Here’s your updated Iloilo Tourist Spots + Travel Guide + Hotels. This guide includes a sample itinerary, tourist spots, list of hotels, list of hospitals in cases of emergency, and other relevant pieces of information to help your visit to the city convenient.
Iloilo Tourist Spot / Attraction
About Iloilo City
Located in scenic Panay Island, The Province of Iloilo with Iloilo City as its capital is one of the most peaceful places in the country, populated by a people who can be characterized for their being personable and for being unpretentiously gentle and soft-spoken. Their composition and their overall composure as a people are the stuff of legends as they are characteristically soft-spoken with a lilting dialect that seems to strum the proverbial strings of your heart. Rarely will you find an Ilonggo who would be cut differently from the cloth – as they all seem to be possessed of the same qualities that mark them as quite unique individuals?
It has been said that the province and it’s capital city’s name is derived from the term Irong-Irong or Ilong-Ilong – which is explained by the convergence of the Iloilo and Batiano Rivers forming a rather prominent nose-like landscape when viewed from above. Through the years, the name has been contracted, hence the name, Iloilo. No matter if this tale is true or not, the important thing is that the place seems to be a veritable factory of the most even-keeled people with a predisposition for a personality that borders on the sweet.
Molo Mansion, Iloilo Tourist Spot
There are 42 municipalities and one city in the province and each place boasts of something that really sets it apart from the rest. The province is also known for its agriculture, regularly producing products which are staples for exportation. Being an island, it is also teeming with rich marine life, some of which are protected, some of which are for commercial consumption. The biodiversity of the province is quite pronounced with several indigenous species of flora and fauna to be found in its borders.
It is also the recognized trade center of the Western Visayas region, with several important trading posts, international ports and airports servicing millions of visitors and serving as conduits for billions of pesos’ worth of trade. This province is also a center for education with several prominent universities and educational institutions producing the best minds in the fields of science, engineering, agriculture, and the social arts.
As Ilonggos are all inclined to be merry and love to be part of any kind of merrymaking, it comes as no surprise that every month, there is something to be celebrated – from feasts of patron saints to mythical figures, to historical events and the like. It seems that for Ilonggos, there’s always a reason to be engaged in a little bit of merrymaking – probably one of the many reasons why their personalities and their culture have earned their province the moniker – the Heart of the Philippines. Their vibrancy and their capacity for merriment are truly things that help to establish the beat of the country’s proverbial heart.
The famous San Joaquin Campo Santo located in San Joaquin. This famous landmark was declared as National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines along with San Joaquin Church | Iloilo Tourist Spot
Exploring the province will also bring you to many entertaining surprises. Graceful and elegant artifacts and relics of a time long past can be perused in its museums with each piece seemingly whispering its secrets to your ear. Preserved houses of historical figures, as well as those with religious significance, dot the landscape. If you can, take a side trip to Graciano Lopez Jaena’s hometown of Jaro and be ready to enter a totally different enclave of vintage houses maintained to exacting specifications. You would find yourself as if you are living in the past – with the elitist rich of the Ilonggo people seeming to watch over every move.
Arevalo District is also another place to behold. Those who are into horticulture would appreciate the variety of blooms that dot the front of the village houses all year-round. Those who want to find native textiles such as sinamay, jusi and the like would also do well to drop by the district as it houses the famed Ilonggo weavers.
Top: Molo Plaza, Below: Miagao Church / Iloilo Tourist Spots
Iloilo also houses several architectural wonders of religious significance – the Miag-ao Fortress Church, San Joaquin Church as well as the Sta. Barbara Church all highlight different facades which would make any visitor with an eye for such features satisfied.
But gastronauts would surely find the city’s rich cuisine highly exceptional and satisfying to their discerning palate. Bakeries regularly churn out torones, galletas, biscochos, broas, hojaldres, and banadas – among other exotic-sounding biscuits and bread products. Take to the streets and the restaurants to sample the famed pancit molo and la Paz batchoy – noodles enriched with a flavorful broth, as well as their chicken binakol.
Iloilo beats life into the vibrant culture of the Philippines – infusing it with such elements that help it to separate Filipino culture from the rest. While it may have its own regional flavor, it does add to the vibrant and ever-evolving culture that is truly Filipino.
