Due to quarantine measures in place, some of these destinations might be temporarily closed. Please coordinate with the management or local government before visiting.
Image: Sulu Garden Miag-ao Facebook Page
Iloilo is popular not just because of its heritage houses, but also due to its scenic places, natural wonders, and interesting man-made destinations. You might have been to the historical Catholic churches and modern attractions of the province, but that’s not everything about the place. Below is a list of wonderful places that you and your family can enjoy as you spend your Christmas vacation in Iloilo.
1. Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort
Location: San Joaquin, Iloilo
One can experience heaven on earth at Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort.
Image: Garin Farm Inland Resort
Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort in San Joaquin will bring you a recollection of Jesus’s journey. This experience is a perfect fit for the Christmas season. If you’ve come across Facebook photos of people in heaven, this is where they took those viral pictures. Moreover, religious people will appreciate the depiction of the life-sized Way of the Cross, Noah’s Ark, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. What’s also interesting is that after a tiring but picturesque hike, you will be met by angels at the Instagram-perfect heavenly plateau.
Garin Farm also features a bahay kubo (Filipino hut) where you can pose for a selfie or group photo.
September 2020 Update: Garin Farm is temporarily closed.
2. Isla de Gigantes (Island of Giants)
Location: Carles, Iloilo
Some destinations are just within reach, like Isla de Gigantes.
Image: Ai Yen
Are you fond of island adventures? If so, Isla de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo is a suitable destination for you. It takes a two-hour boat-ride from either Estancia or Carles Port for you to reach this paradise. The beauty of the sea in this island is comparable to that of the Maldives, while the rock formation is similar to the rock formations in Palawan.
When you visit Isla de Gigantes, don’t expect it to be just a one-stop destination. Hiring a boat is ideal if your group wants to visit the 10 islands which make up the island chain.
Each island has a unique feature. For instance, Tangke contains a beach in the middle of a giant rock formation. On the other hand, Antonia Beach Resort has a giant rock formation and white sand beach. Here, you can also enjoy cheap scallops and water sports, among other things. Lastly, the sand bar in Cabugao Gamay is the most popular spot for photos in the island.
September 2020 Update: Isla de Gigantes is temporarily closed but is planning to reopen to locals.
3. Waterworld Iloilo
Location: Jaro, Iloilo City
Kids and adults alike can enjoy the swimming pool at Waterworld Iloilo.
Image: Waterworld Iloilo PH
If you’re looking for an Ilonggo entertainment spot where kids and kids at heart will enjoy, you can head to Waterworld Iloilo. Located in Alta Tierra Village, Jaro, Iloilo City, Waterworld is the first waterpark in the city. It is also one of the first, if not the first, solar-operated waterpark in the Philippines. This waterpark has rides for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age. It also has provisions for those who wish to have a picnic or a family get-together. Waterworld Iloilo is a convenient destination for tourists and locals. Almost all locals can guide you to where the place is.
4. Museo Iloilo
Location: Bonifacio Drive, Iloilo City
Museo de Iloilo is a handiwork of the Ilonggo architect Sergio Penasales.
Image: Museo Iloilo
Lovers of arts, culture, and heritage must see Museo Iloilo beside the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. Not only is it a haven of Ilonggo artistry, but also of Ilonggo history. The museum is a place to showcase Ilonggo talents may it be in painting, film, theater, arts and crafts, literature, furniture, and textiles. The place is occasionally used for exhibits of Ilonggo artists in various fields.
September 2020 Update: Museo Iloilo has resumed operations.
5. Concepcion Sandbar
Location: Concepcion, Iloilo
Bond or find some me time at Concepcion Sandbar.
Image: Calvin de los Reyes
The Concepcion Sandbar in Concepcion, Iloilo is a place that is free from worldly distractions. Here, you can find time for yourself and loved ones. On top of that, the place has a fresher atmosphere, is less commercialized, and has friendlier locals than Boracay island. It is just about two and a half hours away from Iloilo City.
You may opt to stay in cottages or tents, depending on your preference. You also have the option to bring with you some food or you can just buy from the fresh catch of the locals who pass by the place. Their seafood is way fresher than what you can get in malls and restaurants, and are sold at a lesser price.
September 2020 Update: Concepcion Sandbar is temporarily closed.
6. Sulu Garden – Miag-ao
Location: loilo-Antique Road, Miag-ao, Iloilo
One can unwind at the Japanese-inspired Sulu Garden. (Image: Sulu Garden Miag-ao)
There’s one picture-perfect place in Miag-ao, Iloilo that you can visit this December. Sulu Garden Miag-ao is for those lovers, individuals or groups who wish to make their Christmas holidays memorable. The place gives visitors the chance to experience Japanese culture without having to travel far.
Sulu Garden is just a few steps away from the University of the Philippines Visayas. It can easily be found because it is situated by the national highway.
September 2020 Update: Sulu Garden Miag-ao is now open.
Visit Yoorekka to discover more destinations in Iloilo!
Still deciding where to go this holiday season? With many wonderful places to see, Iloilo is a place one can consider visiting for Christmas.
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on December 19, 2017.
