We will write this 3 Days Iloilo itinerary. Iloilo City is located at the western part of Panay Island and is composed of approximately 1,721 barangays in its 43 towns. Check here to get a discount booking activities and resorts with Klook in the Philippines!
Iloilo is truly a great example of a city growing towards progress without ruining its century-old central business district. Read here where to stay in Iloilo!
Iloilo is surrounded by numerous beaches and resorts that will satisfy your wanderlust. Unlike some of the most crowded and major cities in the Philippines, Iloilo is more laid-back. It is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and just relax.
Driving around the city is a pleasure since the traffic is not as horrible as in Manila. You can even roll your window down and get a whiff of clean, fresh air that your lungs can thank you for, as you enjoy a scenic view of the city as well. Now, doesn’t that sound great? If you’re getting excited to visit Iloilo City, continue reading to learn more about this destination.
SIM CARD AT MANILA AIRPORT
I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Manila airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Manila. Read here Philippines sim card for tourist and best Philippines eSim
WHERE TO STAY IN ILOILO
There are plenty of hotels, inns and resorts in the city and all around the province. For as low as 400-1,000 PHP, you can book modest rooms at dorms, pension houses and B&Bs. Staying at a nice hotel is also inexpensive at 1,300-2,500 PHP. That’s only $24-47 USD per night!
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
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HOW TO GET TO ILOILO
GETTING TO ILOILO CITY BY PLANE
If you are getting to Iloilo City by plane. The fastest way to get to Iloilo City is definitely by plane. From Manila, you can fly to Iloilo for around 3,000 PHP or so for a round trip ticket that lasts an hour. You can purchase cheaper flights online if you decide to book usually 2-3 months before your planned date of visit, go ahead and check out Cebu Pacific.
Also, the weather can be a bit unpredictable. It could be boiling hot during the summer, or too rainy around December to January. So it’s better if you mentally prepare yourself ahead of time, unless those are the type of climates you’re used to then, welcome!
GETTING TO ILOILO CITY FROM ILOILO AIRPORT
If you are getting to Iloilo City from the airport. You can hail a cab and ask to be dropped off at your destination. You can search in advance some rental cars and transportation services you can avail in Iloilo City. The Grab app is widely used in the city as well.
GETTING TO ILOILO CITY BY SHIP/BOAT
If you are getting to Iloilo City by ship. There are regular trips to and from Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod that are headed to Iloilo. The schedule and the trips can be modified and cancelled because of weather conditions, especially during rainy season. Make sure you take a look to the weather in rainy season.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ILOILO
As part of the Philippine archipelago, Iloilo shares the humidity and 2 seasons of the country. It is common sense to travel to a city’s dry season to explore all its best locations without worrying about the rain, but Iloilo is pretty much a year-round destination. The driest months and therefore the best time to visit Iloilo is from January to June.
December is also a good time to visit, but you can expect high rates from hotels during this month. If you want to visit Iloilo during its low season, August is the best time to do so, though you should expect plenty of rain. The warmest months, on the other hand, are April to June.
Whatever month you decide to visit. Make sure to have sunscreen with you as the heat of the sun is different in tropical and Asian countries like the Philippines. Stay hydrated at all times, too!
Click here to know more about the weather in Iloilo!
DAILY BUDGET TO VISIT ILOILO
Fortunately, the cost of living in Iloilo is pretty low, especially compared to other island destinations. Decent meals can be afforded at 100-200 PHP and beer is also readily available at 40-60 PHP. Pretty cheap, right? Moving around Iloilo also isn’t a problem with the abundance of transportation options here. You can start your trip with the flat rate of 9 PHP on the jeepney and 40 PHP on a taxi.
There are plenty of hotels, inns and resorts in the city and all around the province. For as low as 400-1,000 PHP, you can book modest rooms at dorms, pension houses and B&Bs. Staying at a nice hotel is also inexpensive at 1,300-2,500 PHP. That’s only $24-47 USD per night!
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH BOOKING AND WITH AGODA.
