Akin to the sweet-sounding words of the Hiligaynon language spoken by folks here, layers of hidden charms await travelers about to explore Iloilo City. Known by its many monikers such as “Queen City of the South” and “City of Love”, the gentle nature of the people here fits the idyllic setting perfectly. A beautiful fusion of a deeply rooted culture, savory cuisines, heritage districts and a colorful history, trails every nook and cranny of this highly urbanized city. To maximize your visit, here’s an Iloilo Itinerary + Travel Guide for First Timers to help your plan your Iloilo trip.
WHAT'S IN THIS BLOG POST?
ILOILO ITINERARY
For a hassle-free tour in Iloilo, you can join an inexpensive group tour in Iloilo City and beyond that covers the top tourist attractions in the city. Then on Day 2 , you can explore the nearby islands in Iloilo such as Guimaras or Gigantes Islands.
NOTE: Airfare, hotel, drinks, and souvenirs are not included in the sample budget.
- ILOILO DAY TOUR: RESERVE HERE
- ILOILO PRIVATE PILGRIMAGE TOUR: RESERVE HERE
ILOILO ITINERARY: DAY 1
| ILOILO DAY 1 ITINERARY | TRIP EXPENSES |
| 08:00 AM | |
| Iloilo Full Day Tour. RESERVE HERE
|
₱1,600 (SGD 43.65, $31.65, €28.85) |
| *Jaro Cathedral | FREE |
| *Casa Mariquit | ₱50 (SGD 1.36,$0.98, €0.88) |
| *Calle Real | FREE |
| * Casa Real de Iloilo | FREE |
| * Museo Iloilo
|
₱50 (SGD 1.36,$0.98, €0.88) |
| * Molo Church (Saint Anne Parish Church) | FREE |
| 11:30 PM | |
| Lunch | ₱300 (SGD 8, $6, €5) |
| * Miagao Church | FREE |
| *Garin Farm | ₱150 (SGD 4,$3, €3) |
| * Denila Grapes Farm | ₱30 (SGD 0.82,$0.59, €0.53) |
| 05:30 PM | |
| Iloilo River Esplanade | FREE |
| 07:00 PM | |
| Smallville Complex | |
| Dinner | ₱400 (SGD 11, $8, €7) |
| DAY 1 TOTAL EXPENSES | ₱2,580 (SGD 70.19, $51.2, €46.14) |
For your Day 1 itinerary in Iloilo, you can visit the following tourist attractions:
ILOILO TOURIST SPOT
1. Jaro Cathedral
Address: Jaro, Iloilo
Admission: FREE
The Jaro Cathedral—built in Romanesque Revival style— is unique for having its bell tower located across the street. The present structure was constructed in 1874 with the two towers and the front balcony added in the 1950s after an earthquake damaged the facade. The cathedral’s main retablo and altar and the ceiling are a sight to behold. Another distinct feature of the cathedral is the presence of the statue of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria or the Lady of the Candles on the walls of the church—making it the only female among the all-male statues of saints.
2. Casa Mariquit
Address: Sta.Isabel Street, Jaro, Iloilo
Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: ₱50 ($0.98, €0.88)
Casa Mariquit is a well-preserved ancestral house of the Javellana and Lopez family, constructed in 1803 by Don Julio Quisumbing Javellana. It was eventually passed on to his granddaughter Mariquit and Fernando Lopez, the former Iloilo City Mayor, Senate President, Vice President of the Philippines in 1950’s for 3 terms, and co-founder of ABS-CBN and Meralco.
Casa Mariquit is located in a small street in Jaro, Iloilo with a gigantic balete tree. The gorgeous 2-storey traditional house is a typical bahay na bato made of brick walls, lime mortar, and hardwood. The silong (underground) houses a metal vault and became a veritable bank.
3.Calle Real
Address: General Luna Street, Iloilo City
Open Hours: 24/7
Admission: FREE
Calle Real is a historic street in Iloilo where most of the city’s heritage buildings can be found. Architecture junkies will delight at the many art deco, beaux-arts and neoclassical buildings here. While some of the old houses are in state of ruins, there is a growing movement to restore all the structures in this Spanish era street. This is a good place to take a walk and get a feel of the olden vibe of Iloilo City.
