INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

Iloilo is often called as the "Heart of the Philippines." This is especially true in its multifaceted collection of tourist spots and attractions. Iloilo’s rich heritage is showcased in its delicious cuisine, treasured historical buildings, cultural traditions, captivating natural landscapes, and in many exciting festivals celebrated throughout the province. Intrepid travelers who come to visit often discover that all the best reasons, why travelers love to visit the Philippines, can be experienced in Iloilo.

Iloilo City is a tourist hub where the best restaurants, museums, hotels, shopping districts, and nightlife in the province await. It is most known for the annual Dinagyang Festival, exquisite heritage sites, deliciously fresh seafood, and signature Ilonggo dishes. The city is also home to many Spanish-colonial churches, grand vintage houses, and old commercial and institutional buildings dating back to its heyday as the “Queen City of the South.”

Venture outside the city to experience Iloilo’s friendly countrysides and hidden gems. Iloilo Province is filled with many natural and cultural spots worth exploring.

Iloilo’s 13 Best Beaches and Island Destinations

Iloilo’s 13 Best Beaches and Island Destinations

Like most destinations in the Pacific, Iloilo’s coast is blessed with many beautiful beaches and off-shore islands that teems with scenic seascapes and a rich marine life. From iloilo’s northern islands to the province’s southern beaches, paradise awaits the curious traveler.

Cabugaw Gamay Island in Gigantes, Carles.

Picturesque beaches are scattered across the seafood rich waters of Northern Iloilo. The coastal towns of Carles, Estancia, Concepcion, and Ajuy are home to the best islands including Islas de Gigantes , Sicogon, Bulubadiangan (Sandbar), Agho, and Marbuena. Grey sand and pebble beaches also abound in the mainland coast of Balasan, Batad, San Dionisio, Barotac Viejo, Banate, and Anilao. Land travel takes up to 3 hours from Iloilo City to Carles, the farthest town in Northern Iloilo. From there, a ferry crossing takes up to 2 hours to get to the most popular islands. 

Pebble beach in San Joaquin.

Head over to the southern coast of mainland Iloilo to find well-preserved marine sanctuaries in San Joaquin and peaceful gray sand beaches in Miagao, Guimbal, Tigbauan, and Oton. They might not be as popular as Northern Iloilo’s, but they are great to visit if you’re looking for a peaceful beach setting that can be reached more easily from Iloilo City. They are also a nice stopover if you’re planning to go overland to Antique. Travel time to San Joaquin, the farthest town, is around 1 to 1.5 hours. 

Gigantes Islands

is a remote group of islands that is part of Carles town in Northern Iloilo. They are currently the most popular island destination in the entire province and sought after for their pristine white sand beaches, mystical rock formations, and fresh seafood. The tourist circuit typically includes Cabugao Gamay Island, Antonia Beach, and Tangke, but there are a lot more islands and beaches to explore for adventure seekers. Travel time to Gigantes  takes around 5-6 hours from Iloilo on a land and ferry connection. 

Concepcion Islands

Before the rapid rise of tourism in Gigantes, the islands of Concepcion were actually the better known between the two. There are 16 beautiful islands in Concepcion including Bulubadiangan (Sandbar), Pan de Azucar, Agho, Malangabang, and Baliguian. In addition to inviting white sand beaches, the area is quite special because of the scenic presence of majestic Mt. Manaphag in Pan de Azucar Island that towers over the islandscape. Getting to Concepcion takes up to 2.5 hours from Iloilo City. From there, a ferry crossing to the main islands may take 30 minutes to 1 hour.

  Ajuy Islands

If coming from Iloilo City, the islands of Ajuy are the most easily reached in Northern Iloilo. The most famous in this cluster is Marbuena Island, which is home to a lovely island resort. Ajuy’s other islands include the fishing community of Nasidman, and Calabazas where visitors can find the ruins of a Spanish-era lighthouse ruins. Travel time from Iloilo City to Ajuy mainland takes up to 1 hour. Then, it is another 30-minute ferry crossing to the islands. 

