a wonderful place to pray and even take pictures. The farm also offers different leisure activities like boating, zip line and fishing.

The resort also dedicated a piece of land that perfectly depicts the meaning of the traditional Filipino song “ Bahay   Kubo ” which enumerates the many vegetables grown in the country.

4. GUIMARAS ISLAND

Guimaras is considered as one of the most visited exotic places in the Philippines. Located southwest of Panay Island and northwest of Negros Island, Guimaras has a dry and wet season. Hiligaynon is the native dialect but the locals can write and speak English and Filipino very well.

Guimaras mangoes are among the sweetest in the world! If you want to you try the best mangoes in the island, visit  Oro Verde Mango Plantation , where more than thousands of trees are rooted in the land’s rich soil and produce these famous fruits.

Click here to get the best deals in Guimaras Island !

You can enjoy a beautiful Guimaras Island hopping. As we mentioned Guimaras is Mango Province, you can try delicious mangoes and the Unique Mango Pizza.

You can also book your accommodations in Guimaras Island through  Agoda  or  Booking .

5. ISLAS DE GIGANTES (GIGANTES ISLANDS)

Because of their remote location, the Gigantes Islands still offer that off-the-beaten track appeal, with uncrowded beaches, a lagoon hidden within rock formations, and all-you-can-eat seafood.

Click here to get the best deals for accommodation in Gigantes Islands !

HOW TO GET TO GIGANTES ISLAND

1. From the IloIlo International Airport , take a taxi or van then take another public vehicle from either SM IloIlo or Tagbak Terminal. It may take 30 minutes or so depending on the traffic.

2. From Tagbak Terminal,  you may choose to take a bus or a van going to  Estancia . We suggest riding a van since it is faster and cheaper compared to a bus ride. Travel time takes 2 and a half hours.

3. Once you arrive at  Estancia , ride a tricycle going to the port. This trip may take less than 15 minutes.

4. You will then ride a passenger boat going to Gigantes Islands which operates daily at 1 PM. The boat ride usually lasts 2 hours.

5. Welcome to Gigantes Islands! You may now ride a  habal-habal  going to your resort.

You may visit the famous  Cabugao Gamay Island,  one of the most featured islands of Gigantes. You can definitely expect crystal clear waters here and a few tourists or visitors if you travel in their low season. Another famous place to visit in the island is the  North Gigantes Island Lighthouse  which gives you an amazing view of the sea through the lighthouse.

It is one of the twenty-seven lighthouses that were commissioned by Spaniards during their era in the Philippines, and visiting here will feel like traveling back through time. Feeling a bit adventurous? Visit  Pawikan Cave.  The locals said that the cave was named “Pawikan” because of its rock formations resembling giant turtle eggs.

Last but not the least,  Tangke Salt Water Lagoon  is a spot famous for its amazing rock formation. There’s also a really cool swimming spot in its shallow waters. The place is totally Instagram-able. Yay!

Read here a full blog post  how to get to Gigantes Island !

THINGS TO DO IN ILOILO AND MORE ILOILO TOURIST SPOTS

6. walk around iloilo esplanade.

You can start walking from Molo Church for a lengthy stroll to Esplanade and you might catch Iloilo’s beautiful sunset from there. It is located along Diversion Road in the Mandurriao District, and it is one of the best spots to visit in Iloilo City.

7. VISIT MOLO MANSION

The main heritage house in Iloilo located in Molo Plaza. It’s been preserved from the outside and inside. It has a daily souvenirs store and it’s perfect to buy passalubong.

8. DINE AT THE PITSTOP RESTAURANT

This may sound odd but you have to taste their Mango Pizza and Mango Beef  Bulalo.  After all, mangoes are the most famous food in nearby Guimaras Island so this is one of the best food you’ll ever taste in Iloilo City. I guarantee it will become one of your favorites!

You can visit the restaurant at SM Iloilo Southpoint. You can’t skip as one of the things to do in Iloilo.

9. HOME OF BATCHOY

Yes, Iloilo City is the home of the famous Filipino delicacy called  batchoy , a noodle soup. It is a must-try in Iloilo City and the best batchoy can be found at  Netong’s Original Special Lapaz Batchoy  in, La Paz Martket, La Paz, Iloilo, It is one of the greatest staple food in the province and will always be one of the favorites of every Filipino and  Ilonggo .

10. VISITING MIAG-AO CHURCH

Considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the Philippines and listed as a  UNESCO World Heritage site  is The Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova, more famously known as Miag-ao Church.

It is an architectural treasure especially because of the sculptural relief carved on the church’s facade. Miag-ao church is 30-45 minutes away from Iloilo city and can be reached through south-bound jeepneys from Mohon Terminal.

11. EXPLORING THE CONCEPCION ISLANDS

While the Gigantes Islands of Carles are a big hit among tourists from all over, there’s another group of islands that are yet to be discovered by most travelers. The Concepcion Islands of  Bulubadiangan and Pan de Acuzar  are around 3 hours away from Iloilo City but is well worth the trip for its stunning views, unspoiled beaches and, best of all, the piece and quiet of a destination that’s off the beaten path.

12. SEEING THE KULIATAN MARINE SANCTUARY

A protected area that’s less than 2 hours away from Iloilo city is the Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary at San Joaquin. This hidden 2-hectare paradise are excellent swimming and snorkeling spots with a an entrance fee of only  50 PHP  per person.

There are cottages that can be rented for a day and for overnight stays at  50-750 PHP . Make sure you don’t miss it in the list of Iloilo tourist spots.

13. GO HIKING AT BUCARI PINE FOREST

Frequented by visitors participating in team building activities, family outings or camping trips is Bucari Pine Forest. It is also known as the Baguio of Panay Island but is not as crowded or cramped.

The site has a beautiful pine forest and a 2- to 3-hour trek leading to Combong Waterfalls. There’s also a trek to the viewing deck that lasts less than 1 hour and offers panoramic views of Bucari.

14. VISITING TANGKE SALTWATER LAGOON

Reminiscent of the world-class lagoons of  Palawan , Tangke Saltwater Lagoon is a hidden spot located at Islas de Gigantes Sur that’s sure to take your breath away.

The lagoon is a very picturesque destination with beautiful rock formations and turquoise blue waters. Tangke Saltwater Lagoon can be reached through an hour-long ride on a pumpboat from Estancia.

15. EXPLORING PAWIKAN CAVE

Another gorgeous in the list of Iloilo tourist spots in Islas de Gigantes Sur is Pawikan Cave. It’s a subterranean site the got its name from from the rock formations that are shaped like a turtle (or  pawikans ) eggs. According to stories, this is where soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army hid their gold bars that are part of the legendary Yamashita treasure.

The trail to Pawikan Cave involves very steep cliffs and a forest sits on its entrance, making the cave quite hard to reach but well worth the adventure. If you like adventure you can’t miss it as Iloilo tourist spots in this list.

16. SWIMMING IN NADSADJAN FALLS

Wanna go somewhere cool? Located in Igbaras is a 100-foot tall waterfall that attracts tourists from all over. Nadsadjan Falls is the perfect place to cool off during the summer and the unspoiled beauty of its waters and surroundings are worth the 45-minute trek along the river. Yeah refreshing things to do in Iloilo!

17. VISITING POTOTAN ASTRODOME

It’s always nice to find a nice place to chill with the family whenever visiting a new destination. Pototan Astrodome is just that, with its lagoon, skating rink, spacious greens and basketball court. Locals and tourists converge at Pototan Astrodome for a good time.

18. SWIMMING IN WATERWORLD ILOILO

Another fun and exciting place for the family in Iloilo is WaterWorld. For just  350 PHP , you will have access to the most amazing slides and rides and  50 PHP  gets you a spacious locker to put all your belongings in.

WaterWorld is the perfect place for a fun, thrilling and carefree day in Iloilo. Perfect in this list of Iloilo tourist spots if you are  traveling with kids .

19. SNORKELING IN SICOGON ISLAND

Ever dreamed of visiting an island with a seemingly endless stretch of sand, a lush forest and gorgeous blue waters? Then head on out to Sicogon Island, a paradise in Northern Iloilo. One of the best Iloilo tourist spots for sure.

There are so many places to visit here aside from the beach like the ruins of a luxury hotel and Mount Opao, a beutiful mountain with a forest, a natural spring and a bare rock summit that can be reached in 1-2 hours.

Read here best  places for diving in the Philippines !

20. VISITING THE LIGHTHOUSE RUINS OF CALABAZAS

Part of the Aguy Islands is Calabazas, a scenic spot that’s only an hour and 30 minutes away from Iloilo City. Here you will see the famous ruins of a lighthouse built in the Spanish era. The old lighthouse has been replaced by a tourelle tower built on top of a hill and offers gorgeous views of the Guimaras Strait.

21. ZIPLINING AT DAMIRES HILLS

Damires Hills Tierra Verde Farm Resort is a popular destination in Iloilo City where you can bring friends and family and have a wonderful time. There are exciting things to do in Damires Hills like going on a canopy walk, ziplining for  200-300 PHP  (sitting or superman position) and riding an ATV.

There’s also two swimming pools in Damires Hills for those who just want to relax. The farm resort is the perfect place to stay overnight and just enjoy nature.

WHERE TO STAY IN ILOILO? CLCIK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH BOOKING.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK WITH AGODA.

FOOD TO TRY IN ILOILO

A trip to the City of Love will not be complete without a bowl of  batchoy , an egg noodle soup cooked with pork meat, intestines, liver and bone marrow mixed with fried garlic and scallions.

It is also topped with  chicharon  (very crispy fried pork belly/rind) right before serving. The broth of  batchoy  is usually slow cooked for hours to achieve its unique flavor.

Travel tip:  The most authentic  batchoy  in Iloilo can be found inside La Paz Public Market at  Netong’s.  You can also try other restaurants like Ted’s and Deco’s.

MOLO MANSION CAFE

Walking around Molo Plaza is a must to visit Molo Mansion and Molo Mansion Cafe were you can relax and have ice cream, coffee or trying local food in a quiet spot in Iloilo City.

MANGO DELICACIES

We mentioned above about Mango Pizza and Mango Bulalo but as it’s so closed to Guimaras Island. You will have the opportunity to try mango desserts too at Pitstop in SM Iloilo City.

MOLO PANCIT

One of our favorites dishes in Iloilo City. It’s a soup dish made of meat-filled dumplings, shredded chicken and a robust broth. You can combine with penauts and onions.

LECHON MANOK

Locally called  daraag , this chicken dish is famous for its vinegar and  calamansi  flavor and that one of a kind lemongrass aroma and taste.  Lechon manok , or roast chicken, is famous all over the Philippines and some of the best restaurants in Iloilo serve this dish. Go to Tatoy’s to get the best tasting  lechon manok  in the city! It’s legit!

K.B.L. stands for  kadyos  (pigeon pea),  baboy  (pork) and  langka  (jackfruit), the 3 main components of the dish. This soupy dish is cooked by making the pork very tender and adding the unique ingredients, pigeon pea and jackfruit, to give K.B.L. a distinct sour flavor. Sounds weird, right? I guess you’ll just have to taste it! K.B.L. is definitely a local favorite and a must-try for tourists.

Want to try out Iloilo’s spicy vinegar called  sinamak ? The best way to enjoy it would be as a dipping sauce (along with soy sauce and  calamansi ) for  talaba , or oysters. Seafood is abundant in Iloilo and is often eaten baked, steamed or grilled.

Breakthrough Seafood Restaurant is a great place to sample Iloilo’s fresh catches with food like tasty angel-winged clams (or  diwal ), butterflied mangrove jack fish and delicious scallops. Yum!

WHERE TO STAY IN ILOILO CITY: HOTELS IN ILOILO CITY PHILIPPINES

Aurora 2013 guesthouse.

We stayed at  Aurora 2013 Guesthouse  and to be honest it was amazing. The location was great sleeping in a quite neighborhood just one jeepney ride of Jairo Cathedral and Molo Plaza.

The rooms were quite big, the staff was very welcome and made us feel as at home. The breakfast were one of our favorite food in Iloilo. If you book in this place you will understand why the are Number 1 in Agoda and Tripadvisor Reviews. Prices are starting  1700-2000 PHP .

GO HOTELS ILOILO

The rooms at Go Hotels Iloilo come with air conditioning, a personal safe, and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. It also has a private bathroom with towels. 15-minute drive from SM City Iloilo and 6-minute from SM Delgado, Go Hotels Iloilo offers a 24-hour front desk, parking, and free WiFi in the entire hotel.

At Go Hotels Iloilo, guests can approach the friendly staff for assistance with luggage storage, laundry service and car rental arrangements. A common lounge area is also available. Their rooms are affordable for just  $26 a night! Great option as cheap hotels in Iloilo City.

Click here to check their rates and availability!

RICHMONDE HOTEL ILOILO

The rooms at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo are equipped with a cable TV, a desk, and a safety deposit box. A private bathroom with free toiletries are provided for guests. Some rooms offer a tumble dryer and a seating area. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can help guests with any queries that they may have.

Currency exchange and luggage storage may also be arranged for guests at the reception. Guests can enjoy the buffet breakfast at the on-site restaurant, The Granary. The restaurant and bar serves international cuisines. Their deluxe room costs  $109 a night.

Click here to know their rates and availability !

Offering free WiFi, J7 Hotel offers rooms in Iloilo City, 1.9 mi from Calle Real. Providing a restaurant, the property also has a terrace. The accommodations offers a 24-hour front desk. The units in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels.

Each room includes a private bathroom and free toiletries, and certain rooms are fitted with a balcony. All units at J7 Hotel include air conditioning and a desk. A à la carte, Asian or Italian breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Their room’s price starts at  $80 a night.

FESTIVALS IN ILOILO

Dinagyang festival .

Celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of January is Iloilo’s biggest and most important festival, Dinagyang. The occasion honors Senyor Santo Niño (the child Jesus) along with the rich history of the Malay settlers in Panay. There are 3 major events during this world-famous festival.

There’s the Ati Tribe Competition where “warrior” dancers perform and the Kasadyahan Cultural Competition. These events focus on the talent of the youth and the richness of Iloilo’s history and culture. The Miss Iloilo Dinagyang is another much awaited event that showcases the beauty and grace of Iloilo’s locals.

is an Ilonggo term for “merrymaking” which is true because you’ll not only be feeling merry during the celebration but also making a ton of great memories and friends on the festival. Of course, rave parties are definitely a thing and it is definitely like Cebu’s amazing Sinulog Festival.

We highly recommend you book your flights and stay in advance, as most hotels are likely to get fully booked over the Dinagyang Festival weekend.

BANTAYAN FESTIVAL

During the last week of March, Guimbal celebrates a five-day festival called Bantayan. Cultural presentations like float parades, street dance competitions, film festivals, drumbeat competitions, reenactments and tribal dance drama competitions are held during this fantastic celebration. The celebration honors the town’s founding anniversary as a civil government.

Join the fun every fourth Sunday of January to celebrate the arrival of the first settlers in the region and honors Santo Nino, and celebrate Iloilo City’s greatest Dinagyang Festival.

Iloilo is a province that’s rich in culture and history, and its century-old churches and heritage houses are a testament to this. Each structure has their own rich story to tell. There are a lot more places to visit and explore in Iloilo as the province continues to grow and fluorish. Whatever type of personality you have, you will surely enjoy what the City of Love has to offer.

It may be a small city but the tourist destinations and activities are limitless. Traveling around the city is quite affordable, too. There’s a lot more great places, Iloilo tourist spots and things to do in Iloilo City that we haven’t covered in this article but it’s all the more reason for you to visit and explore the simple yet beautiful city of Iloilo!

Let us know in the comments if you have more Iloilo tourist spots recommendations and  things to do in Iloilo. You can also help us by sharing the article on your social media profiles in Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram.

