2025 Iloilo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

When you think of visiting the Philippines during their summer season; the first locations that you will think of are Boracay Island, Siargao, Cebu, Bohol and Palawan but please don’t missed out Gigantes Islands! 2 hours land travel away from Iloilo City or 1 hour away from Roxas City and 1 hour boat away from Carles Port, you’ll find amazing beaches, sandbars, lagoons in Carles. Most travel agencies in the Philippines offers tours in Gigantes Island wherein you will enjoy relaxing, swimming and sight seeing in islands such sa Pulupandan, Cabugao Gamay, Mini Boracay Beach, Tangke Lagoon and Antonia Beach. In the noontime, you will feast on an unlimited scallops lunch in the beach! #isladegigantes

There's something magical about water that elevates any photo to the next level. It intensifies colours, adds texture, and provides an ethereal quality to any shot. And when captured by @bisayanghilaw, these qualities are heightened to perfection. This captivating photo showcases how the waters of this island have the power to enhance beauty. The hues of green and blue in the water perfectly complement the subject's eyes, creating a stunning contrast that immediately catches the eye. With its crystal-clear waters and hidden coves, gigante island is a paradise for nature and photography enthusiasts alike. Whether you're taking photos for fun or creating content for your blog or social media, this destination is a must-visit. This shot by @bisayanghilaw is just one example of the breathtaking beauty that waits in gigantes island. It provides a glimpse of the magic that can happen when nature and photography combine to enhance beauty and create wonder.

loilo is a province located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Its capital is the city of Iloilo, which is also one of the major urban centers of the region. Iloilo is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, as well as its beautiful beaches, natural wonders, and delicious cuisine.#iloilospride #iloilocity #iloilo #iloilo

The Urban Table is located in Zone 7, Brgy. Caboloan Norte, Oton, Iloilo. The restaurant is one of the amenities of the resort. Another piece is their Urban Glamp which is set to have its grand opening in July of 2023. The Urban Table vows to experience to offer the ultimate farm-to-table experience to every guest. Their ingredients are sourced within their place. It is a great option for a family getaway – whether on a weekday or a weekend. The location is also not too far away from the city.

This trip over the weekend was bittersweet. We are coming home after a decade or so to attend my grandma's funeral. This also allowed us to discover home- the bonds of family, the richness of culture and many other things we wouldn't have otherwise known have we not taken this visit. We got the chance to be formally introduced and finally put faces on the names we only hear in stories. They have also given us a tour of the Iloilo City so we may have more appreciation of our hometown. We went for lunch by the Seaside at Bugoy's and feast on the rich seafood selection such as Crabs, Shrimps, Fish, Oysters and other local delicacies. Overall, while short and hurried as the meetings were not planned, it proved worthwhile revisiting and taking the road home. #celebratewithtrip

Jaro Cathedral, with the stairs leading to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles is formally known as Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro, located in Iloilo City on the island of Panay in the Philippines. It was placed under the patronage of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. The present cathedral structure was finished in 1874. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1948 and later repaired in 1956. Museo Iloilo was built in 1971. It is a provincial museum located besides the Iloilo Provincial Capitol in Iloilo City, Philippines. It is the first government-sponsored museum in the Philippines outside of Metro Manila. It houses a collection of Iloilo's cultural heritage. Where to stay: Iloilo has plenty of hotels from 2 stars to 4 stars, your choice. For me, I stayed in the city proper, the Go Hotel, where shopping is just a walking distance away. How to get there: you can take a taxi from your hotel to the museum and to Jaro Cathedral. You may also take a public transport, the Jeepney, to both places. #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #awesomepic #tripblazers #本地遊 #staycation #summervacation

Molo is a district of Iloilo City in Iloilo Province, Philippines. The name "Molo" came from the word "moro", the name of the Islamic group called Moro that frequently raided the town. The predominantly Chinese population of this town who had difficulty pronouncing the "r" kept pronouncing molo instead of moro. Molo is popular for its Molo Church, a centuries-old church which lies in front of the Molo Plaza. In front of the plaza is the Molo Mansion, one of Iloilo City's finest old homes built in 1920. Where to stay: many hotels and hostels in Iloilo City with real guest reviews and 24/7 customer service can be book on Trip.com. How to go there: Jeepney is the most popular mode of public transport in Iloilo City. Taxi is not expensive and readily available. #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #awesomepic #summervacation #staycation #本地遊

The view, the sand, the food and the people ❤️It has everything that you can ask for! I did a solo trip on this one and planning on visiting it again, but with family then. I just need to save money so I can fly my whole fam there to share its beauty!#mytripvlog #firstpost

The swimming pool is so nice and kept very clean. It has day beds and some tables scattered around where you could eat or have some drinks while enjoying the pool. This is the perfect spot to relax, read a book and enjoy the resort's lush and tropical surroundings while enjoying an afternoon swim. A stunning view of the lush gardens, and the beach. It also has a Jacuzzi perfect for relaxation, and a kiddie pool for your little ones. For day trippers, they also offer spacious cabanas ideal for family and group picnic and get-together. Here, you can enjoy with your friends and loved ones and chill while having a great view of the beach. #staycation #summervacation #foodie