Cabugao Gamay

Cabugao Gamay is a small island located two kilometers off the coast of Isla deGigantes Sur in Carles, Iloilo. Seen from afar, its peculiar shape and inherent beauty is sure to attract the curiosity of most travelers. An easily conquered foot trail leads to the top of a hill that provides a gorgeous view of the island’s white sand beach and emerald green waters. Getting to Cabugao Island takes up to 45 minutes by ferry from Gigantes Norte Island where most resorts in Gigantes are located. 

Antonia Beach

A beautiful white sand beach found at a secluded corner of GigantesSur. The waters surrounding Antonia turns into a mesmerizing turquoise color under sunny morning skies. It is an excellent place for swimming, picnics, and beach camping. Getting to Antonia beach takes up to 45 minutes from Gigantes Norte.

Gigantes Sur

.Gigantes Sur along with Gigantes Norte, are the two biggest islands in the area. Most of Gigantes’ major tourist spots can be found on or off the shore of the southern coast of Gigantes Sur. These include the placid waters of Tangke Lagoon, enchanting caverns of Pawikan Cave, white sand stretch of Antonia Beach, shifting sandbar of Bantigue, and the popular Cabugao Gamay Island

Gigantes Norte

Gigantes Norte is home to the biggest cluster of resorts in theGigantes group of islands. In addition to being a popular base for island hopping tours, a few interesting spots could also be found within the island like the Spanish-era lighthouse ruins on its northern shores and Bakwitan Cave on the southern half. Gigantes Norte is around 1.5-2 hours from mainland Carles.

Bulubadiangan (Sandbar) Island

Bulubadiangan or “sandbar” island is a popular island attraction in Concepcion. Many local and foreign tourists visit the island for its clear blue waters and a long white sandbar that shapeshifts depending on the direction of the wind. There is a resort in the island called Sandbar Island Beach Resort, which is a good base to explore the other islands of Concepcion. A ferry crossing to Bulubadiangan takes around 30 minutes from the mainland. 

Agho Island

Agho Island is a small parcel of paradise found in Concepcion. It has an extensive white sand beach and a sprawling coral garden. The island also has a shifting sandbar similar to Bulubadiangan. In terms of the fineness and whiteness of the sandy beach, Agho is perhaps the best in Northern Iloilo. What makes it even more beautiful is a gorgeous view of Mt. Pan de Azucar its surrounding islands. From mainland Concepcion, getting to Agho by ferry takes up to 1 hour. 

Sicogon

Sicogon Island in Carles is one of the many beautiful attractions in Northern Iloilo. It became a popular tourist destination during the 70s and 80s because of the high-end resort suitably named “Sicogon Island Resort” that operated in the island. Sicogon has many white sand and cream-colored beaches that had largely become clear of tourist crowds after the resort closed down. Currently, Ayala Land is developing Sicogon as a tourism estate with residential buildings, retail shops, forest trails, diving spots, an airport with a 1.2-kilometer runway and a jetty. A ferry ride to Sicogon from Estancia mainland takes around 1 hour. From Gigantes the ferry crossing should take up to 2 hours.

 Marbuena Island

Marbuena Island in Ajuy is home to Marbuena Island Resort. It also has a gleaming white sandbar that stretches more than a hundred feet away from the shore during low tide. A nature trail encircles the island, offering a panoramic view of the sea and surrounding islands. The trail continues inland to an old-growth forest filled with large flocks of migratory birds and fruit bats. 

HOTEL AND RESORT GUIDES.

Explore the best things to do, places to stay, transportation guides, and travel tips in Iloilo City.