Feel free to use our links with discounts for  Booking, Agoda, Airbnb and Klook . Using our links you will help us to continue with the maintenance of the website and it will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys

Happy Travels!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

Tanay Sharma

Thursday 3rd of August 2023

Thank you for sharing your experiences travelling to Iloilo and sharing some useful insights. The pictures manage to capture the unique vibe of the city. Cleartrip ensured I do cebu pacific booking without much difficulty during my last sojourn. Hope the same facility will be available to Iloilo.

Islas de Gigantes Iloilo Island Hopping Guide: Best Time to Go, How to Go, Where to Stay, Itinerary

Best Time to Go to Islas de Gigantes

How to get to islas de gigantes.

• How to go From Iloilo City to Islas de Gigantes:
• How to Go from Roxas City to Islas de Gigantes:

Where to Stay in Islas de Gigantes

• Islas de Gigantes accommodations at Carles near Bancal Port

Islas de Gigantes accommodations on the islands

Islas de gigantes island hopping tour itinerary top attractions, cabugao gamay island, tangke saltwater lagoon, bantigue island, tinagong dagat, antonia beach.

• Pulupandan Islet

Islas de Gigantes Island Hopping Travel Tips and Reminders

Nearby attractions from islas de gigantes.

• Explore Iloilo City's Top Attractions

Discover the Seafood Capital Roxas City

When you're in the Visayas province of Iloilo , home to the Dinagyang Festival, the La Paz batchoy noodle dish, and old churches like Jaro Cathedral, one of the top  things to do in Iloilo  is to go island hopping in Islas de Gigantes or Gigantes Islands located in Carles. 

If you love the beaches and islands of other top Philippine tourist spots like El Nido in Palawan and Boracay , you should definitely add Islas de Gigantes to your Philippine vacation itinerary. In Iloilo's Islas de Gigantes, you'll visit secluded white-sand beaches, stunning rock formations, and long stretches of sandbars. Also known as Gigantes Islands, its name came from the local tales that bones of giant humans were found in one of the caves here. This Iloilo island-hopping destination is also known for fresh but budget-friendly seafood. 

• Book our Bacolod-Iloilo-Guimaras itinerary tour packages

To help you plan your trip to this Iloilo tourist spot, read this article on everything you need to know about Islas de Gigantes including the best time to go, how to get there, where to stay, and which attractions to visit during your Islas de Gigantes island hopping tour: 

See our popular Iloilo Tours and Activities

Iloilo islas de gigantes island hopping tour with lunch, iloilo city to or from boracay caticlan jetty port | iloilo to boracay transfers, guimaras top attractions & island hopping tour with lunch & transfers from iloilo city.

Gigantes Island tours are available all year long, giving you a wide range of travel options. Still, you have to consider that island hopping in the Philippines  is best during dry and summer months, which run from November to May. Since typhoons around these months are rare, you don’t have to worry about weather-related problems that might spoil your visit to the island.

Then if you have time to spare getting to and around the island, you may be able to catch one of the best festivals in the Philippines , the colorful Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City, which takes place on the first month of the year.

See our popular Iloilo Vacation Packages

Premium 4-day richmonde hotel iloilo package with city and guimaras tours & transfers, relaxing 3-day richmonde hotel iloilo tour package with airport transfers, enriching 10-day nature & heritage tour package to cebu, bacolod, negros & iloilo from manila.

If you’re coming from Manila  in Luzon, Cebu in Visayas, Davao in Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Luzon, Hong Kong, or Singapore, you can take a direct flight with Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific going to the Iloilo International Airport in Iloilo City.

How to go From Iloilo City to Islas de Gigantes :

Ride a taxi going to Tagbak Terminal in Jaro District.

From Tagbak Terminal, ride a Ceres Liner bus or commuter van bound to Carles. By bus, your travel time may take 3 to 4 hours, whereas traveling by van may take around 2.5 hours (109KM).

Get off at Bancal Port in the town of Carles, where you’ll be riding an outrigger boat to head to Gigantes Island. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. 

See our popular Islas de Gigantes Tours

Iloilo islas de gigantes & sicogon island hopping shared tour with lunch, 2d1n gigantes island iloilo package shared tour with accommodation & meals, how to go from roxas city to islas de gigantes :.

From Manila, you can also reach Gigantes Island via direct flights to Roxas Airport in Roxas City, Capiz. Since Carles is only about 1.5 hours away from Roxas City (54KM), you’ll be able to cut down your travel time going to Gigantes Island.

Take a Ceres bus located at Lawaan Transport Terminal going to the town of Estancia.

Alight at Balasan town and ride a tricycle going to Carles.

Proceed to Bancal Port and hop on a pump boat, which will then take you to Gigantes Island. 

See our popular Roxas Tours and Activities

Roxas capiz top attractions half-day tour with transfers.

Photo by Solina Beach & Nature Resort

You’ll need at least a day to see the main attractions of Islas de Gigantes, which makes a day tour ideal in certain situations. However, if you’re planning to stay for a few more days in the islands, you can always book a hotel or resort nearby Islas de Gigantes.  Alternatively, you can camp in any of the two beaches at Antonia Beach, a popular lunch stopover for guests of island hopping tours. 

Islas de Gigantes accommodations at Carles near Bancal Port

Solina Beach and Nature Resort - a 4-star beachfront resort with pool, restaurant, and villas perfect for families and dormitories for big groups on a budget. 

New Beach Head Resort - a 1-star beachfront resort with pool, restaurant, and budget-friendly accommodation

Photo by The Beach House

The Beach House – Gigantes Island - a laid-back accommodation with dormitories located in Estancia area of one of the main islands in Islas de Gigantes

Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn - one of the first homestay accommodates in Islas de Gigantes that offers budget-friendly accommodations

An island hopping tour in Gigantes Island is the perfect chance for you to visit these charming top destinations:

Despite its small size (Gamay is the local word for small), this island is famous for several reasons, including its elongated shape with thick flora on one end and stunning rock formations on the other end. You can take a dip in the turquoise waters, or lie down on the white sandbar located in the middle of the island for a relaxing island experience. Cabugao Gamay is also known as the selfie island because of the viewpoint where you can have your picture taken with a beautiful view of the island in the background.

Photo by  @07jayem on Instagram

This is Gigantes Island’s natural pool quietly tucked behind towering limestone cliffs. Waters crashing on the cliffs during high tide or when there are typhoons are what formed this lagoon. This is reminiscent of the turquoise water-filled lagoons of Palawan's El Nido and Coron. 

With its long powdery white sandbar, Bantigue Island makes for another swimming or sunbathing spot. Also here, you can have a sumptuous lunch buffet with the menu’s highlights including cheaply priced scallops and dishes made from fresh seafood. Most Islas de Gigantes island hopping tour already includes lunch in one of the island stops. 

Translated to “hidden beach” in English, this secluded area has been compared to Boracay Island because of its fine, white sand. There are also small cliffs from where you can jump off straight into the beach’s crystal clear waters.

The most distinguishable feature you’ll see on this island is the large boulders neatly piled on top of one another along the beach shores. Antonia Beach is also famous for serving fresh seafood for lunch as part of your Gigantes Island tour.

Pulupandan Islet 

Photo by @yhaniiiee on Instagram

Once you see a lone coconut tree standing in the center of this small island, then it means you’ve reached Pulupandan Islet. The beach has a rocky shore, so it’s probably best to just enjoy the view instead of swimming here.

Gigantes Island is on a remote location, so expect weak phone or internet signals. ATMs and convenience stores are also scarce, so it may be best to bring enough cash and other travel essentials with you before heading to the island.

Use your life vest and follow your tour guide’s safety instructions. Last but not least, do your share in promoting eco-tourism by leaving Gigantes Island clean and safe for other tourists as well as the locals.

While you’re in Iloilo, you may want to go on a side trip to check out what neighboring areas and provinces have to offer in these Iloilo tourist spots .

Explore Iloilo City's Top Attractions

For a taste of Iloilo ’s cultural and historical heritage, you can stop by centuries-old churches and ancestral homes like the Jaro Cathedral, Miagao Church, Molo Church, Molo Mansion, and Casa Mariquit. See Spanish-era architecture along Calle Real, or take a stroll along Iloilo River Esplanade before capping the night off at restaurants and bars along the Smallville complex. Don’t forget to sample La Paz Batchoy and other homegrown dishes in the Iloilo cuisine, too.

Since Iloilo is in a strategic location in the Western Visayas region, you can use it as a jump-off point going to Roxas City, the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, located in the province of Capiz . Go on a heritage and seafood tour to explore Roxas City’s ancient museums, colonial churches, and dried fish market, plus the Baybay Beach which is the perfect spot to end your day in Capiz.

Plan Your Trip to Islas de Gigantes for a Fun Island Hopping Adventure

Popular articles

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around

20 Most Beautiful Sandbars in the Philippines: White Sand, Longest, Vanishing

11 Best Santorini-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Vigan

15 Best Tropical Bali-Like Resorts in the Philippines: Near Manila, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol

10 Best Treehouse Resorts in the Philippines for a Scenic Getaway at Mountains, Beaches & Rivers

Other interesting articles.

Guide to Mayon Volcano in Albay Bicol: World's Most Perfect Volcanic Cone

10 Best Samal Island Davao Resorts: Beachfront, Budget-Friendly, With Pool

Chocolate Hills in Bohol: How to Go, Best Time to Go, Activities & Tours

Download the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add the Philippines’ biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.

Top things to do in the Philippines

Discover all the adventures you can experience in the Philippines

Philippines Tour Packages

Boracay Island

Bohol Island

Cebu Island

Coron Palawan

El Nido Palawan

Siargao Island

Iloilo City and Nearby

happyphilippines.org

Your Travel Guide to the Philippines

ILOILO ITINERARY( ILOILO TRAVEL GUIDE)

Akin to the sweet-sounding words of the Hiligaynon language spoken by folks here, layers of hidden charms await travelers about to explore Iloilo City . Known by its many monikers such as “Queen City of the South” and “City of Love”, the gentle nature of the people here fits the idyllic setting perfectly. A beautiful fusion of a deeply rooted culture, savory cuisines, heritage districts and a colorful history, trails every nook and cranny of this highly urbanized city. To maximize your visit, here’s an Iloilo Itinerary + Travel Guide for First Timers to help your plan your Iloilo trip .

WHAT'S IN THIS BLOG POST?

ILOILO ITINERARY

For a hassle-free tour in Iloilo , you can join an inexpensive group tour in Iloilo City and beyond that covers the top tourist attractions in the city.  Then on Day 2 , you can explore the nearby islands in Iloilo such as Guimaras or Gigantes Islands.

NOTE: Airfare, hotel, drinks, and souvenirs are not included in the sample budget.

• ILOILO DAY TOUR : RESERVE HERE
• ILOILO PRIVATE PILGRIMAGE TOUR: RESERVE HERE

ILOILO ITINERARY: DAY 1

  For  your Day 1 itinerary in Iloilo, you can visit the following tourist attractions:

ILOILO TOURIST SPOT

1. Jaro Cathedral

Address: Jaro, Iloilo

Admission: FREE

The Jaro Cathedral—built in Romanesque Revival style— is unique for having its bell tower located across the street. The present structure was constructed in 1874 with the two towers and the front balcony added in the 1950s after an earthquake damaged the facade. The cathedral’s main retablo and altar and the ceiling are a sight to behold. Another distinct feature of the cathedral is the presence of the statue of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria or the Lady of the Candles on the walls of the church—making it the only female among the all-male statues of saints.

2. Casa Mariquit

Address: Sta.Isabel Street, Jaro, Iloilo

Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Admission: ₱50 ($0.98, €0.88)

Casa Mariquit is a well-preserved ancestral house of the Javellana and Lopez family, constructed in 1803 by Don Julio Quisumbing Javellana. It was eventually passed on to his granddaughter Mariquit and Fernando Lopez, the former Iloilo City Mayor, Senate President, Vice President of the Philippines in 1950’s for 3 terms, and co-founder of ABS-CBN and Meralco.

Casa Mariquit is located in a small street in Jaro, Iloilo with a gigantic balete tree. The gorgeous 2-storey traditional house is a typical bahay na bato made of brick walls, lime mortar, and hardwood. The silong (underground) houses a metal vault and became a veritable bank.

3.Calle Real

Address: General Luna Street, Iloilo City

Open Hours: 24/7

Calle Real is a historic street in Iloilo where most of the city’s heritage buildings can be found. Architecture junkies will delight at the many art deco, beaux-arts and neoclassical buildings here. While some of the old houses are in state of ruins, there is a growing movement to restore all the structures in this Spanish era street. This is a good place to take a walk and get a feel of the olden vibe of Iloilo City.

4.Casa Real de Iloilo

Open Hours: Weekdays 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Casa Real de Iloilo, a National Historic Site, is the Old Capitol Building of Iloilo. It was constructed in 1869 during the Spanish rule and is situated along Muelle Loney Street and General Luna Street. Casa Real serves as the Kilometer Zero of Iloilo, just like the Negros Occidental Capitol Park and Lagoon in Bacolod .

5.Museo Iloilo

Address: Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo

Open Hours:  Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

A small museum located right smack in the downtown area, Museo Iloilo houses art pieces showcasing the richness of Panay’s Cultural Heritage as well as contemporary art pieces. Various exhibits are held every month so even if you have visited this place in the past, there is always something new to marvel at.

6.Molo Church (Saint Anne Parish Church)

Address: 132 San Pedro Street, Molo, Iloilo

Known as the “ Feminist Church ” because it houses 16 statues of female saints, this Gothic Church constructed in 1888 is considered as one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines. Located in the district of Molo—a mere 15-minute drive from downtown Iloilo—the church is highlighted by its dual pyramidal red spires and impressive interior elements consisting of pristine looking altars, pulpits and paintings.

7. Miagao Church

  Address: Zulueta Avenue

Miagao Church is included as among the Baroque Churches in the Philippines inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and other Spanish-era churches situated in almost every town in Iloilo Province.

8.Garin Farm

Address: San Joaquin, Iloilo

Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entrance Fee : (Regular) ₱150 ($3, €3), FREE for children 2 y.o and below

Garin Farm Inland Resort, where the “ Stairway to Heaven ” can be found, is in San Joaquin—an hour away from Iloilo City.

9. Denila Grapes Farm

Address: New Lucena Road, Brgy.Lanag, Sta.Barbara, Iloilo

Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entrance Fee : (Regular) ₱30 ($0.59, €0.53), (Students/Seniors) ₱20 ($0.39, €0.35)

Grape Picking: ₱120 ($2.36, €2.11) per kilo

Located an hour away from Iloilo City in the municipality of Santa Barbara, Denila Grapes Farm is a surprising attraction because—well, the farm cultivates the fruit of grapes, which is rare to grow in a tropical country like the Philippines. Aside from Brazilian grapes, this scenic 2.7-hectare farm is also covered with sunflowers. Grape viewing and picking are available for visitors wanting to buy a kilo or two and learn more about grape farming. Grape pickings are open from 8am to 5pm and prices starts at 120 pesos per kilo.

10.Iloilo River Esplanade

  Open Hours: 24/7

Entrance Fee : FREE

Catch the scenic Iloilo sunset at Iloilo River Esplanade.  Recently expanded to 8.1 kilometers from a mere 1.2 kilometers, the Iloilo River Esplanade is another popular attraction of the city. Built to create a safe public space for the residents, it has now become a favorite place of both the locals and tourists for a fun stroll with family and friends. Various establishments like coffee shops, bars and restaurants line up the river along with scenic gardens and jogging and cycling paths.

11.Smallville Complex

Fancying a night out in the city of love? Then head out to Smallville Complex where several hip clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants are all located in a big compound separated only by a 2-minute walk from each other. This is a good place to unwind after a long day of exploring Iloilo City.

ILOILO ITINERARY: DAY 2

For Day 2 in Iloilo, you can make a side trip to Guimaras Island, just 15-minute by boat from Iloilo City. You can do a DIY Guimaras trip, or join a Guimaras day tour from Iloilo.