Check here to get a discount booking activities and resorts with Klook in the Philippines!
TRANSPORTATION AROUND ILOILO
Commuting around Iloilo and to other nearby locations is very easy and convenient. The province is highly accessible and is actually a transportation hub in Western Visayas. You can get pretty much everywhere without any hassle as there are several terminals dedicated to various towns and areas in Iloilo.
TRANSPORTATION AROUND ILOILO BY BUS
You can reach as far as Manila when you ride a bus from Iloilo. How, you ask? Thanks to the RORO, the ship vessels that carry land vehicles across the seas, it is possible. From Tagbak Terminal (the biggest one in Iloilo), you can go to Manila and Boracay. A trip to Boracay lasts around 5 hours while going to Manila costs around 765 PHP.
Buses here also have trips to other cities in the province like Anilaw, Batad, Dingle and Estancia. You can also take a minibus or van to various destinations in Iloilo.
TRANSPORTATION AROUND ILOILO BY JEEPNEY
Jeepneys are the #1 mode of transportation all over the country. These vehicles travel all sorts of routes and distances, and have the cheapest fares compared to buses and vans. As a transportation hub, Iloilo City has plenty of jeepney terminals with trips all over the province. Mohon Terminal and Iloilo Terminal Market has jeepneys headed to Southern Iloilo towns like Guimbal, Oton, Tigbauan and San Joaquin.
Those visiting Alimodian, Leon and San Miguel can take the jeeps and vans at Ungka Terminal, Pavia People’s Terminal, Hibao-an Terminal, and Jaro Big Market. These terminals are bound to Central Iloilo. Prices of the jeepney are starting from 8.50 PHP in Iloilo the minimum fare.
Read here our 27 favorite Instagrammable places in the Philippines!
MORE TRANSPORTATION AROUND ILOILO
We used Grab to move around Iloilo since we were having luggage and we had to change the jeepney it was more comfortable. Prices going to the bus station were around 150-200 PHP.
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DAY 1 ILOILO ITINERARY
There are many amazing Iloilo tourist spots to visit and things to do in Iloilo, so take the challenge and maximize your precious time learning about the city’s history and culture, sampling its tasty cuisine, and seeing calm beaches. For the first day after getting to the airport and transfer to your hotel.
You can start exploring the first tourist spots in Iloilo and trying the local food. You can go to city center and explore around Molo Church, walking around the esplanade and also Jaro Cathedral. If you have time you can explore Garin Farm.
For food the most popular dishes are batchoy and Molo Pancit. We have to say that we loved both of them and it’s a must to try when visiting Iloilo.
Check here to get a discount booking activities and resorts with Klook in the Philippines!
ST. ANNE PARISH CHURCH / MOLO CHURCH
Molo Church is known to be a feminist church or Church of the Women because the images of the saints in the church are all female. Built in 1831, the structure is made of white coral and has been well-preserved since.
It was declared a national landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1992. The church was so well-constructed that it withstood several strong earthquakes in the past.
JARO CATHEDRAL
Jaro Cathedral, formally known as Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles, was previously destroyed by an earthquake. It was repaired by the first Archbishop of Jaro.
One of Iloilo City’s cherished icons, the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral is famous for its wonderful design and devoted church-goers.
WALK AROUND ILOILO ESPLANADE
You can start walking from Molo Church for a lengthy stroll to Esplanade and you might catch Iloilo’s beautiful sunset from there. It is located along Diversion Road in the Mandurriao District, and it is one of the best spots to visit in Iloilo City.
VISIT MOLO MANSION
The main heritage house in Iloilo located in Molo Plaza. It’s been preserved from the outside and inside. It has a daily souvenirs store and it’s perfect to buy passalubong.
GARIN FARM
This is a perfect place for family, friends and people who love nature and outdoor activities. It is also ideal for those into educational travel, especially in matters like farming and agriculture.
This is a great place to relax, replenish and meditate as you bring yourself closer to nature. Garin Farm is an inland resort in Purok 2, San Joaquin, Iloilo.