Hotel & Resort Guides

Sheridan Boutique Resort
    “Secluded and tranquil within easy reach of the city"

Oriental-inspired Sheridan Boutique Resort is quite a distance away compared to all other accommodations on our list. This place is perfect if you want to stay away from the bustle of the city and enjoy a comfortable stay in a peaceful lakeside villa. Guests rave about their infinity pool, Bali -esque decor, and private feel. They also have a restaurant onsite that receives mixed reviews online. Sheridan Boutique Resort is located in Oton town, which is around 20 minutes away by taxi from Iloilo City Proper. Rooms from PHP5000 per night.

Hotel del Rio

“Peaceful and relaxing views beside the Iloilo River”

Located along M.H. Del Pilar St. in Molo District, Hotel del Rio is one of Iloilo’s seasoned first class hotels. They have a small pool and a bar in the back that faces a scenic view of the Iloilo River and Iloilo River Esplanade. Guests rate Hotel del Rio highly for their relaxing ambiance, excellent service, delicious buffets at great value for money. Rooms from PHP2280 per night.

Days Hotel Iloilo

“Clean rooms and convenient location near Iloilo- Bacolod Ferry Terminal”

Days Hotel Iloilo offers clean, modern rooms and a convenient location on top of a shopping center. The hotel is situated across the street from the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds, Museo Iloilo, and the Dep’t of Tourism Regional Office, and is around 5-minute away by taxi from the Iloilo-Bacolod  Fastcraft Ferry Terminal. The Promenade restaurant at Days Hotel Iloilo is known for their excellent lunch and dinner buffet. Rooms from PHP2480 per night.

Smallville21 Hotel

“Comfort and style. Centrally located in Iloilo’s nightlife district”

Smallville21 Hotel is centrally located in Smallville Complex, Iloilo’s nightlife, dining, and entertainment hub. The hotel offers clean, spacious, and modern rooms at great value for money. It’s an excellent choice if you want to check out Iloilo’s party scene and many of the city’s upscale restaurants. Room tip: Get the rooms on the upper floors to minimize the noise from nearby bars. Rooms from PHP2100 per night.

Diversion21 Hotel

“Modern rooms and convenient location along Diversion Road”

Diversion21 is newer and priced slightly higher than its counterpart in Smallville Complex, Smallville21. Guests staying at this hotel enjoy the same excellent service and great value rooms in addition to a more peaceful location along Diversion Road in Mandurriao. Diversion21 is found across the road from the main entrance of Smallville Complex. Rooms from PHP2300 per night.

Festivals in iloilo

FESTIVALS in ILOILO

Binanog Festival (Lambunao; 2nd week of January) — Culminates on the second Sunday every January with a cultural presentation that highlights the Binanog Dance, a courtship ritual dance that imitates the movements of the ‘banog’ bird (hawk).

Arevalo Fiesta (Arevalo, Iloilo City; 3rd week of January) — Celebrated in honor of the Santo Niño. One its main highlights is a fireworks display contest held on Sunday evening.

Pasungay Festival & Pahibag Festival (San Joaquin; 3rd week of January)

Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo City; 4th week of January) — Iloilo’s biggest religious and cultural festival. It is held in honor of Senyor Santo Niño (the child Jesus) and to commemorate the arrival of Malay settlers in Panay.

Saug Festival (Lemery; Every January 26–28)

Hirinugyaw-Suguidanonay Festival (Calinog; Last Sunday of January)

Chinese New Year (Iloilo City; January or February) — One of the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations in the Philippines.

February

Candelaria Fiesta (Jaro, Iloilo City; Every February 2)

Salakayan Festival (Miag-ao; 1st week of February)

Paraw Regatta Festival (Iloilo City; 3rd week of February) — Culminates on Sunday with a race among seafarers on colorful sailboats called Paraws in the straits between Guimaras  Island and the city of Iloilo.