Molo Church, Iloilo Tourist Spot
1-Day Iloilo Tourist Spots Travel Itinerary
Below is our itinerary for our Iloilo City Heritage Tour. Our tour around the city was via Philtranco Bus.
4:30 am – assembly time at Banago Port, Bacolod
5:00 am – 7: 00 am from Bacolod to Iloilo via FastCat (see below for the fare and schedule )
7:00 am – 9: 00 am Miagao Church
9:00 am – 10:00 am San Joaquin Cemetery
10:00-12:30 – Garin Farm
12:30 -1:30 pm – lunch in Arevalo
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm- Molo Church, Mansion, and Plaza
There are so many things that you can do when in Iloilo City. Below are some of the famous attractions of the city and some other activities which you will surely enjoy.
Enjoy Guimaras Island
Iloilo City is a gateway to many destinations. Just 15 minutes away from the City, you will reach Guimaras island which is loaded with tourist attractions.
This UNESCO Heritage Church is one of the oldest church in the country. In my own personal point of view, the Miagao Church is one of the churches in the Philippines with the most beautiful facade. Please click the link to read my review – Miagao Church
Experience Islas de Gigantes
One of the most beautiful tourist spots in Western Visayas is the Islas de Gigantes found on the Carles, Iloilo. I have outlined in the travel guide details on what to see and do on the island. Please click here for the Islas de Gigantes Travel Guide
Dinagyang Festival
Iloilo City is home to the famed Dinagyang Festival held every January in honor of the Sto. Nino. Please click here for the detailed Dinagyang Schedule of Activities.
Garin Farm
A unique of its kind destination in Iloilo City. For more click this guide: Garin Farm
Bacolod City is just an hour fast craft ride from the city. You can easily take a day trip or even stay for 3-4 days in Bacolod to maximize your visit in the Visayas. Listed below are some article to help you out if you plan a side trip in Bacolod City.
The place has a wide array of hotels ready to serve any guests. In your next visit, you can book a room by simply clicking on the links below. Most of these hotels offer discounted rates.
Circle Inn – Iloilo City Center
Iznart Street, Maria Clara, City Proper
Days Hotel Iloilo
The Atrium at the Capitol, Cor Gen. Luna- Bonifacio Dr, City Proper
District 21 Hotel
Donato M.Pison Avenue Brgy. San Rafael Mandurriao
DIVERSION 21 HOTEL
Benigno Aquino Avenue Service Road, Mandurriao
Go Hotels
Ledesma Street, City Proper, Iloilo City, Philippines
GT Hotel
De Leon Street , City Proper
Harbor Town Hotel
corner JM Basa – Aldeguer Streets, City Proper
Hotel Del Rio
M.H. Del Pilar St., Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines, 5000
Iloilo Business Hotel
Benigno Aquino Avenue, Mandurriao
Iloilo Budget Inn – Jaro
E.L. 98, 12 Castilla Street, Jaro
Midtown Hotel
corner Yulo – Iznart Streets, City Proper, Iloilo City, Philippines, 5000
Injap Tower Hotel
West Diversion Road, Manduarriao, Mandurriao
La Fiesta Hotel
M.H. Del Pilar Street, Molo, Molo, Iloilo, Philippines, 5000
Mo2 Westown Hotel and Resort
Glicerio T. Pison Benigno Aquino Drive, Mandurriao
One Lourdes Dormitel
Cor. Fuentes and Ledesma Sts, City Proper, Iloilo, Philippines, 5000
People’s Hotel
Corner Delgado and Fuentes Streets
Riverside Inn
Times Square Building, General Luna Street, City Proper, Iloilo, Philippines, 5000
Richmonde Hotel
Megaworld Boulevard cor. Enterprise Road, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao
SMALLVILLE 21 HOTEL
Pasencia T. Pison Avenue, Smallville Complex, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Philippines, 5000
The Mansion
101 General Luna Street, Philippines,
Urban Inn
Luna Street cor. Arroyo Magdalo St. (In Front of St Clements Parish), Lapaz, La Paz
Miag-ao Church, Iloilo Tourist Spot
List of Iloilo Hospitals
ILOILO DOCTORS HOSPITAL
Address: West Avenue, Molo
IDH Contact Number(s): +6333 337-7702 to 09, +6333 335-0862 (Fax)
ILOILO MISSION HOSPITAL
Address: Mission Road, Jaro
IMH Contact Numbers: +6333 320-2091 to 95
ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL, INC.
