Top Things to do in Iloilo Province
Top 10 Things to do in Iloilo Province, Philippines
Discover the best top things to do in Iloilo Province, Philippines including Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church, Isla de Gigantes, St Anne Parish Church, SM City Iloilo, Camina Balay nga Bato, Cabugao Gamay Island, Smallville Complex, Central Philippine University, Gigante Island, The Molo Mansion.
Restaurants in Iloilo Province
1. Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By Nigel G - Singapore
Miagao is a UNESCO World Heritage site - it's architecture typically Baroque - a style which the Spanish were experts in building in. What the Spaniards were unaccustomed to was the topography and geology of the Philippines - earthquakes and typhoons are alien to Spain, as were volcanoes and coral reefs. This gave a whole new dimension on how churches were constructed. So that made them think again with regards to church construction.
The history of the church is easily found on the Internet, so it is not my role to repeat it here.
Take your time to look at this church - the thickness of the walls. The intricate carving of St thomas on the facade - all so impressive. When your done outside look at the splendour of inside - an altar impressive by any standard.
Unlike some UNESCO sites there are no hawkers making a nuisance of themselves here. A great compliment to the security here. If your a photographic enthusiast - don't forget a wide angle lens to capture full majesty of the facade.
2. Isla de Gigantes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Isla Gigantes is one of the hottest and best tropical tourist attractions in the Philippines today. Composed of 13 islands--8 of which are lined with pristine white sandy beaches--Isla Gigantes has more to offer than just swimming in its crystal clear turquoise waters. There are dozens of caves to discover, virgin remote Beaches, a saltwater lagoon, and fantastic snorkeling areas.
Reviewed By CzarEmmanuel - Manila, Philippines
Aside from old churches and colonial houses or mansions, Iloilo Province can also brag about its Islands and seas. One case in point is a group of Islands in the municipality of Carles collectively called "Islas de Gigantes" (literally "Giants' Islands") or Gigantes Islands, which one can reach on an outrigger boat after approximately an hour and a half ride from the port of Carles or Estancia.
The best way to visit the Islands would be to stay overnight in one of the accommodations which you can find both on Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur. From there, rent a boat that can take you to the best tourist destinations in the area, namely, the famous Cabugao Gamay Island, Bantigue Island's shifting sandbar, Antonia Island, and the Tangke Hidden Lagoon (just to name a few). Cabugao Gamay and Antonia Islands have fine white sand and are ideal for swimming. The Tangke Hidden Lagoon, on the other hand, is a natural lake that gets filled with water only during high tide. Boats take turns in bringing guests to it since it is usually crowded most of the time.
Aside from island hopping, you can also enjoy scallops on Gigantes Islands, which are really cheap and fresh. Try the so-called "wasay-wasay" -- an ax-shaped oyster common to the place. One drawback involved here is the lack of proper disposal of the scallop shells. The local inhabitants of the island usually just throw them on the beach, thus attracting swarms of flies to the place!
3. St Anne Parish Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By jajavalB - Bangkok
This church is now under uplifting its facilities , clean and renew the floor tiles but allow visitors to see inside, despite dustiness. The interior decoration is simple but splendid with high toof with the outstanding colorful stained glasses on the froont facade. Taking the picture from front gardent just crossing the street provides magnificent picture.
4. SM City Iloilo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By jajavalB - Bangkok
This shopping mall locates on the highway connecting the city proper of iloilo and airport,nearby is plazuela de iloilo(also shopping mall).it's the stop of shared van to and from ILO airport/connecting downtown with taxis, jeepney (with just only less than 100 peso if you go anywhere within the city proper range). On the basement is supermarket where you can shop for local agriculture filipino products and foods. On the first floor ,there are varities of local restaurants, frenchised restaurants such as KFCs, Mcdonalds;local specialties, like Ted's lapaz batchoy, jollibee and etc. there are event exhibits on Dinagyang 2018 during my time of visit. On 2nd and 3rd floors, many shops, flagship stores, like ToyR'us are there and also cinemas. Enjoy shopping and entertainment there.
5. Camina Balay nga Bato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By April T - Brooklyn, New York
The curator and staff were friendly. We bought some tree seedlings and hand woven scarves. You pay P150 for entrance comes with hot chocolate and bread. If you would like to schedule dinners or lunches you have to pre book a week in advance.
6. Cabugao Gamay Island
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By aogappe - Imus, Philippines
This was the island where we spent plenty of time taking pictures of the surrounding Islands and the island itself. The most picturesque among the Islands of gigantes. It is best to take selfie pictures on top of the hill. The view is stunning!
7. Smallville Complex
Overall Ratings
4 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By Benedict A
Iloilo's Smallville is not the boring farm town of Clark Kent. It is Iloilo's night spot where an overload of bars, food places, and cafes can be found.
Much potential is seen in the vast vacant areas of Smallville. Most clubs offer great music through live bands paired with EDM during intermission. Drinks are great and sumptuous food may be eaten in nearby restos.
Recommended!
8. Central Philippine University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Kai J - Iloilo City, Philippines
CPU is a huge university that offers various courses and programs to both foreign and local students. The school has their student covered by a standard personal accident, insurance plan, health/hospital benefits and other services. Henry Luce III library is the largest library in Western Visayas.
9. Gigante Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Clinton G - Napier, New Zealand
went there with 4 others. Yes the island is only tiny, but to relax is great. other than swimming and a climb to the top nothing else is there. But we went island hopping which was great and varied. The food on the island stunning. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect them to have potatoes and they did WOW/ I guess about 10 guests and similar staff. Staff very helpful. power is on between 6pm and 6am but that did not stop them from having a cold beer. 2 stayed 2 nights
10. The Molo Mansion
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 54 reviews
The Molo Mansion is one of Iloilo City's finest old homes. It was built in the 1920's and was reopened to the public in 2015. It currently serves at the backdrop of art exhibits, markets, fairs, special occasions, and photo shoots.
Reviewed By jajavalB - Bangkok
This attraction serves as souvenirs shops with local products of iloilo, including pearls(tanahan), accessories from pearls, shells and etc. , souvenirs from iloilo city and souvenir T shirsts with screens of Dinagyang festival. Outside the mansion , there is a coffeeshop and icecream shop locating in green garden with shades of trees.
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