Iloilo Travel Guide: What to Visit in This Panay Province

Found at the center of the Philippine archipelago, Iloilo is among the country’s most progressive provinces. It brims with history and natural wonders that provide a relaxing retreat for the weary. 

All things considered, Iloilo is one of the Philippines’ most popular destinations not only among locals but also international travelers. Ready to explore this province? Read this comprehensive Iloilo travel guide. 

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Iloilo Travel Guide: The Province at a Glance 

Iloilo is a province located in the southeast part of Panay Island, the country’s sixth-largest island in Visayas. Iloilo City, which was once dubbed the Queen City of the South for being a trade center, is its capital.^[1]   

The province enjoys a tropical climate, meaning it sees two seasons every year: wet and dry. The best time to visit Iloilo is at its driest, which is between late December and May. During this period, you can enjoy views of historic buildings under the sunlight or have fun on the beach. 

How to Go to Iloilo 

How to go to Iloilo from Manila? The country’s major air carriers operate flights to Iloilo: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines AirAsia. The travel time from Iloilo to Manila takes a little over one hour. 

If you want to save money, travel to Iloilo from Manila via a ferry. 2GO operates ferry journeys that take a little over a day. 

Read more: Cebu Pacific vs AirAsia: Which Budget Airline Reigns Supreme?

How to Get Around Iloilo 

You have a few transportation options in Iloilo, such as the following: 

• Taxi - If you’re coming from the airport, you’ll find taxis waiting to take people to town. 
• Ride-hailing service - Book a car using ride-hailing services like Grab and InDrive.^[2]
• Jeepney - Jeepneys ply the roads of Iloilo City. Keep in mind that the city operates organized jeepney routes.
• Tricycle or pedicab - Tricycles and pedicabs are popular transportation options in villages and smaller communities.
• Bicycle - If you’re staying in the city, get around on a bike in a breeze. 
• Bus - Long-distance trips within and outside the province call for a bus ride. 
• Car or motorcycle rental - Want to go on a road trip? Rent a car or a bike. 
• Boat - Visit many of Iloilo’s picturesque islands via boat. 

How Much to Budget for an Iloilo Trip

So how much will your Iloilo tour cost? Generally, it will depend on the length of your stay and your activities. Many experienced travelers recommend staying in the province for four days and three nights. 

Should you follow the recommended length of stay, a budget for one person usually costs between ₱10,000 and ₱12,000. This can go lower when you travel with a group. 

Add a couple of days if you want to explore nearby provinces like Guimaras, Antique, or Capiz. Naturally, this will require more money. An additional budget of ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 may suffice. 

Note that flights and pasalubong are excluded from this budget. 

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Where to Stay in Iloilo 

Photo: Solina Beach & Nature Resort Iloilo (Facebook)

Iloilo has an array of accommodations, from cozy inns to lavish hotels. Check out your options below: 

🏡 Iloilo Accommodation Options for Budget Travelers

Make one of the following affordable accommodations your home while you’re in the province: 

• Hop Inn Hotel Iloilo
• Go Hotels Iloilo
• Injap Tower Hotel 
• El Haciendero Private Hotel
• One Lourdes Dormitel
• Pallet Homes 
• The New View by Ecotel
• RedDoorz @ Plaza Jaro Iloilo
• Bed and Bath Serviced Suites
• Iloilo Budget Inn 

🏡 Iloilo Accommodation Options for Luxury Travelers

After a long day of exploration, come home to luxury at one of these upscale hotels:  

• Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo
• Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
• Park Inn by Radisson 
• Seda Atria
• Zuri Hotel 
• Citadines Amigo Iloilo 
• The Grand Dame Hotel 
• Grand Xing Imperial Hotel
• Hotel del Rio
• Solina Beach and Nature Resort

Iloilo Travel Guide: Places to Go in Iloilo 

What is Iloilo known for? Include the following Iloilo tourist attractions in your itinerary for a memorable vacation: 

📍 Gigantes Islands 

Located in the municipality of Carles, Gigantes Islands or Isla de Gigantes are a chain of islands boasting pristine beaches and turquoise waters. It’s a must-visit destination for those who love nature. 

Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur, which are the main islands, are famous for their majestic limestone cliffs and snorkeling sites. Let your friends know you’ve been to Gigantes by taking a selfie at Cabugao Gamay Island, which is an easily recognizable landmark. 

If you want to take your sweet time, sunbathe on powdery white sand at the Bantigue Sandbar. 

Coming from the city? Iloilo City to Gigantes Island travel time takes around three to four hours.