GUIMARAS TOUR: RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE

Guimaras Island

Despite being a separate island province, Guimaras is only a 15-minute boat ride away from Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City making it an almost automatic side-trip of tourists visiting Iloilo. You can opt to do a DIY Guimaras day trip or spend a few nights on the islands. Some of the places to see and things to do in Guimaras includes: island hopping, beach bumming, visiting the mango plantation, the Trappist Monastery, snorkeling at Alubihod beach, take an Instagrammable picture at Guisi Lighthouse, see the Guimaras windmills, taste the mango pizza and experience the Manggahan Festival which happens every month of April and May.

RELATED POST: GUIMARAS ITINERARY + TRAVEL GUIDE

Iloilo itinerary: expenses, iloilo itinerary: day 3-4.

If you still have more time and budget for your Iloilo trip, you can head to Gigantes Islands for island hopping.  You can do a DIY trip or join a group tour.

GIGANTES ISLAND TOUR: RESERVE HERE

HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY

  There are non-stop flights to Iloilo International Airport from Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Davao. There’s also a direct flight from Singapore to Iloilo.

FIND FLIGHTS HERE

From Cebu Pier 3 in Cebu City, you may also take a n overnight ferry to Iloilo City.

  RESERVE HERE

There are also ferries traveling between Manila and Iloilo.

RESERVE HERE

ILOILO AIRPORT TO ILOILO CITY

From Iloilo International Airport you have the following option to go to Iloilo City proper.

From Iloilo International Airport, you can take a point to point bus to downtown Iloilo.

Bus Ticket: RESERVE HERE

If you miss the bus schedule, you also have the option to take a shared or private van to Iloilo City.

Shared/private Airport Transfer : RESERVE HERE

If coming from Fort San Pedro Port (Iloilo Seaport), you may take a private/shared van to Iloilo City proper.

Cabs to Iloilo City proper are plenty at Iloilo International Airport.

GETTING AROUND ILOILO CITY

• By Jeepneys

Jeepneys are plenty in Iloilo City and it’s the cheapest way to get around Iloilo City.  Rate depends on your destination, but jeepney fare in Iloilo starts at ₱8 ($0.16, €0.14)

• By Tour Package

Taking the jeepney to explore  Iloilo City can be quite confusing if you are a first time visitor, better join in one of the group tours that will show you around and beyond Iloilo City.  For hassle-free Iloilo tour, you can choose below and book in advance before your Iloilo trip.

Iloilo Tour: RESERVE HERE

Iloilo Pilgrimage Tour: RESERVE HERE

Iloilo Food Tour: RESERVE HERE

Iloilo Farm Tour: RESERVE HERE

Guimaras Day Trip: RESERVE HERE

Carles Day Trip:   RESERVE HERE

If you have the budget, you can explore Iloilo by taxi, always use the meter.  But if hiring the taxi for the entire day, negotiate with the driver and make sure you agreed on the price before starting your Iloilo tour.

WHERE TO STAY IN ILOILO CITY

Goldberry Lite Hotel

Location: Iloilo City Proper

ROOM RATES HERE   or RESERVE HERE

GT Hotel Iloilo

ROOM RATES HERE  or RESERVE HERE

Harbor Town Hotel

ROOM RATES HERE or RESERVE HERE

Circle Inn – Iloilo Center

WHERE TO EAT IN ILOILO CITY  

Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy

Lost in the “ batchoy war ” between Deco’s and Ted’s, is a culinary icon of the city: Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy. Serving a bowl-full of goodness at its original location inside La Paz Market, Netong’s has become a must-go-to-eat place by both locals and visitors of Iloilo City since it first opened in the 1940’s. So, when you find yourself in the city of love, do yourself a favor by ordering a mega bowl of La Paz Batchoy and feast yourself to happiness.

A throwback from today’s Instagrammable cafés, Madge Café retains its charming rustic vibe as it remains a huge part of Iloilo City’s coffee culture 50 years after it first opened. Screaming of authenticity notwithstanding its fading wall paints and flooring, this coffee shop—which is also located inside La Paz Market—offers a genuine coffee experience in a stripped back and no-frills environment.

Samurai Talabahan

When traveling to Iloilo City, one must include a stop at a seafood haven. You will be hard-pressed to find something better than Samurai Talabahan. Situated just across Smallville, this popular seafood joint is another local favorite because of its big, sumptuous servings of cheap oysters baked in a myriad of ways. They also serve grilled pork and chicken.

Roberto’s Siopao

Another culinary institution in Iloilo City is Roberto’s Siopao. Known for its oversized pieces of siopao such as Queen Siopao (stuffed with Chinese sausage, pork adobo, bacon and egg); King Siopao (stuffed with ham, chicken, pork adobo, egg and Chinese sausage); Jumbo Siopao (stuffed with chicken sausage, chicken adobo and egg) and the Regular Siopao filled with pork adobo and egg. Located right smack at Iloilo’s heritage district at Basa Street, Roberto’s Siopao also serve other savory dishes.

Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood

Included in almost every “ Places to Eat in Iloilo ” listicle articles, Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood serves a medley of mouthwatering Filipino native cuisines like their signature native lechon manok, grilled scallops, baked talaba, steamed pasayan, blue marlin, fish tail soup and more. This place is perfect for dining with the whole family or a large group of friends because of their way of serving their food in a fiesta-like atmosphere.

Brewery Gastropub

The local craft beer trend has arrived in Iloilo and it’s all good. Kudos to Brewery Gastropub for further promoting Philippine-brewed beers such as: Boracay Blonde, Guimaras Goose, Dinagyang Pale Ale and more. Because ordering these fine tasting beers requires to be matched with tasteful side dishes, Brewery Gastropub has also come up with a sumptuous menu consisting of fancy dishes like Beer Can chicken, rack of skewers, boneless crispy pata and more. There is no better way to cap off your Iloilo trip by having a local craft beer session at this place.

Breakthrough Restaurant

A must-dine place in Iloilo for travellers craving for the freshest seafood, Breakthrough has sort of become a tourist attraction on its own–owing to the fact that it has been a big part of the city’s culinary culture. Popular dishes here includes the Aligue rice, Managat Fish (red snapper), Imbao clams, fresh oysters cooked in various ways, diwal shells and many more.

WHEN TO GO IN ILOILO

During the monsoon months from June to August, make sure to check out the weather update for upcoming typhoons as the province situates in the path of most storms that makes landfall in the Philippines. Other than that, every month appears to be the best time to visit Iloilo. If you want to mix seeing the tourist spots in Iloilo with a festive event, then you better time your visit with the Dingayang Festival.

Dinagyang Festival

Rock and dance to the stomping drumming beats of this festival, known for its lively music, graceful dances and colorful costumes. Dinagyang Festival, celebrated every fourth Sunday of January is one of the most popular and oldest festivals in the Philippines. This is a good time to experience Iloilo as everyone seemed to be in jovial mood celebrating the festival by dancing in unison to the lively rhythms.

Paraw Regatta

  Believed to be Asia’s oldest traditional sea craft, the Paraw Regatta gathers seafarers for a race over the waters of Iloilo Strait from Iloilo City to the island of Guimaras. Aboard colorful Paraw sailboats, in dozens and sometimes numbering to a hundred, it dishes a spectacular sight as each Paraw glides smoothly over the sea.

The design of modern day Paraws still possesses the original design of the Paraw sailboats of the first settlers of Iloilo who came from the island of Borneo in early 13th century. First started in 1973, the Paraw Regatta is celebrated every 3rd weekend of the month of February.

RELATED BLOGS:

Mt.kupapey itinerary, catanduanes itinerary, nueva ecija travel guide, bataan tourist spots, catanduanes tourist spot, baler tourist spots, capiz tourist spots.

About the Blogger: Marky Ramone Go is a regular contributor at  Happy Philippines (Itinerary & Travel Guide) Blog. 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• Travel Guides
• Tourist Spots
• Itinerary & Route Planner!

Ilo-Ilo Travel Guide 2024 – EVERYTHING You Need to Know

0  Comments

by  Manoling Martinez

February 1, 2024

Note: This post may include affiliate links. Read more about this here .  

Ilo-Ilo stands out for one thing:

Its highly modern, yet somehow still-charming, city. 

That’s why most of her attractions are found within the city. The highlight of visiting this province is walking around and admiring how well-made the city is. 

That said, if you take time to explore the rest of the province, you’ll find just as much beauty outside the city as there is within. 

I spent a whole week exploring Ilo-Ilo, and in this Illo-Ilo travel guide, I’ll share with you everything I’ve learned about this place and how to best experience it. 

I’ll go over everything like: 

• Essential Ilo-Ilo Travel Facts
• How to Get to Ilo-Ilo (+Travel Requirements)
• An Ilo-Ilo Travel Map showing all the best places to visit
• Some of the Best Places to Stay in Ilo-Ilo
• What to do in Ilo-Ilo (including where to eat, the food here is to DIE for!)

So if you’re ready, let’s dive right in! 

Ilo-Ilo Travel Facts

Here are some facts you need to know about the province!

Ilo-Ilo Travel Facts #1: Ilo-Ilo City Is One of the Most CHARMING Cities

Ilo-Ilo City’s vibe is hard to forget. 

If you’re coming from a big city, you’ll LOVE how small and charming Ilo-Ilo City feels. 

At the same time, if you’re coming from a rural area, you’ll find that Ilo-Ilo City is modern. 

It’s the perfect balance between a small town and a major urban center. 

That’s why I say this city is one of the BESTs in the country. 

From a traveler’s eyes, Ilo-Ilo City has plenty to explore – from some of the oldest churches to modern districts with skyrise buildings. 

Plus, it makes for an awesome base to travel to other parts of the province. 

Finally, Ilo-Ilo City has a LOT of delicious foods to eat, which brings us to: 

Ilo-Ilo Travel Facts #2: Ilo-Ilo’s Food is to DIE For

You’ve probably had La Paz Batchoy by now – even if it was just a Lucky Me! cup noodle. 

But do you know where this dish came from?

That’s right, Ilo-Ilo is the birthplace of this national favorite. 

And not only that, but Ilo-Ilo is also home to many mouth-watering dishes, making it one of the food capitals of the country. 

The great thing is that Ilo-Ilo food isn’t wild. 

Aside from dumping dumplings into soup (pancit molo) , you won’t come across crazy dishes that require an acquired taste to enjoy. 

What you will find instead are the same types of dishes enjoyed all over the country – but with a little extra “kick” that somehow makes them better. 

I’m talking liempo (Ramboy’s) , lechon manok (Tatoy’s) , siopao (Roberto’s) , and even coffee (Madge Cafe) . 

All these make Ilo-Ilo a foodie paradise. 

Ilo-Ilo Travel Facts #3: The Locals Don’t Speak Tagalog or Cebuano!

Nope! 

They use their native language Ilonggo (also called Hiligaynon) , just like most Western Visayans do. 

Sure, you can get away with speaking Tagalog here (just like in most of the country) , and most Ilonggos understand some English. 

But as someone who only knows English and Cebuano, I had quite an adventure trying to talk to the locals! 

During my hike to Mt. Napulak, my guide and I were using FOUR languages. He was using Tagalog and Ilonggo, while I was using Cebuano and English. 

It’s pretty crazy, but we were somehow able to communicate just fine. 

Ilo-Ilo Travel Facts #4: Learning Ilo-Ilo’s History is Worth The Time

Reading history might not be your cup of tea, but hear me out: 

For Ilo-Ilo, it is WELL worth your time. 

Even if you aren’t a history buff, knowing how Ilo-Ilo, the former “Queen City of the South”, got to where it is today and let you appreciate the city so much more. 

You’ll understand the districts of the city, why there are towers on the river mouths, why there are so many mansions in the city, why Ilo-Ilo preserved their old churches better than everyone else, and so much more. 

I’ll give you a teaser: 

A lot of Ilo-Ilo’s old churches are still standing because, unlike most of the Philippines, Ilo-Ilo sided WITH the Spaniards during the Philippine revolution. 

Shocker right???

Well, there’s a lot more where that came from. 

And knowing these details will help you appreciate the city and its landmarks so much more. 

Ilo-Ilo Travel Facts #5: There’s Plenty to See Outside the City (But Plan Your Trip Wisely!)

You can spend your entire stay in Ilo-Ilo city and that’d be great. It’s interesting enough that you don’t necessarily have to leave the city. 

But if you have a day to spare, there’s a lot to experience outside!

One of the challenges of traveling Ilo-Ilo is that it’s a BIG province. 

Visiting any of the attractions is going to be a whole-day activity. You can’t see everything unless you’re staying for months! 

Their most popular attraction (Islas de Gigantes) is a grueling 4 HOURS away from the city. Other tourist sites are mostly 1-2 hours out of the city. 

That’s why it’s important to choose wisely! 

I wrote about some of the out-of-town attractions in my Ilo-Ilo tourist spots post (skip to the part where I talk about spots outside the city!) , which can help you plan. 

Or, you can be spontaneous and go somewhere unknown! 

How to Get to Ilo-Ilo

There are MANY ways to get into Ilo-Ilo, but the three main ways are through the airport, the seaport, and the bus terminal.

There are direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, and General Santos – most of these are daily.  

It’s important to note that the Ilo-Ilo airport is about 30 minutes away from the city. 

But don’t worry too much about it. 

When you land, you’ll find you have several options. There are taxis and van services ready to take you to the city, just make sure you agree on a price before you hop in! 

Another major entry point is the Ilo-Ilo seaport. 

Taking a ferry from Bacolod is one of the most common ways to get into Ilo-Ilo. There are plenty of boat operators running this route. A fast craft takes only 1 hour, and costs roughly php600. You can check schedules and book online here .

Their seaport also has boats coming from Guimaras, Cagayan de Oro, Palawan, Cebu, and even Batangas. 

Finally, Ilo-Ilo is just one province in the large Panay island, so there are lots of vans and buses coming from other provinces.

You could also take a flight to Caticlan, Kalibo, or Roxas City airport, then take a bus into Ilo-Ilo. 

Ilo-Ilo Travel Requirements

As of 2024, Ilo-Ilo has no more travel requirements! You may now enter the province regardless of vaccination status.

Ilo-Ilo City Travel Map 

A fun, Ilo-Ilo travel map is coming soon! 

For Ilo-Ilo, you’ll need two maps:

One for the city, and one for the entire province. 

First up, we’ll take a look at some of the parts of the city. Then, we’ll take a step back and have an overview of what the entire province is like. 

Ilo-Ilo City is divided into seven districts. 

Most of them are similar to one another, but here are a few ways a traveler can group them up: 

Ilo-Ilo City Areas: Ilo-Ilo City Proper (Downtown)

I’m not the biggest fan of downtown areas. 

They’re crowded, the roads are way too small and confusing, and there’s a very real sense that if I stash out my camera, I’ll get targeted by pickpockets. 

That said, if you want to experience what life is really like for a lot of Illonggos, this is the place to do it. 

If you don’t mind walking crowded streets and want to admire the old, run-down buildings of the old Ilo-Ilo, this is where you should be! 

If you want to walk the street, the best place to do that would be JM Basa street. 

This is where you’ll find the famous Calle Real landmark pictured above. 

And you can also stop by the famous Roberto’s Siopao to get some snacks: 

Finally, you can end your stroll at the Plaza Libertad, where there are several benches you can rest on. 

Aside from that, you can also find the Museo Ilo-Ilo in this area. 

Ilo-Ilo City Areas: Mandurriao (Megaworld & Atria)

If you teleported from downtown Ilo-Ilo to Mandurriao, you probably won’t believe you’re in the same city. 

Instead of small crowded streets and old, haphazard buildings, you’ll find wide streets, beautiful sidewalks, and even big bike lanes! 

The buildings are all modern too. Well… at least in the Megaworld and Atria parts of Mandurriao. 

