I traveled to Iloilo a few years back for a story. The story was actually about the indigenous people of Antique called Ati, but during that time I spent a lot of time roaming around Iloilo.
The city has a unique charm and I particularly love the food – Lapaz Batchoy and Chicken Inasal.
Iloilo is a province located in the Western Visayas, just in the center of the Philippines. This is one of the four provinces that composed Panay island. It has a rich culture with colorful festivals like Dinagyang as well as some small celebrations within towns honoring Sto. Nino. It is also becoming popular for its beautiful islands and beaches, on of these is Isla De Gigantes. But those who have explored the province will attest that there is more than Isla De Gigantes, more pristine beaches and islands are yet to be uncovered in Iloilo.
So, if you’re from Manila and planning to explore Iloilo, you can either do it via boat or flight depending on your preference, time and budget. This blog post will show you how.
Credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons
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Manila to Iloilo via ferry or boat (2GO Travel)
2GO Travel is the popular sea-travel provider in the Philippines that offers trips from Manila North Harbor Pier 4 to Iloilo.
They offer thrice weekly trips to Iloilo from Manila. That’s every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. They also offer different accommodation from Super Value Class, Mega Value Class, Tourist Class, Business Class for 8, Business Class for 4, Stateroom for 2, and Suite Room.
Fare is PHP 1,676.71 for Super Value Class and can be as much as PHP 7,175.46 for the Suite Room Accommodation with VAT. Please see below schedule and Fare Breakdown.
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| Accommodation | Net Fare |
|---|---|
| Super Value Class | Php 1,204.21 |
| Mega Value Class | Php 1,293.50 |
| Tourist Class | Php 1,427.42 |
| Business Class for 8 | Php 1,785.46 |
| Business Class for 4 | Php 1,785.46 |
| Stateroom for 2 | Php 5,653.09 |
| Suite Room | Php 6,113.81 |
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| Day | Time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM | Manila to Iloilo |
| Thursday | 10:00 PM | Manila to Iloilo |
| Friday | 11:00 AM | Manila to Iloilo |
Manila to Iloilo by Flight
Since Iloilo is considered a major Philippine destination, all 3 flight carriers have daily trips to Iloilo from Manila. These airlines are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia.
Check these airlines’ website for booking.
Hotels in Iloilo
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Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
Richmonde Hotel Iloilo promises a satisfying retreat. Located within the robust city center, the Iloilo Business Park, this hotel offers a delightful experience of staying within a budding economic district yet still close to Iloilo’s rich cultural heritage and delectable cuisine.
This hotel is just 2 kilometers away from Jaro Cathedral, Iloilo Convention Center, Plazuela de Iloilo and the famous mall, SM City Iloilo. It has 149 rooms with complete amenities for your relaxing stay. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Address: Megaworld Boulevard corner Enterprise Road Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo.
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Seda Atria
As guests delight with Iloilo’s heritage, Seda Atria is giving them the unique class and comfort with its service and amenities.
Seda Atria is just a kilometer away from SM City Iloilo, Qualimed Hospital and Iloilo Convention Center. It has 150 rooms that offers free wifi and all other amenities for the guests’ comfort. They also have an in house restaurant, fitness center and a bar. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Address: Donato Pison Ave, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo
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Urban Sands Iloilo
This is pretty unique among the other hotels in Iloilo for its beach and relaxing vibe. Urban Sands Iloilo is indeed near the Iloilo river and the shore so why not embrace the summer and beach vibe? Aside from that, this hotel is proud of its quality service as well as its relaxing pool and Jacuzzi.
It also offers an in-house restaurant and a bar for those who want to eat and chill. Urban Sands Iloilo is all about the awesome experience. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE
Address: M.H del Pilar St, Molo, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo
Iloilo Tourist Spots
Miagao Church
Probably one of the most popular churches in Iloilo for its stunning Baroque style. Miagao Church is known as Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church, which was built on 1797 made of corals, eggs and limestones. It has an impressive façade with images of saints as well as sculptures showing the native flora and fauna. The two bell towers also depict beauty as well as the interior of the church with its golden coated retablo.
Isla De Gigantes
Undoubtedly the most famous tourist destination of Iloilo for its picturesque view and pristine beach. Located in the town of Carles, Isla De Gigantes is the most photographed spot in the province, as tourists are continuously delighted by its stunning views. On top of the rock formation is the viewing area offering a 360 degrees view of the entire island.
Museo Iloilo
I know that Iloilo is in itself a province that is rich in culture and heritage for its old structures and churches, but if you crave for more history and culture, you can visit Museo Iloilo.
It houses collection of artifacts, religious images, paintings and structures that show rich heritage of Iloilo. For history enthusiasts, the museum also displays war relics, tradeware from China and remains of Mondo tribe. These will not only give you the right knowledge about history but will also make you feel appreciative of our past as Filipinos and as a nation.
Iloilo has more tourist spots and attractions that you have to visit like Jaro Cathedral, Calle Real, Molo Church, Iloilo River Esplanade, Agno Island and many more.
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