Visit Iloilo and discover its pristine island destinations and preserved heritage sites. Take a virtual tour of the Iloilo tourist spots outlined below so you can carefully plan your next adventure in Iloilo province.
Iloilo province lies in the southeastern portion of Panay Island in the Western Visayas of the Philippines. Its capital Iloilo City is one of the fast-growing business centers in the country, with an excellent opportunity for real estate, business centers, education, and IT/BPO center.
Even though Iloilo City has significantly spur into a busy city, its roots are still intact with its preservation of heritage homes and century-old churches.
Aside from being the urban center, Iloilo City also takes the nickname “the Heart of the Philippines” from its geographical features and rich cultural heritage.
While Iloilo City is the melting pot of businesses, its northern territory showcases natural Iloilo tourist spots like islands and beaches, including rich agricultural and fisheries.
Discover the best Iloilo tourist spots now for your following travel goals in the Visayas region.
Table of Contents
1. Gigantes Islands
Traveling to island provinces primarily highlights its touristy beaches, and the Gigantes Islands in Iloilo is no exemption to the hype.
With the many Iloilo tourist spots to visit, Gigantes Islands is arguably the most famous of all. You won’t get bored from discovering every corner of the islands, from its best pristine beaches to lagoons and fantastic rock formations and caves.
Find out the things to do in Islas de Gigantes.
Cabugao Gamay
Cabugao Gamay stands out among other attractions in the Gigantes Islands, which is why this place gets the most photograph because of its instagrammable ambiance.
The place takes a form of an elongated islet with a pointed northern section. Lush vegetation covers the northern portion of the islet, while the extended middle section has powdery white sands on both sides.
Although it became more of a picture-taking destination other than swimming, Cabugao Gamay is a lot better to make it on your island hopping tours.
Many tourists pile up here to take stunning photos in a short time.
Bantigue Island
Moving north to the map is Bantigue island, one of the favorite island tourist spots in Iloilo because of its long and winding sandbar.
Like the sandbars in Bonbon Beach and Virgin Island, the Bantigue sandbar also changes form and shape depending on the current.
Its long stretch of fine, creamy-white sands during the low tide is a perfect place to stroll in the middle of the sea. You can play all you want, swim along the shallow depths, snorkel, or enjoy the mesmerizing 360-degree views.
Bantigue Island is also an excellent stopover to dine. Scallops and hammer oysters are among the crowd’s favorite to order.
Antonia Beach
Antonia Beach is where you can spend most of your time enjoying more sand and swimming agendas from your tour.
The large rock boulders in Antonia Beach are a sight not to ignore because some look like a sandwich pile. What is exciting here is you can also snorkel to its mini sanctuary for a quick sighting of colorful corals and fishes.
Most stopovers during lunchtime are in Antonia Beach. You can enjoy a freshly caught buffet of seafood and munch on the cottages or under the shades of the tall coconut trees.
Tinagong Dagat
The Tinagong Dagat or Hidden Beach also lies on the coast of South Gigante Island. Close to Antonia Beach, you may visit Tinagong Dagat right after your short trip to Antonia Beach.
The locals commonly refer to the small beach as mini Boracay beach. The powdery white sands and crystal clear waters characterize both of them, hence its name.
While the beachfront width is small, large limestone walls and thick forest envelops the surrounding land areas. There are also enormous rock formations where you can utilize as dramatic backdrops for your souvenir photos.
Pawikan Cave
The Pawikan Cave is a perfect addition to exhaust some adrenaline during your Islas de Gigantes tour for the more energetic tourists.
First, your boatman will drop you at Barangay Lantangan in South Gigante Island. Then, trek uphill for about 30 minutes to reach the entrance chamber of Pawikan Cave.
There are large chambers to explore as you head inside the cave. Stunning rock formations welcome every guest, while atriums provide light for better appreciation.
Guests should not hope to see Pawikan here, even the name suggests. Its name comes from the similarity of Pawikan eggs to the sizeable egg-shaped rock formations inside the cave.
Local guides may ask you to minimize sound, for they believe in spirits enchanting the place. Another folk story relating to Pawikan cave is being the resting place of the old Japanese treasure.
Pawikan Cave is overall one of the thrilling outdoor Iloilo tourist spots to witness. Make sure to bring proper gear when conquering the chambers of Pawikan cave.