This is the area where all the nightlife is. There are a bunch of establishments here that close very late (or don’t close at all). And walking around, you’ll come across several live bands playing music for customers. 

Best of all? 

Everything is SUPER clean. 

Ilo-Ilo City even made waves in the media recently for being one of the cleanest, nicest cities. Fact check: they were only looking at Mandurriao. 

There’s so much to see, do, and eat in this modern side of the city. You can walk around the ultra-modern Megaworld Boulevard, shop and eat at Atria open-air mall, appreciate the well-planned & well-built highway at Plazuela, or take a leisurely stroll at the River Esplanade. 

If you’re spending time in the city, most of it is probably going to be right here in Mandurriao. 

Ilo-Ilo City Areas: Molo and Villa Arrevalo

Just across the river from Atria, you’ll find another older district:

Molo. 

And south of that? 

You’ll find a super similar district called Villa Arrevalo. 

Both of these have a pretty old feel to them, but they’re not as busy as the town proper. 

Both of these districts have popular attractions too. 

In Molo, there’s the Molo Mansion and Molo church. While in Villa Arrevalo, there’s the Camina Balay na Bato old house, and the popular Breakthrough restaurant. 

Ilo-Ilo City Areas: Jaro, La Paz, and Lapuz

On the north-eastern end of the city, you’ll find three similar districts: 

Jaro, which is where I stayed, has the feel of an old city charging head-first into the 21st century. You’ll find plenty of modern shops and buildings, but also really old churches (Jaro Cathedral) and mansions (Lopez Mansion, Casa Mariquit, Lizares Mansion, etc) here! 

La Paz has the same feel, but maybe a little bit older and more similar to the city proper. The La Paz market is famous as the birthplace of La Paz Batchoy. Sure, you can enjoy this dish anywhere in Ilo-Ilo – but some travelers like to go back to the roots and enjoy it in the market itself. 

Finally, Lapuz is home to most of the piers in Ilo-Ilo. It’s a busy district, with lots of trucks carrying shipping containers to and from the docks. It’s also where you’ll find roros and fastcrafts to other nearby provinces! 

Ilo-Ilo Province Travel Map

If you take a look at Ilo-Ilo from above, you’ll find that the province is mostly flat. This is especially noticeable as your plane is descending for landing. 

Because of this, there aren’t too many natural wonders all over the place. What you will find though, are charming (I keep using this word) little towns scattered all across the flat lands. 

Now, I’ll admit… 

I only experienced a fraction of what Ilo-Ilo has to offer. 

But with what little I know of the province, here’s how I’d divide up the province as a traveler: 

• The city (we already looked at this)
• South towns
• North islands
• Inland highlands

Let’s have a look! 

Ilo-Ilo Province Map: South Ilo-Ilo Towns (Guimbal, Miagao, San Joaquin)

If Ilo-Ilo City isn’t charming enough, you can visit some of the towns south of the city. 

There are a bunch of these as you drive south, but some of the most notable ones are Guimbal, Miagao, and San Joaquin. 

Guimbal is a joy to drive through. The road is lined with bright white fences painted with golden suns. 

They also have a very cozy river park where you can just spend your time chilling and watching the locals. 

Miagao is a university town. 

You’ll find people from all over the region (and even across the country) studying here. 

Also, just about all of the Ilo-Ilo towns have a very, VERY old church that’s still in great shape. But Miagao has one better than everyone else. 

It’s so beautiful and well-preserved, it’s recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site! 

Finally, there’s San Joaquin , the southernmost town of Ilo-Ilo. 

Plenty of tourists come here to visit Garin Farm. But if you take the time to explore the town itself, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied. 

San Joaquin has a very old and striking cemetery that you can visit. 

I’ve also heard they have a marine sanctuary here, although sadly, I didn’t have the time to check them out and swim. 

Ilo-Ilo Province Map: North Islands (Islas De Gigantes, Sicogon, Concepion, Ajuy)

For beach-goers, northern Ilo-Ilo is the place to go! 

Yes, the south has beaches too. But these mostly have gray sand or lots of pebbles, so they’re not super ideal. 

Up north though? It’s a beach-lovers zone. 

Islas De Gigantes is by far the most popular tourist spot in Ilo-Ilo, and for good reason. 

The white sand of these islands makes them the tropical paradise so many people are looking for in the Philippines. 

To add to that, there are also plenty of interesting limestone formations here. It’s almost like a mini Coron if you will. 

There are tours of these islands every day, so it’s very easy to join one and explore. 

Sicogon Island is another popular destination. 

There is a luxury resort on the island, but you can also camp out on one of the beaches. 

I wanted to go and visit to see Mt. Opao, a tall hill on the island that provides stunning views during sunrise. 

Unfortunately, joiner tours of this island are only available during weekends, private tours were too expensive for me (php4,500/head for 2pax) , and I ran out of time to use the public transportation boats. 

Then finally there are the Concepion and Ajuy islands , which I’m told are also popular destinations for Ilonggos! 

Ilo-Ilo Province Map: Inland Highlands (Bucari, Igbaras, Dingle)

For a province as flat as Ilo-Ilo, it’s no surprise that the people LOVE their highlands. 

You’ll usually have to travel deep inland before you find any kind of elevation. 

But when you get there?

Boy is it worth it! 

The Ilo-Ilo highlands span almost the entire western side of the province. There are SO many towns and hidden natural wonders in this area, so here are just a few of them: 

Bucari Pine Forest is known as the little Baguio of Iloilo. 

It’s a manmade pine forest high up the mountains of Leon. 

Pine trees in a tropical country are already quite unusual, but there’s even more to do around here. 

If you take a short trek to the Mansiga view deck during sunrise, you’ll witness one of the most surreal sunrises ever. You might even spot the speck that is Ilo-Ilo City on the horizon. 

Other highland areas like Igbaras are favorites for adventure junkies. Igbaras is full of natural wonders like mountains, waterfalls, caves, and even a rock wall for rock climbing. 

Mt. Napulak and Nadsadjan Falls are two landmarks well worth the visit in this part of the province. 

Then there’s Dingle up north, which is home to the Bulabog Putian National Park. Here you’ll find a thick protected forest landscape and numerous caves for spelunking! 

Where to Stay in Ilo-Ilo (+Where I Stayed)

As a major city, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Ilo-Ilo. 

They have everything from hostels to mid-range hotels, and even luxury resorts. 

I can’t cover all your options of course, but here are a few popular places you can stay while in Ilo-Ilo! 

Budget Places to Stay in Ilo-Ilo 

When I was in Ilo-Ilo, I stayed in The Pallet House – a small lodging house in Jaro for just php550/night ($11). 

They advertise themselves as a rustic lodging place, with some nice woodwork pieces you can post on your Instagram. 

It was… well… It was okay. 

Nothing special, but nothing you won’t expect from cheap lodging in a city. 

My only complaint is that there weren’t any windows in my room – so it was stuffy, and I had no idea what time it was when I woke up (or if it was even morning).  

I heard that there are plenty of places like this in the City Proper , so you can go searching there. 

Or, if you prefer hotel chains, a very cheap and popular one is Red Doorz . 

Red Doorz is an international budget hotel chain, and they have several branches in Ilo-Ilo. I was considering staying in the branch in Villa Arrevalo for only php600/night ($12), but I figured it’d be quite far away from Mandurriao (where I planned to spend most of my time) . 

Other budget places:

• Ong Bun Pension House – 1km from the city center which makes it convenient to everything (malls, restaurants, small shops, pharmacies). Very budget friendly place, too.
• La Fiesta Hotel – 990 meters from Molo Mansion and a kilometer away from SM City Iloilo. You’ll get spacious rooms with clean linen and blackout curtains. Staff is very friendly, too!
• Saint Dominique – Located in Mandurriao, you’ll be close to places like Megaworld, Atria and SM City Iloilo. The place is tidy with facilities such as gym and pool.

Mid-Range Places to Stay in Ilo-Ilo

If you’re planning to spend a little bit more on your place to stay, I highly recommend staying in the Mandurriao area. 

There are a LOT of great places to stay around Atria that won’t break the bank. 

After six nights in my small, stuffy room in Pallet House, I decided to spend my last night in Ilo-Ilo in a more comfortable hotel. 

I chose SmallVille21 , a popular hotel right in the heart of Mandurriao, for php1,800/night ($36). 

The best thing about SmallVille21 is its location. The moment you walk out of their doors, you’ll find the Atria right across the street. And just a few steps away is the Ilo-Ilo BoardWalk, where a lot of popular restaurants are found. 

It isn’t too far away from MegaWorld boulevard either. 

Another place I tried staying way back in 2018 is at a BnB in Avida Towers by Atria. 

Again same area. Of course, there are mid-range places all over the city, but I really can’t recommend staying around the Mandurriao area enough. 

There are also plenty of mid-price hotels in the City Proper. 

One popular choice you can check out is GoHotels. 

Other mid-range hotels:

• Majestic View – Easy access to SM City Iloilo and Iloilo Convention Center. Enjoy the neat rooms with soft colors, the balcony view and a private pool.

High-End Places to Stay in Ilo-Ilo

When it comes to high-end places to stay, you’ll find that most of these are along the MegaWorld Boulevard, and why not?

This is by far the most modern street in Ilo-Ilo. It’s also where most business conferences and events are held too. 

That’s why major chains like Marriot , Radisson , and Richmonde all have hotels along this street. 

There are a few higher-end hotels around the city proper as well, such as GT hotel. But if you’re thinking luxury, MegaWorld Boulevard is the place to find it. 

High-end hotels:

• Injap Tower Hotel – Comfortable stay in a convenient location (right across SM City). The room and breakfast are reasonable for its price with toiletries, microwave oven, personal refrigerator. Gym and swimming pool are also available if you want indoor activities.
• Seda Atria – A stylish and contemporary hotel located inside the city center (780 meters from SM City Iloilo). Enjoy their fitness center as well as their dining options.
• Richmonde Hotel Iloilo – Convenient location (Megaworld Boulevard, SM City, Atria). Spacious rooms with daily housekeeping. You can also enjoy their gym and indoor pool.

Interesting Places to Stay Outside Ilo-Ilo City

If you’re visiting spots outside the city, you don’t have to make it a day trip and hurry back to the city when nighttime arrives. 

Some places, such as the Islas de Gigantes, have several accommodations in some of the islands! 

Most of these are simple guest houses, but if you’re looking for a nicer resort, you can stay on the mainland. Solina Resort is a popular 4-star hotel that’s just a few minutes away from Bancal port. 

Sicogon Island also has a luxury resort of its own. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also pitch a tent by the beach here. 

For the highlands, you can rent a cottage in Bucari Pine Forest itself. It’s a very simple cottage with bunk beds and mosquito nets, but it’s the perfect place to rest if you want to catch the sunrise on the Mansiga Viewdeck. 

There’s also a nearby resort called Bucari Pineridge. Their rooms go for php3,500 (good for 6), and they have a simple cottage going for php1,500 (good for 2). 

Finally, in the South, you can also opt to stay in Garin Farm itself. 

What To Do In Ilo-Ilo

Now to the fun stuff! 

I’ve already hinted a lot about what there is to do in this beautiful province. 

But now, let me get into some details! 

Here are the best things to do while in Ilo-Ilo! 

Things To Do In Ilo-Ilo #1: Stroll The River Esplanade

Whether you’re staying for one day or one month, one thing you MUST do while you’re here is to stroll the Ilo-Ilo river esplanade. 

This cozy, picturesque walkway is one of the defining features of Ilo-Ilo. 

That’s why taking a casual walk, or maybe a jog, here is something everyone should do. 

It’s also in a convenient location. 

If you start at the “I AM ILOILO” signage, it’s just a short walk before you find yourself on the Ilo-Ilo River Boardwalk, where you can have dinner. 

There are also other activities that you can enjoy in the river, such as kayaking or pedal boating. 

Things To Do In Ilo-Ilo #2: Go On a Food Trip! (Where to Eat in Ilo-Ilo)

I’ve said this before and I’ll keep saying it:

Ilo-Ilo food is to DIE for! 

But if you’re wondering what you should try and where you can have it, here’s a quick rundown of the more popular places to eat in Ilo-Ilo!

• La Paz Batchoy (Ted’s Oldtimer Batchoy, Netong’s, Deco’s)

Ilo-Ilo’s signature dish! 

La Paz Batchoy is a noodle soup made from chicken stock with pieces of chicken, beef, pork liver, chicharron, and a bunch of greens. 

It’s a hearty soup, and you can enjoy it almost anywhere in Ilo-Ilo. The most popular stores serving this (Ted’s Oldtimer Batchoy, Netong’s, and Deco’s) have branches all over the city. 

But then again, if you want to go back to the roots, you can also have some in La Paz market itself! 

• Pancit Molo (Kap Ipsing’s, Punot)

Pancit Molo isn’t quite as popular as La Paz Batchoy, but it’s another “national” dish that was born in Ilo-Ilo. 

It’s a Filipinized version of wonton soup. In it, there are dumplings, shredded chicken, shrimp, and just a little bit of greens. 

This dish is available in a LOT of places around the city. The two most popular places to have it are in Kap Ising’s in Atria (fast food), or Punot in the Boardwalk (fancier restaurant). 

• Native Coffee / Tsokolate (Madge Cafe)

One of my most vivid memories from when I visited in 2018 was drinking the hot chocolate (tsokolate) from Madge Cafe. 

4 years later and a new addiction to coffee brought me straight back to their doors, this time to enjoy their amazing native arabica coffee. 

Pair your coffee with some puto, and you have a Filipino snack for the ages. 

The original branch of Madge Cafe is found in the La Paz market, right next to the famous batchoyans. For convenience and a better ambiance, you can also go to their Atria branch.

• Siopao (Roberto’s)

I don’t love downtown areas. 

But if it means enjoying an absolute local favorite food (there was a line to get in), then I’m all for it! 

Roberto’s Siopao is found in the heart of the city proper, in Calle Real. 

No, it’s not wildly different from your everyday 7/11 siopao. 

But it’s bigger, tastier, and somehow cheaper. It’s no wonder that the locals LOVE it. 

It’s also cool how Roberto’s runs their shop like a burger place. World’s away from just grabbing a siopao from the steamer in 7/11 or Ministop. 

• Liempo (Ramboys)

Another dish I tried in 2018 – and HAD to come back for – was Ramboy’s Liempo. 

Okay… okay… it’s just liempo, yes. 

But it’s one of those things… it’s just better than usual. You have to try it to know what I’m talking about. 

Ramboy’s has a restaurant on the Ilo-Ilo Boardwalk. 

Additionally, they do have a few stalls dotted around the city where you can grab a take-out liempo. 

• Native Chicken (Tatoy’s Manokan)

Litson manok (roast chicken) is a dish you’ll find ALL over the country. 

But in Tatoy’s, you’ll find that there’s has a little extra zing to it. 

One reason is that they use native chickens. These are skinnier and have harder meat and sharper bones than mass-farm chickens, but they’re also a LOT tastier. 

Plus, whatever seasonings Tatoy is putting in these chickens is just amazing. 

Tatoy’s has two restaurants. One is just a block away from Atria, while the other is along the airport road (you can have lunch or dinner there before your flight like I did!) . 

Of course, that’s not ALL the food in Ilo-Ilo. 

Those are just some of the popular ones! 

Things To Do In Ilo-Ilo #3: Visit the Old Churches and Mansions

This is one of those things that, if you’ve read some of Ilo-Ilo’s history, you’ll appreciate so much more. 

Churches like the Jaro Cathedral and Molo Church are two extremely well-preserved Spanish-era churches. And they’re extremely easy to visit as well. 

Speaking of old structures, the mansions! 

Ilo-Ilo is full of these beautiful heritage houses thanks to the sugar boom that rocked their economy in the 1900s. 

Now before you look up these mansions on Google maps are try to get in, it’s important to know that most of these are private properties. 

