Close to Cebu! 9 sightseeing spots in Iloilo where you can enjoy the Philippines

Iloilo is a city located on the southern coast of Panay Island in the Visayas region of the Philippines. While it takes about 10 hours to reach Iloilo by land and sea from the popular tourist destination of Cebu, the journey by plane takes less than an hour, contributing to a recent increase in tourism. Iloilo is one of the major export hubs for Philippine bananas, which we often see in supermarkets, and its economy is supported by industries such as agriculture.
The growth of tourism in recent years is due to the abundance of beautiful beaches, churches, and historical buildings. This article will introduce some tourist attractions in Iloilo, a city worth visiting from Cebu.

1.Nelly's Garden

Nelly's Garden, located in Iloilo City, is an easily accessible tourist spot near the port. It boasts a beautiful Western-style garden, a popular venue for weddings. The historic Western-style architecture creates a European atmosphere. You might even spot sheep grazing on the vast lawn, adding to the serene and picturesque ambiance.
Remember to make a reservation before your visit. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery!

2. Agho Island

Agho Island is an uninhabited island located a short distance from Iloilo City. You can easily get there by signing up for an island hopping tour at the Concepcion Tourism Office, a town northeast of Iloilo City. Depending on the sea currents, it takes about an hour to reach the island by boat from Concepcion.
Here, you'll encounter beautiful turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. As a quiet, deserted island, it offers a sense of freedom unlike the beaches of tourist resorts. You can collect beautiful shells and see coral on the beach. It's a tourist spot where you can spend time in paradise.
Since it's located away from the city center, be sure to purchase food and drinks in Iloilo City before heading to the island. This is a unique spot in the Iloilo area, so be sure to visit if you're in the vicinity.

3.Miagao Church

Miagao Church is located about an hour southwest of Iloilo City by car. While there are many churches in the Philippines, Miagao Church is renowned for resembling a castle. This Baroque Romanesque-style building is a designated World Heritage Site. The carvings on the walls are so beautiful that you may lose track of time admiring them.
Although it's a World Heritage Site and a must-visit tourist attraction, the roads around the church can get congested on weekends as many families come to pray. If you want to enjoy a smooth visit, it's recommended to go with plenty of time to spare.

4. Smallville Complex

Smallville Complex is a nightlife hotspot in Iloilo City. With tourist-friendly restaurants, pubs, clubs, convenience stores, and hotels, it's one of the liveliest areas in the city.
If you're looking for a break from Filipino cuisine, you can easily find international options at restaurants like Afriques (Italian) and Mojave Grill & Steak House (American). After enjoying the nightlife, take a stroll along the nearby Iloilo River Esplanade. It's a recommended sightseeing spot with beautiful night views.

5.Museo Iloilo

Museo Iloilo, located in the city, is a small but substantial museum. It houses a wide range of exhibits related to the archaeology, history, folk art, and crafts of Western Visayas. In particular, the collection of cultural heritage items, including pottery from the Stone Age, provides a glimpse into the history of the Iloilo region. As a hub of valuable information on Western Visayas, it attracts many visitors.
The precious cultural artifacts, rarely seen elsewhere, not only offer a chance to learn about Iloilo's history but also provide fascinating stories to share after your trip. It's a great place to visit to solidify your memories of your Iloilo adventure.

6. Calle Real

Calle Real is a street built during the Spanish colonial era. It's lined with many shops and you can see old buildings reminiscent of Western architecture.
A highlight of Calle Real is the many historical buildings constructed from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. One example is the Villanueva Building. Around 1927, it was a famous hotel frequented by many businessmen from America, Spain, and England. Although it's now dilapidated and no longer in operation, restoration work began around 2012. Simply walking down the street allows you to glimpse a part of Philippine history.

7. SM City Iloilo

SM City Iloilo is a shopping mall located in the heart of Iloilo City. "SM City" is a familiar mall chain in the Philippines. It houses a wide variety of shops, including fast food restaurants, restaurants with sit-down dining, apparel shops, cafes, accessory shops, and travel agencies, all offering options that tourists can comfortably enjoy. As they also offer local products, it's a good place to shop for souvenirs.

8. Guimaras Island

Guimaras Island is located just south of Iloilo, across the Iloilo Strait. Many people visit for weekend vacations and sightseeing. The island boasts several fantastic beaches and offers activities like snorkeling tours. You can venture out from Iloilo City and spend a relaxing day on Guimaras Island. It's a great way to unwind and recharge after exploring the city.

9. Dinagyang Festival

The Dinagyang Festival is held once a year, every January. It is known as one of the biggest events in the Philippines, and many tourists from all over the world visit before and after the festival.
The highlight is the captivating parade. You can see dances performed in various costumes, and fireworks light up the night sky. Special reserved seating tickets are available for each stage, but they are said to be a must-buy as it is a once-a-year festival. These tickets cannot be purchased online or reserved in advance. They can be purchased at authorized dealers in Iloilo City.

◎ Summary

Iloilo, where scenes from the Spanish colonial era blend with the charm of a southern port town, is a fascinating city with both a tropical resort and European feel. It's not as famous a tourist destination as nearby Cebu, making it a great choice for those who want a unique and different resort vacation. Since it's easily accessible by plane, be sure to visit if you're interested!