One day in Iloilo
This is only an overnight trip for one reason, we haven't been to Iloilo. Even if we want to go some place else, or someplace is better what we want is something new, different, and not that expensive. Without any baggage, just one small carry on bag we hop inside the plane and the adventure begins! Backpacking in Iloilo is very fun, people are super friendly. You can talk to strangers and they'll be glad to assist you if they can one thing though, most of them speak Ilonggo and rarely use Tagalog. But it's no biggie! It's actually cool that they are very proud of their native tongue. Lastly, after this trip we wanna go back and the next time is we'll definitely be there for 3 days minimum!
Getting There:
~Note: For overnight trips using terminal 3, you can actually park your car at the airport just ask for the guard where is the overnight parking area. Surprisingly they only cost 50 pesos! :) I'm not aware if other terminals have the same overnight parking area, but hey we have park n fly (only it's a bit expensive - it will cost you around 300 pesos a day).
- Manila - Iloilo International Airport - 1 hour flight via Cebu Pacific
- From the airport - You have several choices on how to get to the city (Jeeps, Vans, Taxi) In our case we took the Van which is approximately a 30 minute ride, it's 50 pesos per head by the way.
The city is almost like Manila. They have Jeeps, Taxis, Tricycles, Pedicabs etc... The only difference is that it's cheaper. :) And drivers in Iloilo are very kind, not like the ones we have (taxi driver) always asking for extra etc. Rates normally range from 8-9 pesos for Jeeps.
- Enjoying the "Pedi" ride (Pedicab - Bike with a side car) - You can take this when you're going some place near. This cost us 15 pesos only.
Where to stay:
- Hotels/Inn - There are a lot of cheap but nice hotels in Iloilo, I suggest you look for a place to stay before you go there. We stayed at the Riverside Inn. We selected that because of it's location. Its near Smallville (Like mini Eastwood City in Libis) perfect for hanging out at night and not too far from SM Iloilo.hehe Second it's cheap. Our room cost around 900 pesos only for a night, well we are aware that there are cheaper hotels/inn around but we just don't have the luxury of time that day.
View of our simple room. It's actually cozier than it looks like ;)
One thing that we like about this place is that it has clean bathrooms. :)
-Don't expect to have a Jacuzzi!
Things to do:
~We only have one day to explore the city. We tried our best but hey there's always a next time and at least we stayed there like a local :) We haven't been to Miagao Church, and we know there is a ferry that will take you to Guimaras Island for only 15-20 minutes. Iloilo is also a very good destination for Photography addicts out there, a lot of old houses and historical buildings.
- Try the Original La Paz Batchoy (Ted's/Deco's) - One word, Super! We actually looked for the original Deco's because that's what we want even if its located on top of the mountain we'll go for it. hehe Bottom line, indeed it was the best La Paz Batchoy I ever tasted. The best part is that they serve it completely alam mo na hindi tinitipid!
Deco's Original La Paz Batchoy
- Visit Old Churches - There are a lot of beautiful old churches around town. We only got to visit two of them due to lack of time.
Jaro Church
- Museo Iloilo - Good set of antiques, war items, and paintings
Paintings displayed inside the Museum
- Explore the city like a local - Locals know best! Try to interact with the locals, sure you'll learn a lot of new things.
- SM Iloilo - You might be wondering why this is included. hehe We'll for us it beats the home sickness thingy. It just feels like we are not away and hey the Cinema is good, it only cost 110 pesos to watch a movie :) hehehe
Stray Deer!
A view of Iloilo Airport - it was actually nice and clean!
- Don't forget to try out their different delicacies.
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