Where to Go in Iloilo: Exploring the Province's Diverse Districts

Recommended places: Miagao Church, Zulueta Avenue, Miagao, IloIlo and GarinFarm Pilgrimage Resort, Purok 2, San Joaquin, Iloilo

Estimated travel time: About one hour from Iloilo City

Recommended budget for two: PhP1,000

One of the most iconic landmarks in this district is the world renowned church of Miagao. The Baroque church built in 1786 is even included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Its picturesque façade is a favorite spot for a photo among visitors. Another Instagram-worthy destination in the 1st district is the Heaven on Earth in San Joaquin, Iloilo. The attraction is situated on a hill which can be reached by talking at least 300 steps of stairs. The place also has life-size statues of various biblical characters. With its all white paint, complemented by the clear-blue sky, it surely looks like you’re in heaven. Both Miagao and San Joaquin are the last towns before reaching the province of Antique. Other first district towns include Guimbal, Igbaras, Oton, Tigbauan, and Tubungan.

July 2020 Update: GarinFarm Pilgrimage Resort is temporarily closed.

Recommended places: Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite, Sitio Tabionan, Bucari, Leon, Iloilo

Estimated travel time: About one hour and 30 minutes from Iloilo City

Recommended budget for two: PhP1,000

There’s no need for Ilonggos to travel north anymore to experience pine trees and cool weather. In the mountains of Leon, a pine tree covered forest is gaining popularity for its Baguio-like coolness. This attraction is located in the village of Bucari. With its popularity, there are now trails, as well as tents and camp sites in the area. Find the view deck in the area and you will be treated with the majestic view of the mountains of Leon and the nearby town of Alimodian. Upon going down, you can also shop for the fresh produce from the local farmers. If you want to do some fruit picking activities, you can then head to another second district town called Sta. Barbara. There you can pick grapes on your own at Denila Farms located in Barangay Lanag. The 2.7 hectare orchard has rows of grapes for picking.

July 2020 Update: Bucari Pine Forest and Campsite is temporarily closed.

Recommended places: Damires Hills Tierra Verde, Janiuay-Badiangan-Mina Road, Janiuay, Iloilo and Ephrathah Farm, Sariri, Badiangan, Iloilo

Estimated travel time: About one hour from Iloilo City

Recommended budget for two: PhP1,500

Before farm resorts became so popular for their benefits for sustainable tourism, Iloilo was already taking a lead. Thanks to the two farm tourism which started the trend in Iloilo – Damires Hills Tierra Verde in Janiuay and Ephrathah Farm in Badiangan. Aside from hotel accommodation being available, both resorts give a glimpse of how important farming is. The two farms are advocating organic farming which is evident of the food they are serving in their respective restaurants. Another farm to visit in the district is the Mapols Farm in Pototan. For a PhP20 entrance, anyone can surely enjoy what’s inside the area. It is also well landscaped and decorated with a lot of upcycled materials.

Recommended places: Bulabog Puti-an National Park, Barangay Lincud, Dingle, Iloilo

Estimated travel time: About 55 minutes from Iloilo City

Recommended budget for two: PhP1,000

The 4th district of Iloilo may not be the most popular go-to place for Iloilo visitors but that doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer. In fact, maybe it’s time you should give it your attention.

Did you know that it is home to the biggest limestone rock formation in the Panay Island? Known as the Bulabog Puti-An National Park located between the towns of Dingle and San Enrique, the limestones there were used to construct the century-old Dingle Church. Bulabog Puti-an is also a protected wildlife area. This natural park also has 33 known and named caves. The best time to visit the place starts this October until summer time. Aside from Dingle and San Enrique, Passi City also has its fair share of cave attractions with seven caves you can explore.

July 2020 Update: Bulabog Puti-an National Park is now open to visitors.

Got bitten by the travel bug? Check out Yoorekka Magazine for the most gorgeous places in the country!

Recommended places: Islas de Gigantes and Sicogon Island, Carles, Iloilo; Baliguian Island, Concepcion, Iloilo

Estimated travel time: About three to four hours from Iloilo City

Recommended budget for two: PhP3,000

If you love the beach, sand, and sun, then the fifth district should be your destination. The towns on the northern part of Iloilo have numerous islands that are gaining popularity for their beauty. First is the Islas de Gigantes. This group of islands in Carles is often compared to the El Nido in Palawan for its lagoon and karst rocks. While it has smaller lagoons, its picturesque beauty is gaining more tourists for Carles. If you want lesser known but equally beautiful islands in the district, you may have heard of Sicogon Island also in Carles and Baliguian Island in Concepcion town. Sicogon is known to have powdery sands like those of Boracay. Baliguian, on the other hand, is also gaining tourist’s attention for its unspoiled beauty with a lot of destinations to choose from. A better way to explore the fifth district is through island hopping.

The different districts of Iloilo provide various vacation options for every traveler. Maybe it’s high time for you to visit these spots on your next holiday.