Iloilo Airport Layover: Things To Do And See

what to do in iloilo airport

Iloilo International Airport (ILO) is a small, single-terminal airport that services both domestic and international flights. It was inaugurated in 2004 and opened to the public in 2007, replacing an older airport. The airport has beautiful gardens and water features, and good dining options. It offers free WiFi, duty-free shopping, designated smoking lounges, and charging stations. Iloilo City, where the airport is located, is one of the Philippines' oldest cities and most popular tourist destinations. The city is known for its food, Spanish-colonial heritage sites, and the Dinagyang Festival.

Characteristics Values
Location Iloilo City, Philippines
Date of Inauguration June 13, 2007
Size 2,202 square meters
Airlines Philippine Airlines and 3 others
Airport Type Small, single-terminal airport servicing both domestic and international flights
Facilities Free WiFi, dining options, duty-free shops, designated smoking lounges, charging stations, water bottle refill stations, gardens and water features
Transport Iloilo International Airport Transfers, Grab Philippines

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Explore Iloilo City's heritage sites, museums, and food spots

Iloilo City is a treasure trove of cultural and historical landmarks, museums, and culinary delights. Here is a guide to help you explore the best of Iloilo City's heritage sites, museums, and food spots.

Heritage Sites:

Start your journey by immersing yourself in the rich history of Iloilo City. Visit the Fort San Pedro, formerly known as Real Fuerza de Iloilo. This stone fortress was completed in 1617 to protect the shores against raids. It continued to serve as a defensive stronghold during the American occupation and through World War II. Today, it stands as a testament to the city's past and is a must-visit destination.

Another significant site is the UPV Main Building, also known as the Old City Hall. Designed by renowned Filipino architect Juan Arellano, this landmark showcases a unique blend of architecture with a predominant Spanish influence. Until 1947, it served as the city hall before being donated to the University of the Philippines.

Don't miss the Plaza Libertad, formerly Plaza Alfonso XII. This plaza holds historical significance as the site where the Philippine flag was triumphantly raised after the Spaniards surrendered Iloilo, their last capital in the Philippines, in 1898.

Museums:

Iloilo City boasts several museums that showcase the region's rich cultural and artistic heritage. Visit the museum located above the National Book Store in Iloilo SM MALL to delve into the city's history through old newspapers and artefacts. This museum offers a glimpse into Iloilo's past with its collection of antiques and crafts.

Explore the museum at the University of the Philippines Visayas to discover the region's historical landmarks and monuments. This museum provides a wealth of information and exhibits that highlight the unique architecture and influence of Spanish colonial rule.

Food Spots:

Indulge in the culinary delights that Iloilo City has to offer by visiting popular food spots. Beige Eatery, located near Fort San Pedro, serves delicious home-style cuisine. Head to Atria for a variety of options, including Madge, Kap Ising for molo soup, C&T Inasal, and Netong's Batchoy. For coffee enthusiasts, Neighbour Coffee is a great choice.

Iloilo City promises a delightful blend of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

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Enjoy the aesthetically pleasing gardens and water features

Iloilo International Airport is known for its aesthetically pleasing design, modern architecture, and beautiful gardens and water features. The airport's gardens and water features provide waiting passengers with a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views of the countryside.

The airport's terminal features pocket gardens and greenery in both the departure and arrival halls, enhancing the overall ambiance of the airport. The gardens and water features add a touch of nature and freshness to the airport, creating a calming and enjoyable environment for travellers.

Iloilo International Airport is also known for its efficient layout and comfortable waiting areas. The terminal is designed to accommodate a high volume of passengers, with spacious areas for check-in, pre-departure, and departure. The airport offers a range of services and facilities to meet the needs of travellers, including dining options, duty-free shopping, and charging stations.

The airport's water features complement the gardens, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The 6-hectare man-made pond is an impressive feature, serving multiple purposes, including flood control, drainage, and irrigation of nearby farmland. The pond adds to the airport's overall sustainability and contributes to a pleasant environment.

The combination of aesthetically pleasing gardens and well-designed water features sets Iloilo International Airport apart, providing travellers with a unique and memorable experience. The integration of nature into the airport's design enhances the overall travel journey, offering a relaxing and enjoyable space for passengers to await their flights.

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Make use of the free WiFi through Smart Inc., Globe Telecom and PLDT

Iloilo International Airport offers free WiFi through Smart Inc., Globe Telecom and PLDT. The service is reportedly slow, but a user has noted that the connection speed has improved, although this depends on the number of users.

To connect to the WiFi, open your device's WiFi settings and select the network provided by either Smart Inc., Globe Telecom, or PLDT. Once connected, you will likely need to open your web browser and agree to any terms and conditions before you can start browsing the internet.

