Iloilo Attractions

Historical Sites

Plaza Libertad (Iloilo City)
Where the flag of the First Philippine Republic was raised in triumph after Spain surrendered Iloilo, her last capital in the islands, to the revolutionaries led by Gen. Martin Delgado on December 25, 1898. Available transport - jeepney.

Panay Liberation Marker
23 km. southwest of Iloilo City; commemorates American liberation of Panay from the Japanese in 1945. Available transport - jeepney.

Molo District
Called Parian in the old days. It was the Chinese quarters of La Villa de Arevalo; Athens of the Philippines. Has produced many intellectual and political leaders. Available transport - jeepney.

Spanish Bailiwick (Brgy. Carmelo)
300 meters from Banate town proper; a historical landmark known as the hiding place of the Spanish authorities from the Moros. Available transport - jeepney.

Japanese Fortification (Cabatuan)
Built by the Japanese as a lookout point for enemies. Available transport - jeepney.

Concrete Pillboxes (Janiuay)
Built by the Japanese during World War II. Available transport - jeepney.

Andonna Creek (Bgy. Siwaragan, San Joaquin, Iloilo)
Landing site of the 10 Bornean datus.

Fort San Pedro
Built by the Spaniards in the early 1600s; attacked by Dutch, British, American, and Japanese troops. Available transport - jeepney. Janiuay Cemetery. 32 km. from Iloilo City, Hispano-Filipino cemetery built in 1875. Available transport - jeepney.

Balantang Memorial Center
A national shrine located at Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City. The only military cemetery established outside Metro Manila. The bloodiest battle of the guerrilla forces of Col. Macario Peralta, Jr. had occurred in these hallowed grounds of Balantang and vicinity from Feb. 6 up to the liberation of Iloilo City on March 20, 1945.

Memorial Cemetery Museum
Located in Balantang, Jaro, Iloilo City. WW II vintage firearms, sub machine guns and 81 mortars are displayed. Photographs and situation maps depicting historical events are likewise exhibited.

Oton
11 km. southwest of Iloilo City, seat of Confederation of Madiaas under Datu Paiburong; where the temple in honor of Virgin Mary was built by Fr. Martin de Rada around 1570; 1st pueblo in Panay in 1571; accepted on May 3.

Japanese Underground Garrison (Concepcion, Iloilo)
Located at Bagongon Island.

Cultural Heritage

Jaro Belfry
Ruined by a 1948 earthquake, but now restored. One of the few belfries in the country that stands apart from the church. Available transport - jeepney.

Guimbal Watchtowers
29 km. southwest of Iloilo City proper; called "bantayan: built to warn the people of pirates. Available transport - jeepney.

Magdalena Jalandoni's Residence (Commission Civil St., Jaro, Iloilo City)
Contains collections of Magdalena Jalandoni's works, the 1st Republic Cultural Heritage awardee in Literature in 1969.

Rosendo Mejica Museum (Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo City)
Repository of valuable memorabilia, social & cultural literature in Hiligaynon, English & Spanish dating from the last quarter of the 19th century to the 6th decade of the 20th century.

Kuta (Watchtower) (Bgy. Baybay Norte, Poblacion)
Stone watchtower constructed with the same material as the Roman Catholic church of Miag-ao.

Taytay Boni (Bgy. Igtuba, Miag-ao Iloilo)
Old Spanish bridge.

Old Buildings at Downtown Area (Downtown Iloilo)
J.M. Basa St. or Calle Real boasts of buildings that date back during the Spanish and American colonial periods. Available transport - jeepney.

Imbidayan Rock (Bgy. Sinugbuhan, San Joaquin, Iloilo)
Site of the barter of Panay.

Siwaragan River (San Joaquin)
Where according to legend the barter of Panay took place. Available transport - jeepney.

San Joaquin Cemetery
53 km. southwest of Iloilo City; built in 1892 of coral rock; a hexagonal chapel crowns a 20 step staircase flanked by stone ballustrades; rose windows at the main entrance. Available transport - jeepney.

Jaro
3 km. from the city proper; old colonial houses of sugar barons and Hispano-Filipino houses of the elite still stand, seat of Catholicism in Western Visayas. Available transport - jeepney.

Natural Formations

Sicogon Island
A 1,104 hectare white sand palm-fringed island gradually sloping down to some 350 feet beyond the shoreline; 5 km. from the town proper of Estancia, 137 km. northeast of Iloilo City.

Isla de Gigantes
Where 15th century burial caves are still found. One cave has a stone elephant and a natural swimming pool; 12 km. east of Estancia.

Nadsadjan Falls
Located in Igbaras, 39.9 km. southwest of Iloilo City; a 100-foot high falls dropping on a giant cauldron-like natural swimming pool.