The easiest ones to visit are Molo Mansion (which now has a souvenir shop inside and a coffee shop outside) and Camina Balay na Bato (which has opening hours and a hot chocolate “tour”) . 

The Lopez Mansion is popular as an events venue. They do have guided tours of the place, but they don’t publicize these too much. 

Lizares Mansion in Jaro was turned into a school. It’s super cool to peep in from outside the gate to see the manor inside. You can also ask the guard if you want to go inside to take pictures. 

There’s also Casa Mariquit, which is actually older than the sugar boom. I’ve been told if you knock on the door, a caretaker can take you for a DIY-ish guided tour, where you’ll see interesting collectibles from 250 years of Ilo-Ilo’s history. 

Then there’s a BUNCH of others. If you drive around Ilo-Ilo, you’ll see so many large mostly-white houses left over from the time when Ilo-Ilo was the Queen City of the South. 

Things To Do In Ilo-Ilo #4: Take a Day Trip Outside the City!

I already talked about your options quite a bit in the travel map portion, so let me just summarize them for you! 

• Go Island Hopping Up North

Islas de Gigantes is by far the most popular. But if you want a more off-the-beaten-path destination, you can go for Sicogon, Concepion, or Ajuy islands. 

For Islas de Gigantes, there are tours every day. And the tour operators can easily provide you with transport from and to Ilo-Ilo city! 

• Enjoy Nature in Leon or Igbaras

Leon is home to the Bucari Pine Forest, easily one of the most beautiful places in the whole province. 

Once there, don’t miss out on a trek to the Mansiga viewdeck, where you’ll get a breathtaking view of the flat, FLAT Ilo-Ilo below! 

Over in Igbaras, you’ll find a LOT of adventure. 

The two most popular natural landmarks are Mt. Napulak (which takes around 3-5 hours to hike), and Nadsadjan Falls. 

But there are a lot of others as well such as Igcabugao Cave (spelunking), Bato Puti (rock climbing), Mount Opao, Mount Igmatin-dog, Guiritsan Falls, Libog Falls, Lagsakan Falls, and Mount Loboc

• Rent a Motorbike and Explore the Little Towns

I’ve already talked about Guimbal, Miagao, and San Joaquin in the travel map portion. But those aren’t the only little towns in Ilo-Ilo! 

I highly recommend renting a motorbike (I got mine from Ilo-Ilo motorcycle tours ) and just taking the time to drive around and explore these small, lesser-known towns. 

If you’re more of an intrepid traveler, I challenge you to drive to some unknown town, try to find a place to stay there, and really soak in what life there is like. 

Things To Do In Ilo-Ilo #5: Visit the Nearby Provinces

Aside from exploring Ilo-Ilo, you can also use the city as a jump-off point to the other provinces in and around Panay. 

These include: 

Capiz – home of the famous ruins of Alcatraz – an abandoned theme park that gives off a pretty spooky vibe. 

Aklan – home of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival where people wear colorful and sophisticated masks. Aklan is also the home of Boracay , one of the most popular beach destinations in the country! 

Antique – home of some of the most revered hikes in the country! Antique is home to Mt. Madjaas, Mt. Nangtud, and Mt. Baloy-Daku – a trilogy that’s on the bucket list of every Pinoy mountaineer! 

Guimaras – Just a short ferry trip away from Ilo-Ilo city is the island province of Guimaras, famous for its Mango festival every May! 

Ready to Explore Ilo-Ilo?

Not everyone who comes to Ilo-Ilo comes with the sole purpose of exploring it. 

But just because this isn’t a set vacation doesn’t mean you can’t use your free time to go and experience this beautiful province. 

With this guide, I hope I’ve helped you understand the place better. 

And hopefully helped you plan better?

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, leave them down below! 

If you want to learn more about the tourist spots of Ilo-Ilo and how to get to them, check out my best 17 Ilo-Ilo tourist spots blog post ! 

Thanks for reading! 

– Manoling

Tags: 

About the author 

Manoling Martinez

Hi! I'm Manoling, a 24-year-old backpacker from Cebu City. I'm on a mission to visit ALL 82 provinces of the Philippines. You can follow my adventures on my Instagram, or plan your trips here on my website!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• _Philippines
• _Juan For Fun
• _Sustainable Travel
• WORK WITH US

Social Media Icons

welcome to the blog

Social media icons 2.

NEVER MISS ANY POST

ILOILO CITY TRAVEL GUIDE (DIY ITINERARY + BUDGET)

Iloilo City is a lovely city with a fascinating history and enough to offer visitors. However, there are significant disparities between Iloilo City and other places of the Philippines when it comes to online data gathering services.

Thank you so much admin for uploading such amazing content with us your blog is really helpful for me.

Post a Comment

Top itineraries and stories.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVELING: How to Travel Eco-Friendly?

SORSOGON TRAVEL GUIDE (DIY ITINERARY + BUDGET)

GIFT IDEAS FOR FILIPINO TRAVELERS

BALI, INDONESIA BACKPACKING TRAVEL GUIDE: 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS (DIY ITINERARY + BUDGET)

• PRIVACY POLICY

Iloilo City Visitors Guide

This brief guide to Iloilo City will let you know how to get there, what to do, eat, and drink, where to stay, and must-see spots.

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE

The capital of the province of Iloilo and the regional center of the Western Visayas Region , Iloilo City is an interesting place to explore especially if you are after delectable cuisines as well as arts, heritage and culture.  Various kinds of businesses and residential buildings are popping all over the city and even the outskirts therefore making it a great place to hunt for a job and eventually retire.  Additionally, the city is a jump off point to some of the best beaches and islands in the province and region including Isla de Gigantes, Boracay Island , and of course the province of Guimaras which is also known for its beautiful beaches and sweet mangoes.

To avoid confusion, understand that this guide focuses on Iloilo City alone, not the whole Iloilo province.

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season .  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April .  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May .

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

TIP:  This guide recommends that booking for Iloilo City summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This guide recommends traveling to Iloilo City in April-May or in November-December , just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

Getting Here

There are many ways to get here depending on your starting point. This guide recommends using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while in Iloilo City:  Rome2Rio and PHBUS . The following are the major ports of entry for this destination.

Iloilo Airport

BUS TERMINAL

Iloilo Bus Terminals

Iloilo Seaport

Iloilo City is served by Iloilo International Airport located in Cabatuan, a town outside the city.  Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have multiple direct flights everyday to and from Manila and Cebu but only Cebu Pacific offers one direct flight to and from Cagayan de Oro and Davao.  Meanwhile, there’s at least one flight to and from Puerto Princesa every week.

From Iloilo International Airport, you may opt to ride the shared van or taxi parked outside the arrival area.  The shared van will take you to SM City Iloilo but can also drop passengers along the way.  Alternatively, you can also take a GrabCar to your exact destination.

2Go Travel has ferries plying the Manila-Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro-Iloilo routes.  The Manila to Iloilo schedule is every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday while the return to Manila is every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Travel time is about 19 hours and the fare ranges from P1,000 ($20 USD) to P8,000 (P160 USD) depending on the type of accommodation and date of booking.

For passengers from Cagayan de Oro, the schedule for Cagayan de Oro to Iloilo is every Thursday while the return is every Wednesday.  The travel time is around 13 hours and the fare ranges from P2,000 ($40 USD) to P6,000 ($120 USD) depending on the type of accommodation and date of booking.

Those who are coming or going to Cebu can take a Cokaliong or TransAsia ferry.  With Cokaliong, the ferry schedule from Cebu is every Thursday and Sunday while the return to Cebu is every Friday and Monday.  The fare ranges from P1,400 ($28 USD) to P8,000 (P160 USD) depending on the type of accommodation.  TransAsia on the other hand, sails to Iloilo from Cebu every Monday and Friday, and back to Cebu every Tuesday and Saturday.  The fare ranges from P1,400 ($28 USD) to P4,500 ($90 USD) depending on the type of accommodation.  Travel time is at least 12 hours.

There are also multiple trips via fastcraft from the islands of Negros and Guimaras.

Iloilo is accessible by bus or car from other provinces in Panay namely Aklan, Antique, and Capiz.  You can also take the RoRo bus from Batangas Port via Dumangas Port, in Dumangas, a town around an hour outside Iloilo City.

Getting Around

The following are the modes of transportation available in Iloilo City …

Car for Hire

Motorcycles

Ride-Sharing

SEE & DO

The following is your guide to places to see and activities to enjoy while in Iloilo City.

1 | Wander around Calle Real Heritage Zone

If Manila has Escolta, Iloilo City has Calle Real.  Located in downtown Iloilo, particularly in J.M. Basa Street, Calle Real is an old business district that boasts of Spanish and American era structures with neoclassical, beaux-arts, and art deco style.  While it’s no longer the area people, particularly the new generation, favored when it comes to shopping or dining, efforts have been made by the government and other concerned groups to preserve and restore the historic buildings.  Big events such as the Dinagyang Festival highlights take place in this area.

2 | See all the historical churches

Being one of the oldest cities in the country, Iloilo City is home to old churches built as early as 1600s.  San Jose Church across Plaza Libertad in the city proper with its Byzantine Neo-classic design is the oldest.  Molo Church, known as a feminist church due to all the female saints standing on each pillar, features Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles.  While Jaro Cathedral, the national shrine of Our Lady of the Candles, is of Romanesque Revival style.  The opposite of Molo Church, Jaro Cathedral has all male saints standing on each pillar.

3 | Walk along Iloilo Esplanade

The Iloilo River used to be a squatters area until it was rehabilitated and opened in 2012. Now, not only it is free of illegal settlers but it also has become a favorite park and premier tourist attraction in the city.  Originally only 1.2 kilometers in length, it now measures 10 kilometers making it the longest linear park in the country.  The landmark I am ILOILO standee is found in Esplanade 1 near the Carpenter Bridge.

4 | Visit heritage houses and mansions

There are over 200 mansions in the city and around 30 of which are grand and built by sugar barons and elite families during the Spanish and American colonial era.  Considering the number of mansions, the city earned the moniker City of Mansions with Nelly Garden (also known as Lopez Mansion) as the most grandiose and considered the Queen of all Heritage Houses in Iloilo .  Several of the mansions and houses have been converted into museums and shops such as Molo Mansion (also called Yusay-Consing Mansion), Casa Mariquit, Lizares Mansion (now Angelicum School Iloilo), and Camiña Balay nga Bato among others.

5 | Go on a food tour

Iloilo may not be the Culinary Capital of the Philippines but it’s recently recognized as the First Creative City of Gastronomy in the Philippines by UNESCO .  La Paz Batchoy, named after its birthplace La Paz, is one of the country’s most popular noodle soup dishes.  Famous batchoy houses in the city include Ted’s, Deco’s, and Netong’s.  Other local dishes to try are pancit molo, KBL (kadios, baboy, langka), and chicken binakol.  Also, don’t miss seafoods and Ilonggo sweets and desserts such as biscocho, barquillos, pinasugbo, baye-baye, and bandi.

READ MORE : Must-try Foods in Iloilo

6 | Go inside museums and art galleries

With its other moniker as Museum City of the Philippines , Iloilo City has a number of museums and art galleries with focus that ranges from history, culture, science, and contemporary art.  The National Museum of the Philippines has its Western Visayas Regional Museum and a satellite office for Western Visayas housed as the restored former Iloilo Rehabilitation Center and old Jaro Municipal Hall, respectively.  Other museums and galleries to consider are Museo Iloilo, Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art, UPV Art Gallery, Henry Luce III Library (Central Philippines University Library), and University of San Agustin Museum among others.

7 | Explore the city in a bicycle

Iloilo City is one of the few cities in the country known to be bike-friendly.  After all, it has a network of nearly 100 kilometers of bike lanes and even earned the reputation as the Bicycling Capital of the Philippines.  You can find bike rentals in the city, particularly in the Diversion Road (now Sen. Benigno Aquino Avenue) area.

8 | Witness the events and festivals

In addition to the famous Dinagyang Festival every January, there are a few more events and festivals to watch out for in the city.  Fiesta de Candelaria, also known as Jaro Fiesta, is one of the largest Philippine marian festivities.  Schools in Jaro and nearby areas even declare holiday since roads are closed to accommodate the day’s activities.  Other events to look forward to in the city include Paraw Regatta, the oldest traditional boat sailing event in Asia, the annual Chinese New Year, the largest Chinese New Year outside Binondo, Manila , and the Iloilo Bike Festival.

9 | Side trip destinations

Considering that Iloilo City is the regional center of Western Visayas, it is also a good jump off point to neighboring towns and provinces.  From the city, you can take a 15-minute boat ride to the province of Guimaras.  You can also take a bus ride to Antique , Roxas, and Aklan where the world famous Boracay is located.  Isla de Gigantes is located in Carles in the province of Iloilo so a trip there isn’t far off.

NOTE: The Dinagyang Festival occurs annually in Iloilo City every 4th Sunday of January. Paraw Regatta is also a festival in Arevalo (city’s district) and celebrated every February.

EAT & DRINK

The following is your guide to the flavorful food to enjoy and restaurants to try while in Iloilo City.

1 | Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street is the go-to place for good old American style barbecue ribs.  Located at Smallville Complex, one of the nightlife spots in the city, Bourbon Street boasts of its real American Bourbon BBQ ribs, Square Mushroom Pizza, and Cheeseburger.  The price range is a bit high for some but the quality of food is worth it.

2 | Breakthrough Restaurant Iloilo

Satisfy your seafood cravings at Breakthrough Restaurant.  At the restaurant, you get to enjoy them fresh and even have the chance to choose from the live seafood on display in the aquariums and have them cooked the way you want it.  Their best sellers include baked scallops and oysters, kinilaw (ceviche), spicy crabs, and of course grilled fish.  The restaurant is located along Villa Beach in Arevalo district but it has a branch in Plazuela Iloilo called Ponsyon by Breakthrough.

Deco’s is one of the famous batchoy houses in the city.  You can find a branch in almost every mall and business district in the city therefore making it convenient for everyone to enjoy the famous noodle soup.  Their first restaurant which is operating up to this day is located in La Paz Market, the place where the dish originated.

4 | DoVa Brunch Cafe

With its elegant and cozy ambience, DoVa Brunch Cafe is more than just brunch or waffles, bacon, and fresh salad.  You’d get to enjoy other offerings such as pizza, pasta, back ribs, pan seared salmon, and others.  The price is a bit higher but considering its generous servings, the quality of food, good service, and great ambience, the place is surely worth it.

5 | Madge Café

Popular coffee chains such as Starbucks and Coffeebreak may be popping in the city but Madge Café remains to be a favorite among locals including some big names in the area such as politicians and media personalities.  It is located in La Paz market where it has been standing since its early days.  The cafe is known for its native Arabica coffee brewed traditionally using a coffee pot and a strainer.  With coffee which costs less than $1 USD a cup and friendly atmosphere, Madge Café is a must-visit for those who love authentic and great coffee.

6 | Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy

Netong’s is one of the pioneers and most recommended in the savory world of batchoy.  Like Deco’s, it’s first eatery located in La Paz still operates up to this day however it has opened branches in newer business areas and more convenient locations such as Atria Park in Mandurriao.  Your Iloilo food tour isn’t complete without a trip to Netong’s so make sure to drop by next time you’re in the city.

This restaurant overlooking Iloilo River and Iloilo Esplanade is a great spot in the city to enjoy fresh seafoods and various Ilonggo dishes with a twist.  People rave about their native chicken adobo and binakol, pomelo balingon salad, and sisig.  The restaurant is quite large and offers a lovely view of the area from the second floor.  While the price is a bit higher for local standards, the quality of food along with great service is a great value for money.

8 | Roberto’s

Located in Calle Real, Roberto’s is already an icon of Iloilo.  It’s best known for tasty siopao oozing with filling in four variants; regular (roberto), jumbo (Chinese sausage, chicken pork adobo and egg), queen (bacon, Chinese sausage, chicken pork adobo and egg), and king (ham, Chinese sausage, chicken pork adobo and egg).  Aside from siopao, their lumpiang shanghai, lomi, pancit canton, and sotanghon guisado are good too.  The space is really small and is always full but it’s worth it.