📍 Sicogon Island

Still part of Carles, Sicogon Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. It was once a popular tourist destination in the ‘70s. Nevertheless, it’s up for everyone’s rediscovery. 

Sicogon Island is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the metro. Lounge on the beach or enjoy water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Visit the nearby Gigantes Islands if you want a more eventful trip. 

Read more: 8 Best White Sand Beaches in the Philippines for Your Getaway

📍 Jaro Cathedral 

Formally known as the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles, Jaro Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and historic churches in Iloilo. The original building was built in the early 1860s, but was devastated by an earthquake in the 1940s. The one that currently stands is a restored structure from the 1950s. 

With its rich history, Jaro Cathedral was declared a national landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1976. 

📍 Molo Church 

Many consider Molo Church one of the most beautiful churches in the country—and it’s easy to see why. The architecture embodies Gothic-Renaissance Revival aesthetics, making you feel like you’re in Europe. The interior, on the other hand, is a mix of calm and mysterious, a result of the high, sunlit ceilings and the surroundings’ ornate details. 

Built in 1831, Molo Church served as an evacuation center during World War II. Just like the Jaro Cathedral, the church received a national landmark designation from the National Historical Institute in 1992. 

📍 Molo Mansion 

Opulent architecture and rich history come together at Molo Mansion, one of the top tourist spots in Iloilo. Also known as the Lacson-Yusay Mansion, this destination sits just in front of Molo Church.   

The exterior features a neo-classical design with elements of art deco. The deeply colored wooden floors and intricately styled ceilings warmly welcome visitors. Today, Molo Mansion houses a souvenir shop. 

📍 Miagao Church 

Miagao Church, or the Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish, is one of the best places to go in Iloilo if you’re into art and sculpture. The church’s facade features intricately designed bas-relief images. You can spend a long time checking out the details. 

Located in the municipality of Miagao, Miagao Church was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1993. Together with three other churches (Manila’s San Agustin Church, Ilocos Norte’s Paoay Church, and Ilocos Sur’s Santa Maria Church), this structure is part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines. 

📍 Iloilo River Esplanade

Photo: Iloilo City website

Where to go in Iloilo City if you simply want to chill? Head to the Iloilo River Esplanade. This nine-kilometer linear park sits beside the Iloilo River, giving walkers, joggers, and people watchers an opportunity to commune with nature. 

The esplanade is one of the best examples of projects that promote walkability in the city. It won various awards like the 2018 Galing Pook award and the Haligi ng Dangal award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for Landscape Architecture. 

📍 Calle Real 

Officially known as JM Basa Street, Calle Real is one of the best tourist spots in Iloilo City for history and architecture lovers. Walking through the street will remind you of Escolta because of its buildings featuring beaux-arts, neoclassical, and art deco designs.

With its historical significance, Calle Real received a district and heritage zone designation from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2014. 

📍 Bucari Pine Forest 

Looking for Iloilo attractions where you can feel the mountain breeze? Head to Bucari Pine Forest. 

Located in Leon Iloilo, Bucari Pine Forest is an excellent destination during summer for its cool and relaxing atmosphere. Those who want some adrenaline rush can hike one of the forest trails. But if you want to just chill with friends, you can go on a picnic or rent a cottage to stay the night. 

Bucari Pine Forest is also home to Imoy Falls, a short waterfall that cascades into a small springwater pool. Don’t miss the vegetable terraces where locals plant various fruits and vegetables. 

📍 Garin Farm 

Photo: GarinFarm Pilgrimage Resort (Facebook)

Garin Farm is one of the most popular Iloilo tourist attractions among those who want to roll a farm field trip and a religious pilgrimage into one trip. It’s divided into three sections: the farm, the park, and the retreat facility. 

In the farm section, you’ll see a variety of agricultural plants and animals. The leisure park, on the other hand, houses a man-made lake, a swimming pool, and adventure facilities like a zip line. 

Perhaps the biggest attraction on the farm is the Pilgrimage Hill. It features a staircase with more than 400 steps. As you climb, you’ll see installations of major biblical events. 

At the top of the hill, you’ll witness a sculptural depiction of heaven with a large cross at the center. Everything is in white, overwhelming the senses—especially if you visit at noon.

Sample Iloilo Tourist Spots Itinerary 

Want to make the most of your Iloilo trip? Take a look at this sample itinerary:  

☀️ Day 1 - City Tour 

• Jaro Cathedral
• Molo Church
• Molo Mansion
• Molo Plaza
• La Paz Public Market
• Iloilo River Esplanade

☀️ Day 2 and 3 - Gigantes Island and Sicogon Island (via Tour Operator)

• Cabugao Gamay
• Tangke Saltwater Lagoon
• Bantigue Sandbar
• Antonia Beach
• Pawikan Cave
• Lantangan Beach
• Sicogon Island

☀️ Day 4 - Countryside Tour

• Miagao Church
• Garin Farm 

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Things to do in Iloilo City 

Photo: Michol Sanchez (Wikimedia Commons)

What to do in Iloilo City? Check out the following activities: 

• Join water activities - Since Iloilo is blessed with beautiful islands, enjoy various water activities like swimming, snorkeling, or island-hopping. If you prefer a laid-back trip, simply lounge on the beach and take in the sun. 
• Visit churches - Iloilo’s churches are some of the country’s most beautiful. Whether you’re a pilgrim or a culture vulture, you’ll definitely love these historic buildings.
• Take photos of heritage sites - Iloilo’s rich history is evident in its heritage sites, from opulent mansions to the buildings of Calle Real. They all deserve a spot or two on your IG feed. 
• People-watch or jog at the Iloilo River Esplanade - The Iloilo River Esplanade is the perfect place to jog, cycle, or simply watch people go about their day. 
• Celebrate Dinagyang Festival - Held every fourth Sunday of January, this festival^[3] celebrates Santo Niño. It’s one of the country’s biggest and most awarded festivals.   
• Go on a food trip - Don’t leave Iloilo without visiting these food spots: 
  • Batchoy restaurants - Batchoy, a hearty soup made of pig intestines, broth, noodles, and cracklings, is a popular dish in Iloilo. Must-visit batchoy places include Deco’s, Ted’s Oldtimer La Paz Batchoy, and Popoy’s Batchoy. 
  • Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant - Looking for authentic Ilonggo dishes? Visit Tatoy’s and try their binakol, a chicken cooked in coconut water, ginger, lemongrass, and more. 
  • Breakthrough Restaurant - If you’re craving seafood, Breakthrough Restaurant serves fish, scallops, shrimps, and squid cooked in various methods. They also serve binakol and sizzling kansi. 
  • Muelle Deli and Restaurant - This restaurant serves Western-inspired dishes, ranging from gourmet sausages to pastas. Dine here to enjoy the view of the Iloilo River.
  • Madge Cafe - Madge Cafe serves freshly brewed coffee that you can pair with delicious pastries. It’s one of the best places to chill after a long day of touring the city. 
  • Punot - This is another restaurant specializing in Filipino cuisine. From pancit molo and gambas to adobo and callos, Punot serves dishes perfect for sharing. 
  • Stella -  Can’t get enough of Filipino cuisine? Stella makes Pinoy dishes with a modern twist. If you want to start a busy day of touring on the right foot, head to Stella in the morning and enjoy their unlimited breakfast. 

Read more: Beaches, Parks, and More: Outdoor Activities for ₱3,000 or Less

Iloilo Travel Guide: Tips for a More Fun Vacation 

Here are some insider tips to make your visit to Iloilo comfortable:  

• Bring sunscreen. Whether you’re exploring the city or lounging on the beach of Isla de Gigantes, protect your skin from the harsh sun. 
• Wear light clothing. Breathable fabrics like linen, sleeveless shirts, and shorts can keep you cool during your trip. 
• Go beyond popular restaurants. Iloilo is a foodie’s paradise, so visit not only top-rated restaurants but also humble eateries. Chances are, these places serve equally delicious dishes. 
• Get extra luggage. Iloilo is popular for its delicious pasalubong like bischoco, butterscotch, mango tarts, barquillos, pinasugbo (glazed fried bananas), cream horns, tablea, and more. Bring them home to give away to your loved ones or enjoy them yourself.
• Pack a waterproof bag. Keep your electronics, cash, and extra shirt dry when island-hopping.

Related:

• Beaches, Historical Spots, Lechon, and More: Cebu Travel Guide
• Wow Davao! Tourist Attractions, Food Guide, and More
• Island-Hopping, Hiking, and More: Bohol Travel Guide

Final Thoughts

Iloilo is one of the most exciting destinations in the Philippines, thanks to its heritage sites, delicious dishes, beautiful islands, and friendly people. Plan a memorable and fun-filled holiday in the province with this handy Iloilo travel guide. 

Sources: 

• ^[1] Iloilo Province Profile
• ^[2] inDrive Returns After 5-Month Suspension, Complies with LTFRB Rules (GMA News Online, 2024)
• ^[3] Dinagyang Festival