Buzz
Experience the allure of Iloilo through the enchanting Iloilo River Esplanade – a serene path winding along the riverbank.
In Iloilo lies its grandest river, linking all its districts, where a tranquil tree-lined pathway invites leisurely strolls or picture-perfect moments.
Enter the realm of Casa Mariquit – the wooden abode of a former Philippine Vice President.
At first glance, Casa Mariquit may seem like any other house in Iloilo, but it boasts a rich history dating back to 1803. Initially built by Ramon Javellana, it later became the residence of his granddaughter Mariquit and her husband Fernando Lopez, who served as Vice President of the Philippines in the 1950s.
Concealed behind an ancient banyan tree, this wooden dwelling exudes coolness and preserves a plethora of family memorabilia.
Address: Santa Isabel St., Jaro, Iloilo City
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (daily)
Entrance Fee: Php 50
Wind Farm – Fields of Wind Turbines
The Wind Farm is a must-visit destination in Iloilo, Philippines. Like other wind farms, it offers expansive vistas, perfect for capturing timeless photographs. Opt for Jeepneys or Tricycles to add a distinctive touch to your photos!
Galeon Making – Handcrafting Village
Galeon Making is renowned for its artisanal production of handmade boats. Visitors can experience the craft-making process and purchase affordable souvenirs. Notably, the prices of boats here are very reasonable, starting from approximately Php 300 (around 130,000 Vietnamese Dong).
Discover the Baroque marvel of Miagao Church – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
When in Iloilo, you'll encounter timeless ancient churches steeped in history, like the magnificent Miagao Church – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Carved entirely from stone and meticulously preserved, Baroque Miagao, also known as the Honeycomb Church or the Sto. Tomas the Villanueva Paris, stands as a symbol of faith for the people of Iloilo.
Explore Guimaras Island
Guimaras is a charming island province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region, known as the smallest province in the area. Situated in the Panay Gulf, amidst the larger islands of Panay and Negros, it boasts breathtaking scenery. Getting to Guimaras is a quick 10 to 15-minute ferry ride from Iloilo Port. Once there, you'll have the chance to experience an unspoiled way of life, untouched by tourism. You can also find tour operators offering trips to explore smaller, pristine islands, where you can spend 1.5 to 2 hours discovering three more untouched islands, indulging in snorkeling and swimming to your heart's content.
WHAT TO EAT IN ILOILO
Savor Batchoy at Netong's Restaurant
Batchoy stands as Iloilo's most famous dish, with locals saying, 'You haven't been to Iloilo until you've tasted Batchoy.' Similar to Vietnamese Hu Tieu, it's served with fresh noodles and comes with complimentary broth refills, allowing you to indulge to your heart's content.
Sample a variety of mango dishes
Mango reigns supreme in Iloilo, with the city even hosting an annual Mango Festival. Mangoes are plentiful and are transformed into delectable dishes like Pizza, Spaghetti, juices, and more. You'll find mangoes sold along the streets at very affordable prices, ranging from Php 80 - 100 per kilogram.
Heaven's Kitchen Restaurant
This unique restaurant serves Vietnamese cuisine in Iloilo, founded by a Filipino who lived in Vietnam for 7 years and employs Vietnamese chefs. Heaven's Kitchen resembles the ambiance of eateries in Hoi An, specializing in Vietnamese delights such as pho, beef noodles, spring rolls, salads, and more. Be sure to order conservatively, as the portions are generous.
Ponsyon by Breakthrough Restaurant
This restaurant is located within a shopping complex, reminiscent of Vietnam's bustling Ben Thanh Market. You can combine a stroll through the city center with a visit here. The food caters to Vietnamese tastes and offers a wide variety.
WHAT TO BUY IN ILOILO
Mangoes and mango products
Mangoes are abundant in Iloilo and are sold at a reasonable price, around Php 80-100 per kilogram.
Additionally, you can purchase other mango products such as dried mangoes, mango candies, mango cakes, mango sauces, etc., which are widely available.
Handcrafted boats
Available at Galeon Making – renowned for crafting handmade boats, the prices here are very affordable, starting from around Php 300 (approximately 130,000 Vietnamese dong).
Varieties of pastries at Deocampos Barquillos
Visit Deocampos Barquillos to witness the pastry-making process and purchase a wide array of pastries, making for an interesting gift option. The pastry artisans will gladly let you try making your favorite pastry and sample them on the spot.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
– Like other places in the Philippines, you'll notice tight security measures everywhere, which is normal. Entering malls requires bag checks, and boarding ferries or boats requires registering your name in a logbook.
– When dining out, never take anything from other tables. For instance, if a table runs out of napkins or toothpicks, ask the server for more instead of taking some from neighboring tables. This is something the locals there don't appreciate.
– It's advisable to bring medication, as the abundance of mangoes here might lead to excessive indulgence and potential mouth sores.
– You don't need to worry about food here as it's quite similar to Vietnam.
– Locals can speak English, so you don't have to worry about communication.
From Mytour
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourJune 20, 2018
