Iloilo is Panay’s largest city - large enough for the urban comforts that you get in Manila. However, it is small enough to remain accessible and still keep the down to earth feel of a city. Ilonggo, the people of Iloilo, are very much connected and proud of their city’s history. They are invested in the city's future as well. Iloilo is where you should head for fascinating history, buoyant nightlife, and if you are looking for a side trip to the rural Guimaras Island.

Best time to fly from Clark-Pampanga to Iloilo

The best time to pay a visit to Iloilo would be from January to June, which is the dry months. During these months, the hotels are also cheaper. January is also when you will be able to witness Iloilo’s biggest festival, the Dinagyang. Dinagyang is held every 4th weekend of January and celebrated with bright costumes, tribal designs, and upbeat music. Besides Dinagyang, the Hinugyaq festival, a street dancing festival similar to Dinagyang and Pasungay also falls in January.

Main airports available in Clark-Pampanga and Iloilo

Clark International Airport (CRK) - As the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila vastly becoming more and busier, Clark International Airport which is located 80 km northwest of Manila become an alternative choice as it is an easy 1-hour 30-minute drive from the capital. Located in the province of Pampanga, the Clark International Airport serves the general vicinity of central and northern Luzon. Travelers can easily catch public buses in the Metro Manila area to the Clark International Airport. For a cheaper ride, travelers can opt for the air-conditioned jeepneys en-route to the nearby Dau Bus Terminal and SM City Clark. Around the Clark International Airport, travelers can walk around the Clark Freeport Zone, which is five minutes away. There are plenty of restaurants and duty-free shops to keep you entertained.

Iloilo International Airport (ILO) - The Iloilo International Airport located 24 kilometers northwest of Iloilo City. The airport is known by many names including Iloilo Airport, Cabatuan Airport and sometimes Santa Barbara Airport. The airport services the Iloilo province and the regional center of the Western Visayas. To get to and from Iloilo International Airport, travelers can use the Airport Shuttle Bus, which departs from the Travelers Lounge at SM City from 4 am to 6 pm every day. Each ride will cost PHP 70 and take approximately 30 minutes. A taxi to and from the city may cost between PHP 350 to PHP 400 per car.

Climate patterns in Clark-Pampanga and Iloilo

Clark has a tropical savanna climate, and Iloilo has a tropical wet and dry weather. The wet season in Iloilo is from June to November while the dry season is from December to May. In Clark however, the wet season is from May to November while the dry season is from December to April.

Highlights in Iloilo

• Miagao Church – The historical Miagao Church built between 1787 and 1797. The church has pyramidal towers which used to serve as a fortress against Muslim raiders. The Church had been damaged by years of fighting, fire, and earthquakes but restored in 1962. Currently, the church is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Casa Mariquit – Built back in 1803 by the Philippine VP Fernando Lopez, this grand home is famous for its massive banyan tree that looms over its entrance. The house was named Mariquit as it was the nickname of the VP’s wife. Visitors may visit the house without any prior notice. They can enjoy the photos of Emperor Hirohito, Chiang Kai-shek, Generalissimo Franco, Lyndon Johnson and others that still hang within the grand house walls as well.
• Garin Farm – Garin Farm is perfect for those who love nature and outdoor activities. Garin Farm is an inland resort in Purok 2, Iloilo which is said to be an imitation of how heaven would look like. Garin Farm is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy different leisure activities such as boating, zip line, and fishing.