Tangke Lagoon
If beaches in Gigantes Islands are not enough for you, the Tangke Lagoon in the southern tip of South Gigantes Island is a choice to include in your Iloilo beach itinerary.
The small saltwater lagoon features a postcard beauty of towering limestones in the background. The lagoon is as enchanting as it looks, and the locals also thought of spiritual beings living here. You might be likely to ask also to keep noises to a minimum.
The clear emerald water perfectly matches the scattered trees and shrubs emerging from the limestone hills. Lounge onto the shallow waters while basking under the sun, or find an ideal spot to perform cliff jumps.
2. Sicogon Island
There are more islands to visit in Iloilo province, and one of the oldest Iloilo tourist spots is Sicogan Island.
Its glory days in the 70s and 80s may have gone, but its alluring beach paradise still catches the attention of most tourists.
Sicogon Island still boasts of coastal beaches made of fine yellowish sands, including thick forest and mountain views of nearby islands.
Buaya Beach is the most famous tourist spot on the island, where tourists can relax and enjoy swimming in the inviting waters. In addition, guests can also camp in Buaya Beach when wanting an overnight island experience. Make sure to bring all your needs and provisions so you can only worry when it’s time to pack and leave the island.
You can also hike Mount Opao for about 1 to 2 hours to summit during your extra time on the island for added fun.
During low tide, you can also traverse into the nearby Tomaquin Island.
3. Garin Farm
Take a break from your island adventures in northern Iloilo and experience a unique undertaking down south at Garin Farm in San Joaquin.
Apart from other natural Iloilo tourist spots, Garin Farm is an integrated inland resort combining agriculture, recreation, and religion in one location.
A tour of their vast farm will surely make you appreciate the essence of organic farming and the advantage of sustainable agriculture. They also house livestock like goats, water buffalos, including horses and turkeys.
Moving onto their recreational facilities, Garin Farm offers activities that kids and adults alike will be more than willing to try. Some outdoor activities are zipline, kayaking, pedal boating, fishing, horseback riding, and all-terrain vehicle.
Lastly, the most known activity in Garin Farm is the Pilgrimage Hill. It starts from 456 steps uphill on rail-guided concrete steps, leading to the dark tunnel entrance. The dark tunnel represents life’s challenges next to ascension as you direct to the bright all-white area called Heaven on Earth.
The total white ambiance of statues and portrayal of biblical sightings may lock you in awe. Overall, the pilgrimage site in Garin Farm is a great place to reflect and meditate, especially when traveling with the family.
Garin Farm also has a restaurant to refuel from the many activities. They even offer accommodation, including a pavilion and conference room for large groups when planning to stay the night.
You can checkout Queenie’s blog for some visuals, including rates.
4. Miag-ao Church
Iloilo province also showcases century-old churches, and Miag-ao Church in downtown Miagao is a religious destination not to miss.
Tourists who love visiting olden religious structures will be pleased to witness one of the most beautiful baroque churches in the Philippines.
The nicely adorned facade of Miag-ao Church features a bas-relief with a combined influence of medieval Spanish, Chinese, and Muslim.
Also known as Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church, the image of its patron saint is visible above the wooden door.
Another impressive feat of the church is the two different belltowers. The different belltowers equate to the other ideas of two priests who commissioned the church’s construction back in the day.
Miag-ao Church now joins the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list in the Baroque-style church category in 1993.
Include Miag-ao Church in your pilgrimage tours in Iloilo or a stopover when exploring other famous tourist spots in Iloilo province.
5. Molo Church
Another famous religious and historical site to include in your pilgrimage tour in Iloilo is the Molo Church in Molo, Iloilo City.
Apart from its noticeable identical Gothic red spires, Molo Church is known for several female saints in its interior. That is why it became one of the favorites of female tourists who seek guidance and empowerment from female saints, earning its name to be a women’s church.
There are 16 images of female saints, and the image of Santa Ana stands on the center of the retablo, their patron saint.
Molo Church has been witnessing the history of Iloilo City and has endured the withstand from natural and human-made activities. White coral stones compose its facade, and robust Gothic design exudes from the exterior to every corner of its interior.
In 1992, Molo Church was declared a national landmark by the National Historical Institute and became one of the popular Iloilo tourist spots up to the present time.
After paying a visit to Molo Church, you can quickly walk across the street and visit Molo Park.
