Melo Villareal
Bucket List: Top 12 Best Tourist Spots in Miagao, Iloilo
Visiting Panay Island will surely be one of the most unforgettable trips you’ll ever experience in your life. Most especially if you get the chance to explore the ever-beautiful province of Iloilo. Apart from its mesmerizing natural wonders, exciting attractions, and world-class cuisine, there are still a lot of hidden gems to uncover in Iloilo, and one of them is the famed “Onion Capital of the Visayas,” which is Miagao City.
Miagao is a first-class coastal municipality of Iloilo and is famously known as the home of Miagao Church. The city has a small population of more than 70,000 people but is undoubtedly overflowing with beautiful natural attractions and cultural landmarks.
Visiting and exploring Miagao is no doubt one of the major highlights of your Panay Island escapade. So what are you waiting for? Join me, and let me give you a little help in discovering the Top 12 Best Things to do in Iloilo!
Visit Cagbang Pottery
Visiting Barangay Cagbang will give you a glimpse of how rich Iloilo’s culture truly is. Here, visitors get a chance to hone their crafting skills as they participate in the Pottery Workshop of Cagbang.
Do your best and personally create different pots, jars, vases, beads, and many more using your own creativity and craftsmanship! Pottery is the most classic and traditional art form. That’s why participating in Cagbang Pottery is surely an excellent way for you to start your exciting journey in Miagao, Iloilo.
Experience Hablon Weaving
Another popular attraction in Miagao, Iloilo, is the famous Hablon Weaving. The name “Hablon” refers to the weaving process that originated in Miagao and some parts of Antique. It is said that Hablon Weaving existed even before the Spanish came to our country.
Some of the most beautiful finished products of Hablon Weaving include shawls, barong, gowns, and even story-telling dolls! Hablon is a vital part of Miagao’s culture and economy. So getting to know more of it is truly a beautiful way to experience Iloilo.
Visit Damilisan’s Baluarte
Damilisan’s Baluarte is yet another famous landmark in the city of Miagao. It was built during the Spanish Era as a watchtower and a defensive base from pirate attacks. Made of readily available materials such as limestones and coral shells, this defensive fort withstood several Moro Pirate attacks throughout the years.
Today, the nostalgic beauty and outstanding scenery offered by Damilisan’s Baluarte is one of the most must-visit destinations shouldn’t miss in Miagao, Iloilo.
Visit Taytay Boni
Another important historical landmark in Miagao is known as Taytay Boni or Puente de Boni. It is the oldest Spanish bridge in Miagao that attracts many tourists because of its beauty and nostalgia. The place exudes an old-world and peaceful ambiance that’s getting harder to enjoy these days. So make sure to pay it a visit!
Visit Miagao Church
Ah, this one you should never miss. The famous Miagao Church of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church is Miagao City’s pride and spirit. It’s one of the few places in the world that you can call a Baroque Fortress Church and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aside from being the perfect place to offer prayers and counseling, Miagao Church is a historical and architectural gem. The combination of Chinese and Filipino touches on the designs and ornaments of the church is truly remarkable, especially when you realize that it withstood countless wars, battles, and natural disasters.
See the Rice Terraces
Yes, you read that right. Iloilo also has its very own Miagao Rice Terraces that will surely blow your mind. The astounding panoramic view of these beautiful rice terraces spread over a 500-hectare rice field is genuinely one of the most amazing things to look forward to not only in Miagao City but in the entire Iloilo Province.
See Rafflesia
Another reason that proves Miagao City is an extra special place is that it is the only place to find a certain species of the Rafflesia plant. The Rafflesia Speciosa is a parasitic plant that was first found on the foothills of Sibalom National Park.
Consider yourself lucky when you get the chance to at least witness the giant and red beauty of Rafflesia Speciosa because it is already considered critically endangered by the DENR.
Visit Tinagong Dagat
From the name itself, Tinagong Dagat is undoubtedly a hidden paradise that everybody needs to witness once they have a chance to visit Miagao, Iloilo. It is actually a small freshwater lake on top of a mountain that promises a spectacular view of one of nature’s greatest creations.
Aside from admiring its unquestionable beauty, reaching it also promises quite the adventure every outdoor-loving person craves.
Visit Gui-ob ni Tidoy
The famous Gui-ob ni Tidoy is another natural landmark that lies near the Tulahong Pine Forest and Tinagong Dagat of Iloilo. It is a limestone monolith that captures the attention of many tourists for its simple yet majestic beauty.
There are several myths and legends regarding the origin of this limestone monolith, but one thing’s for sure, visiting it would be one of the highlights of your trip to Iloilo.
Visit Sinuhutan Cave
Another must-visit natural attraction in Miagao that’s perfect for any outdoor lovers and adventure-seeking persons out there is the famous Sinuhutan Cave. Located in Barangay Onop, this majestic cave system requires a challenging 3-hour trek that will absolutely bring out the adrenaline in you.
Visit Bugsukan Falls
Bugsukan Falls is a hidden paradise that promises yet another chance for people to witness nature’s astounding beauty. It’s located just beside the drop-off point in Barangay Dalije, so it’s easily accessible for first-time tourists.
The aquamarine waters cascading through the beautiful rock formations are really enchanting. And the water is quite cold, so I suggest that you try and hop on its wide pool!
Visit Miagao Beaches
Finally, I mentioned earlier that Miagao is a coastal municipality, right? Well, it’s really no surprise why it also features a lot of world-class resorts. And each one of them offers an unforgettable vacation that you definitely deserve.
Some of the most popular beach resorts in Miagao include Chillax Beach Resort, Villa Marina Beach Resort, Mang Kulas Beach Resort, and many more!
How to Get There
You can reach Miagao by taking a Miagao or San Joaquin bound jeepney from Iloilo Terminal Market in Iloilo City Proper or a Bus to Antique from Molo Bus Terminal.
Miagao is easily accessible from the Iloilo City Proper via a jeepney ride bound to Miagao or San Joaquin. Alternatively, you can also take a quick bus ride to Antique from the Molo Bus Terminal.
Either way, it is expected that you reach Miagao, Iloilo in less than 1 and a half hours.
Our Top Hotel Picks for Iloilo
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, tour packages, and affordable flights in Miagao and nearby cities? Check out our cheap Miagao Hotels and resorts list via Agoda and Booking.
Miagao Travel and Tour Packages
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Read:
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- Iloilo’s Churches: Old But Gold
- Sagada Pottery – Craftsmanship at its Best
