Getting Around Province of Iloilo

Taxis in the provinces are way to far from Metro Manila’s taxis’ practices. Taxis in Iloilo are metered too and they aren’t used to ask for tips. They always give you your change even if you don’t ask for it. They are courteous and polite too. Flag meter rate’s the same in Manila starts at 40Php.

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We flew from Manila to Iloilo via the Philippine Airlines.

If you wish to fly from any point of Luzon (Metro Manila, Makati City, etc) to Visayas (Cebu City) or Mindanao (Davao), you can choose to ride a ship, airplane or a bus.
The most common is by airplane since it saves time, convenient but the cost is a little pricey. You can book online for airlines locally and internationally through www.cebupacificair.com and www.philippineairlines.com.

for local flights and cheaper air fares at www.zestair.com or www.airphilexpress.com.
You won't have a hard time to book since the websites are in English language and credit cards are accepted as mode of payment.

for cheap airfares- local and international flights can be purchased in www.cebupacificair.com since it's an airbus. Also, the Philippine Airlines just got an airbus and you can book for a Fiesta deal to book for cheaper fare. Business Class and 1st class are also available in Philippine Airlines. Another local airline providing cheap airfares is the airphil express, the sister company of the Philippine Airlines.

-Iloilo International Airport is located north of Iloilo City, approx 30-45 minute drive to reach the City
-16 seater shuttle vans are right outside Iloilo Airport for trips to SM Iloilo and downtown area for Php50 / pax (Year 2011)
-Transport Vans from SM City to the airport are also available for same price
-The drivers on the terminal in SM City know the flight schedules everyday
-If they saw one carrying a big luggage, they will offer a ride and state for what flight departure time the Van will catch
-The SM City terminal is on the right side if you are in front of the mall, the same last spot where the shuttle van will stop from Airport to Iloilo City

When exploring the South east towns of Iloilo which are San Joaquin, Miag-ao, Guimbal and Tigbauan. Taking Ceres bus at Molo bus terminal bound to Antique will be a good idea rather than taking jeepneys in the public market. It's the fastest and cheapest. It will take you 1 and a half to 2 hours going to San Joaquin which is the farthest town and from there you can take a jeepney on your way back to Miag-ao then Guimbal then Tigbauan. The fare is 58 pesos.

There are multicabs waiting on the far left side of the airport if you wish to explore the towns of Janiauy, Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara before going to Iloilo City.. This Multicab will take you to Sta. Barbara Terminal where you can wait for jeepneys that are bound to Janiuay. The fare is only P10.00. Taxis will charge you P300.00 going to Janiuay.

Vans are also waiting outside that will take you straight to Iloilo City(SM City Iloilo) for only P50.00.

There are daily flighs from/to Manila/Cebu and Iloilo via Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific. There are also daily trip of SupperFerry and Negros Navigation from Manila. As well as RORO buses from Pasay and Caloocan. So this province is really accesible in all means

Iloilo City, is an hour ferry ride away from Bacolod, a major seaport and sugar capital of the Philippines.

There are daily and hourly ferries between the two cities. Just ask the cab driver to take you to the port and you can choose from several ferry companies.

Aboard the ferry, you can order your usual chips, instant noodles in styro cups, and beverages in cans.

Bacolod-Iloilo was my first ferry ride back in the early 90's and boy it felt like I was doing a short cruise. From then on, I never visit one city without the other. Iloilo's university students can always enjoy Bacolod's lively night life. Bacolod's elite can always pray in Iloilo's century old churches.

P220 or roughly USD 5 one-way (includes insurances, tax and port charges)
Executive class would have you sitting in the deck of the ferry which affords magnificent views of the sea and the islands. Be prepared to pay 30% more of your usual fare.