6. Molo Mansion
Apart from historical religious sites, the province of Iloilo also showcases some ancestral domains to give you a hint of what wealthy Ilonggos had during their time. The Molo mansion is one of them.
Molo Mansion is an ancestral domain of the Yusay-Consing family. Completion of the original house dates back to the 1920s, and the design traces to Neoclassical and Art Deco.
Appreciate the innate beauty of the Molo Mansion as you ascend to its second floor. The balcony showcases an expansive view of its open surrounding.
This tourist spot in Iloilo was once close to total deterioration until the restoration efforts made by the SM Group, its current property owner.
Today, the Molo Mansion offers a quick view of what a typical elite Ilonggo house is, which we could appreciate, like the famous ancestral homes in Luzon.
The best time to visit is in the afternoon, so you can also appreciate the night viewing angles of the Molo Mansion. You won’t run out of energy as there is also a cafe at the back. There are also other stalls nearby offering Ilonggo dishes, making it the perfect time to try some.
7. Jaro Cathedral
Tourists who love visiting large yet olden structures, especially churches, will genuinely appreciate pilgrimage Iloilo tourist spots during their Iloilo tour. The Jaro Cathedral in northern downtown Iloilo fits your next travel destination.
Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles are formal names, and locals shortly call it Jaro cathedral. The patronal saint here is Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, and the church serves as a seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro.
The front design of Jaro Cathedral deviates from the usual churches with an external stair leading to a shrine with a statue of Our Lady of the Candles. Another unique feat of Jaro Cathedral is its separate belltower, just like those in Ilocos.
Interestingly, Jaro Cathedral is the perfect counterpart of Molo Church with its all-male images of saints in the central pillars, exempting the Virgin Mary.
8. Calle Real
One of the oldest and premier economic hubs in Iloilo City is in Calle Real. True to its name, Calle Real translates to Royal Street, a prominent place of elite residence back in the day.
You can spot old buildings dating back to the Commonwealth era, some originating back as early as the 1800s.
Also known as J.M Basa Street, this lane is one of the favorite subjects for outdoor photography, appreciating its Retro-themed aesthetic.
These old buildings and houses lining Calle Real are mostly bi-level, where the ground floor utilizes for commercial purposes. The second floor, thus, serves as the residence of the noble Ilonggos.
With the local government’s initiative, preservation and restoration efforts have provided security for these structures to last longer.
Visit Calle Real when you include it in your Iloilo tourist spots itinerary. It’s one of the great ways to explore the downtown on a museum-like setup.
You can find the historical marker by The National Historical Commission of the Philippines in front of the Villanueva Building.
9. Iloilo River Esplanade
Aside from the appreciation of historic landmarks, one of the remarkable undertakings of the local government is its effort at the Iloilo River Esplanade.
The River Esplanade is a well-paved alley along the Iloilo River, adorned with well-maintained landscapes.
Aside from its positive visual impact, it also promotes multi-function uses such as a jogging path and an urban park.
The River Esplanade is one of the favorite hang-out places of the locals, either solo or group passerby. The best time to visit is during the early hours to catch the cooler breeze and late afternoon for dramatic sunset views.
Nearby Iloilo tourist spots are also accessible near the River Esplanade, like the Molo Church and Molo Mansion.
10. Nelly’s Garden
Other than century-old churches, seeing old houses during this time is one of the best experiences of our lifetime, especially for those old architecture fanatics.
The Nelly’s Garden in Jaro is an excellent location to visit and include in your Iloilo tourist spots itinerary under heritage excursions.
Also called Vicente Lopez Heritage House, this grand mansion was built in the 1920s, boasting Beaux-Arts design.
Its name comes from the eldest daughter of local statesman Don Vicente Lopez and Doña Elena Hofileña. Today, it earns the title of the Queen of Heritage Houses in Iloilo.
Nelly’s mansion serves as a lifestyle house to entertain and show how affluent the family is back in the day. Hardwood flooring and antique furniture adorn the large rooms, while its expansive lawn and parking space define what a grand is.
Note that visiting Nelly’s Garden requires booking, as they don’t entertain walk-in tourists. If you want to include this in your Iloilo tourist spots tour, planning your itinerary in Iloilo City is highly encouraged.
11. Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art
After your heritage tour, visit the first and modern art museum in the thriving Iloilo Business Park. The Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCO) houses the most extensive art collection in the Visayas region, with a more remarkable dedication to contemporary and modern arts.
ILOMOCO occupies a portion of the Casa de Emperador building of Megaworld, with the rest of the building envisioned for the flagship museum of their brand Emperador.
The ILOMOCO came into reality thru the partnership of Ilonggo art collector Edwin Valencia and one of the executives of Megaworld Corp.
Take a stroll in ILOMOCO and experience a new taste of modernity and art combined. Works of Filipinos, especially with Ilonggo roots, are the significant highlights of the galleries. Works of foreign artists such as Salvador Dali and Marc Chagall are also part of the displays.
The first floor caters to The Hulot Exhibit, an exhibit area for local and international artists to show and sell their works. Next is The Gallery, which occupies the second floor for the rotational exhibit of themes. Lastly, the third floor dedicates to Adoration Valencia Gallery for their family collections.
12. Smallville
A vacation to Iloilo City is not complete without spending a night or two at Smallville along Diversion Road near the Iloilo River Esplanade.
Smallville is a complex of entertainment and dining establishments that attracts both locals and tourists.
Smallville used to be the small area where pioneer bars and restaurants stand near Iloilo Business Hotel. Today, Smallville refers to the strip expanding up to the River Esplanade from the original location.
Spend the rest of the day from your Iloilo tourist spots tour at Smallville and cap the day off with some fun either through dining at a nice restaurant, going karaoke and dancing the night, or just some drinks at bars.
When planning to book hotels in the city, the nearby accommodations in Smallville are known to be of the best value as well.
Iloilo City is one of the emerging business districts in the Visayas region and a melting pot of all things trade and industry. That is why the market for busy nights is high.
13. Try La Paz Batchoy
While touring the islands in the northern treats you with freshly caught seafood, the city center is the best spot and place to hunt for the best La Paz Batchoy.
Batchoy is a clear noodle soup made with pork organ meats, pork cracklings, beef loin, chicken stock, and round noodles.
Finding the best La Paz Batchoy in Iloilo City is one of the best gastronomic experiences after visiting nearby Iloilo tourist spots like heritage sites.
You can try a bowl of delicious noodle soups at Ted’s, Deco’s, Netong’s, Toto’s, and Batchoyan ni Jasmin.
Batchoy traces its origin in La Paz, Iloilo City, and has been synonymous with the city’s name. Whether it’s a cold or summer season, there is no perfect time to taste the favorite noodle soup of Ilonggos.
Batchoy, however, is best paired with puto or pandesal.
14. Nadsadjan Falls
If beaches are still not enough to chill in Iloilo province, a visit to Nadsadjan Falls in the town of Igbaras is one of the best options.
A visit to Nadsadjan Falls is a bonus for adventure seekers because you need to trek up to 50 minutes from the drop-off point.
The Nadsadjan Falls is a favorite summer destination of locals and a place to visit for tourists. Water flowing here drops to a 100-foot straight into a large pool basin where you can swim.
While the trek reaching the waterfall is an adventure itself, the rewarding view and rushing of water is an absolute reward after all.
When deciding to take a commute, you can hop onto jeepneys bound to Igbaras from Iloilo City. Then, take a tricycle ride going to Barangay Passi to start your trekking.
However, a quick visit to the local tourism office is highly recommended as they may also arrange a local guide and transportation.
🔗 Nearby Tourist Destinations | Bacolod |
Ready your next Iloilo tourist spots adventure now.
There are many more places to visit and things to do in Iloilo province.
Plan your next trip to Iloilo province now and draft your most favorite picks of Iloilo tourist spots to visit any time soon.
The capital city of Iloilo is a great city to explore, offering a wide array of sectors like hospitality, entertainment, and even tourism. While modern-day Iloilo quickly escalates into one of the fast-growing cities in the Philippines, Iloilo still maintains its charm as one of the loveable cities of today.
Book your travel accommodations in Iloilo so that you can avail of deals, especially before the peak season kicks in. The best time to visit Iloilo is from January to May to enjoy the beaches and heritage tours. At the same time, December is also an excellent time of the year to visit for a laidback and less humidity.
Safe Travels!
Remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. For your guidance about the changes in health protocols, you may visit the guidelines from the Department of Tourism. Stay safe.