Cheap flights to Iloilo City, the Philippines

Iloio enjoys warm hot temperatures all year round and peak season runs from December to January encompassing Chinese New Year.  This is also the most expensive time and visitors will save money by traveling in the off-peak season of May to June. The months from June to October are hot but very rainy and a good time to save money on travel to the Phillipines.   The Dianyang Festival is the biggest annual celebration in Iloio and takes place each year in late January.  Hotels get booked up quickly some time before the festival and prices are likely to be higher too.

Iloilo overview

The vibrant city of Iloilo is located on Panay Island at the center of the Philippines.  The city is one of largest by population in the whole of the Western Visayas.   The Spanish colonial influence on both architecture and culture can be experienced all over the city whilst many beautiful beaches are all accessible in under an hour.

One of the major historical attractions within the city proper is the Molo Church, a Neo-Baroque building that was designed with Aztec flair.  The Romanesque Jaro Cathedral with its famed Belfry on the other side of the street, is also worth viewing.  The UNESCO protected Baroque Miag-go church dates from the 1700’s to view its intricate facade in particular.  The city boasts many more historical churches and heritage houses, most notably Lopez Mansion, a fine example of Art Deco elegance and grandeur.  It’s pristinely landscaped ‘Nelly’s Garden’ is worth a visit in itself. Iloio Museum is located in the center of the city and is a fascinating place to get to grips with the cultural history of the region. 

The island of Panay boasts a large number of fabulous beaches, many of which are located in the north of the Iloilo province including the beautiful, white sand beaches found at Carles and Concepcion.  The most accessible beach from the city itself is Anhawan Beach, where visitor can enjoy sailing, kayaking and jet skiing.

Borocay Island is the most popular tourist attraction found close to Iloilo, the beaches on the island are frequently cited as some of the most beautiful in the world.  From Iloilo visitors can drive to Caticlan in just over three hours to catch a connecting 30-minute ferry to the island.   The most popular pastimes on Borocay include scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and golf. 

Getting around Iloilo City, Philippines

Passenger jeepneys are the most common form of transport although taxis are also popular.  A cheap way to travel is by tricycle whilst much of central Ilolio can also be discovered on foot.  Walking tours are a good choice for those who want to see as many historical monuments as possible whilst day trips are a good way to explore marine conservation areas and the best beaches.

Getting from the Airport to the City

Iloilo International Airport (ILO) is located 12 miles north of the city.  A shuttle van service is available from the aiport to Jaro plaza or the SM City Mall.  Visitors can use one of the official white taxi cars to reach their accommodations, although its advised to agree the price first.  One of the cheapest ways to travel from the airport is via a combination of Multicabs and Jeeps however these can entail long wait whilst he driver allows the vehicle to fill with passengers.