A City Tour: Tourist Spots in Iloilo City

As a highly urbanized city in the Philippines, the City of Iloilo has became a tourist hub that is blessed with enchanting landscapes, majestic heritage sites and appetizing cuisines. And being a prime province during Spanish Colonial Era, Iloilo is known to hold some of the most stunning historic architectures of the country. Local and foreign tourists will surely love and enjoy a tour to this city.

How did we got there? 
Our group composed of 9 heads rented out a van for 2,500. We met the van owner at the airport of Iloilo. Price may vary depending on how good you are on haggling and to your itinerary. Our group decided to just rented out a van instead of getting tours from agencies because of two reasons: 1) We don't have to follow any time table. 2) We're the one to decide where we want to go. We just give a list of places we want to visit to the van owner and we let him decide the sequence.

Camiña Balay Nga Bato: An Ancestral House of Iloilo City

Aside from seeing beaches, view from mountain decks and tasty delicacies... visiting ancestral houses is one of the many things I look forward when traveling. Simply because I got to see even a bit of what it's like to live in the past and also to hear stories and learned new things from those old houses.

So during my visit in Iloilo City, I have been blessed and was able to see an 1860-ish house which is now called Camiña Balay Nga Bato. Balay Nga Bato is a two-storey house that showcases an antique/souvenir shop (ground floor) and living area (top floor).  A tour to this aged-house would costs you 150 PhP which includes an experience to taste their signature Tsokolate.

Miagao Church of Iloilo: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Popularly known as the Miagao Church, Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church is a world heritage site found in the province of Miagao, Iloilo. This Roman Catholic Parish Church is part of the list of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites along side with San Agustin Church of Manila; Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church of Ilocos Sur; and San Agustin Church of Ilocos Norte.

How did I got there?
Well, it is part of our Ilo Ilo city tour. Our group composed of 9 heads rented out a van for 2,500 and a visit to Miagao Church is part of that itinerary. We met the van owner at the airport of Iloilo. Price may vary depending on how good you are on haggling and to your itinerary. Our group decided to just rented out a van instead of getting tours from agencies because of two reasons: 1) We don't have to follow any time table. 2) We're the one to decide where we want to go. We just give a list of places we want to visit to the van owner and just let him decide the sequence.

Inland Tour at Gigantes North: The Lighthouse and Bakwitan Cave

If you happen to read my blog post about our island hopping at Islas de Gigantes, I mentioned on it that we had an inland tour at Gigantes North (Norte). And as promised, here's my detailed entry about it. The inland tour isn't that grand compared to the island hopping but it was a good trip incase you still have some spare time to spent. The whole tour took us 4 hours including photo op which covers a visit to Gigantes North Island Lighthouse and Bakwitan Cave.

Accommodation in Gigantes Island: Rosewood Place Resort

If you have read my blog post about our island hopping tour at Islas de Gigantes (also called as Gigantes Islands) then you're probably wondering where did we stayed during our tour. Well, the title says it all. Our group stayed at Rosewood Place Resort found at Gigantes North.

Note: If you are looking for a grand resort with generator, hot and cold shower, or cable-installed television on your room then I would say that this is not the resort for you.

I would describe Rosewood Place as a plain and simple resort. Our stay here will gaves me peace of mind and somehow feels like living to basics again. I added the term "somehow" because although the rooms are air-conditioned and has faucet with unlimited water supply, Rosewood Place has limited access in terms of mobile and internet signals. There is no television on rooms. And lastly, it does not have generator which means there is no electricity from 6am to 6pm (which is implemented in the entire island).

Island Hopping at Islas de Gigantes (Gigantes Islands) of Iloilo

Islas de Gigantes (popularly known as Gigantes Islands) is one of my dream destination among the provinces of my country. It is located in the northernmost part of Iloilo province in the municipality of Carles. Gigantes Islands are known for its beautiful islands and islets packed with crystalline-like beaches and panoramic views. And just recently, I was able to crossed this place out on my bucket list and explored the province of Iloilo... specifically, Gigantes Islands.