Address: General Luna Street
SPHI Contact Number(s): +6333 337-2741 to 49
THE MEDICAL CITY – ILOILO
Address: Locsin Street, Barangay Tap-oc, Molo
TMC – Iloilo Contact Number(s): +6333 338-1513, +6333 338-1505 to 08, +6333 508-2227 (Fax)
WESTERN VISAYAS MEDICAL CENTER
Address: Q. Abeto Street, Mandurriao
WVMC Contact Number(s): +6333 321-2841 to 50, +6333 321-1797 (Fax)
Email: westernvisayasmedicalcenter@yahoo.com | Website: wvmc.doh.gov.ph
Our Lady of Candle Shrine, Philippines / Iloilo Tourist Spot
How to Get to Iloilo
Iloilo City By Air
The place is being served by her new International Airport located in Cabatuan. Several airlines have flights daily and weekly on various routes as follows: Iloilo – Manila; Iloilo – Cebu; Iloilo City – Davao; Iloilo – Cagayan; Iloilo City- General Santos; Iloilo City- Puerto Princesa and Iloilo – Tacloban. The Iloilo International Airport also has It also has two (2) flights/week from Iloilo to Hong Kong and three (3) flights/ weekly from Iloilo City to Singapore.
To get to the airport from the city, one can take a van at the terminal located at SM City at PHP 55/person or you can take a taxi.
Iloilo City by Sea
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has a terminal in Lapuz serving Iloilo-Bacolod passengers. Simply ask around to get to the Fast Cat Terminal which is just located within the area. The Fort San Pedro has several trips for Iloilo-Manila Route; Iloilo to Cagayan Route; and Iloilo to Cebu Route.
For Iloilo-Guimaras Route, just proceed to the Parola Terminal. They have 30 trips daily.
There are also trips for Bacolod-Iloilo Passengers at the Port of Dumangas-Naluyu-an, around 29 kilometers east from Iloilo City.
Fast Cat Iloilo-Bacolod Route Schedule and Route
About Fast Cat
Fast Cat is the only shipping company in the country which operates catamaran Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferries. Designed fit for the sea conditions and weather in the Philippines by Sea Transport Solutions of Australia.
Along with her sister companies, Philtranco and JAM Liner Inc., the Fast Cat was put up to provide seamless travel in the entire Philippine Archipelago.
Philtranco is serving the routes of Southern Tagalog, Bicol, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
I’ve never been to Iloilo City before. But in case we plan a trip there someday, I now know I can revert to this post to see a nice list of accommodations. 🙂
Magkano Po City tour
This is so helpful especially coz I also wanna go and side trip to Bacolod. Will be in Iloilo this coming April, can’t wait!
I haven’t been to IloIlo City but I’ll bookmark this should we plan to in the near future.
This makes me really want to wish in coming back home and visit.
This list is a good guide for travelers to Iloilo. I wish I could see those historical churches myself.
Oh my gosh – how gorgeous is Iloilo? I have wanderlust at all times and I’m going to check out these hotels!
What a great list! I’ve never been, but it definitely looks gorgeous there! I’d love to visit one day! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Adriana, the place is also known for their food offerings
The Miag-ao church looks amazing! What an architecture! I hope I can visit the Philippines and Iloilo City in the future.
True, you will surely love this church when you see it up close
The architecture of Iloilo city is so cool and unique from other places. Great list of hotels as well.
Indeed, the place old buildings most especially are quite amazing.
Thanks for the list this would help out those who plans on visiting this beautiful place.
That’s true. This list is really intended for would-be travelers in the place.
Wow, lovely hotels! We will be in Iloilo this coming holiday.
Great Gervin Khan, hope you will enjoy your stay in Iloilo. Have a Happy Trip!
Oh, this is so informative. We will check these hotels, hope to be in your country soon!
Oh, this is so informative. We will check these hotels, hope to be in your country soon!
Wow, Iloilo sounds like a happy place to stay to. We will visit there soon!
I’ve never been to Iloilo City before. But in case we plan a trip there someday, I now know I can revert to this post to see a nice list of accommodations. 🙂
It’s nice that there are a few options for travelers to stay at. This makes planning visits much easier.
Thanks for this! I don’t know when I’ll ever be able to travel to Iloilo but it sure is nice knowing where I can stay! It sounds like a lovely place!