Information about Iloilo

Iloilo

Iloilo, the Heart of the Philippines, boasts a multitude of tourist attractions to satisfy every type of traveler's wanderlust. It features unique architectural landmarks and ancestral residences, as well as beautiful beaches and islands and exquisite local food.

Its capital, Iloilo City, is dubbed the Philippines' fastest growing city. However, it is more than just its busy metropolis because Iloilo has scenic rural views, white sand beaches, and historic villages. Visitors may also sample a variety of savory local cuisines.

If you enjoy culture, architecture, islands, and good food, you can add Iloilo to your travel itinerary. If you want to see more of the Philippines, it is also conveniently accessible to and from other top destinations such as Guimaras, Bacolod, Antique, Capiz, and Boracay.

 

Best time to visit

Most Iloilo's attractions are either located outside or require you to board a ferry. This is why the best months to visit Iloilo are November to May. This is for the summer season in the Philippines, which lasts from March to mid-May.

 

Cheapest time to visit Iloilo

The best time to visit Iloilo is from January to June, when the weather is dry and hotels are less expensive. You can also check various accommodations a month before visiting as they might have discounted offers for some of their available rooms.

 

Weather in Iloilo

Iloilo's climate is tropical, with just two seasons: dry and rainy. The surface temperature is 27.1 degrees Celsius. February is the driest month, while August is the rainiest. The warmest month in Iloilo is May, and the coldest temperature is normally felt between December and January, or during the holiday season.

 

Main festival/events in Iloilo

Dinagyang Festival, held on the third or fourth Sunday of January, is one of the Philippines' most famous and oldest festivals. This is an excellent time to visit Iloilo when everybody is in a festive mood, enjoying the festival by dancing in harmony to the vibrant rhythms.

 

When to avoid visiting Iloilo

Iloilo is a great place to visit every year. However, you will not be able to enjoy the experience if you intend to visit the beaches or go on island-hopping tours during the typhoon season, which runs from June to August.

 

How to get to Iloilo

Iloilo is one of the country's most easily accessible provinces, with both domestic and foreign flights landing at the Iloilo International Airport.

There are also ferries that pass to Iloilo via roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) routes from major cities in the Philippines. Its central position in Visayas also allows for easy access from neighboring destinations such as Boracay, Guimaras, Bacolod, and Cebu. Here are several alternatives for getting to Iloilo:

 

Safety in Iloilo

Yes, it is safe to visit Iloilo; but, as with any other province, exercise caution. Pickpocketing is widespread, especially in congested areas. Avoid walking through unfamiliar streets and regions at night, and be cautious of high tides on islands. Always keep your valuables close to you and be alert of your surroundings.

 

Getting around Iloilo

When driving around Iloilo City's tourist sites and other attractions or destinations beyond the city itself, you have a range of choices. The jeepney and taxicabs are the primary modes of transportation for exploring the area. Tricycles and pedicabs may be used for shorter journeys.

Buses and vans are available for longer journeys, such as travel outside of the capital. Car and van rentals are also available throughout the area, allowing you to drive across the province or the Panay Island, of which Iloilo is a member.

 

Food and Drinks

The highlight of every trip to Iloilo is eating the local cuisine. The province has access to new, cheap seafood and is home to regional specialties such as La Paz Batchoy.When in Iloilo, don't lose out on buckets of oysters and scallops, which are better enjoyed during island-hopping tours in Islas de Gigantes.

Diwal, an angel's wing-shaped clam, is another unusual seafood to try in Iloilo. It's only available during the summer.

 

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Iloilo

Iloilo City Proper is situated in the heart of the city. The majority of well-known hotels and accommodations can be found here.

Aside from Molo and Jaro, the Mandurriao district is one of Iloilo City's three main commercial districts. This region has hotels ranging from mid-range to premium.

The La Paz district is renowned for being the birthplace of La Paz Batchoy, the most famous of which can be found at the La Paz Public Market in a restaurant called Netong's.

Molo is home to a number of large colleges, airports, hospitals, and suburban subdivisions. In La Paz, you can select from a variety of budget, mid-range, and premium hotels and lodging.