Iloilo City

This highly urbanized provincial city has retained its Spanish roots through the many transformations its has gone through. You can see it in the city streets, the old Spanish-style houses, the river esplanade where couples go to stroll, and the hauntingly beautiful churches that you can find throughout the city.

The locals you’ll meet are warm and are always ready with a kind smile. Even the local language, with it’s sing-song tone, sounds gentle here.

If you ever have the chance to stop by this great city, don’t forget to make the most out of it. Marvel at the beauty of old Spanish churches like Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, San Joaquin Church, Miag-ao Church, Guimbal Church, St. Anne Parish Church, and Tigbauan Church.

Discover Iloilo’s roots at Museo de Iloilo. Explore beautiful beaches like Islas de Gigantes and Guimaras, which are only a few a hours away.

They call it the City of Love and once you’ve experienced what the city has to offer, you’ll know this to be true.

Fast Facts

• Public Transportation: Jeepneys, Taxis, Tricycles, Buses
• Languages/Dialect: Ilonggo/Hiligaynon, English, Tagalog
• Payment Options: Cash, Credit/Debit Card
• Known For: Dinagyang Festival, Lapaz Batchoy, Chicken inasal, Pancit Molo, Spanish Era Churches

What to Know Before Visiting

• The city usually holds fun runs to promote a healthy lifestyle. They are also promoting the use of bikes and are aiming to become a bike-friendly city in the future.
• Ilonggos are known to be frugal with their money so it’s best to always offer to split the bill.
• Along Iloilo City’s esplanade, one can join taebo and zumba classes for free.
• Aside from nearby local beaches, Iloilo City is also very near the popular beaches of Islas de Gigantes, Guimaras, and Boracay.

Best Time to Visit Iloilo City

Summer season is the best time to visit this beautiful city. With the sun shining and clear skies, you can enjoy tours around the city’s historical sites, churches, and local spots. You can also go on side trips to beaches that are only a few hours away.

To catch the famous Dinagyang Festival, always keep the fourth Sunday of January free on your schedule and join in on the fun celebrations.

How to Go to Iloilo City

By Air

To get to Iloilo City, book a direct flight from Manila to Iloilo International Airport. Airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Airasia have daily schedules for this domestic route so it won’t be too difficult to catch a flight even if you’re booking last minute.

To get to the city proper from the airport, just ride a taxi, jeepney, or bus.

By Land

To get around the city, you can use the services of taxis and jeepneys. To get to more specific parts of barangays, that’s when the popular tricycles come in. Buses are usually used to get to and fro other nearby towns and municipalities.

By Sea

If you’re coming from Manila, 2GO, Negros Navigation, and Cokaliong ferry lines have direct routes to the city.

If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, you can ride the RoRo bus from Metro Manila with a ferry departing from Batangas Port. Nearby provinces like Cebu and Dumaguete also have ferries with routes headed to Iloilo.