Enjoy your holiday vacay at these tourist spots in Iloilo!
Image: GarinFarm Pilgrimage Resort Facebook page
Many exciting places to visit in Iloilo. You might have been to the province’s historical Catholic churches and modern attractions, but that’s not everything about the place. And yes, Iloilo is famous because of its heritage houses, scenic spots, natural wonders, and attractive man-made destinations.
Below is a list of beautiful tourist attractions in Iloilo that you and your family can enjoy as you spend your Christmas vacation.
1. Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort
Location: San Joaquin, Iloilo
One can experience heaven on earth at Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort.
Images: Garin Farm Inland Resort
Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort in San Joaquin will bring you a recollection of Jesus’s journey. If you’ve come across Facebook photos of people in heaven, this is where they took those viral pictures. Moreover, religious people will appreciate depicting 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. This experience perfectly fits your Christmas vacation in Iloilo.
Garin Farm also features a bahay kubo (Filipino hut) where you can pose for a selfie or group photo.
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 is a suitable place visit in Iloilo. It takes a two-hour boat ride from either Estancia or Carles Port for you to reach this paradise. The beauty of the sea on this island is comparable to that of the Maldives, while the rock formation is similar to Palawan’s rock formations.
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 see 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 massive 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 on the island.
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 it, you can head to Waterworld Iloilo. Located in Alta Tierra Village, Jaro, Iloilo City, Waterworld is the first waterpark in the city. This tourist attraction in Iloilo 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.
August 2022 Update: Waterworld Iloilo is open from weekends only.
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. It is a haven of Ilonggo artistry and Ilonggo history. The museum is a place to showcase Ilonggo talents in painting, film, theater, arts and crafts, literature, furniture, and textiles. The site is occasionally used for exhibits of Ilonggo artists in various fields.
The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
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. You can find time for yourself and your loved ones. On top of that, this tourist attraction in Iloilo 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.
Depending on your preference, you may stay in cottages or tents. You also have the option to bring some food, or you can just buy from the fresh catch of the locals who pass by the place. Their seafood is newer than what you can get in malls and restaurants and is sold at a lesser price.
6. Sulu Garden – Miag-ao
Location: Iloilo-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, which 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 allows visitors to experience Japanese culture without having to travel far.
Sulu Garden is just a few steps from the University of the Philippines Visayas. It can easily be found because it is situated by the national highway. It is open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Are you still deciding where to go this holiday season? With many beautiful places to see, Iloilo is a place one can consider visiting for Christmas.
Visit Yoorekka Magazine to discover more destinations in Iloilo!
This article was initially published in Yoorekka on December 19, 2017.
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