Tinagong Dagat
A lake situated in a plateau surrounded by rolling hills of Lambunao, Iloilo; 73 km. north of Iloilo City.

Cataan Cove
Located in San Joaquin town, 60 km. southwest of Iloilo City; has beautiful marine garden; ideal for scuba diving.

Darangkulan Waterfall
Located in Sitio Bagingbong, Brgy. Balabag, 8 km. from the town proper of Anilao; lush vegetation; situated at the foot of Mt. Manyakiya, the highest peak in the municipality.

Nagpana Falls (Barotac Viejo)
Swimming hideaway; where Aetas (cultural minority) live.

Mt. Napulak (Igbaras)
55 km. from Iloilo city proper; has virginal forest, and abundant wildlife.

Bucari (Leon, Iloilo)
30 to 40 min. from the Poblacion; known as Little Baguio; consists of 14 contiguous barangays in the Municipality of Leon & adjoining barangays in the Municipality of Alimodian. An eco-tourism site which boasts of vast varieties of fauna & flora, waterfalls, springs & streams and a cool invigorating climate like Baguio.

San Mateo Mountain Spring (Bgy. San Mateo Norte, San Joaquin, Iloilo)
Features 1.5 km. of rushing spring water.

San Juan Falls (Sara)
6.2 km. from Sara town proper; a series of falls and pools located in a valley of lush vegetation.

Sampunong Bolo Wildlife Sanctuary
3 km. from Sara poblacion and approximately 98 km. northeast of Iloilo City. The area is about 52 hectares classified as timberland. It has a reservoir where purple herons feed during daytime.

Darangkulan Waterfalls (Sitio Bagongbong, Brgy. Balabag, Anilao, Iloilo)
8 km. from the poblacion; surrounded by trees, boulders; situated at the foot of Mt. Manyakiya, the highest peak in the municipality.

Sta. Ana Waterfall (Anilao, Iloilo)
5 km. from the poblacion - small cave and small enchanting waterfall.

Duminding Cave (Sitio Dumingding, Brgy. Balabag, Anilao, Iloilo)
With free flowing spring.

Balaring Beach (Brgy. San Francisco, Barotac Viejo)
9 km. from the poblacion; rocks and colored stones beautifully laid along the shore and under the sea.

Balbagon (Carles, Iloilo)
A flat, palm-fringed island with white sand near Gigantes.

Molupulo or Seagulls Point (Carles, Iloilo, near Sicogon Island)
Has thousands of seagulls perching on the point which is a fish area.

Danao-Danao & Basiao Island (Concepcion, Iloilo)
Famous for its stone tables, beach, and other wonderful figures sculptured through centuries by wind and waves and noted for its lovers lane.

Mt. Manaphag or Mt. Pan de Azucar
Landmark of Concepcion. It is a mountain situated in Bgy. Tambaliza with craggy slopes and ideal for mountain climbers; at 7,148 ft, the second highest spot in Panay.

Bolobadiangan Island (Concepcion, Iloilo)
Wide beach with limped lagoon.

Agho Island (Concepcion, Iloilo)
The home of Tabon birds that lay oversized eggs.

Baliguian Island (Concepcion)
A coral reef rising only a few feet above sea level with its lighthouse and beach of white corals and shells.

Colebra Island (Concepcion)
Its magnificent caves abound with guano and Alagit-it nests.

Agua Vendita (Concepcion)
The place is located below Mt. Apitong wherein sea water enters during high tide and turns to fresh water during low tide, within it is a spring famous for its medicinal waters.

Iyang Beach (Concepcion)
White sand beach

San Vicente Island (Concepcion)
The guerilla sanctuary island with white beaches.

Igbon Island (Concepcion)
Ideal for scuba divers.

Anhawan Island (Concepcion)
Scuba diving and white sand beach.

Tinagong Dagat (Concepcion)
Where the hidden sea lies.

Lacaran Beach (Brgy. Ermita, Dumangas)
View of Roca Encantada and Siete Pecados of Guimaras Island.

Beaches at Guimbal
Coconut palm shades and cottages make them popular weekend retreats.

Ardemil Valley (Brgy. Ardemil, Sara)
10.5 km. scenic spot. Beautiful valley atop a mountain as seen from the road. A panorama of ricefields, trees, hills, and mountains especially during sunrise and sunset. Cool atmosphere.

Mt. Lolo (Brgy. Aripdip, San Rafael)
8 km. from the town. Ideal for hunting due to abundance of wild pigs, monkeys, deer, and wild chickens.

Beaches at San Joaquin
Talisayan, Tara, and others; clean beaches with multi-colored pebbles.
*Chert rocks, now deposited at the museum, believed to be ranging from 65 million to 2 billion years old had been excavated in Nagsipit River in San Joaquin.