March

Pintados de Pasi Festival (Passi City; 2nd week of March)

Bantayan  Festival (Guimbal; Last week of March)

April

Saad Festival (Leganes; 1st week of April)

Semana sang Iloilo (Iloilo Provincial Grounds, Iloilo City; 2nd week of April)

Lanot Festival (Janiuay)

Paghukom Festival (Calinog; Good Friday)

Taltal Festival (Barotac Viejo; Good Friday)

Tampisaw Festival (Concepcion; 4th week of April)

May

Heritage Month Celebration (Iloilo City)

Santacruzan & Flores de Mayo (Various places throughout Iloilo City and Iloilo Province)

Tubong-Tubong Festival (Tubungan; Every May 1)

Carabao Carroza Festival (Pavia; 1st week of May)

Katagman Festival (Oton; 1st week of May)

Pahaw-as Festival (Dumangas; 1st week of May)

Tangyan Festival (Igbaras; 3rd week of May)

Fiesta in the City (SM City Iloilo; Last Week of May)

June

Football Festival (Barotac Nuevo; 1st to 2nd week of June)

Kasag Festival (Banate; 3rd week of June)

Sulay Basya Festival (Sara; 3rd week of June)

Pandayan Festival (Badiangan; Last week of June)

Baroto Sa Lutac Race (Barotac Viejo; Last week of June)

Biraw-Paraw Festival (Leganes; Last week of June)

September

Handuraw Festival (Leon; Every September 1)

Tinu-om Festival (Cabatuan; 1st week of September)

Tambobo Festival (Ajuy; Every September 8 to 10)

Tumandok Festival (Robinson’s Place Iloilo, Iloilo City; 3rd week of September)

Mountain Bike Festival (Alimodian; 3rd week of September)

Anihan Festival (Duenas; Last week of September)

October

Saludan Festival (Tigbauan; Last week of October)

Cry of Jelicuon (New Lucena; Last week of October)

Tigkaralag Festival (Pavia; Every October 30)

November

Banaag Festival (Anilao; Every November 1)

Kawayan Market Week (Robinson’s Place Iloilo, Iloilo City; 2nd week of November)

Hablon Moda (Robinson’s Place Iloilo, Iloilo City; 2nd week of November)

Kahilwayan Festival (Santa Barbara; Every November 17)

December

Festival of Lights (Janiuay; December 1 to 31)

Kalamay Festival (San Enrique; 1st week of December)

IWAG Christmas Lights (Pototan; 3rd week of December)

Pantat Festival (Zarraga; 3rd week of December)

Pasidungog kay Senor San Miguel (San Miguel; 4th week of December)

Tultugan Festival (Maasin; 4th week of December)

More Events

Sinadya sang mga Banwa (Iloilo Provincial Capitol Grounds, IloiloCity; 3rd weekend of January)

ACTIVITIES AND EXPENSES.

Things to do in tourist spot in Ilo-ilo

Take an island hopping tour 

A visit to Gigantes is not complete without taking an island hopping tour to see its magnificent beaches and islands. It takes half a day, at least, to visit the main sites, which includes Cabugao Gamay Island, Bantigue Island.

Relax at white sand beaches 

Gigantes is blessed with many white sand beaches and sandbars. The main islands, Gigantes Norte, andGigantes Sur, may have their own sandy beaches but the best ones can be found at Antonia, Cabugaw Gamay Island, and Bantigue, which can only be reached by boat from the resorts.

Explore mystical caves 

The islands are home to many caves hidden behind steep rock formations and cliffs. Many of these like Pawikan Cave have spacious caverns that can be easily explored. It is said that the island chain got its name from over-sized coffins found at Bakwitan Cave in Gigantes Norte that contained gigantic sets of human bones

Visit the old lighthouse 

Ruins of a Spanish-colonial lighthouse found at the northern shore of Gigantes Norte Island. Climbing to the top of the modern lighthouse that stands beside it affords a breathtaking view of the sea.

Go Rock Scrambling 

A very steep rocky trail in Gigantes Sur leads to the top of the row of limestone cliffs that the locals call as the “Boulevard.” This high vantage point provides a 360-degree view ofGigantes group of islands and the Visayan sea

Feast on fresh seafood 

You can look forward to cheap and fresh seafood in Gigantes, unofficially known as the scallops capital of thePhilippines. The islands are also abundant in fish, squid, crabs, shrimp among other aquatic delights

Typical Expenses

Accommodation costs 

 Fan cottages start at P200 per person per night. Aircon cottages start at P1,500 for cottages that can fit 2 to 4 people.