9 | Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafoods

The top restaurant in the city based on reviews, Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafoods was made famous by their litson manok (roasted native chicken) although their menu now includes other chicken dishes, grilled and steamed seafood, ceviche (kinilaw), and pork dishes.  They take pride in using fresh and basic local ingredients such as local lime, coconut vinegar, and other spices to achieve that signature flavor.  The restaurant started out with only three tables in the 1970s but now has two branches in Atria Park and near the Iloilo Airport.

10 | The Mango Tree

Located in the less busy part of Mandurriao district, The Mango Tree is known for its elegant and cozy ambience which offers both indoor and al fresco dining under a mango tree where the restaurant got its name from.  The restaurant has wooden interiors and warm lighting which makes it a lovely spot for romantic dinners.  Serving good foods with reasonable prices, The Mango Tree is also a popular venue for parties such as birthdays and weddings.  Must try dishes include chop suey, pepper steak, seafood paella, and sizzling bulalo.

KNOWN FOR: La Paz Batchoy, a noodle soup composed of round noodles, meat stock, sliced pork, pig innards, topped with garlic bits, crushed pork cracklings (chicharon) and spring onions.

GOOGLE ADSENSE BANNER AD

WHERE TO STAY

There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts. The following is your guide to our top choices for each range in Iloilo City.

1 | Diversion 21 Hotel (Budget)

2 | seda atria (mid-range), 3 | richmonde hotel iloilo (luxury | resort).

This guide recommends using the following sites to conduct research online of where to stay in Iloilo City or for a specific destination:

Book your room with these trusted online booking sites.  Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive.  We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:

TIP: Diversion 21 Hotel is best property to experience this destination.

Book Online & Save Money

Book Your Trip Flights Hotels Transportation Travel Insurance No-Fee Cards

Suggested Budget

Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to budget daily.  Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

Travel Costs

Accommodation.

A bed in a  hostel  dorm costs from 450 PHP ($8 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 950 PHP ($17 USD).

Most  budget hotels  begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast.  For  a three-star hotel , prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.   AirBnB  is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations  vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD).  However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using  HostelWorld ,  Agoda ,  Booking.com , and  Expedia . 

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 13-25 PHP ($.26–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using:  WayAway ,  Kiwi  or  Expedia .

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

Always book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  Booking tours online is almost always more expensive. 

Typical Costs in Iloilo City in 2024 :

• Hostel Dorm Bed:  450-950 PHP ($8–17 USD) night
• Budget Hotel:  700 PHP ($14 USD) night
• Mid-Range Hotel:   1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
• Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
• Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
• Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
• 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
• Jeepney Ride: 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD) ride
• Tricycle Ride:   20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
• Taxi: 75-500 PHP ($1.50-10 USD) ride – use GrabTaxi app
• Long-Distance Bus Ride: 400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
• Domestic Flight: 2,000-3,500 PHP ($40–70 USD) flight

DOWNLOAD: Budget Planner Template

BEST NO-FEE INTERNATIONAL DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS

CHASE SAPPHIRE CREDIT CARD

VIEW DETAILS

CHARLES SCHWAB DEBIT CARD

CAPITAL ONE VENTURE CARD

The following is some of our best advice on traveling to Iloilo City.  Learn what you need to know BEFORE you go!

Tips & Hacks

he following are our Top 10 Tips when visiting this destination in the Philippines:

• Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
• Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
• Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
• Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
• Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
• Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
• It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
• Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
• Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
• Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD : The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines

Money Matters

The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso. Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found on the island. If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.

READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Health & Safety

While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Iloilo City, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.

Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.

READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

• 6 Common Accidents to Avoid   
• How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
• Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
• Motorbike Safety Tips
• Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
• Sun Safety Tips   

TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:

• Maintain a Balanced Diet
• Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
• Get Plenty of Rest
• Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
• Keep Active
• Sanitize Often 
• Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
• Take Your Vitamins
• Practice Safe Sex
• Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE: Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Recommended Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

The following are our Top 10 most useful travel apps on our smartphones when traveling in the Philippines:

• Grab  (taxis/ride shares)
• Get Your Guide  (tours & tickets)
• WhatsApp  (phone calls)
• WayAway  (flights)
• 12Go  (transportation)
• Agoda  (accommodations)
• Expedia  (accommodations & Flights)
• Hostelworld  (accommodations)
• Kiwi  (flights)
• Klook  (attractions & activities )

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below.  Download a FREE copy for yourself as a PDF.

READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines

Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options. 

We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip.  Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.

VIEW : Iloilo City 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Packing Checklist

The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list.  This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing.   To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list.  Click the link below to download it for FREE now. 

Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD : Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist

Things to Remember

This guide recommends to take note of the following while traveling in Iloilo City or in the Philippines in general.

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

Foreigners & Expats

If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly.  Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.

READ MORE : Practical Information about the Philippines

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

I always carry a Camelbak Hydration Pack with me when traveling. Not only does it allow me to pack all my daily gear and snacks, but it also has a 3-liter water bladder which holds enough water to get me through the entire day.

Bluetooth Speaker

Compact yet mighty, a bluetooth speaker setup is a breeze, and the sound quality it delivers for its size is nothing short of impressive. Beyond its audio prowess, it boasts exceptional durability, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures.

UV Shirt is an essential when travelling in a tropical country. Providing reliable protection during long hours in the water, not only comfortable but also ensures a secure shield against the elements.

Snorkel Gear

For my island-hopping escapades, a snorkel gear set has become indispensable. Designed to enhance the joy of snorkeling and free diving, each piece ensures comfort and functionality. Together, they create an immersive and enjoyable underwater experience.

Adventure Camera

As a long-time enthusiast of GoPro cameras, I can attest to their user-friendly nature, excellent image stabilization, and impressive footage quality. Waterproof and rugged, the GoPro is my reliable companion for capturing adventures in any environment.

When it comes to beach footwear, aqua shoes offer exceptional support, breathability, and overall comfort. Well-crafted and sturdy, it provides effective protection against rocky terrain, quick drying for added convenience, and easy maintenance. A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

CLICK FOR MORE TRAVEL GEAR

Cover Photo Credit: Iloilo City Government

Don’t Forget …

Download our free travel guides.

We have dozens of guides to destinations throughout the Philippines. Download your FREE copy for your next trip today.

DOWNLOAD GUIDES

About the Author

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

Leave a Comment X

Journey Through Time: Top 20 Ilo ilo Tourist Spots in the Philippines

Photo by: Ariane Joy Cacay

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of the top 20 Iloilo tourist spots. This province, known as the “Heart of the Philippines”, is a melting pot of cultural heritage, modern cityscapes, and natural wonders. The province, particularly Ilo-ilo City has been known to protect its natural areas such as the river and mangroves and improve the ambience of the city which in turn made the area more tourist-friendly and an interesting place to visit, particularly for Pinoys who are in search of ideal destinations within the Philippines.

Here are 20 of the top Ilo ilo tourist spots that you can consider visiting:

Miagao Church , Miagao

Start your tour with a visit to Miagao Church in Miagao. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its unique Filipino Baroque architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings on its facade.

Jaro Cathedral, Jaro

Experience the grandeur of Jaro Cathedral in Jaro. This impressive cathedral houses the miraculous statue of Our Lady of the Candles, and offers panoramic views of the city from its belfry.

Molo Mansion , Molo

Step back in time at Molo Mansion in Molo. This beautifully restored ancestral house displays an extensive collection of local products and traditional Filipino crafts.

Iloilo River Esplanade, Mandurriao

Stroll along the Iloilo River Esplanade in Mandurriao. This urban linear park offers a peaceful retreat amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, perfect for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying the view.

Dinagyang Festival , Iloilo City

Experience the vibrant Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City. Celebrated every fourth Sunday of January, this cultural spectacle features colorful tribal dances in honor of the Santo Niño.

Garin Farm, San Joaquin

Get in touch with nature at Garin Farm in San Joaquin. This agricultural-tourism destination combines leisure, pilgrimage, and agriculture in a unique travel experience.

I slas de Gigantes , Carles

Embark on an island-hopping adventure at Islas de Gigantes in Carles. This group of islands offers pristine beaches, stunning seascapes, and fresh seafood.

Guimbal Watchtower, Guimbal

Witness the historic Guimbal Watchtower in Guimbal. Built during the Spanish colonial period, this watchtower once served as a lookout point against Moro raiders.

Tigbauan Church , Tigbauan

Marvel at the distinctive architecture of Tigbauan Church in Tigbauan. This Spanish-era church is known for its Latin American Churrigueresque architecture, a rarity in the Philippines.

Iloilo Provincial Capitol, Iloilo City

Visit the Iloilo Provincial Capitol in Iloilo City, a classic example of American colonial architecture. Its ornate design and beautiful grounds make it a favorite among tourists.

Casa Mariquit, Jaro

Step into history at Casa Mariquit in Jaro. This 200-year-old ancestral house offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Spanish mestizo families during the colonial era.

Nelly's Garden , Jaro

Immerse yourself in the elegance of Nelly's Garden in Jaro. Known as the "Queen of all heritage houses in Iloilo," this ancestral mansion showcases Beaux-Arts architecture.

Damires Hills Tierra Verde , Janiuay

Enjoy outdoor activities at Damires Hills Tierra Verde in Janiuay. This adventure park features a zipline, swimming pools, and hiking trails, making it an ideal spot for thrill-seekers.

Jaro Belfry, Jaro

Marvel at the imposing Jaro Belfry in Jaro. This three-story bell tower, separate from Jaro Cathedral, is one of the few belfries in the country that stands apart from its church.

Sicogon Island , Carles

Escape to the serene Sicogon Island in Carles. This island paradise, known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, is the perfect spot for relaxation.

San Joaquin Cemetery, San Joaquin

Witness the ornate architecture of the San Joaquin Cemetery in San Joaquin. This Spanish-era cemetery is famous for its intricate mortuary chapel resembling a European castle.

Bulabog Putian National Park , Dingle

Explore the biodiversity of Bulabog Putian National Park in Dingle. This protected area houses unique limestone formations, caves, and a variety of flora and fauna.

La Paz Batchoy , La Paz

Indulge in the culinary delight of La Paz Batchoy in La Paz. This noodle soup, topped with pork offal, cracklings, and egg, is a must-try delicacy in Iloilo.

Bucari Pine Forest, Leon

Experience the cool climate of Bucari Pine Forest in Leon, often referred to as "Little Baguio". This highland destination offers lush pine forests, panoramic views, and a refreshing retreat from the city heat.

Cabugao Gamay Island , Carles

Capture stunning photographs at Cabugao Gamay Island in Carles. Known as the most photographed island in Islas de Gigantes, its picturesque view is a delight for every traveler.

Top 20 Northern Samar Tourist Spots in the Philippines

Explore the top 20 guimaras tourist spots in the philippines.

7 Tourist Spots for Your ILOILO ITINERARY

Iloilo in Western Visayas is a province that deserves more attention. Its capital, the namesake city of Iloilo, has an old-world ambiance and charm where past and present collide. You’ll see distinct, traditional homes and centuries-old churches along with high-rise condominiums and malls. Outside the bustling metropolis are beautiful islands and beaches worth a day trip or an overnight stay. Iloilo is easy to access with many direct flights from Manila. Its attractions are also accessible with public transportation available.

If you’re interested in visiting this part of the Philippines, here are the things to do and places to visit.

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

Explore the City’s Heritage Center

Iloilo City is an interesting mix of old and new, you’ll see ancestral homes that remind you of bygone days because of their distinct design amid the urban jungle. Enter a time warp by walking around Calle Real where you’ll see a number of heritage buildings that tell of the city’s storied past. Go into another wormhole by heading to Jaro and Molo. Both districts are home to some of the most beautiful traditional houses and old churches. Notable stops include the beautiful Molo Church and Jaro Cathedral. Don’t miss out on visiting Casa Mariquit and Lizares Mansion.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Toronto | Creative Panda (@jarylleadriane) on Jun 22, 2015 at 1:23am PDT

Visit Islas de Gigantes

These islands provide an idyllic getaway for those who want to relax and unwind. Despite its rising popularity over the years, it has managed to retain some of its laidback and middle-of-nowhere charm. The most popular activity here is island-hopping. During your trip, you’ll see white sand beaches, azure waters, and beautiful beach and landscapes. Go swimming, take several photos, bum around and enjoy the company of friends or family. The jump-off point to Gigantes is Carles in the northern region of the province. Some of the notable places of interest are Cabugao Gamay Island (the most recognizable attraction), Antonia Beach, Bantigue Island, Tangke Lagoon, and the Lighthouse.

You can get to Carles from either Iloilo City or Roxas City in Capiz by boarding a bus bound for Carles. Make sure to alight at Bancal Port. Here, there are passenger boats that depart at around 10am. Joiner tours for island-hopping costs P999 per person.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Luisito D. Sagcal Jr (@luisdiazsagcaljr) on Apr 30, 2019 at 12:52am PDT

Experience Dinagyang

Iloilo is home to one of the country’s biggest religious festival, Dinagyang. The festivities bring out the fun-loving side of locals and tourists alike. Join the merrymaking and activities during your visit. There are parades, music, dancing and everything in between. Ati performers take over the streets in January. If you plan to visit, book accommodation in advance as hotels fill vacancies quickly.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kristyna and Romain (@kristynandromain) on Jan 29, 2019 at 7:45am PST

Miag-ao Church

Iloilo has a rich cultural heritage exemplified by the old colonial churches located in different parts of the province. Miag-ao Church is one such place you shouldn’t miss when you’re in town. The church is one of the baroque churches included in UNESCO’s Heritage list. Miag-ao has a beautiful façade with detailed religious carvings. The centerpiece of this artwork is a sculpture depicting St. Thomas Villanueva, This church is easily accessible by public transport from the city. You can board a jeep that’s southbound or bound for Miag-ao.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mervin Paul (@mervinpol) on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:53am PDT

Iloilo Esplanade

After learning about the city’s rich heritage, head on over to the Esplanade. This is a popular destination for leisurely walks or jogging for those who want some exercise. Grab a bite or something to drink in one of the restaurants or cafes near the river. Wait until blue hour and sunset because this is a good spot to watch both.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Isabel Grace (@isangbelly) on Jul 8, 2017 at 7:05am PDT

Bulubadiangan Island

Also known as Sandbar Island, this beach destination off the coast of Concepcion is an ideal spot to get away from the crowds and have a relaxing day. It gained popularity with both tourists and locals because of its rawness, cerulean waters, and whitish shore. Spend a day swimming and sunbathing. Part of the beach’s charm is its lack of development. Electricity isn’t 24 hours and tap water is salty. A hut rental for up to ten people costs around P800.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ronja (@tiekkiet) on Jul 3, 2016 at 5:17pm PDT

Agho Island

If you can’t get enough of the beach, include Agho Island to your itinerary. The island has powdery, bone-white sand to sink your feet in and turquoise waters that will draw you in to swim. The island has a raw but beautiful appeal and a rustic charm that makes you want to stay. Go up the nearby hill to get beautiful overlooking views of the environment. Bring camping gear and food if you plan to spend the night. If you do, your reward is a spectacular sunrise.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Laimis Urbonas (@l_imaging) on Mar 14, 2019 at 5:06pm PDT

Where to Stay in Iloilo

The province has a variety of accommodations for all budgets. There are guesthouses and hotels in the capital city that are affordable. The city center is a possible base for exploring Iloilo and nearby attractions. You can rough it out on one of the islands in Concepcion , but make sure to bring your own gear. There are also places to stay in Gigantes for those who want to go island-hopping.

