Team Out of Town
Iloilo Travel Guide
If you are asked about a great city to visit in the Visayas, there is a good chance that the first things that will enter your mind are Cebu City, Iloilo City, and Bacolod City. However, with its huge Airport, impressive townships, and booming economy, Iloilo City is fastly becoming a major business hub in the Visayas. Read more below to know why Iloilo City is worth visiting.
Iloilo City Travel Guide
Iloilo City is the economic and cultural center of Panay Island. At several points in history, it acted as the capital of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. This explains why there are a lot of historic churches and buildings in the city. In fact, it has gained a reputation as an Emerging Museum City because of its heritage structures and art museums.
Iloilo City also has a huge value among religious people. It was one of the first American colonial outposts in the early 1900s and is home to many Protestant congregations. For example, Central Philippine University, the first Baptist church in the country, can be found here. The Jaro Adventist Center, the first organized Adventist church in the Philippines, is also in Iloilo City.
Iloilo is also renowned all over the Philippines for its efforts to be sustainable. The city has many open spaces, gardens, and parks that people can visit. Iloilo City has also been praised for its efforts to have sustainable urban planning and maintain air quality. The gorgeous Iloilo River Esplanade is proof of these efforts, which straddles both sides of the Iloilo River.
In this Travel Guide to Iloilo City Blog, we listed some tips for making your DIY trip to Iloilo. We also included Iloilo City Itinerary, Things to do and see, how to get there, and more.
Best Time to Visit Iloilo City
If you like it when there are many tourists, January is the busiest time in Iloilo City. This is when the city holds the Dinagyang Festival, one of the most popular tourist events in the Visayas. It is a religious festival though many establishments have co-opted it by holding street parties.
The Paraw Regatta, held every February, also attracts many people worldwide. It is Asia’s oldest traditional boat sailing event, where colorful sailboats dot the Iloilo Strait.
The summer is also a fantastic time to visit Iloilo City. This is due to the city’s proximity to getaway destinations like Guimaras in the south and Carles in the north.
How to Get There
By Air
The easiest way to get to Iloilo City is by flight. If you come from Manila, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines have flights from NAIA. Iloilo International Airport also has flights to and from Cebu, General Santos City, Davao, Puerto Princesa, and Cagayan de Oro.
For international travelers, there are direct routes to and from Hong Kong and Singapore. Flying time to Iloilo from NAIA in Manila is approximately 55 minutes.
How to get to Iloilo City from Iloilo Airport
The New Iloilo Airport, located in Cabatuan, is 18 kilometers from the city proper and is accessible by jeepney, van, and taxi.
By Ferry
Iloilo City is the province’s port of entry for sea transport, and Iloilo port is just 5 minutes away from the city’s central commercial district. Iloilo City is 20 hours from Manila, sailing 12 times weekly; from Zamboanga City, General Santos City, and Cagayan de Oro City once weekly; Cebu is 12 hours with daily trips. Fastcrafts from Bacolod City take one hour at the most. The Roll-on, Roll-off (RORO) sea and land transport system serves Iloilo-Manila on the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.
Getting Around
It is very easy to get around Iloilo City. Multiple jeepneys roam the roads from one point to another. Just make sure that you ride the right jeepney for your destination. There are also taxi cabs and Grab cars that you can book.
Where to Stay
As a popular tourist destination, there are a lot of accommodation options in Iloilo City. These are three of the best options that you have:
Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
Address: Megaworld Boulevard corner Enterprise Road Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
[Check Rates and Availability]
Located in the heart of Iloilo Business Park, this 5-star hotel is perfect for corporate trips. It has a contemporary design, with incredibly spacious rooms. It has a dining restaurant, a bar lounge, and a swimming pool bar area. There is also a fitness center on the 7th floor.
Diversion 21 Hotel
Address: Benigno Aquino Avenue Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Room rates start at Php 2,200
[Check Rates and Availability]
Known for its impeccable service, Diversion 21 is an excellent place for young travelers and backpackers. Each room has an in-room safe box, air conditioning, fast Wi-Fi, and a refrigerator. The hotel also has the option to have a massage or a karaoke night for guests.
