When it comes to tourist destinations in the Philippines, Iloilo Province
is one of those the combines rustic charm and urban feel in a perfect Harmony. From
scenic islands and beaches to cultural and heritage sites—not to mention
extra-delicious food—you’ll get a bit of everything in Iloilo.
For first timers in the province and its capital, Iloilo City—the so-called
“La Muy Leal Y Noble Ciudad” (Most Loyal and Noble City) —it’s best to go for
packaged Iloilo tours for a smoother, faster, and hassle-free
experience. You’re also guaranteed to get value for money! After you’ve found
and booked your ideal tour, it’s time to prepare your itinerary with the help
of this handy guide on where to go in Iloilo.
Calle Real and Various Heritage Sites
Calle Real or J.M. Basa Street is like Ilocos Sur’s Calle Crisologo.
Instead of Spanish colonial houses and buildings, however, Calle Real features
buildings with architecture dating back from the 1800s up to the Commonwealth
era. These well-maintained and recently restored buildings give you a glimpse
of how Ilonggos lived during those times. You can also see the same beauty in
the neighboring streets, as well as in Plaza Libertad.
Other heritage sites and ancestral homes you can visit in Iloilo are
the Lizares Mansion, Casa Mariquit, and Balay Camiña nga Bato. The last of
these is an especially unique treat. The tour of the place includes a meal
featuring authentic Ilonggo cuisine and some of the best hot chocolate you’ll ever
have.
Miag-ao Church and Other Churches
The Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, more popularly known as
the Miag-ao Church, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique yellowish-brown
color is due to the combination of materials used in its construction: adobe,
corals, limestone, and—believe it or not—eggs. It was completed in 1797,
specifically built with thick walls to help protect against the Moros.
Being a Baroque church, the Miag-ao Church features intricate
sculptures and details, including one of St. Christopher on the facade. It’s a
truly unique sculpture, as it features the saint carrying the Child Jesus on
his back while holding onto a coconut tree. On top of the church doors,
meanwhile, is a statue of St. Thomas of Villanueva. Inside, you’ll find a
beautiful gold-plated retablo and gold-and-silver tabernacle.
If you want to go church-hopping, you can also visit the militaristic-lookingSan
Joaquin Church, the Molo Church, as well as the Jaro Cathedral. There are also
plenty of church ruins in Iloilo, like those in Barotac Nuevo, Cabatuan,
Guimbal, Pavia, and Tigbauan.
Guimaras Island
Southwest of Panay and northwest of Negros lies the home of the best
mangoes in the world: Guimaras Island. Indeed, these golden fruits are part of
the booming tourism industry in Guimaras. Visit the Oro Verde Mango Plantation
if you want to see an orchard of healthy mango trees laden with fruits. Moreover,
make sure to try the unique delicacy that is the Mango Pizza (move over,
Hawaiian!).
Guimaras also has plenty of beaches where you can get your dose of
sun, sand, and sea. Some of the most famous are Alubihod Beach, Guisi Beach,
Tatlong Pulo, Natago Beach, and Taklong Island. For historic and cultural
excursions, you can drop by Roca Encantada, the Trappist Monastery, the Balaan
Bukid Shrine, the Holy Family Hills, and the Guisi Lighthouse.
Gigantes Islands
Gigantes Islands or Islas de Gigantes is a remote group of islands on
the Visayan Sea, off the northeast coast of Iloilo. Island hopping is,
obviously, the most famous activity here. Usually included in the tour of isles
are Cabugao Gamay, Antonia Beach, Bantigue Island, and Pawikan Cave. If you
travel in the off-peak season, you’re almost guaranteed to an almost exclusive
experience, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
For those who are a bit more adventurous, try visiting the Pawikan
Cave. The locals say that the cave got its name because of the rock formations
that look like turtle eggs. There’s also the Bakwitan Cave in Gigantes Norte
Island, which was said to have contained huge coffins with gigantic bones
inside. This, they say, is where the island chain got the name. Finally, part
of the island hopping tour is the Tangke Saltwater Lagoon. This picture-perfect
lagoon has majestic rock formations, as well as shallow waters that’s perfect
for swimming.
Dinagyang Festival
Held every fourth Sunday of January, the Dinagyang Festival is one of
the biggest, most colorful festivals in the Philippines. During the early days
of the festival, it was confined to just San Jose Parish. It was meant to
welcome the replica of the original image of the Santo Niño de Cebu and to
celebrate the parish’s then-new devotion to the Santo Niño. Since then, it has
evolved to be a celebration of the entire province’s culture, history,
religion, and heritage. The Dinagyang Festival is not a place, obviously, but
trust us when we say that it’s a definite must when it comes to visiting
Iloilo.
Another moniker for Iloilo’s capital city is actually the City of
Love. One visit and you’ll know that it’s true, not just for the city but for
the whole province, in more ways than one! Book a tour now, and experience all
the best that this lovely province has to offer.
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