The famous imitation of how heaven would look like is a wonderful place to pray and even take pictures. The farm also offers different leisure activities like boating, zip line and fishing.
The resort also dedicated a piece of land that perfectly depicts the meaning of the traditional Filipino song “Bahay Kubo” which enumerates the many vegetables grown in the country.
HOME OF BATCHOY
Yes, Iloilo City is the home of the famous Filipino delicacy called batchoy, a noodle soup. It is a must-try in Iloilo City and the best batchoy can be found at Netong’s Original Special Lapaz Batchoy in, La Paz Martket, La Paz, Iloilo, It is one of the greatest staple food in the province and will always be one of the favorites of every Filipino and Ilonggo.
Travel tip: The most authentic batchoy in Iloilo can be found inside La Paz Public Market at Netong’s. You can also try other restaurants like Ted’s and Deco’s..
MOLO MANSION CAFE
Walking around Molo Plaza is a must to visit Molo Mansion and Molo Mansion Cafe were you can relax and have ice cream, coffee or trying local food in a quiet spot in Iloilo City.
MOLO PANCIT
One of our favorites dishes in Iloilo City. It’s a soup dish made of meat-filled dumplings, shredded chicken and a robust broth. You can combine with penauts and onions.
DAY 2-3 ITINERARY IN ILOILO
You can go for a day trip to Guimaras Island but we recommend you to stay overnight. You can do island hopping and explore around the island. It’s so close to Iloilo City and you can get 15 minutes boat to get there.
Once in Guimaras Island you can move around tricycle and jeepney. We recommend you to try mango pizza and mango delicacies at the Pitstop Restaurant the most popular one in Guimaras Island.
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GUIMARAS ISLAND
Guimaras is considered as one of the most visited exotic places in the Philippines. Located southwest of Panay Island and northwest of Negros Island, Guimaras has a dry and wet season. Hiligaynon is the native dialect but the locals can write and speak English and Filipino very well.
Guimaras mangoes are among the sweetest in the world! If you want to you try the best mangoes in the island, visit Oro Verde Mango Plantation, where more than thousands of trees are rooted in the land’s rich soil and produce these famous fruits.
Click here to get the best deals in Guimaras Island!
You can enjoy a beautiful Guimaras Island hopping. As we mentioned Guimaras is Mango Province, you can try delicious mangoes and the Unique Mango Pizza.
You can also book your accommodations in Guimaras Island through Agoda or Booking.
DINE AT THE PITSTOP RESTAURANT
This may sound odd but you have to taste their Mango Pizza and Mango Beef Bulalo. After all, mangoes are the most famous food in nearby Guimaras Island so this is one of the best food you’ll ever taste in Iloilo City. I guarantee it will become one of your favorites! You can visit the restaurant at SM Iloilo Southpoint.
MANGO DELICACIES
We mentioned above about Mango Pizza and Mango Bulalo but as it’s so closed to Guimaras Island. You will have the opportunity to try mango desserts too at Pitstop in SM Iloilo City.
MORE DAYS IN YOUR ILOILO ITINERARY
VISITING MIAG-AO CHURCH
Considered one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the Philippines and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site is The Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova, more famously known as Miag-ao Church.
It is an architectural treasure especially because of the sculptural relief carved on the church’s facade. Miag-ao church is 30-45 minutes away from Iloilo city and can be reached through south-bound jeepneys from Mohon Terminal.
SWIMMING IN NADSADJAN FALLS
Wanna go somewhere cool? Located in Igbaras is a 100-foot tall waterfall that attracts tourists from all over. Nadsadjan Falls is the perfect place to cool off during the summer and the unspoiled beauty of its waters and surroundings are worth the 45-minute trek along the river.
ISLAS DE GIGANTES (GIGANTES ISLANDS)
Because of their remote location, the Gigantes Islands still offer that off-the-beaten track appeal, with uncrowded beaches, a lagoon hidden within rock formations, and all-you-can-eat seafood.