If you encounter issues with the WiFi connection, basic troubleshooting steps can help. Try restarting your device and ensuring that your device's WiFi is enabled. If the problem persists, contact the airport's information desk or IT support for further assistance.

You can use the WiFi to stay connected with your loved ones, catch up on work, or simply browse the web while waiting for your flight. Remember to secure your online activities by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if needed, especially when accessing sensitive information.

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Visit the Duty-Free shop in the arrival area

Iloilo International Airport (ILO) is a beautiful airport with gardens and water features, giving passengers a relaxing view of the countryside. It is also one of the best airports in the Philippines. If you're looking for something to do at the airport, consider visiting the Duty-Free shop in the arrival area.

The Duty-Free shop at Iloilo Airport is located in the arrival area, on the right side, just after you leave the baggage claim. Here, you can purchase exclusive perfumes and colognes, cigarettes, alcohol, food items, confectionery, and souvenirs from the Philippines.

The airport is easily accessible, with a 30-minute drive from Iloilo's city centre. It is open as early as 4:00 AM, and stores and restaurants open at 6:00 AM and close at midnight. If you plan to drive to the airport, note that overnight parking is available, but you must coordinate with the parking attendant or the officer in charge.

Iloilo City is one of the Philippines' oldest cities and most popular tourist destinations. It is famous for its delicious food, Spanish-colonial heritage sites, and world-renowned festivals like the Dinagyang Festival. If you have time after your visit to the Duty-Free shop, you can explore centuries-old churches and ancestral houses, walk along historic Calle Real, and enjoy the sunset from the Iloilo River Esplanade.

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Dine at the good restaurants inside and near the airport

Iloilo City is renowned for its mouthwatering food, so it's no surprise that there are plenty of good restaurants inside and near Iloilo Airport. If you're feeling hungry before your flight, head to The Promenade at Days Hotel Iloilo, located on New Airport Road. This restaurant offers a diverse buffet featuring contemporary, American, Asian, Italian, and Central American cuisine, with gluten-free options available. The highlight is the salad bar, which boasts organic vegetables sourced from a nearby farm. The attentive staff ensures a great dining experience, especially for those with a sweet tooth.

For seafood lovers, Breakthrough Restaurant is a must-visit. Nestled on the scenic coast of Villa Beach, this renowned seafood establishment offers an ocean-to-table dining experience with fresh and delectable dishes. Their extensive menu includes grilled blue marlin, steamed oysters, grilled squid, and more. With multiple locations across the city, Breakthrough is celebrated as a culinary icon in Iloilo.

If you're craving Filipino cuisine, Tatoy's Manokan and Seafood Restaurant is the place to go. Founded by a former fisherman, Tatoy's is known for its specialty dish called "daraag," a flavorful barbecued native chicken. They also offer a variety of seafood favourites, including kinilaw, oysters, grilled boneless bangus, and buttered shrimp. With several branches across Iloilo, including one near the airport, Tatoy's is a convenient choice for travellers.

For a more casual dining experience, Afrique offers a simple yet inviting atmosphere with wooden accents and comfortable seating. Their special pizza and Sicilian Pasta are customer favourites, and they also have a range of classic options like pepperoni pizza and seafood pasta. Whether you're in the Smallville or Valeria branch, Afrique has something to satisfy your cravings.

Iloilo City Proper, known for its heritage sites, museums, and food spots, is also a great choice for dining options near the airport. Explore the downtown area and indulge in the city's famous local specialties, such as La Paz Batchoy, a flavorful noodle soup with pork and crispy toppings. With easy access to the Iloilo Airport, you can satisfy your hunger before or after your flight.

Frequently asked questions

Mandurriao District and Iloilo City Proper. Mandurriao offers easy access to the Iloilo Airport, popular tourist spots, transport terminals, and a wide range of accommodations catering to any budget. Iloilo City Proper is a great choice for those interested in exploring heritage sites, museums, and food spots in Downtown Iloilo.

Iloilo City is famous for its food, Spanish-colonial heritage sites, and world-renowned festivals like the Dinagyang Festival. Tourists can explore centuries-old churches and ancestral houses like the Molo Church, Molo Mansion, Jaro Cathedral, and Camiña Bahay na Bato. They can also walk along historic Calle Real (downtown area) and see the sunset from the Iloilo River Esplanade.

The Iloilo Airport is considered one of the best-looking and most efficient airports in the Philippines. It features beautiful gardens and water features, good dining options, free WiFi, designated smoking lounges, and a Duty-Free shop in the arrival area. There are also charging stations and water bottle refill stations in the departure waiting area. However, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, and the WiFi connection can be slow.

Iloilo International Airport is accessible via airport transfer rides with upfront fares from Grab Philippines, a trusted ride-hailing service in Southeast Asia. Upon exiting the airport, passengers can meet their driver at the pick-up point outside the building.

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