The people from Iloilo are known to be "malambing" (gentle, soft-spoken) and that's the quality I love about Ilonggos. Aside from that, they are friendly and accomodating. During my Iloilo trip, I talked to many locals to ask for directions on how to go to several destinations. With their help, my solo adventure in the province went very smoothly. So if you are planning to visit Iloilo any time soon, let me share my Iloilo Travel Guide.
How to get to Iloilo
Airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Air Asia, and Cebu Pacific fly between Manila and Iloilo. There are also available flights from Clark, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan De Oro bound for Iloilo International Airport.
From the Iloilo Airport, you may take a jeepney, van, or taxi to reach the town proper.
Another option to reach Iloilo is by ferry. Travel time from Manila to Iloilo will take around 20 hours. There's also a ferry trip from Cebu, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Zamboanga City.
Getting around in Iloilo
Tricycles and jeepneys are the main mode of transportation in the city. Both of these land transportation are available any time of the day. Please make sure to always check the signage to know the jeepney's route. There are also available taxis and Grab that you can book.
When is the best time to visit Iloilo
The best time to visit Iloilo is January. This is when the city holds the Dinagyang Festival, one of the most popular tourist events in the Philippines. The summer season, from March to May, is also a fantastic time to visit Iloilo City. This period enjoys hot yet pleasant temperatures.
Where to Stay
Goldberry Lite Hotel
Along the road, you will immediately notice the stunning building of Goldberry Lite Hotel. It's super bright at night with a big working clock on top of the property. Each air-conditioned room features a comfy bed, blanket and pillows. It has basic amenities and a bathroom with fresh towels and free toiletries. Rooms rates start for as low as P1800 per night.
Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo
One of the mid-range hotels in Iloilo is Park Inn. It features rooms for coupler and family, a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, free WiFi, and an outdoor swimming pool. Each room comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a table, a kettle, a hairdryer, and a bathroom with fresh towels and toiletries.
Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo
If you have the budget for a high-end room, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo the place to be. This 4-star hotel features cozy rooms, features a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a bar, an ATM machine, and a shared lounge.
Other hotels that you might consider include, Go Hotel, Seda Atria Hotel, Richmonde Hotel, Pearli View Hotel and properties of ZenRooms, Oyo and Redoorz.
Where to eat in Iloilo
La Paz Market
Iloilo is home to the famous La Paz Batchoy, the province's most famous local dish. The best place to eat this hot bowl of batchoy soup is in La Paz Market. Here you can find several restaurants that offer La Paz Batchoy. I recommend to take from your pick from Ted’s, Deco’s, or Netong’s. The price of one bowl of Batchoy is around P50 to P80. You can pair it with puto.
Roberto’s Siopao
If you are looking for a budget-friendly restaurant, you may visit Roberto’s Siopao. It serves King Siopao (ham, chicken, pork adobo, egg, and Chinese sausage), Queen Siopao (Chinese sausage, pork adobo, bacon, and egg), Jumbo Siopao (chicken sausage, chicken adobo, and egg), and the Regular Siopao (pork adobo and egg). This simple restaurant also offers several local dishes.
The nightlife scene is very much alive in Smallville Complex. You can find here several restaurants and bars where you can drink your favorite alcoholic beverages while watching live bands.
Other places to eat include Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood, Madge Café, Brewery Gastropub, and Molo Mansion Cafe.
Places to visit in Iloilo ( Tourist Attractions )
Molo Cathedral
Also known as Saint Anne Parish Church, the Molo Church is one of the popular churches in the country. It's a gothic church built in 1831 and was declared a national landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1992. Some are saying this church is a church of Women because most of the images of the saints are all female.
Molo Mansion
Just across the Molo church is the grandiose old mansion called the Molo Mansion. It's one of the heritage sites in the city that features several arts from some of the local artists in Iloilo. Here you can also find souvenirs, bags, clothes and other pasalubong. The museum is free of admission.
Miagao Church
Located in the humble town of Miagao, the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish or Miagao church is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the Philippines known for its amazing unique facade. Miag-ao church is 30-45 minutes away from Iloilo city and can be reached through south-bound jeepneys from Mohon Terminal.
Iloilo River Esplanade
To protect the Iloilo River, the local government built the Iloilo River Esplanade. It also aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among the locals. This is a great spot for an early morning walk or run. Here you can find one of the best sunset views.
Garin Farm
The Garin Farm became viral on social media for its replica of heaven. Located in San Joaquin, the Garin Farm is a popular pilgrimage destination in Iloilo. It integrates agriculture, leisure, and pilgrimage in one site. One of its amazing attractions is the heaven-like installation featuring a giant cross, life-size angel statues, patron saint statues, and Holy Trinity. The farm also offers several activities like boating, zip line, and fishing.
Islas De Gigantes
One of the must-visit destinations in Iloilo is the Gigantes Islands known as Islas de Gigantes ( Islands of giants). It is located in the northernmost part of Iloilo province and part of the municipality of Carles, Iloilo, Philippines. This beach destination is blessed with pristine white sand beaches, amazing rock formations, fresh seafood (especially scallops), and a lot more.
According to the locals, the beauty of the island was only seen by the media after the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan, known as Super Typhoon Yolanda. To more about this destination, you may check this review.
Other tourist destinations that you might consider include Jaro Cathedral, San Jose Church, Tigbauan Church, Guimbal Church, Casa Mariquit, Lizares Mansion, Museo Iloilo, Nelly’s Garden, (Vicente Lopez Heritage House), Camiña Balay nga Bato, and Calle Real.
Frequently Asked Questions in Iloilo
Can I travel alone? Yes! A lot of international and domestic tourists are traveling as solo backpackers to Baler. I recommend to bring with your travel buddies because it's cheaper especially for hotel accommodation. The more the marrier! Right?
Can I travel to Iloilo on the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) way? Of course! It's not necessary to get a package tour from a travel agency or tour operators. It's your choice. Public transportation is available any time in the city. Some of the destinations are within walking distance.
Is there nightlife in Iloilo? Yes! If you want to party at night, you may go to Smallville Complex. You can find here bars and restaurants that offer several local and international beers as well as hard drinks.
How much is the tour package? The tour rate will depend on the destinations that you want to visit. It will also depend if you will do a day tour or will stay there overnight or for a couple of days. There are also DIY groups that offer package tours for joiners and solo travelers. If you are planning to visit Islas De Gigantes, you may take advantage of the budget-friendly tour of Las Islas Travel and Tours.
What is the currency? It's Philippine Peso (PHP). The majority of hotels, restaurants, bars, and groceries in the city accept debit/credit card payments.ATM machines are also accessible in the city and the town centers outside the city. If you’re going to remote locations like Islas de Gigantes, it’s better to bring enough cash.
What is the dialect in Iloilo? The main language of Ilonggos is called Hiligaynon or Ilonggo. The majority of the locals can speak and understand Filipino and English so communicating will not be a problem.
Next To Read
0 comments: