Iloilo Tours
Private tour to Iloilo and have a coolio time sightseeing or sunbathing, to the traveller, Iloilo in the Philippines offers you big city comforts but still has the down the earth lifestyle to be enjoyed.
It is a city that is coming out of hard times and growing in stature all the time. It went through about 500 years of hard times, but that has all changed now with new complexes and arcades having been built.
Iloilo is a province of the Western Visayas region in the Philippines and is found on the south-east portion of Panay Island. It is known as the “Heritage Haven of Panay” with architecture that reflects the Spanish and later the American influences.
The people of Iloilo are as welcoming as anywhere in the Philipines, and their joy for life is infectious.
It doesn't matter where you are in the busy streets or urban areas, you are treated with great respect, and they want to learn all about you and love the fact that you chose to visit their city.
Let the activities begin!
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Top 10 Things to Do in Iloilo
Dinagyang Festival
If you travel to Iloilo in the fourth week of January, you will experience the most fabulous festival. The people of Iloilo celebrate the Santo Nino translated as 'Christ's child' festival with outrageous costumes and dancing. This is like a mardi-gras and lasts three days. It is advisable to have a local private tour guide with you when you go to experience this festival for the first time, as it can be daunting.
Nelly Garden (Lopez Mansion)
A famous landmark in Jaro, Iloilo City, is Nelly Garden. A private tour to these wonderfully landscaped lawns and large American, art deco style, heritage house is recommended and a must. In the mansion, which bears a slight resemblance to the white house, there are original flooring, wall murals, furniture from the bygone era. While looking on to the lawn don’t be surprised to see the odd sheep casually walking through!
Jaro Cathedral
Jaro Cathedral was once known as Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles. Built in 1864, it was where the first bishop of Jaro was situated. There are lots of beautiful statues to look upon as they line the walls, but only one of them is female and that is Nuestra Señora del la Candelaria (Lady of the Candles) A private tour guide give all the interesting historical information you need!
Molo Mansion
The actual name for this mansion is Yusay-Consing Mansion. It faces the town plaza and St. Anne Parish Church, it is a significant and historic house in Iloilo to see with a private tour. Once thought to be only good for demolition a private developer rescued the mansion and it was restored to its historical, former glory and turned into a heritage museum. The mansion even has replicas of the same furniture that was in it when first built in the 1920’s.
Plaza Libertad
The historic plaza, Plaza Libertad, is found in the very heart of Iloilo City. A private tour of Iloilo will bring you here, and to the many famous landmarks surrounding the Plaza. It is most famously known for being the place where the flag of the first Philippine Republic was raised in triumph after the Spain surrendered Iloilo in 1898 to the revolutionary forces.
Lizares Mansion
Lizards Mansion architectural styles reflect a big mixture of American and Spanish. It is one of the most beautiful heritage mansions to take a private tour of. This mansion was built by Don Emiliano Lizares in 1937 who was a sugar baron and it showed just how well the sugar industry boomed in those years. The front facade and historical content inside is well worth the visit. It was sold in 1962 and became a school; it now serves as a school chapel
Casa Mariquit
A historic house to sightsee in Iloilo is Casa Mariquit, where the Vice President of the Philippines once lived. There are fascinating pictures and other memorabilia to be found on your private tour of here. For a taste of just what can be seen; there are pictures of the vice president meeting the likes of Emperor Hirohito, Generalissimo Franco, President Lyndon Johnson and Chiang Kai-Shek to name but a few.
Miagao Church
Miagao Church is also known locally as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church and is Roman Catholic. It was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site back in December 1993. The architecture of this church is beautiful and a private tour is well worth for the knowledge you can learn from the guides. The Church has two exceptional architectural towers that look like they are protecting the central church in the middle.
Guimaras
Why not take a private tour to Guimaras, a 15 minute trip by boat from Iloilo City. This is a place for relaxing on the very peaceful sandy beaches, going on bike trails, or picking the famous sweet mangoes. The sea is incredibly clear water that you just want dive in and soak. Take a leisurely walk along the seafront looking over at Iloilo. The restaurants and cafes situated periodically along the beach are delicious with mouth-watering food to taste and relish.
Bucari Mountains
Escape the bustle and heat of the lowlands. The pine ridge Bucari mountain resort is a very peaceful retreat nestled in the mountains 500 meters above sea level. There is hiking in the mountains and biking trails all over the vicinity or if you want you can just chill out and relax while taking in the breathtaking views that are on offer. All the trails and sights to experience on tour here are very entertaining and enjoyable.
Experience the Colourful Vibrant Iloilo With a City Tour
Spend your time in Iloilo with city tours of timeless markets, beautifully restored stately homes of Spanish influence, ancient churches or just relax in fabulous gardens or along the riverbank.
The traditional food cannot go without being tried and tested with this city offering many attractive places to eat and not just traditional food.
The entertainment here is also something else especially around festival times when the locals go all out and really know how to party!
It is not a well-known place to go in the Philippines, but that is changing as word spreads of other people's experiences here on private tours.