Click here to get the best deals for accommodation in Gigantes Islands!
HOW TO GET TO GIGANTES ISLAND
1. From the IloIlo International Airport, take a taxi or van then take another public vehicle from either SM IloIlo or Tagbak Terminal. It may take 30 minutes or so depending on the traffic.
2. From Tagbak Terminal, you may choose to take a bus or a van going to Estancia. We suggest riding a van since it is faster and cheaper compared to a bus ride. Travel time takes 2 and a half hours.
3. Once you arrive at Estancia, ride a tricycle going to the port. This trip may take less than 15 minutes.
4. You will then ride a passenger boat going to Gigantes Islands which operates daily at 1 PM. The boat ride usually lasts 2 hours.
5. Welcome to Gigantes Islands! You may now ride a habal-habal going to your resort.
You may visit the famous Cabugao Gamay Island, one of the most featured islands of Gigantes. You can definitely expect crystal clear waters here and a few tourists or visitors if you travel in their low season. Another famous place to visit in the island is the North Gigantes Island Lighthouse which gives you an amazing view of the sea through the lighthouse.
It is one of the twenty-seven lighthouses that were commissioned by Spaniards during their era in the Philippines, and visiting here will feel like traveling back through time. Feeling a bit adventurous? Visit Pawikan Cave. The locals said that the cave was named “Pawikan” because of its rock formations resembling giant turtle eggs.
Last but not the least, Tangke Salt Water Lagoon is a spot famous for its amazing rock formation. There’s also a really cool swimming spot in its shallow waters. The place is totally Instagram-able. Yay!
Read here a full blog post how to get to Gigantes Island!
EXPLORING THE CONCEPCION ISLANDS
While the Gigantes Islands of Carles are a big hit among tourists from all over, there’s another group of islands that are yet to be discovered by most travelers.
The Concepcion Islands of Bulubadiangan and Pan de Acuzar are around 3 hours away from Iloilo City but is well worth the trip for its stunning views, unspoiled beaches and, best of all, the piece and quiet of a destination that’s off the beaten path.
SEEING THE KULIATAN MARINE SANCTUARY
A protected area that’s less than 2 hours away from Iloilo city is the Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary at San Joaquin. This hidden 2-hectare paradise are excellent swimming and snorkeling spots with a an entrance fee of only 50 PHP per person. There are cottages that can be rented for a day and for overnight stays at 50-750 PHP.
GO HIKING AT BUCARI PINE FOREST
Frequented by visitors participating in team building activities, family outings or camping trips is Bucari Pine Forest. It is also known as the Baguio of Panay Island but is not as crowded or cramped.
The site has a beautiful pine forest and a 2- to 3-hour trek leading to Combong Waterfalls. There’s also a trek to the viewing deck that lasts less than 1 hour and offers panoramic views of Bucari.
VISITING TANGKE SALTWATER LAGOON
Reminiscent of the world-class lagoons of Palawan, Tangke Saltwater Lagoon is a hidden spot located at Islas de Gigantes Sur that’s sure to take your breath away. The lagoon is a very picturesque destination with beautiful rock formations and turquoise blue waters.
Tangke Saltwater Lagoon can be reached through an hour-long ride on a pumpboat from Estancia.
EXPLORING PAWIKAN CAVE
Another gorgeous destination in Islas de Gigantes Sur is Pawikan Cave, a subterranean site the got its name from from the rock formations that are shaped like a turtle (or pawikans) eggs. According to stories, this is where soldiers of the Japanese Imperial Army hid their gold bars that are part of the legendary Yamashita treasure.
The trail to Pawikan Cave involves very steep cliffs and a forest sits on its entrance, making the cave quite hard to reach but well worth the adventure.
VISITING POTOTAN ASTRODOME
It’s always nice to find a nice place to chill with the family whenever visiting a new destination. Pototan Astrodome is just that, with its lagoon, skating rink, spacious greens and basketball court. Locals and tourists converge at Pototan Astrodome for a good time.