4.Casa Real de Iloilo
Address: General Luna Street, Iloilo City
Open Hours: Weekdays 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission: FREE
Casa Real de Iloilo, a National Historic Site, is the Old Capitol Building of Iloilo. It was constructed in 1869 during the Spanish rule and is situated along Muelle Loney Street and General Luna Street. Casa Real serves as the Kilometer Zero of Iloilo, just like the Negros Occidental Capitol Park and Lagoon in Bacolod.
5.Museo Iloilo
Address: Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo
Open Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Admission: ₱50 ($0.98, €0.88)
A small museum located right smack in the downtown area, Museo Iloilo houses art pieces showcasing the richness of Panay’s Cultural Heritage as well as contemporary art pieces. Various exhibits are held every month so even if you have visited this place in the past, there is always something new to marvel at.
6.Molo Church (Saint Anne Parish Church)
Address: 132 San Pedro Street, Molo, Iloilo
Admission: FREE
Known as the “Feminist Church” because it houses 16 statues of female saints, this Gothic Church constructed in 1888 is considered as one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines. Located in the district of Molo—a mere 15-minute drive from downtown Iloilo—the church is highlighted by its dual pyramidal red spires and impressive interior elements consisting of pristine looking altars, pulpits and paintings.
7. Miagao Church
Address: Zulueta Avenue
Admission: FREE
Miagao Church is included as among the Baroque Churches in the Philippines inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and other Spanish-era churches situated in almost every town in Iloilo Province.
8.Garin Farm
Address: San Joaquin, Iloilo
Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee: (Regular) ₱150 ($3, €3), FREE for children 2 y.o and below
Garin Farm Inland Resort, where the “Stairway to Heaven” can be found, is in San Joaquin—an hour away from Iloilo City.
9. Denila Grapes Farm
Address: New Lucena Road, Brgy.Lanag, Sta.Barbara, Iloilo
Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: (Regular) ₱30 ($0.59, €0.53), (Students/Seniors) ₱20 ($0.39, €0.35)
Grape Picking: ₱120 ($2.36, €2.11) per kilo
Located an hour away from Iloilo City in the municipality of Santa Barbara, Denila Grapes Farm is a surprising attraction because—well, the farm cultivates the fruit of grapes, which is rare to grow in a tropical country like the Philippines. Aside from Brazilian grapes, this scenic 2.7-hectare farm is also covered with sunflowers. Grape viewing and picking are available for visitors wanting to buy a kilo or two and learn more about grape farming. Grape pickings are open from 8am to 5pm and prices starts at 120 pesos per kilo.
10.Iloilo River Esplanade
Open Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: FREE
Catch the scenic Iloilo sunset at Iloilo River Esplanade. Recently expanded to 8.1 kilometers from a mere 1.2 kilometers, the Iloilo River Esplanade is another popular attraction of the city. Built to create a safe public space for the residents, it has now become a favorite place of both the locals and tourists for a fun stroll with family and friends. Various establishments like coffee shops, bars and restaurants line up the river along with scenic gardens and jogging and cycling paths.
11.Smallville Complex
Fancying a night out in the city of love? Then head out to Smallville Complex where several hip clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants are all located in a big compound separated only by a 2-minute walk from each other. This is a good place to unwind after a long day of exploring Iloilo City.
ILOILO ITINERARY: DAY 2
For Day 2 in Iloilo, you can make a side trip to Guimaras Island, just 15-minute by boat from Iloilo City. You can do a DIY Guimaras trip, or join a Guimaras day tour from Iloilo.
GUIMARAS TOUR: RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE
Guimaras Island
Despite being a separate island province, Guimaras is only a 15-minute boat ride away from Ortiz Wharf in Iloilo City making it an almost automatic side-trip of tourists visiting Iloilo. You can opt to do a DIY Guimaras day trip or spend a few nights on the islands. Some of the places to see and things to do in Guimaras includes: island hopping, beach bumming, visiting the mango plantation, the Trappist Monastery, snorkeling at Alubihod beach, take an Instagrammable picture at Guisi Lighthouse, see the Guimaras windmills, taste the mango pizza and experience the Manggahan Festival which happens every month of April and May.