• Urban Sands Iloilo Hotel. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Seda Atria. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• The Grand Dame Hotel. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Iloilo Hotels

Related posts:

• GIGANTES ISLANDS, ILOILO: IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS
• 10 Tourist Spots for Your GUIMARAS ITINERARY
• 3 Popular Tours for Your PUERTO PRINCESA ITINERARY
• 7 Tourist Spots for Your QUEZON ITINERARY
• 8 Tourist Spots for Your ANTIQUE ITINERARY
• 8 Tourist Spots for Your BULACAN ITINERARY
• 7 Tourist Spots for Your ZAMBALES ITINERARY
• 8 Tourist Spots for Your SAMAL ISLAND ITINERARY

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Email address

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• 1.5 MILLION Followers
• 11,400 Followers
• 5600 Followers

7 tourist spots for the ultimate sightseeing in Iloilo

Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly

If you’re a history buff, you won’t get enough of the places that Iloilo has to offer. It’s home to different historical churches and religious artefacts as well as heritage houses and mansions built during the Spanish era in the country.

By plane, travel time to Iloilo takes around 1 hour from Manila, 30 minutes from Cebu, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Hong Kong, and 3 hours and 30 minutes from Singapore. By direct ferry, Iloilo is approximately 1.5 hours away from Bacolod, and 15 minutes away from Guimaras.

Here are some of the tourist spots perfect for sightseeing in Iloilo.

Spanish colonial churches are amongst the well-known tourist sites in the province. Every church sports a unique design and architecture perfect for enthusiasts going sightseeing in Iloilo. Miag-ao Church is a world heritage site that boasts an Aztec-Baroque architecture. It is known for its intricate facade and pyramidal bell towers. The church was used as a fortress during the olden days.

Meanwhile, the Gothic-Renaissance Church of Molo is made out of coral stones adorned with classical and gothic details and was used as a watchtower to warn the people if there are any attackers on the shore of Iloilo City. Cabatuan Church is a neoclassic church, known to be the most massive Hispanic structure in Iloilo built out of red bricks. It is believed to be the largest red brick structure in the Visayas and it was given the title “Model of Temples” by the “l Eco de Panay”.

The beautiful San Jose Church in front of plaza Libertad is considered the most historic among the churches in Iloilo City. It is a Byzantine-Neoclassic Church planned to look like the Spanish Church of Valencia del Cid. On the other hand, Passi City Church is considered a militaristic church in that it was planned as a “fortress church” with massive buttresses that support the walls of the church. Lastly, Santa Barbara Church and Convent is considered to be the “Cradle of Independence” in the Visayan region because of its role in achieving the country’s independence from the Spaniards. It was also used as the general headquarters and military hospital of the revolutionary forces.

Calle Real Heritage District

As a leading province during the Spanish Colonial Era, the province of Iloilo is widely known for its beautiful old-world architecture similar to that of Latin American Countries. Centuries-old houses that were preserved peppered the province. Calle Real, or the J.M. Basa Street in Iloilo City, is once the main commercial centre of the city during the Imperial Spanish and American periods. It houses numerous old colonial buildings.

To start your sightseeing in Iloilo, go to the Old Capitol building is a national historical site. The building was built with wood and stone during the Spanish colonial period. It served as the capital when the civil government of Iloilo was founded in 1901.

Iloilo Esplanade

The Iloilo Esplanade is the city’s newest hub for dining, leisure and recreation. Poised to be one of the longest linear parks in the country, it is a park adorned with lush ornamental landscape along the Iloilo River ideal for strolling or jogging.

Bucari Area

The town of Bucari is dubbed the “summer capital of Iloilo” as it is a special economic zone for tourism and ecological enterprise due to its cool climate, topography, highland attractions and scenery.

Located 21 kilometres away from the town proper, the area is 1,200 meters above sea level. Its appealing scenery is an explosion of greens saturating the pine tree-covered mountains—a perfect place to just kick back and relax. A stop here is highly advisable for those who want to go sightseeing in Iloilo.

Islas de Gigantes

The Islas de Gigantes is an island group found in the offshores of the municipality of Carles. The place is known for its numerous caves, white sand beaches, emerald-like shores and lagoon, and rock formations.

This picturesque group of islands is an ideal location if you are looking for a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere. Also known as the “Selfie Island” among tourists with its rock formation where visitors can climb all the way to the top, the best spot for viewing the whole islet and a selfie shot.

Garinfarm is an inland resort that offers several unique experiences ranging from agriculture, leisure, and pilgrimage. It has a lot of activities and is great for friends and families especially the children. Enjoy gorgeous mountain views while hiking up to and down from its 480-step viewing deck at the base of its 100-foot Blazing Cross.

On your way to the steps from the main base, you will see nine life-size religious scenes from Creation until the Ascension of Christ. Visitors can also avail of golf carts on their way to and from the viewing deck making sightseeing in Iloilo easier.

Bulabog Puti-an National Park

Bulabog Puti-an National Park is a protected rainforest area known for being a living museum of flora and fauna. Hundreds of local and foreign tourists visit the 847 eco-tourism park to immerse in the area’s natural attractions such as its various forms of wildlife and more than 30 caves. It hosts several species of flora and fauna.

Philippines breaches 4.8M international visitor arrivals- DOT Chief

PH promotes Mindanao’s halal cuisine and culture

PH wins big at international award-giving bodies

DOT hails inclusion of CRK as world’s most beautiful airport

Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you design and create an advertising campaign

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

Yes, contact me I want to download the media kit

Comments are closed.

LATEST STORIES

LOT Polish Airlines to add three Embraer E195-E2s 

Vietnam Airlines embarks on a new era with Airbus A350, connecting Delhi to Vietnam

Yuppi Group leverages Turkish destination specialism to launch B2B hotel platform Pax2Night

Emirates begins operating with SAF at London Heathrow Airport

Welcome, Login to your account.

Sign in with Google

Powered by wp-glogin.com

Recover your password.

A password will be e-mailed to you.

Welcome back, Log in to your account.

SIGN UP FOR FREE

Be part of our community of seasoned travel and hospitality industry professionals from all over the world.

• LOGIN / SIGN UP
• Middle East
• UK & Europe
• USA & Canada
• Hospitality
• HR & Careers
• Luxury Travel
• MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions)
• Travel Tech
• Travel Agents
• Airlines / Airports
• Conferences
• Cruising (Ocean)
• Cruising (River)
• Destination Management (DMC)
• Hotels & Resorts
• Hotel Management Company
• Hotel Technology
• HR / Appointments
• Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions (MICE)
• Travel Agents (all)
• Travel Technology
• Tourism Boards
• TDM Travel Show
• Industry appointments
• Travel Bloggers
• Podcasts – Features
• How to join
• RSVP Portal
• Event Photos/Videos
• Competitions
• Middle East September 2024
• Thailand October 2024
• Destination NaJomtien BanAmphur BangSaray *NEW*
• จุดหมายปลายทาง นาจอมเทียน หาดบ้านอำเภอ บางเสร่ *NEW*
• South Australia Reward Wonders *NEW*
• Ponant Yacht Cruises and Expeditions
• Encore Tickets (Chinese Guide)
• Affordable Luxury in Thailand by Centara Hotels
• Rising Above the Oridinary by Conrad Bangkok
• The Best of Thailand
• Who is IWTA
• Philippines
• Recommend Someone
• Recommend yourself
• IWTA Awards
• TRAVEL CLUB

Bucari Pine Forest & Waterfalls

Bucari is a mildly popular tourist destination nestled in the mountains of Leon, Iloilo. It is known as the province’s “little Baguio” for its cool climate and highland attractions. Bucari is an excellent place to visit during the dry season since it offers an escape from the summer heat. Getting there takes at least two hours from Iloilo City. The road section from the outskirts of Leon town proper to Bucari largely remains a bumpy dirt road, which has limited it to the more adventurous.

Further readings: All things to do in Iloilo , Iloilo Travel Guide .

Things to Do and Tourist Spots

Bucari is surrounded by verdant mountains and rolling hills interspaced by rice and vegetable terraces, small villages, and pristine rivers. Here, you can find refreshing waterfalls, cold springs, hiking trails, and a pine forest at Tabionan.

Visit Waterfalls and Cold Springs – A foot trail from Sitio Camandag follows the river to Imoy Falls. The short cascade drops into a small natural pool that is perfect for swimming. A taller waterfall can be found a short walk further upstream.

Go on a picnic at Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite  – The pine forest and campsite in Bucari are located in Sitio Tabionan. Picnic sheds are set-up for day trippers who would like to enjoy the cool mountain air and the peaceful sight of pine trees that surround the village. At night, the temperatures drop further and fireflies can be seen dancing around.

See the fruit and vegetable Terraces  – Because of its mountainous terrain, farmers grow their crops at the sides of hills and mountains in rice terraces their ancestors have cultivated centuries since. The climate in Bucari is suitable for growing rice and high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables. Don’t miss out on a taste of the town’s most prized crop, its mangoes, which holds the reputation of being the sweetest in the province and a staunch rival of Guimaras’ mangoes.

Get a taste of Bucari’s linagpang  – A culinary attraction in Leon is their delicacy called “Linagpang.” Linagpang is made by grilling native chicken, which is then sautéed in garlic, onions, and mashed tomatoes. Once cooked, a special soup, eggs, and other ingredients are added to complete the delicious treat.

Take a hike  – There are also a number of trails that lead to breathtaking mountain views and landscapes. A hike from the campsite in Tabionan leads to the Mansiga View Deck, which provides an overlooking vista of Bucari’s pine forest, vegetable terraces, and even a glimpse of Iloilo City on a clear day.

Places to Stay

Accommodations in Bucari are quite limited, but there are a few options available if you would like to stay for the night.

Pineridge Bucari Mountain Resort – This spa resort located in Brgy. Bacolod (near Tabionan) offers dorm-style accommodations, a beautiful view of Bucari from their terrace, and a restaurant featuring organic and gourmet menus. Online booking is available at Agoda . Read more about Pineridge Bucari Mountain Resort .

Tabionan Campsite – Campers can pitch a tent on the campsite at Tabionan for a minimal fee. The caretakers are very friendly and can arrange your meals if you arrive early or inform ahead of time. They have a working bathroom and offer tent rentals as well.

Getting There & Around

Travel time from Iloilo City to Bucari takes at least 2 hours. Most visitors go to Bucari on a local jeepney commute, which may take longer than two hours depending on the availability and schedule of the jeepneys.

From Jaro Big Market in Jaro District, Iloilo City, ride a Leon jeepney to Leon Town Plaza (up to 30 minutes). From there, flag a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to the jeepney stop for Bucari-bound jeeps (5 minutes approximately). Travel time from Leon Town Proper to Bucari takes around 45 minutes. There is usually one jeepney leaving every hour from 7am to 3pm. The last trip to Leon town proper leaves Bucari at around 2pm to 3pm. If you do not wish to spend the night in Bucari, it’s strongly advised to reach Leon Town Proper as early as 7am so that you can catch the last trip at 2 pm and reach the city in the late afternoon. Be sure to inform the tourism office in Leon before embarking on your trip to Bucari so that they can help you plan your trip well.

Don’t leave yet. There’s more!

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

May 14, 2016 at 1:23 pm

i want to visit this place .I would also like to stay overnyt with some friends. Is there a safe place to stay?

May 15, 2016 at 12:46 am

Pls. check out the places to stay listed on the article.

February 28, 2015 at 11:34 am

I have noticed your article concerning Bucari is not updated yet. Hoping for an update as to the road leading to the area…..was it cemented and what are the developments in the area for the past two years? We need to visit the place but have no idea if we can stay in the place overnight. Is the place safe, is there any hotel there? What are the attractions that will be of interest to would be visitors during summer.

February 28, 2015 at 10:04 pm

Will do Eufracio. Keep subscribed and follow https://www.facebook.com/iloilo for updates.

March 25, 2013 at 9:38 pm

the cold breeze of the wind gives a refreshing feeling plus the challenging adventure that awaits us there. the quivering temperature of the water revitalizes our body. camandag and bocari are such perfect places to visit.

March 25, 2013 at 9:28 pm

Its the best summer get away to be at Brgy. Camandag and Bucari. The cold spring water revitalizes everything.

October 28, 2012 at 10:49 am

My great grand mother Fortunata catahum came from Bucari,I live in Tigbauan but Im working here in GenSan, a Manila base construction happen to have a project here. I will surely come to visit the land of my apoy Natang when I go for a vacation this December.!!!

May 30, 2012 at 9:29 am

What I hear from NEDA is that roads will be fully concreted by 2014. Already roads have been concretized up to brgy. Dusacan which is near na the pine trees. So I think (the government) they are serious about it. Mayor Lito Cajilig was able to secure an MOA with the DENR to develop an ecopark in Tabionan, Bucari. He is planning to put zip lines and walls. He is calling on all stakeholders most especially the community of Bucari to help develop a masterplan to make the place an adventure capital of Region 6. There are more beautiful places yet to be explored even more pristine than imoy falls which was affected by poor planning. The baranggays are now,wary of visitors that don’t care about conserving and protecting the environment. The biggest enemies of Bucari are mining firms out to destroy the environment for profit – Profit which they plan to repatriate to their countries abroad. They have been slowly infiltrating the communities offering bribe money to baranggay officials to approve excavation. Mayor Cahilig is against this. As far as alternative sources of income for the community are concerned, slowly but surely things are moving in a positive direction: the Bucari National High School has opened 3 cottages for guests and charges a minimal P150 per person. Each cottage can accommodate 6 pax. There is a canteen nearby. Also there are homes that allow overnight stay for less than a P100, I think. The Pineridge Resort Spa also opened last Feb.2012 and entrance to their viewing deck is P150 per pax with good brewed coffee and dessert. Ay naku, the view is “awesome.” Food is classified as “gourmet.” Meaning a bit pricy but very delicious, filling and class A quality. “Organic” daw. Bubon falls charges P20 entrance to go to their falls. You cannot eat in the falls or cook there coz pine trees are highly flammable. You can eat in their Baranngay hall for P15 corkage fee per person or bring food and have them cook it for P200 for every 10 pax. There are 25 natural pools all in all; each with falling water. The people there are very friendly and accommodating. Something has to be done with the transportation though. It is a major setback. Sinong tourist would want to be jampacked like sardines in a smelly jeep? Thre are no vans. You have to bring your 4×4 pickup or hire a jeep for 2-3 thousand. Siguro kun fully concreted na then visitors will pick up. that won’t be til 2014. But just like Boracay, many visitors who have been there in the 80’s say it was better when it was inaccessible. Now, boracay they say, is overdeveloped, too commercialized – like Baguio.

March 5, 2012 at 8:07 am

William Shakespeare: “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”

August 1, 2011 at 4:51 pm

Had heard much about Bucari many years ago. It is known for its cool climate and as a vegetable basket in Iloilo specially cabbage is grown on year round. I’m looking forward to vist that place in the days to come.

July 7, 2011 at 1:30 pm

@mur2s……. eeewwww…. shut up talking about your thing ……why youre just wishing on a star….all you got to do…is to plan it out… make your creative itinerary like what i am doing …. make bucari as one of your destination and youll have the feat and much more of course a girl youll carry with you to make your trip ALL_FUN….. is it good idea? lol since you are soo fond of them…..just as billy is fond of chasing every boy in town…. well…thats an understatement…. i could say…sleep with every boy in town…hahahahahahahahaha

July 6, 2011 at 3:25 am

maybe bill nd vicky just like 2 touch nd feel our masculine part. wish i kud go 2 bucari minus d npa.

July 5, 2011 at 10:31 am

@Billy… why youre that ill-humoured ha>>.. hihihihih…. is that a bad idea..you need to unwind relax and visit Bucari… i forget…… if youre tired of chasing every boy in town..you can switch to going Bucari…. and please bring luy-a too….. @mur2s…. what can you say Bud???? hihihihihih….