Getting There - Bancal Port in the town of Carles is the most convenient jump off point and fastest way to get to Gigantes Islands. Passenger boats from both Carles and Estancia run once daily leaving around noontime to Gigantes. Attractions - Take an island hopping tour – A visit to Gigantes Island is not complete without taking an island hopping tour to see its beautiful islands and beaches. It is a must to visit the main sites such as Cabugao Gamay Island, Tangke, Antonia Beach, Bantigue Island, and Pawikan Cave. Accomodations- Most of the established resorts can be found in Gigantes Norte Island. These resorts offer basic accommodations that catered to budget conscious travelers. Tent-style accommodations are also quite popular in Antonia Beach and Cabugao Gamay Island. #beachlife #summeradventure #gooutside

Address: 📍 Iloilo, Carles - Gigantes Island Experience: 📝 One of the top things to do in Iloilo is to go island hopping in Islas de Gigantes located in the province of Carles. If you love the beaches and islands of other top Philippine tourist spots like El Nido and Boracay, you should definitely add Islas de Gigantes to your list!!!! This is on another level of experience when you really love going to beaches and exploring the beauty of sea creatures. There’s a lot to see and experience here! The locals are kind and very approachable, and they know how to take good photos for your next instagram post! The food is superb, we avail the unlimited scallops! If you wanna more about my whole travel experience, leave a comment below! 😁🫶🏻 Rate: 10/10 ✅✅ Definitely will recommend this place for your next island visit!!!! 🎞 All photos are mine. Follow me as I document all of my travel experiences! #naturewonders #beachlife #iloilo #gigantes #islandhopping #island #summervacation

There are three main islands close to Siargao that are the traditional destination for island- hopping day trips: Guyamn, Daku and the Naked Island. There are so many awesome things to do on Siargao Island but one of the most popular activities is to get off the island and go island hopping from Siargao. There are three beautiful islands only a short long-tail boat trip away from General Luna, which is the tourist part of Siargao. Guyam Island, Daku Island, and Naked Island are the three stops along the tour, which includes pick-up, drop-off, and a seafood lunch. #urbanexplorer #summervacation #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

#unforgettableexperiences i love ilo ilo gigantes island best trip ever 🥰🥰🥰 #holidayvacation

Visited Sicogon Island about an hour and half of boating and this place is awesome and perfect for get together. I’m with my friends we swim, play volleyball and of course tried the different seafoods. Then we decided to climb the Mt. Opao Peak to see the view of the island and to witness the landing of an airplane- yes that small island has an airport. Perfect island getaway. #tripaway #tripaway

enjoying the sun 🌞 sand beach⛱️🏖️ #islaguigantes #2020travel #iloilocity

#damireshillsresort #cityoflove #naturelover #infinitypool

#islagigantes #cityoflove #switzerland #beachtravel

Good food Festive walk.

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#summervacay Cabugao Gamay is one of the highlights of Isla de Gigantes in Iloilo. It’s a small island with a white sandbar stretching between clear waters on both sides. A quick climb up the rocky hill leads to a view that’s perfect for photos probably the most famous angle of the whole region. Whether you’re here to swim, take pictures, or just enjoy the breeze, this island is a must-visit stop on any island-hopping trip in Gigantes. Simple, scenic, and easy to love.

Tobog beach resort

#scenic place #best_trip_by_trip #awesomepic #picturesqueview #familytrip #postandearn Off the northeastern coast of Iloilo in the Philippines lies a magical cluster of islands that feels like it belongs in a dream. The Gigantes Islands, also known as Islas de Gigantes, are a hidden gem waiting to be explored — a tropical escape where turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, secret lagoons, and warm Filipino hospitality come together in perfect harmony. Thanks to Trip.com, planning my journey to the Gigantes Islands was smooth and simple. From finding transportation details to connecting with local guides and tours, the platform provided everything I needed to make the most of this off-the-beaten-path destination. Upon arrival in Carles, the jump-off point to the islands, I felt the excitement build. A short boat ride transported me to a world far from the crowds, where nature remains raw and largely untouched. Cabugao Gamay, the most iconic islet in the group, was our first stop — and what a sight it was. A small strip of white sand connecting two rocky hills, with crystal-clear water on either side, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the Visayas. Climbing to the viewpoint revealed a postcard-perfect scene I’ll never forget. Next came Antonia Beach, where I relaxed under the sun and snorkeled in vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. The white sand here was powdery soft, and the peaceful surroundings made it the perfect spot to unwind. Bantigue Sandbar was another highlight — a long, curving stretch of sand that appears and disappears with the tide, offering stunning 360-degree views of the ocean and nearby islands. For those looking for something more adventurous, Tangke Lagoon offers an otherworldly experience. Tucked behind towering limestone walls, this hidden saltwater pool feels like a secret swimming hole — calm, emerald, and surreal. Access is tide-dependent, but it's well worth the wait. Gigantes is also a haven for food lovers. I feasted on fresh seafood, especially the famous scallops, which are served by the dozens — grilled, buttered, or steamed. The islands are known for their abundance of these delicious shellfish, and the meals here are rustic, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. But beyond the natural beauty, what truly made my trip unforgettable was the genuine warmth of the locals. Everyone I met, from boatmen to home-stay hosts, welcomed me with open arms and stories about island life. It added a heartfelt dimension to the trip that went far beyond sightseeing. Whether you're an adventure seeker, beach bum, or cultural traveler, the Gigantes Islands have something special to offer. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature and yourself. Thanks to Trip.com, my visit to the Gigantes Islands was not only effortless but transformative. If you're craving a quiet paradise with raw beauty and authentic charm, this secluded Philippine treasure deserves a top spot on your travel list.

Church

Nice place

Sometimes the simplest moments are the most beautiful. The sunrise, this coffee, this view... It's all I need.