Injap Tower Hotel
Address: Diversion Rd, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Room rates start at Php 1,975
[Check Rates and Availability]
Each of the rooms of Injap Tower Hotel with minimalist branding and design in mind. The rooms are air-conditioned, with two beds and fast Wi-Fi. There is also complimentary use of the swimming pool and the Fitness Center. You will also be assured of safety because of the 24-hour security service and responsive housekeeping. Read our Injap Tower Hotel Review.
Also see: Best Hotels in Iloilo City
Where to Eat
Of course, no trip to Iloilo City will ever be complete without a stop at its numerous restaurants. You should not miss La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo, local noodle dishes in specialty restaurants in Iloilo City. These three restaurants are among the favorites of tourists:
Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafoods
Location: Oton Blvd, Villa Arevalo District, Iloilo City
Due to its proximity to one of the country’s most productive fishing areas, Iloilo is known for its seafood. Tatoy’s would be an excellent way for you to experience the diverse seafood offerings of the city. Their sisig is also a top choice among customers.
7 Fishes by Coco Veranda
Location: 21 Avenue Place, Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
7 Fishes have become a household name in Iloilo, which is always frequented by businessmen, tourists, and students. You should try the Paella Rice and the Coco Loco Prawns. It is also near the Esplanade and SM City Iloilo, a good option near the downtown area.
Ponsyon by Breakthrough
Address: Benigno Aquino Avenue, Iloilo City
One of Ponsyon’s greatest selling points is the ambiance the restaurant has. It has excellent seafood options, so it has become a favorite of diners. The menu options are also generally pretty cheap.
What to Do and See: Popular Iloilo Tourist Spots
Iloilo is such a large and dynamic city that you have much to do in the area. These are among the things that you can do.
- Walk along the Iloilo River Esplanade during the sunset
- Do a pub crawl in the Smallville Complex
- Church hop in heritage cathedrals
- Iloilo Pasalubong Shopping
- Eat La Paz Batchoy
Also read: Best things to do in Iloilo
Iloilo Travel and Tours
Iloilo City Heritage Tour
An introduction to the city, its culture, and urbanity. Visit Museo Iloilo, Calle Real, Plaza Libertad, Fort San Pedro, Jaro, and Molo. Shop for souvenirs at Tinukib Showroom. Visit Jaro’s old colonial houses and cathedral. Drop by the gothic-renaissance church of Molo. See how princely vestments are hand-embroidered at Asilo de Molo.
South Countryside Tour
A scenic trip to Iloilo’s southern countryside, passing the flower gardens of Villa Arevalo, the historic town of Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, all the way to Miag-ao. Visit Tigbauan Church with its Latin-American Churrigueresque style, Guimbal’s yellow sandstone church and plaza, and Miag-ao Fortress Church built in 1706 with a unique facade of botanical motifs reminiscent of Aztec art. This church is indeed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Pasalubong Shopping in Iloilo City
Take home famous delicacies like pinasugbo (banana brittle), barquillos (local wafer), and Biscocho (buttered, toasted bread) from Jaro district, hojaldres, banadas, kinihad, among others, are baked and sold fresh at Panaderia de Molo and Biscocho Haus.
Travel Tips
- Iloilo City is walkable, so you might want to bring walking shoes.
- Ilonggos understand English and Filipino well, so do not pressure yourself to learn Hiligaynon.
- The city is food heaven, so do not forget to try their native delicacies.
Iloilo City is a beautiful mix of heritage structures, modern buildings, and magnificent homes. With its storied past and the current boost in its economy, you will surely be able to find something to enjoy in this city.
Have you been to Iloilo City? Help us improve this Travel Guide to Iloilo City Blog by sharing your personal Iloilo City travel tips and recommendations.
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels and Resorts in Iloilo City, Philippines, via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Also see:
- Iloilo’s cultural and art scene thriving in ILOMOCA
- Lunch at Damires Hills Tierra Verde Leisure Farm Resort in Iloilo
- 6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Iloilo
- DIY Trips: A guide to building your ultimate holiday