July 4, 2011 at 11:08 pm

ara ka na naman nga Vic agi ka ha…umpisa ka na naman….lungion ko kamo karon ni murion nga duha…makita nyo…

July 4, 2011 at 4:36 pm

@mur2s…. just let Bill alone hes harmless.. even he would spend every day chasing every boy in town … :) maybe we could invite Bill to trek to Bucari ,, lets just ” bring your own Baon and partner ” kay lamig na didto perfect gd…..hahahahahaha

July 4, 2011 at 3:20 pm

Still manami man sa gihapon ang bucari leon,Im a native of barangay Buga, leon …plan to visit this coming december if not busy…

April 13, 2013 at 5:33 am

nong mckee kaw ja?jesryll jah…ahahaha

June 22, 2011 at 11:29 am

s der some goat n sunk der named bill?

June 22, 2011 at 8:23 am

bucari mountain trek is great idea as long as the road is paved in there, theres lodging in there and food is ready in there…so what could you ask for more?…

June 22, 2011 at 11:37 am

calos s just above u, bc may malisik?

June 21, 2011 at 10:42 am

uhm..taga bucari gd tkon mum..kadto bla kmo dya nami2x hay…para makataklad man kmo x bukid..fresh air fresh water..

June 22, 2011 at 8:14 am

miss @julieth can you give us the detailed of present situation of bucari? the road facility (the improvement and transportation schedule) accommodation facility? (how many room or resort in bucari as today) or other facility as define by LGU as a tourist attraction?

June 21, 2011 at 10:35 am

bsta ah..kadto lng kamo 2 ah…

January 25, 2011 at 11:46 pm

wel I’m also from Leon but I’ve never been to Bucari.ehehe myb this summer I will go trekking wid my friends.Im excited to explore my hometown..

September 24, 2010 at 1:24 pm

mabalik balik gid ko sa bukid.. taga ukid gid nga dan mga relatives ko.. i miss the mountains of leon..

September 19, 2010 at 6:45 pm

Yes to all your concerns. I’m a frequent visitor of the area. There’s a spa resort being constructed now and some of the roads are being concreted. heard the plan is to concretize roads from leon, to bucari, to camandag all the way to San Remigio, Antique. But it’ll be done in portions. it’s peaceful there now unlike in the eighties. Those were Godless times in Leon’s history. The camandag falls have recovered from Typhoon Frank. Nature is rather resilient. From one vantage point you have a commanding view of iloilo city and a portion of Guimaras. You can see how polluted iloilo city is….it’s already covered with smog and the newly hatched coal fired plant in Ingore La Paz looks like a real smoke “belcher” ..but thank God being 600 meters above sea level makes one feel “above and beyond the reach of all that melee and death” down there. Hmmm the price of progress and corruption. Organic farming is fast catching up in Brgy. lakadon and bacolod which are adjacent sitios to bucari. It is as pretty as the above pictures. Small hawk Eagles “dapays”(local term) are still present and fireflies. Pine trees are old growth and nothing beats it here in Region 6… Salvador Benedicto in Negros is more accessible what with concrete roads and only a 40 minute drive from Bacolod but they are just planting pine trees and most of the mountains are bare…but not so in Bucari. People up there seem friendlier and more innocent.

May 23, 2011 at 2:50 am

@manny hanny: do you know who is the developer of the spa resort? I wonder if they are companies planning to put up developments in bucari like that of camp john hay scale? Salamat in advance for the info!

February 13, 2012 at 7:04 pm

few minutes ago my friend watched tv patrol, it’s about the spa resort but located in bacolod, leon….i try to research ‘coz she said the place has a terrific view, and i want to see it, but only this site i found and so glad coz i’ve been in bucari twice, we do hiking from school til camandag, we stay in tabionan too, really like that place even leon is not my hometown, leonians please take care ur paradise!

July 30, 2010 at 8:48 am

wow really a great pleasure to see leon again after staying here in manila…me and my centro escolar friends are planning to have a trip in iloilo specifically in leon….im sure they whould love if i roam them around in bucari…the summer capital of iloilo…nice sorroundings and,nice people and delicious foods awaits us……welcome us leon,,the delegates of CentroEscolarUniversity…

July 26, 2010 at 5:43 pm

ei… im from leon also… sira na ba talaga ang imoy falls after ng frank? i have been there ne pero before pa ng bagyo? i just want to confirm… tnx..

June 3, 2010 at 8:50 am

Hi I’m tumandok of Leon and very proud of what my native town has…Bucari of course! Since I graduated nursing I never stayed that long in Leon maybe 1month every 2 yrs makapuli, so I never been in Bucari to be honest but I heared many nice comments abwt the place & I’m dying to go & see my self next time I go back home.Even leaving here in UK my heart still cry out to go home dyan sa Leon. By the way my parents from Agboy Sur. I want to knw if the place hit by flood b4 esp Emoy water falls is been rebuilt/redevelop again or not? thank u…!

May 12, 2010 at 9:25 am

still manami mangud ang bucari..hope to go back there..miss ko na gid ang leon.

March 23, 2010 at 4:29 pm

I really proud of what my native place have. I thank those who appreciate it, but, we need to take care our nature because we depend our life in our environment. We can just say that nothing will change after all, remember we are just a gifted creature.

February 5, 2010 at 1:53 pm

I wish to be here…someday

December 19, 2009 at 10:51 am

i like the pictures that you post….. i appreciate you the way you describe our place….i just want to correct that camandag is not a sitio of bucari..

September 8, 2009 at 10:21 am

pd kapamangkot sa naka balo? Kaya ayhan sakaon ang 125cc nga motor ang bucari? Bali e setup lang nga dirt bike?

thanks sa maka suggest, kay ga plan man ko mag ride pakadto dira.

Kag isa pa, wla pko ka kadto guid dira.

April 13, 2013 at 5:32 am

kaya yan..125 naman motor mo e..basta e customize mo na lng..kasi baka umulan mahirap pag d ka naka offroad na tires..

September 8, 2009 at 6:37 am

i just want 2 correct camandag is a bgry not a sitio

August 13, 2009 at 11:14 am

Hello marcos. I just want to thank you for posting those pictures!!!! I was born in Bucari, and graduated at Bucari National High School. Now I am living in the U.S. and I really miss my homeland. My geat grandfather and his extended families pretty much own a big portion of land in Bucari. It is certainly a beautiful place; however, it needs help from the goverment before its ruined. I planted 150 pine tress before I left Bucari. When I went home 3 years ago, I was really saddend by the deforestation of the locals in order to have land for plantations. I wish that our goverment will continue to support the forestry preservation in Bucari, so in the future the next generations of the Philippines will be able to see the enchanting parts of our lands. MABUHAY!

August 4, 2009 at 8:07 pm

What a great place you have. That’s really a gift from God…as i saw sa inyo photos ang way pakadto sa Bucari is really difficult…but i know wonderful & beautiful attractions are waiting. Go on, improve your place, develop that well. You have a good views…!

July 10, 2009 at 9:11 pm

I was born in San Miguel, but was raised in Metro Manila. I have been living in the Metro since 5. I visited Bucari twice, 18 and 15 years ago, I think. It was recommended to me by my uncle who visited it in his youth. I remember the very cool climate and the waterfalls. There was also a school being run by missionaries, Americans I think. I remember asking one of the kids where he lived and he answered that he was from Antique, and that it took him three days hike to go to Bucari. I also saw a teenage caucasian girl, who spoke fluent kinaray-a. I also saw the locals drying coffee beans.

Are the pics above recent? It seems the place has been preserved well.

July 7, 2009 at 9:46 pm

bucari dont really need big investors… im an architecture student and im working right now on my thesis entitled “bucari Highlands development”, a master plan of bucari.. the main principle of my proposal is that the locals will be the first to benefit in bucari’s gift. i dont want bucari to be the next BORACAY THAT HAS BEEN INVADED BY BIG INVESTORS, ALIENATED THE LOCALS BY MISPLANNING AND OVERDEVELOPMENT..

May 8, 2011 at 9:21 pm

I am interested un your master paln for bucari. I hope its main concern is environment protection n thre least internvention. Brick houses will look good thre just like the firsy beautiful houses in Baguio near the pink sisters convent.

July 7, 2009 at 4:47 am

This is something different in Iloilo. Bucari Rough dirt roads from several points are the only way to travel to see a spectacular view in what we consider as our own summer destination but we need better roads and transportations. Bucari is inviting, charming, breathtaking and serene. It will attract domestic and foreign tourist. Transforming Bucari into a prime tourist destination could be just a dream. But that could be realized in a short time too if the local and national government would just put their heads together. I’m calling on the government to build concrete roads, parks and establish proper guidelines for future development. Politicians and Department of tourism cannot do this alone. Architects, engineers and environmental planners, master planners and other professionals are needed to achieve proper development and aesthetics. I am also calling on developers & private sectors to contribute in shaping to what could become as one of the best tourist destination in the country. I would like to see hotels, resorts, restaurants, a theme park (maybe), residential developments and a lot business in Bucari’s future. Let’s just develop what we have in Iloilo. This could generate income for local professionals, contactors and businesses

July 6, 2009 at 10:40 pm

taga leon man ko,, architecture student.. 5th yr na,, kag ang thesis ko is development sang bucari.. i hope makabulig kmu by suggesting whats gud and not para sa bucari..

email nu ko.. [email protected]

April 9, 2009 at 4:50 pm

wow naman , makadto ko bala da sa bukari pag puli ko, sino masunod???

October 23, 2009 at 3:14 pm

Uhmm.. Upod ko sa imo makadto didto karmoy..heheeh.. Nami na da mo, tour kita?heheh.. Galing nahadlok lng ko maglatay sa taytay nila kay kalawig.. Kung malakampuwas kna sa hanging bridge you will amazed the beauty of the nature falls.. Ang sarap maligo doon.. Sayang dati hndi kami nakapaligo jan, nagoutreach lng kasi kmi sa NSTP namin. Hope to be back there again in little bagiuo..

June 26, 2008 at 8:52 pm

Yes, Iloilo is truly beautiful and i’m truly proud of it! More good things to come as the city is fast developing into a metropolis!!! Ilonggos let’s promote and take care of our beloved Hometown!!!

June 20, 2008 at 3:28 am

[re=64367]bingkent[/re]: truly a fascinating place if terrorist would not spoil it. just be extra careful when you go there.

June 19, 2008 at 5:19 pm

Wow, I show this site and the you tube to my aussie workmates and they are impress how beautiful my hometown is. It is also good to see Tay Molong (town mayor) in the video. I am hoping I can bring my ids and hubby ther next time on vacation.

May 19, 2008 at 2:50 pm

[re=60148]rein[/re]: There is an alternative way, from miag-ao, you can drop by to tigbauan caltex station.there’s a road from tigbauan shortcut to leon just around 10kms.You can take multi-cab or a jeepney from tigbauan to leon because i saw theres a jeepney from tigbauan to leon.You’ll be passing brgy.cordova, napnapan, then to brgy agboy, leon.

June 3, 2010 at 8:59 am

just to correct the way if u came from tigbauan yes u pass by cordova then pandan but u cant pass by agboy its going to the city if u will…so frm pandan u pass by anonang then straight to Leon town…there u go…!

May 13, 2008 at 7:05 pm

[re=60148]rein[/re]: I think you need to go to the city first unless you have a private car then you go could go directly to Leon from Guimbal

May 13, 2008 at 2:04 pm

how will I go to Bucari if I will be coming from Miag-ao? Is there a direct public transport from Miag-ao, or do I need to go to the city first? thanks!

May 10, 2008 at 5:40 pm

[re=59890]Ronnie Calumpita[/re]: You’re welcome :) Well, I hope with the attention that Bucari been getting, they will start developing the roads into the area. Not only will it benefit its tourism industry but it will improve the delivery of their agri products to the market.

BTW, I do not take credit for the video. I just grabbed it from you tube ;)

May 9, 2008 at 11:01 pm

Thanks Marcos for updating this topic about Bucari and uploading the episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Sojo featuring Bucari as well as some products and delicacies of Leon, the hometown of my father. I missed that episode in TV. Featuring Bucari through the Internet or in TV programs will help attract tourists to visit the area, whose climate is similar to Baguio and other places in the Cordilleras. Until now I haven’t visited Bucari. According to my relatives who live in Barangay Avanzada in Leon, the place is really beautiful. Hopefully the local government as well as provincial and national governments will make an effort to preserve Bucari.

April 23, 2008 at 2:46 pm

I’ve asked the same question to the municipal tourism office and they said that it is safe to go to Bucari. Just to be sure, you can inform the tourism office about your visit beforehand so they can advice you about safety concerns during your trip

April 23, 2008 at 10:19 am

is it safe to spend a night there?

January 17, 2016 at 9:30 pm

April 23, 2008 at 4:59 am

There is usually one jeepney leaving for Bucari every hour from 7am to 3pm. The last trip to Leon town proper leaves Bucari at around 2pm to 3pm. If you do not wish to spend the night in Bucari, I highly suggest to reach Leon Town Proper as early as 7am so that you can catch the last trip at 2pm and reach the city at around 4 to 5pm. Be sure to inform the tourism office in Leon before embarking on your trip to Bucari so that they can help you plan your trip well.

Leon Tourism Office Contact Details: Contact Person: Ma. Annaliza Camago, Municipal Tourism Officer Landline No.: (+63)(033)3310036.

March 26, 2008 at 10:17 pm

how to get there in bucari?im planning to go there next month.is it safe to go there?or is there a cottage to stay or to rent?

January 28, 2008 at 12:18 pm

I am very proud of this place.. A pride of all Ilonggo specially leonian… Take good care of our mother nature… GOD BLESS ILOILO………………

July 28, 2007 at 12:25 pm

been to bucari for a couple of times, and its gorgeous out there, so quite and solemn, i like the fireflies at night you thought its another constellation of stars that have not discovered yet…my mom’s from buga leon…i like the mangoes too… :)

November 29, 2009 at 11:00 pm

ahmm. really? My mom to is from buga.. bka magkamaganak tau.. :) ang ganda tlga ng bucari! sarap bumalik and sa pagbalik susulitin ko tlga..

September 20, 2011 at 3:45 pm

way takun kaagi adto jan ra haw taga leon man ko pay..rayu be rah sa bayag sur mum .hahaha..sa sunod lang ah!.. nami nami galie to bah….

March 27, 2007 at 9:26 pm

Why go to Baguio or Banawe pa e meron pala tayo dito sa Leon? The scenes are breathtaking really! Sana makapunta ako diyan, sabay hanap na rin ng mga kamag-anak diyan probabaly sa poblacion. Taga Leon ang nanay ng lolo ko na tatay ni mamu/lola sa tuhod.

February 15, 2007 at 10:53 pm

See Boracay Island? Now look, Boracay rocks now, and nobody thinks it will happen. And it happened. There’s a possibility that Bucari would be the next Boracay in the near future. Good luck!

February 15, 2007 at 10:40 pm

Bucari is not discovered yet by the international tourists so to speak. Once they get this access…I’ll be darned , tourists will come to Leon like the bugs from the nut hole. It’s true. I have the reason why I posted this site in my profile to help and promote Iloilo City, Philippines. God bless us all, and Cheers!!

January 26, 2007 at 9:34 am

wow what a good pix you’ve got here! the other pix look like a famous rice terraces of Benguet! how unfortunate i am that i haven’t visited Bucari yet! to think that i came from leon, specifically from Buga! hopefully i could visit the place when i go back home! Kudos to all Leonians for a great place and great people! Padayon!

February 8, 2010 at 8:29 pm

ey meg, anu surname mo??? kc u look familiar….nways my parents are from leon but i was born cavite but i usually visit leon since my dad died 10 yrs ago, i even graduated from cpu kc have to stay with my mom after my dad died….nway tabat-calasagsag relative ko.. nway in regards to this site leon da best…..even i have the heart of a caviteno since i was born in cavite still im ilonggo in blood…….tumandok sa leon parents ko and im proud of it…

May 22, 2011 at 11:44 pm

I have been there in september 2010. Quite un experience.