This does not mean that the more inland part of the province lacks enchanting places – quite the opposite is true. Numerous experiences await you here without having to venture out to the islands. The marvelous natural beauty of Iloilo is evident in its mountain ranges, where you can find waterfalls cascading into enchanting pools. The rice fields, which are the country’s rice bowl, offer one of the most impressive landscapes in the country.

While those residing in the province’s interior mainly make a living from rice terraces, those traveling in the southern and northern parts of Iloilo get to know the communities along the coastline whose residents make their living primarily from fishing some of the finest seafood in the world, a tradition passed down through generations.

This is where travelers understand why the Ilonggos (as the locals call the province) proudly boast about having one of the best kitchens in Southeast Asia. Cultural influences brought here by traders from China and India are expressed in the local cuisine, which arouses the taste buds even among the most discerning travelers. The use of locally sourced spices and herbs by local artisans creates a culinary experience like no other.

However, it’s not just the exceptional quality of seafood – there is a wide variety of dishes (many, of course, incorporating seafood) that make this place truly special, allowing you to enjoy excellent meals at very reasonable prices, so you can indulge every day (don’t blame the pig, please…😉).

Returning to seafood, for visitors in this area, don’t miss out on a dish of “Talaba.” These incredibly succulent oysters with a touch of vinegar and spicy soy sauce turn them into a real delicacy. For those who prefer a more modern version, you can get this excellent dish served with a thick cheese topping and garlic.

The regional cuisine is quite diverse, and the incredibly fresh produce makes it nearly impossible to cover all the culinary possibilities you can experience during your stay. Fresh lapu-lapu fish, delectable spring rolls with various fillings, oysters, and a selection of other seafood delights await those who want to take part in the culinary experience of this province. If there’s one place to add to your list of recommended restaurants in Iloilo, it’s “Breakthrough.”

The restaurant is located on Villa Beach, where locals come to enjoy the finest seafood in the Philippines. You can also enjoy Aligue (crab fat), sizzling crab meat, Lechon (roast pig), and grilled seafood of all kinds, accompanied by fresh Buko juice (coconut).

However, a visit to Iloilo is not just about food, although those who ignore this element are likely to miss some of the tastiest dishes in the world. And it’s a fact that those who call this place home place a strong emphasis on the meals served when friends and family gather to enjoy each other’s company.

No trip to this region of the Philippines is complete without tasting Guimaras mangoes, registered in the Guinness World Records as the sweetest mangoes in the world.

There are many other attractions to enjoy when you visit the province of Iloilo. Additionally, there are several important festivals that are significant contributions to the lives of the people of Iloilo. One of the major festivals in Southeast Asia is the Dinagyang Festival, held on the fourth Sunday of January each year. During this festival, locals showcase their true colors as free-spirited and life-loving Filipinos, as well as their religious devotion in honoring their patron, Santo Niño.

For those interested in delving deeper into the cultural traditions of the region, it is recommended to visit the Miag-ao Church. This church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in 1786 by Spanish Augustinian missionaries. It is characterized by its Baroque–Gothic architecture, a fascinating place that reflects various influences from around the world.

If you want to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, a must-visit is the island of Bolodadiangan. This sandy strip is a popular playground for locals and tourists visiting the province. When low tide connects the sandbar to a nearby island, it allows you to explore the plant and marine life of one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines.

The archipelago of Iloilo has much more to offer for those seeking sunshine, sand, and sparkling waters. A trip to the Isla de Gigantes group of islands is highly recommended. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views, pristine wildlife, and beaches.

The group of islands is located far from the coastline of the towns of Carles and Estancia in northeastern Iloilo. The journey there takes about five hours by boat, but those who are willing to invest the effort to reach this remote paradise will be rewarded with an extraordinary experience.

Once you arrive, you can embark on a half-day tour of other nearby islands, including Cabugao Gamay Island, Bantigue Island, the magnificent Pawikan Cave, as well as the beaches of Tangke and Antonia.

Here, you can also witness an amazing display of fresh seafood. The area is known as the unofficial scallop capital of the Philippines, and for good reason. Scallops, which are a type of shellfish, as well as fresh fish, shrimp, crabs, and prawns, are also on the menu, and the prices here are significantly lower than those on the mainland.

Despite its relatively remote location, there is a variety of accommodation options available to visitors, catering to various budgets. This area has not yet suffered from over-commercialization as some other Philippine islands, such as Boracay. However, it appears to be only a matter of time before entrepreneurs recognize the commercial potential of this secluded paradise.

Iloilo is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places in the Philippines. Not only is it home to the country’s second-largest city, but it also boasts some of the most beautiful natural sites in Southeast Asia.

A journey to this part of the world not only reveals the depth of cultural roots of a country influenced by a multitude of cultures but also showcases the people who take pride in their craftsmanship while being aware of their duty to preserve and protect the history, culture, trade, industry, and traditional way of life.

Any traveler coming to Southeast Asia would miss out significantly if they don’t make it to Ilu Ilu – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

So, where is Ilo Ilo? Take a look at the map and get directions: