Iloilo, Philippines

Iloilo City, the hub of Panay once known as the Queen City of the South, is the most cosmopolitan city in the Visayas after Cebu. It has a compact, walkable downtown, a relatively vibrant nightlife and music scene fuelled by the student population, and an excellent choice of accommodation and restaurants. It's a logical base for combining a trip to Boracay with Guimaras, which is only a short hop away. 'Downtown' Iloilo City is surrounded by three old suburbs: Molo, Jaro and La Paz (la-pass). Iloilo is the Philippines' Heritage Haven of Panay. This is because it is popular for its gentry living as displayed by its majestic and colonial mansions and churches scattered throughout its beautiful landscape. This beautiful province is set in a graceful and refined repose between Batiano and Iloilo rivers forming the shape of a nose. Hence, it was given the name Iloilo from the word Ilong-Ilong, which means “nose-like”. Iloilo City is a living testimonial of the rich cultural heritage of the province. At its city proper, the popular landmarks include: Muelle Loney, Museo Iloilo, Plaza Libertad, Arevalo, Jaro, and Fort San Pedro. Arevalo boasts of its 19th century mansions, flower nurseries, and looms that weave piña and jusi. Jaro is the province's residential center of the rich and elite who, to this day, have maintained their grand ancestral homes in impressive and tip-top condition. Each town that lies along the city's west coast possesses centuries-old churches. Guimbal shines brightly with its yellow sandstone, Tigbauan is proud of its Baroque façade, while San Joaquin boasts of its white coral. However, the most impressive of all is the Miag-ao Church, which is included in the World Heritage List. On the other hand, the eastern towns of the city lead to the town of Estancia, which will take you to the beautiful cluster of islands off the northeast Panay.