RELATED POST: GUIMARAS ITINERARY + TRAVEL GUIDE
| DAY 2 | EXPENSES |
| 7:00 AM | |
| Taxi to Ortiz Port (Iloilo) | ₱100 (SGD 3,$2, €2) |
| Boat to Jordan Port (Guimaras) | ₱15 (SGD 0.41,$0.30, €0.26) |
| Tricycle to Alubihod Beach | ₱300 (SGD 8,$6, €5) |
| Island Hopping Boat (for the 1st 3 hours) | ₱500 (SGD 8,$6, €5) |
| 12:00 PM | |
| Lunch | ₱300 (SGD 8,$6, €5) |
| 01:00 PM | |
| Tricycle to Jordan Port (Guimaras) | ₱300 (SGD 8,$6, €5) |
| Boat to Ortiz Port | ₱15 (SGD 0.41,$0.30, €0.26) |
| Taxi to Hotel | ₱100 (SGD 3,$2, €2) |
| DAY 2 TOTAL EXPENSES | ₱1,630 (SGD 38.82, $28.6, €24.52) |
ILOILO ITINERARY: EXPENSES
| EXPENSES | |
| DAY 1 | ₱2,580 (SGD 70.19, $51.2, €46.14) |
| DAY 2 | ₱1,630 (SGD 38.82, $28.6, €24.52) |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | ₱4,210 (SGD 109.01, $79.72, €70.66) |
ILOILO ITINERARY: DAY 3-4
If you still have more time and budget for your Iloilo trip, you can head to Gigantes Islands for island hopping. You can do a DIY trip or join a group tour.
GIGANTES ISLAND – Iloilo City is also an ideal jump-off place for travelers visiting the Concepcion group of Islands and the Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo (3 hours away).
GIGANTES ISLAND TOUR: RESERVE HERE
HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY
- By Air
There are non-stop flights to Iloilo International Airport from Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Davao. There’s also a direct flight from Singapore to Iloilo.
- By Sea
From Cebu Pier 3 in Cebu City, you may also take a n overnight ferry to Iloilo City.
There are also ferries traveling between Manila and Iloilo.
ILOILO AIRPORT TO ILOILO CITY
From Iloilo International Airport you have the following option to go to Iloilo City proper.
- By Bus
From Iloilo International Airport, you can take a point to point bus to downtown Iloilo.
Bus Ticket: RESERVE HERE
- By Van
If you miss the bus schedule, you also have the option to take a shared or private van to Iloilo City.
Shared/private Airport Transfer: RESERVE HERE
If coming from Fort San Pedro Port (Iloilo Seaport), you may take a private/shared van to Iloilo City proper.
Shared/private Airport Transfer: RESERVE HERE
- By Taxi
Cabs to Iloilo City proper are plenty at Iloilo International Airport.
GETTING AROUND ILOILO CITY
- By Jeepneys
Jeepneys are plenty in Iloilo City and it’s the cheapest way to get around Iloilo City. Rate depends on your destination, but jeepney fare in Iloilo starts at ₱8 ($0.16, €0.14)
- By Tour Package
Taking the jeepney to explore Iloilo City can be quite confusing if you are a first time visitor, better join in one of the group tours that will show you around and beyond Iloilo City. For hassle-free Iloilo tour, you can choose below and book in advance before your Iloilo trip.
Iloilo Tour: RESERVE HERE
Iloilo Pilgrimage Tour: RESERVE HERE
Iloilo Food Tour: RESERVE HERE
Iloilo Farm Tour: RESERVE HERE
Guimaras Day Trip: RESERVE HERE
Carles Day Trip: RESERVE HERE
- By Taxi
If you have the budget, you can explore Iloilo by taxi, always use the meter. But if hiring the taxi for the entire day, negotiate with the driver and make sure you agreed on the price before starting your Iloilo tour.
WHERE TO STAY IN ILOILO CITY
Goldberry Lite Hotel
Location: Iloilo City Proper
ROOM RATES HERE or RESERVE HERE
GT Hotel Iloilo
Location: Iloilo City Proper
ROOM RATES HERE or RESERVE HERE
Harbor Town Hotel
Location: Iloilo City Proper
ROOM RATES HERE or RESERVE HERE
Circle Inn – Iloilo Center
Location: Iloilo City Proper
ROOM RATES HERE or RESERVE HERE
WHERE TO EAT IN ILOILO CITY
Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy
Lost in the “batchoy war” between Deco’s and Ted’s, is a culinary icon of the city: Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy. Serving a bowl-full of goodness at its original location inside La Paz Market, Netong’s has become a must-go-to-eat place by both locals and visitors of Iloilo City since it first opened in the 1940’s. So, when you find yourself in the city of love, do yourself a favor by ordering a mega bowl of La Paz Batchoy and feast yourself to happiness.
