tourism in iloilo
HISTORICAL
Andonna Creek (Bgy. Siwaragan, San Joaquin, Iloilo). Landing site of the 10 Bornean datus.
Balantang Memorial Cemetery. 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.
Calle Real (Downtown Iloilo City Heritage District). 
Old buildings that were constructed in the Commonwealth era in J.M Basa (Calle Real), Iznart, Aldeguer and Guanco were declared as a heritage site of Iloilo. It showcases the unique architecture of the downtown area.
Concrete Pillboxes (Janiuay). Built by the Japanese during World War II.
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.
Jaro Belfry. Ruined in 1948 earthquake, but now restored. One of the few belfries in country that stands apart from the church.
Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral. 3 kilometers from the city proper; seat of Jaro Archbishopric embracing Western Visayas. The church contains the "miraculous" Our Lady of Candles, which the feast day is celebreated every 2nd of February. The church is surrounded by old colonial houses of sugar barons and Hispano-Filipino houses of the elite still stand, seat of Catholicism in Western Visayas.
Japanese Fortification (Cabatuan). Built by the Japanese as a lookout point for enemies.
Japanese Underground Garrison (Concepcion, Iloilo). Located at Bagongon Island.
La Villa de Arevalo. 6 kilometers southwest of city proper; 2nd capital of the Alcaldia of Panay; flower and firecracker district of Iloilo City.
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.
Molo Church. 3 kilometers from the city proper; Gothic renaissance church of coral rock; completed in 1800s. The church was visited by Jose Rizal along the way to his exile in Dapitan, Mindanao.
Museo Iloilo. Repository of Iloilo's culrtural heritage.
Muelle Loney. The River Port of Iloilo named after British Consul Nicholas Loney, who is considered the Father of Sugar Industry in Panay and Negros. Considered one of the safest harbours because Guimaras protects it from winds. It was opened to international market in 1855.
Panay Liberation Marker. 23 km. southwest of Iloilo City; commemorates American liberation of Panay from the Japanese in 1945.
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.
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CULTURAL
Guimbal Watchtowers. 29 km. southwest of Iloilo City proper; called "bantayan: built to warn the people of pirates.
Imbidayan Rock (Bgy. Sinugbuhan, San Joaquin, Iloilo). Site of the barter of Panay.
Kuta (Watchtower) (Bgy. Baybay Norte, Poblacion). Stone watchtower constructed with the same material as the Roman Catholic church of Miag-ao.
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.
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.
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.
Siwaragan River (San Joaquin). Where according to legend the barter of Panay took place.
Taytay Boni (Bgy. Igtuba, Miag-ao Iloilo). Old Spanish bridge.
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NATURAL
Agho Island (Concepcion, Iloilo). The home of Tabon birds that lay oversized eggs.
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.
Anhawan Island (Concepcion). Scuba diving and white sand beach.
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.
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.
Baliguian Island (Concepcion). A coral reef rising only a few feet above sea level with its lighthouse and beach of white corals and shells.
Beaches at Guimbal.
Coconut palm shades and cottages make them popular weekend retreats.
Beaches at San Joaquin. Talisayan, Tara, and others; clean beaches with multi-colored pebbles.
Binugsukan Falls (Bgy. Dalije, Miag-ao, Iloilo). Accessible and unspoiled waterfalls with fresh & clear running waters.
Bolobadiangan Island (Concepcion, Iloilo). Wide beach with limped lagoon.
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.
Cataan Cove. Located in San Joaquin town, 60 km. southwest of Iloilo City; has beautiful marine garden; ideal for scuba diving.
Colebra Island (Concepcion). Its magnificent caves abound with guano and Alagit-it nests.
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.
Danao Lake or Tinagong Dagat (Miag-ao). Ten times bigger then the ordinary swimming pool; has elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level.
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.
Duminding Cave (Sitio Dumingding, Brgy. Balabag, Anilao, Iloilo). With free flowing spring.
Igbon Island (Concepcion). Ideal for scuba divers
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.
Iyang Beach (Concepcion). White sand beach
Lacaran Beach (Brgy. Ermita, Dumangas). View of Roca Encantada and Siete Pecados of Guimaras Island.
Lamintao Beach (Barotac Nuevo). 9 km. from the town proper; ideal picnic ground.
Molupulo or Seagulls Point (Carles, Iloilo, near Sicogon Island). Has thousands of seagulls perching on the point which is a fish area.
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.
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.
Mt. Napulak (Igbaras). 55 km. from Iloilo city proper; has virginal forest, and abundant wildlife.
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.
Nagpana Falls (Barotac Viejo). Swimming hideaway; where Aetas (cultural minority) live.
Salihid Mountain and Caves (Barotac Nuevo). One km. from town proper; lush vegetation; attracts the adventurous.
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.
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.
San Vicente Island (Concepcion). The guerilla sanctuary island with white beaches.
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.
Sta. Ana Waterfall (Anilao, Iloilo). 5 km. from the poblacion - small cave and small enchanting waterfall.
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.
Tinagong Dagat (Concepcion). A lake situated in a plateau surrounded by rolling hills of Lambunao, Iloilo; 73 km. north of Iloilo City.
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FESTIVALS
Binanog Festival (January, movable dates; Lambunao, Iloilo). A dance depicting the movement of the birds accompanied by lively drum beatings.
Carabao-Carroza Race (every May; Pavia, Iloilo). 
A race among carabaos, each pulling a bamboo sled called carroza, on a 40-meter course.
Christmas Light Festival (Dec. 16-Jan. 3; Pototan, Iloilo). A kaleidoscope of multicolored lights in a 6 ha. plaza with dancing fountain & food festival.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hinugyaw sa Anilao (Oct. 31; Anilao). A celebration of the separation of Anilao from Banate which features various sports and cultural activities.
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.
Hirinugyaw Festival (Sept. 1-10; Cabatuan). Street dancing festivity participated by various agencies and NGOs in Cabatuan.
Ilonggo Lantern Festival (Dec. 1-31; Iloilo City). A contest of giant lanterns made of native materials.
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.
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."
Katagman Festival. A showcase of the noble history and culture of Oton.
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.
Pasungay (2nd Saturday of January). Bullfights staged at the hillside of San Joaquin, Iloilo.
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.
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.
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).
Paraw Regatta (movable dates; Iloilo Strait). 
A race among swift and colorful native outriggers in the strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island.
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.
Santacruzan Festival (April 24-May 31; Sta. Cruz, Arevalo, Iloilo City & Igbaras, Iloilo). Features Mayflower festival, grand processions, and a contest of massive arches.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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RELIGIOUS
Cabatuan Church. 
Neo-classical; built in early 1880s. 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.
Jaro Cathedral. 3 km. from the city proper; seat of the Jaro Archbisphoric embracing Western Visayas.
Molo Church. 3 km. from the city proper; Gothic Rennaissance Church of coral rock; completed in the 1800s.
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.
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.
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.
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