Transportation costs

• Iloilo City to Estancia – Bus fare is P170 to 180 per person, while the van fare is P150.
• Estancia Bus Terminal to Estancia Port – Tricycle fare is P10 per person.
• Estancia to Gigantes – The fare on the commuter pumpboat toGigantes Norte is P80 per person. The cost of the chartered roundtrip transfer to Gigantes plus a whole island hopping tour is around P5,000 per boat.
• Within Gigantes Norte or Sur – Motorycle taxi costs P10 per person per way

Activities and Tour costs

• Island Hopping – Chartering a pumpboat for a whole-day island hopping tour around Gigantes (including a guide) costs P1,500 to P2,000 for up to 10 people. The guide costs an additional P500.
• Cabugaw Gamay Island – P20 entrance fee per person
• Antonia Beach – P20 entrance fee per person
• Tangke
• Gigantes Norte Lighthouse – P60 per person for the roundtrip motorcycle taxi transfer.
• Bakwitan Cave Tour – P500 for the cave guide and P200 for the roundtrip motorcycle taxi transfer.

Itinerary and Budget

When taking the commuter pumpboat to Gigantes, spending at least 3 days and two nights is recommended since the boat arrives in the island late in the afternoon and leave early morning the next day. If you are hiring your own chartered pumpboat, it is possible to visitGigantes on an overnight trip from Iloilo City.

Travelers can also spend the night at the town proper of Carles or Estancia, where there are more options for beach resorts and hotels, and then charter a boat to explore the islands of Gigantes. When taking this alternative, it’s better to stay at mainland Carles since it is much nearer to Gigantes than Estancia.

3 days and 2 nights Itinerary

Sample 3D2N Gigantes itinerary for do-it-yourself (DIY) budget travelers. The estimated budget is around P2,500 to P3,000 per person for a group of 4 people traveling from Iloilo by van, staying at a fan room in Gigantes Norte, and doing all of the activities mentioned below. This estimate includes the roundtrip transport commute fromIloilo City, meals in Estancia / Gigantes, and the island hopping charter plus entrance fees.

Day 1
0800 – 1100	Iloilo City to Estancia Port via bus/van
1100 – 1400	ETA Estancia; Lunch at Estancia Town Center; Buy Provisions
1400 – 1600	Estancia Port to Gigantes Norte via commuter pumpboat
1600 – 1700	ETA Gigantes Norte; Resort Check-in
1700 – 1800	Gigantes Norte Lighthouse tour
Day 2
0700 to 1700	Gigantes Island Hopping Tour
Day 3
0600 – 0900	Resort Check-out
0900 – 1100	Gigantes to Estancia via commuter pumpboat
1100 – 1230	ETA Estancia Port; Lunch at at Estancia Town Center
1230 – 1530	Estancia to Tagbak Terminal via bus/van
1530	ETA Tagbak Terminal, Iloilo City

Get Oriented

• Buy food (at least for the first day), water, and other necessities in Estancia since the islands are limited to sari-sari type stores only. On your second day, you could buy fresh seafood in the islands but be sure to go to the selling area early morning since the locals usually send most of their catch to the mainland. You may also arrange this with your resort.
• Be sure to have enough drinking water for the whole duration of your stay. There is potable spring water in Gigantes Sur if your stomach is up for it.
• Electricity only runs at scheduled hours of the day/night. Electricity is turned on late in the afternoon until 11pm and then switched to a power generator, depending on the resort.
• The Gigantes group of Islands are also popularly known as Islas de Gigantes, which means “Islands of Giants” in Spanish. Its two most populated and largest islands by land area are Isla deGigantes Norte (North Gigantes Island) and Isla de Gigantes Sur (South Gigantes Island).