SWIMMING IN WATERWORLD ILOILO
Another fun and exciting place for the family in Iloilo is WaterWorld. For just 350 PHP, you will have access to the most amazing slides and rides and 50 PHP gets you a spacious locker to put all your belongings in. WaterWorld is the perfect place for a fun, thrilling and carefree day in Iloilo.
SNORKELING IN SICOGON ISLAND
Ever dreamed of visiting an island with a seemingly endless stretch of sand, a lush forest and gorgeous blue waters? Then head on out to Sicogon Island, a paradise in Northern Iloilo.
There are so many places to visit here aside from the beach like the ruins of a luxury hotel and Mount Opao, a beutiful mountain with a forest, a natural spring and a bare rock summit that can be reached in 1-2 hours.
VISITING THE LIGHTHOUSE RUINS OF CALABAZAS
Part of the Aguy Islands is Calabazas, a scenic spot that’s only an hour and 30 minutes away from Iloilo City. Here you will see the famous ruins of a lighthouse built in the Spanish era. The old lighthouse has been replaced by a tourelle tower built on top of a hill and offers gorgeous views of the Guimaras Strait.
ZIPLINING AT DAMIRES HILLS
Damires Hills Tierra Verde Farm Resort is a popular destination in Iloilo City where you can bring friends and family and have a wonderful time. There are exciting things to do in Damires Hills like going on a canopy walk, ziplining for 200 or 300 PHP (sitting or superman position) and riding an ATV.
There’s also two swimming pools in Damires Hills for those who just want to relax. The farm resort is the perfect place to stay overnight and just enjoy nature.
WHERE TO STAY IN ILOILO? CLCIK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION WITH BOOKING.
WHERE TO STAY IN ILOILO CITY: HOTELS IN ILOILO CITY PHILIPPINES
AURORA 2013 GUESTHOUSE
We stayed at Aurora 2013 Guesthouse and to be honest it was amazing. The location was great sleeping in a quite neighborhood just one jeepney ride of Jairo Cathedral and Molo Plaza.
The rooms were quite big, the staff was very welcome and made us feel as at home. The breakfast were one of our favorite food in Iloilo. If you book in this place you will understand why the are Number 1 in Agoda and Tripadvisor Reviews. Prices are starting 1700-2000 PHP.
GO HOTELS ILOILO
The rooms at Go Hotels Iloilo come with air conditioning, a personal safe, and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. It also has a private bathroom with towels. 15-minute drive from SM City Iloilo and 6-minute from SM Delgado, Go Hotels Iloilo offers a 24-hour front desk, parking, and free WiFi in the entire hotel.
At Go Hotels Iloilo, guests can approach the friendly staff for assistance with luggage storage, laundry service and car rental arrangements. A common lounge area is also available. Their rooms are affordable for just $26 a night! Great option as cheap hotels in Iloilo City.
Click here to check their rates and availability!
RICHMONDE HOTEL ILOILO
The rooms at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo are equipped with a cable TV, a desk, and a safety deposit box. A private bathroom with free toiletries are provided for guests. Some rooms offer a tumble dryer and a seating area. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can help guests with any queries that they may have. Currency exchange and luggage storage may also be arranged for guests at the reception.
Guests can enjoy the buffet breakfast at the on-site restaurant, The Granary. The restaurant and bar serves international cuisines. Their deluxe room costs $109 a night.
Click here to know their rates and availability!
J7 HOTEL
Offering free WiFi, J7 Hotel offers rooms in Iloilo City, 1.9 mi from Calle Real. Providing a restaurant, the property also has a terrace. The accommodations offers a 24-hour front desk. The units in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels.
Each room includes a private bathroom and free toiletries, and certain rooms are fitted with a balcony. All units at J7 Hotel include air conditioning and a desk. A à la carte, Asian or Italian breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Their room’s price starts at $80 a night.
Click here to check their rates and availability!
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Happy Travels!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.