Lamintao Beach (Barotac Nuevo)
9 km. from the town proper; ideal picnic ground.

Salihid Mountain and Caves (Barotac Nuevo)
One km. from town proper; lush vegetation; attracts the adventurous.

Danao Lake or Tinagong Dagat (Miag-ao)
Ten times bigger then the ordinary swimming pool; has elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level.

Sinuhutan Cave (Miag-ao)
The cave provides a two-hour one-way tour passing from arrays of stalactites and stalagmites and chambers around the little cathedral intertwined by lase of underground waters.

Binugsukan Falls (Bgy. Dalije, Miag-ao, Iloilo)
Accessible and unspoiled waterfalls with fresh & clear running waters.

Religious Structures

Miag-ao Church (Miag-ao)
40 km. southwest of Iloilo City; built in 1786; declared as national landmark in 1973; part of UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Sta. Barbara Church
16 km. north of Iloilo City; a neo-classical church where Gen. Martin Delgado of the Visayan revolutionary government convened the junta that raised the first cry of revolution against Spain in Iloilo. Available transport - jeepney.

Tigbauan Church
22 km. southwest of Iloilo City; baroque facade; behind the rectory was the first Jesuit school for boys in the Philippines established in 1592. Available transport - jeepney.

Guimbal Church
Yellow sandstone church built by Fr. Campos. Available transport - jeepney.

Janiuay Church
Ruins of the beautiful church with bells made in 1871 and 1898. Available transport - jeepney.

Cabatuan Church
Neo-classical; built in early 1880s. Available transport - jeepney.

Pavia Church
13 km. northwest of Iloilo City; red brick church of Byzantine style built by Spanish Agustinians and used as garrison by the Japanese who drew guerilla raids that pockmarked the walls. Available transport - jeepney.

San Joaquin Church
53 km. southwest of Iloilo City; the only church in the Philippines sporting bas-relief of historic battle between Christians of Spain and Moors of Morocco in Tetuan in 1859.

Molo Church
3 km. from the city proper; Gothic Rennaissance Church of coral rock; completed in the 1800s.

Jaro Cathedral
3 km. from the city proper; seat of the Jaro Archbisphoric embracing Western Visayas.

Man-Made Attractions

Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
A multi-national aquaculture research center; undertakes artificial breeding of prawns and milkfish.

Science Centrum (Iloilo National High School Campus, Lapaz, Iloilo City)
The first dynamic/interactive science museum in Region VI which seeks to draw children & adults into the world of science & technology - a world of learning, discovery, and fun.

La Villa de Arevalo
6 km. southwest of Iloilo City proper; 2nd capital of the Alcaldia of Panay; flower village of Iloilo City. Available transport - jeepney.

Muelle Loney
Port of Iloilo named after British Nicholas Loney, Father of the Sugar Industry of Panay and Negros. Considered one of the safest harbors because of Guimaras Island that protects it from drastic winds; first opened to foreign trade in 1855. Available transport - jeepney.

San Joaquin Cemetery
53 km. southwest of Iloilo City; built in 1892 of coral rock; a hexagonal chapel crowns a 20 step staircase flanked by stone ballustrades; rose windows at the main entrance. Available transport - jeepney.

General Macario Peralta, Jr. Statue & Park (J.M. Basa St.)
Now known as Freedom Park, in honor of one of the bravest guerrilla fighter.

Battle Monument
Located at Jaro Public Plaza; built in honor of the brave Ilonggo heroes.

Festivals

Dinagyang (every 4th weekend of January; Iloilo City)
A colorful cavalcade in honor of the Holy Child Jesus amidst the cracking drumbeats, Iloilo's version of the world famous Ati-Atihan Festival.

Paraw Regatta (movable dates; Iloilo Strait)
A race among swift and colorful native outriggers in the strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island.

Cry of Sta. Barbara (Nov. 17; Sta. Barbara, Iloilo)
Celebrated in commemoration of the first cry of revolution against Spain in Iloilo. Activities include grand parade with participants dressed in Spanish costumes, games, and cultural presentations.

Christmas Light Festival (Dec. 16-Jan. 3; Pototan, Iloilo)
A kaleidoscope of multicolored lights in a 6 ha. plaza with dancing fountain & food festival.

Pagtaltal in Barotac Viejo (Good Friday; Barotac Viejo, Iloilo)
A yearly depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Paghukom (Good Friday; Calinog, Iloilo)
Lenten presentation depicting the judgment, crucifixion, death & resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Feast of Our Lady of Candles (every Feb. 2; Jaro, Iloilo City)
Biggest and most opulent religious pageantry in Western Visayas with agro-industrial exhibits, garden shows, carnivals, and grand cock derbies, among others, that make Jaro fiesta the symbol of Iloilo's affluence and love for great celebrations.

