Iloilo Introduction
Before Cebu City claimed the title, Iloilo City was the Queen City of the South. Iloilo rivaled Manila in wealth, grandeur, and power when Spain ruled the Philippines. Those days are gone now, and all that remain are magnificent churches and colonial buildings. But Iloilo still stands proud. It's one of the country's largest business-process outsourcing centers outside Manila. Its melodic Hiligaynon language is easily recognizable throughout the country, and the annual Dinagyang Festival is a wonderful reminder of the richness of its culture.
Hotels in Iloilo
As one of the Philippines' busiest destinations, Iloilo City has different types of hotels to fit almost every kind of travel need. There are luxury hotels in Iloilo for travelers willing to spend for their creature comforts. There are also hotels that aim to provide every convenience possible to business travelers. Tourists looking for 3-star accommodations at affordable rates will find them in Iloilo's discount hotels. For backpackers and adventurers on a tight budget, the city has a plethora of hostels, inns, and guesthouses. Iloilo has accommodations for families, couples on a romantic holiday, and solo travelers.
Where to stay
City Proper is Iloilo's downtown and main business hub. This is where you'll find most of the city's luxury hotels, though it does have its share of budget accommodations. If you want to be surrounded by a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, you should consider staying at City Proper. Another area with a central location is Mandurriao. Mandurriao is Iloilo's newly emerging commercial district and the center of the city's nightlife. Are you on a tight budget? Cheap Iloilo hotels are in the neighborhoods of La Paz and Jaro, where many of the city's universities and residential villages are situated.
Things to see
An exploration of Iloilo City starts at Plaza Libertad in City Proper. The Plaza is the city's historic heart, surrounded by historical landmarks and ancestral mansions. Near Plaza Libertad is the Arroyo Fountain, considered to be "Kilometer 0" and the point of reference for measuring distance on
Panay Island. The fountain features 4 women facing the 4 cardinal directions, each holding a basin of water. San Jose Church, also in City Proper, is one of Iloilo's oldest churches, built in 1617. This church features a Gothic design with local touches. The
Smallville Complex in Mandurriao is proof that not everything in Iloilo City is a time capsule. Smallville is the center of Iloilo's blooming nightlife, boasting a multitude of dining and entertainment choices. Perhaps the most romantic spot in Iloilo City is the Esplanade, a promenade alongside the Iloilo River. It's a favorite among locals for sunset or early-morning strolls.
How to get to Iloilo
You can get to Iloilo City by air, land, and sea. The Iloilo International Airport handles direct flights from Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu City, Davao City, General Santos City, and Puerto Princesa. International flights from Hong Kong and Singapore also connect to Iloilo. You can also take a ferry to Iloilo if you're coming from Bacolod, Palawan, or Guimaras. Traveling by bus is a convenient way of getting to Iloilo City from elsewhere on Panay Island, like Roxas City or
Boracay. Once you're in Iloilo City, you can get around the city via jeepneys, tricycles, and taxis.
