Jump to: About Iloilo | How to Get There | Things to Do in Iloilo | Sample Itinerary | Budget and Expenses | Where to Stay | Travel Tips
About Iloilo
Iloilo is a province in Western Visayas known for its Spanish-era churches, heritage houses, vibrant festivals like Dinagyang, and world-class cuisine. Dubbed as the “City of Love,” Iloilo City is a gateway to both history and coastal escapes. Whether you're after architecture, food, or beaches — Iloilo has it all.
How to Get to Iloilo
- By Plane: Direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other major cities to Iloilo International Airport (ILO)
- By Ferry: 2GO and other ferries from Manila, Cagayan de Oro, or Bacolod
- By Land: Buses from Roxas, Antique, or Bacolod via RoRo
Top Things to Do in Iloilo
- 🏛️ Visit Miagao Church – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Baroque architecture
- 🏙️ Walk along Calle Real – Iloilo's historic downtown filled with colonial buildings
- 🦐 Go on a La Paz Batchoy and seafood food trip
- ⛪ Explore Jaro Cathedral and Belfry
- 🏝️ Island hop in Gigantes Islands (Carles)
- 🚲 Bike along the Iloilo Esplanade
- 🏞️ Hike at Bucari Pine Forest in Leon
Sample Iloilo Itinerary (2–3 Days)
Day 1: City Heritage Tour- Arrival at Iloilo Airport
- La Paz Batchoy breakfast at Netong’s
- Walk along Calle Real and Plaza Libertad
- Visit Molo Church and Mansions
- Dinner along Iloilo River Esplanade
- Day trip to Miagao Church and San Joaquin Cemetery
- Optional: Bucari Pine Forest visit in Leon
- Seafood lunch at Breakthrough or Tatoy’s
- Travel to Carles (4–5 hrs)
- Island hopping: Cabugao Gamay, Bantigue Sandbar, Antonia Beach
- If you're planning to explore more of Western Visayas, check out my backpacking itinerary in Iloilo and Negros Occidental — complete with travel tips, routes, and budget.
Sample Budget and Expenses
- Roundtrip Flight: ₱2,000–₱4,000 (promo fare)
- Accommodation (2 nights): ₱1,000–₱3,000
- Transportation (taxi/jeep/trike): ₱300–₱500
- Food: ₱150–₱300/meal (Batchoy, seafood, etc.)
- Island Tour (Gigantes): ₱1,000–₱1,500 (joiner)
- Total Budget (2D/1N): ₱3,000–₱5,000+ per person
Where to Stay in Iloilo
- Budget: People’s Hotel, Urban Inn Iloilo
- Mid-range: Go Hotels, Injap Tower Hotel
- Upscale: Seda Atria, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
- Need a hotel in Iloilo City? Find the best Iloilo accommodations via Agoda — filtered by reviews, price, and location.
Travel Tips
- Use jeepneys or Grab for convenient transport within the city
- Weekends are best for island trips — book ahead if going to Gigantes
- Try authentic La Paz Batchoy — Netong's or Deco’s are legendary
- Bring sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and comfortable shoes
- Attend the Dinagyang Festival in January for a cultural spectacle
Final Thoughts
Iloilo combines Spanish-era grandeur, rich culinary traditions, and natural escapes — all in one province. Whether you’re exploring old churches, enjoying seafood by the bay, or island hopping in the north, Iloilo will give you that perfect balance of city and nature. Don’t forget to support local and travel responsibly! Looking for travel ideas across the country? Read my complete guide to visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines — based on my actual travels.