Santacruzan Festival (April 24-May 31; Sta. Cruz, Arevalo, Iloilo City & Igbaras, Iloilo)
Features Mayflower festival, grand processions, and a contest of massive arches.

Pasungay (2nd Saturday of January)
Bullfights staged at the hillside of San Joaquin, Iloilo.

Carabao-Carroza Race (every May; Pavia, Iloilo)
A race among carabaos, each pulling a bamboo sled called carroza, on a 40-meter course.

Kanyon-Kanyon Festival (last week of December; Bgy. Cabugao Norte, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo)
This is the residents' way of celebrating the New Year by making loud sounds through bambo "kanyons."

Salakayan Festival (1st week of February)
A dance-drama-type performance on the streets of Miag-ao which depicts events of the past. Also includes food fair, photo exhibits, fluvial parades, agro-industrial trade fair, and the coronation of queen of Miag-ao.

Tubong-Tubong Festival (May 1; Tubungan)
A carousel-type cultural presentation participated in by high school students and the 8 councilor's districts, depicting various historical aspects of the municipality.

Katagman Festival
A showcase of the noble history and culture of Oton.

Juego de Anillo (May 31; San Joaquin)
A game of the rings participated in by men of all ages in the barangay vying to capture as many rings as possible on an uphill row. Started as a courtship ritual in the hinterland barangay.

Binanog Festival (January, movable dates; Lambunao, Iloilo)
A dance depicting the movement of the birds accompanied by lively drum beatings.

Fireworks Display and Contest (3rd Sunday of January; Arevalo, Iloilo City)
A dazzling display of sparkles and blazing lights which highlights the District Fiesta of Arevalo.

Hinirugyaw Festival (5th Sun. of Jan. /1st Sun. of February; Calinog, Iloilo)
A 9-day event consisting of opening salvo, food fest, live Sto. Niño contest among young boys, Search For Lin-ay Sang Hinirugyaw and the tribes contest, all in honor of Calinog’s devotion to Sr. Sto. Niño.

Pintados de Pasi Festival (March 14-17; Passi City)
A festival depicting the history of Passi through “pintados” as a colorful celebration of how Passi got its name. Includes parade, and tribes competition, food fest, trade fair, among others.

Kapiya Display & Pasyon Singing Contest (Good Friday; Sta. Barbara)
A contest of the most unique and beautiful kapiya or tableau of the 14 Stations of the Cross along with the most aunthentic Pasyon Singing.

Tampisaw Festival (3RD Fri, Sat., Sun of April; Bgy. Tambaliza, Concepcion
A 3-day festivity to commemorate the Earth Day Celebration. Features fluvial parade, tree planting, Tampisaw Dance Competition, Search For Miss Tampisaw, trade fair, among others.

Panagat “Fish”Tival (Last Sunday of April; Estancia)
A celebration that calls for the ultimate cooperation and soul of Bayanihan among the neighboring towns and a tribute to the fishing profession.

Hirinugyaw Festival (Sept. 1-10; Cabatuan)
Street dancing festivity participated by various agencies and NGOs in Cabatuan.

Hinugyaw sa Anilao (Oct. 31; Anilao)
A celebration of the separation of Anilao from Banate which features various sports and cultural activities.

Ilonggo Lantern Festival (Dec. 1-31; Iloilo City)
A contest of giant lanterns made of native materials.

Christmas Lighting (Dec. 16; Sta. Barbara)
A Christmas lighting program to add life and color to the town’s celebration of Christmas.

Tultugan Festival (Dec. 29; Maasin)
A festival which promotes the town’s bamboo industry and to project Maasinhon’s creativity with bamboo. The festival is a dance competition depicting students in colorful costumes, sashayed on the streets to the beat of the bamboo instruments.

Palupok Bayong (Dec. 30; Pavia, Iloilo)
A revival of the old tradition in celebrating the New Year by making loud sounds through bamboo cannons (bayong).

Special Interest

Sinamay Dealer (Osmena St., Arevalo, Iloilo City)
Where jusi (banana fiber) and piña (pineapple fiber) cloths are loom-woven.

Flower Gardens (Arevalo, Iloilo City)
Supplies of leis, corsages, bouquets, and potted plants.

Asilo de Molo
Orphanage where church vestments, barong, hankies, and more are made, designed hand-embroidered by orphan girls.

Economic

Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center
A multi-national aquaculture research center; undertakes artificial breeding of prawns and milkfish.

source: Department of Tourism

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About Iloilo

» Overview

» Brief History

» Iloilo is Famous for...

» Tourist Attractions & Activities

- Historical Sites

- Cultural Heritage

- Natural Formations

- Religious Structures

- Man-Made Attractions

- Festivals

- Special Interest

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This page was last modified on Friday, 22 Aug 2008