Madge Café
A throwback from today’s Instagrammable cafés, Madge Café retains its charming rustic vibe as it remains a huge part of Iloilo City’s coffee culture 50 years after it first opened. Screaming of authenticity notwithstanding its fading wall paints and flooring, this coffee shop—which is also located inside La Paz Market—offers a genuine coffee experience in a stripped back and no-frills environment.
Samurai Talabahan
When traveling to Iloilo City, one must include a stop at a seafood haven. You will be hard-pressed to find something better than Samurai Talabahan. Situated just across Smallville, this popular seafood joint is another local favorite because of its big, sumptuous servings of cheap oysters baked in a myriad of ways. They also serve grilled pork and chicken.
Roberto’s Siopao
Another culinary institution in Iloilo City is Roberto’s Siopao. Known for its oversized pieces of siopao such as Queen Siopao (stuffed with Chinese sausage, pork adobo, bacon and egg); King Siopao (stuffed with ham, chicken, pork adobo, egg and Chinese sausage); Jumbo Siopao (stuffed with chicken sausage, chicken adobo and egg) and the Regular Siopao filled with pork adobo and egg. Located right smack at Iloilo’s heritage district at Basa Street, Roberto’s Siopao also serve other savory dishes.
Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood
Included in almost every “Places to Eat in Iloilo” listicle articles, Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood serves a medley of mouthwatering Filipino native cuisines like their signature native lechon manok, grilled scallops, baked talaba, steamed pasayan, blue marlin, fish tail soup and more. This place is perfect for dining with the whole family or a large group of friends because of their way of serving their food in a fiesta-like atmosphere.
Brewery Gastropub
The local craft beer trend has arrived in Iloilo and it’s all good. Kudos to Brewery Gastropub for further promoting Philippine-brewed beers such as: Boracay Blonde, Guimaras Goose, Dinagyang Pale Ale and more. Because ordering these fine tasting beers requires to be matched with tasteful side dishes, Brewery Gastropub has also come up with a sumptuous menu consisting of fancy dishes like Beer Can chicken, rack of skewers, boneless crispy pata and more. There is no better way to cap off your Iloilo trip by having a local craft beer session at this place.
Breakthrough Restaurant
A must-dine place in Iloilo for travellers craving for the freshest seafood, Breakthrough has sort of become a tourist attraction on its own–owing to the fact that it has been a big part of the city’s culinary culture. Popular dishes here includes the Aligue rice, Managat Fish (red snapper), Imbao clams, fresh oysters cooked in various ways, diwal shells and many more.
WHEN TO GO IN ILOILO
During the monsoon months from June to August, make sure to check out the weather update for upcoming typhoons as the province situates in the path of most storms that makes landfall in the Philippines. Other than that, every month appears to be the best time to visit Iloilo. If you want to mix seeing the tourist spots in Iloilo with a festive event, then you better time your visit with the Dingayang Festival.
Dinagyang Festival
Rock and dance to the stomping drumming beats of this festival, known for its lively music, graceful dances and colorful costumes. Dinagyang Festival, celebrated every fourth Sunday of January is one of the most popular and oldest festivals in the Philippines. This is a good time to experience Iloilo as everyone seemed to be in jovial mood celebrating the festival by dancing in unison to the lively rhythms.
Paraw Regatta
Believed to be Asia’s oldest traditional sea craft, the Paraw Regatta gathers seafarers for a race over the waters of Iloilo Strait from Iloilo City to the island of Guimaras. Aboard colorful Paraw sailboats, in dozens and sometimes numbering to a hundred, it dishes a spectacular sight as each Paraw glides smoothly over the sea.
The design of modern day Paraws still possesses the original design of the Paraw sailboats of the first settlers of Iloilo who came from the island of Borneo in early 13th century. First started in 1973, the Paraw Regatta is celebrated every 3rd weekend of the month of February.
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About the Blogger: Marky Ramone Go is a regular contributor at Happy Philippines (Itinerary & Travel Guide) Blog.
