From MNL: 4D3N Iloilo, Bacolod, and Guimaras
Aug 6th, 2025
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I've been to Iloilo, Bacolod, and Guimaras more than once, but always on a budget. Here's how I manage to do it!
General tips
- You can Grab or taxi from the Iloilo International Airport to the City.
- Most of the people can understand Tagalog and English, but Bisaya or Hiligaynon is their primary language.
- Iloilo City was officially designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy on 31 October 2023, so be sure to check their food, especially those in public markets or stalls where they were first introduced.
- Bring running or walking shoes since Iloilo is a very walkable city. You can check the various esplanades for ideas.
- Depending on your itinerary, you can book in the old city area (Calle Real, Jaro, La Paz) or in the business district (Mandurriao). We booked at Urban Inn Iloilo through Agoda: https://www.agoda.com/urban-inn/hotel/iloilo-ph.html and also at Casa Tentay through Agoda: https://www.agoda.com/casa-tentay/hotel/iloilo-ph.html (this one is an ancestral house near Jaro Cathedral).
Places to visit
1
Bacolod
From the web: Bacolod is a city on the northwest coast of Negros Island in the Philippines. The 19th-century San Sebastian Cathedral stands beside Bacolod Public Plaza. Its original bells are on display in the churchyard outside. The Dizon-Ramos Museum is a 1950s house packed with memorabilia and photographs of the prominent family that once lived there. The Capitol Park and Lagoon has a lake and 2 golden water buffalo statues.
2
Iloilo
From the web: Iloilo, officially the Province of Iloilo, is a province in the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital and largest city is Iloilo City, the regional center of Western Visayas and politically independent from the province. Wikipedia.
3
Guimaras Island
Island
From the web: Laid-back island known for its mangoes & serene beaches with unique rock formations.
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Day 1
Iloilo City
1
Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Elizabeth of Hungary & National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
From the web: Catholic cathedral featuring unique elements like an external staircase & a detached bell tower.
7 min · 2.5 mi
2
Museum of Philippine Maritime History
Museum
7 min · 2.6 mi
3
Molo Mansion
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
From the web: Historic home in a picturesque locale offering a souvenir shop with artisanal gifts & a cafe.
16 min · 0.83 mi
4
Esplanade River Ride
Boat rental service
6 min · 2 mi
5
Netong's Original Special La Paz Batchoy
Restaurant
1 min · 300 ft
6
Madge Cafe
cheap
Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
8 min · 2.8 mi
7
Kap Ising's Pancit Molo
Soup shop
33 min · 1.7 mi
8
JD Bakery Cafe
cheap
Restaurant
Bakery
Cafe
Day 2
Carles, Iloilo
1
Carles Tourism Information and Ticketing Office
Port
We booked with Isla Gigantes through their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/higantestravelandtoursservices for PHP 1,799 per pax
This includes the pick up and drop off at the accommodation + lunch on the island (the unlimited scallop marketing is real)
2 hr 33 min · 22.8 mi
2
Pandan Island
Beach
3 min · 0.67 mi
3
Cabugao Gamay
Scenic spot
< 1 min · 0 ft
4
Tangke Saltwater Lagoon
Scenic spot
8 min · 2.1 mi
5
Bantigue Sandbar
Day 3
Bacolod
1
Iloilo Fastcraft & Roro - Terminal
Ferry terminal
We used a tricycle from the accommodation. Other options to go here are taxi, Grab, and jeepney. Just look for the "Parola wharf" signage.
We bought our tickets here. There is a student discount for those who have an eligible ID.
4 hr 28 min · 40.4 mi
2
BREDCO Seaport
Shipping equipment industry
This is our entry point in Bacolod. From here, we just use a Grab to go to the Ruins.
16 min · 5.2 mi
3
The Ruins
Sights & Landmarks
Event venue
From the web: Remains of a stately Italianate mansion, razed during WWII, with a restaurant & landscaped gardens.
10 min · 4.6 mi
4
Bacolod City Government Center
City government office
City Hall
7 min · 2.2 mi
5
Manokan Country Premiere
cheap
Restaurant
17 min · 0.87 mi
6
Masskara Chicken
affordable
Barbecue restaurant
Restaurant
7 min · 0.37 mi
7
BongBong's Lacson
affordable
Bakery
1 min · 400 ft
8
Calea Pastries & Coffee
affordable
Pastry shop
Cafe
Dessert restaurant
Dessert shop
28 min · 1.5 mi
9
BREDCO Seaport
Shipping equipment industry
4 hr 31 min · 40.6 mi
10
Iloilo Fastcraft & Roro - Terminal
Ferry terminal
Day 4
Guimaras
1
Jordan Wharf
Port authority
15 min · 0.78 mi
2
Smallest Plaza
Historical landmark
Park
1 hr 2 min · 5.3 mi
3
PitStop Restaurant
Pizza restaurant
1 hr 7 min · 9.3 mi
4
Mango Fruit Stalls Pasalubong
Fruit parlor
8 min · 5 mi
5
Jordan Wharf
Port authority
15 min · 0.78 mi
6
Guimaras-Iloilo Ferry Wharf (Ro-Ro)
Transportation service
Foods to try
1
Netong's Original Special La Paz Batchoy
Restaurant
Mix and match your noodles (i.e., miswa, sotanghon, etc.) with the original batchoy
2
Madge Cafe
cheap
Cafe
Breakfast restaurant
Just in front of Netong's is this cafe. You can order from both and eat them at Netong's
3
Kap Ising's Pancit Molo
Soup shop
This one is also another sulit finds. Better try their molo! One of the best
4
JD Bakery Cafe
cheap
Restaurant
Personal favorite in Iloilo! There's also JD Bakery at the airport where I always eat molo and mushroom soup before my flight
5
Manokan Country Premiere
cheap
Restaurant
You can never go wrong with the original chicken inasal
6
Masskara Chicken
affordable
Barbecue restaurant
Restaurant
Another chicken inasal option, equally delicious
7
BongBong's Lacson
affordable
Bakery
More on pasalubong, but their piayaya is the best
8
Calea Pastries & Coffee
affordable
Pastry shop
This was introduced by a local of Bacolod-- try their cakes!
9
PitStop Restaurant
Pizza restaurant
Yes to Guimaras mango pizza :)
10
Mango Fruit Stalls Pasalubong
Fruit parlor
One can buy here fresh mango, mango juice, dried mangoes, mango gummy, and more mango products!
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