TRAVEL GUIDE: Why Iloilo is an amazing destination for homebodies
A homebody is a person who enjoys the comforts of their own home and because of this, sometimes, they're perceived as unadventurous. But homebodies can enjoy traveling, too.
It's always the question of whether you're a beach person or a mountain person when it comes to taking trips, but for people who love the comfort of indoors, there's the option of a good ol' staycation.
Being cooped up for two years at home, a break from the busy city sounds like a relaxing escape. And while you can staycation anywhere in Metro Manila, it's more calming to staycation outside the metro. And one of the best places to go for some peace and quiet is the heart of the Philippines, Iloilo, and here are some reasons why.
A perfect getaway
Despite being a bustling metropolis, Iloilo City remains quaint and charming. History resonates in the many old buildings and mansions that stand along the roads and there are churches on every corner. You'll also be charmed by the hospitality of the locals and their crooning Hiligaynon accent.
Comfort food is well within your reach
The City of Love knows the key to your heart is your stomach. Iloilo City is rich good eats ranging from different price points.
At Camiña Balay nga Bato, you can enjoy sumptuous batirol hot chocolate and ugoy-ugoy for P150. It also comes with a tour of the historical house.
Balay nga Dako also offers a buffet meal with dishes like native embutido, mussels, lechon, molo soup, and more for P550 per head. But there's a catch: you need to have at least a party of 18 people for this offering.
If you're yearning for fresh seafood and a view of the sea, Breakthrough restaurant is a must-try. This seaside spot serves grilled scallops, native lechon manok, squid, bangus, and prawns ranging from P250 to P520.
Those looking for more budget-friendly eats have a wide array of choice near the city proper, too, and they're just a few minutes of walk away. Roberto's, a must-try when visiting the city, offers hearty street food like meatballs, siopao, and lomi. Their regular siopao is priced at P52, while the jumbo starts at P78.
If you don't feel like going out, you can also get food delivered to your place—and yes, the famous Iloilo La Paz Batchoy from Deco's (P174) can be enjoyed within the comfort of your hotel room. You can order it via Grab or Foodpanda.
Chill destinations
Typically, well-known tourist destinations in provinces are sprawling with people, but in Iloilo, there are a number of spots to check out that aren't usually crowded.
One of these is Museo Iloilo, a museum housing cultural heritage artifacts from the stone age, mementos from the war, and contemporary art. For P50, you can get a guided tour of the place and check out the different pieces.
Affordable accommodation
Of course, a staycation isn't complete without a comfy room. In the city proper, you have a wide choice of staycation spots, including Citadines Amigo Iloilo. The hotel currently has an ongoing promo until June, so you can get rooms for a cheaper price.
At P3,000, you can book a Studio Deluxe; for P4,000, a Studio Executive; and for P5,000 a One-Bedroom Deluxe.
Rooms are spacious and come with a fully-equipped kitchen, free WiFi, one parking slot, free complimentary breakfast for two, and use of amenities like the pool and fitness corner.
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Conveniently, the hotel is also located above a grocery—you don't have to walk far to buy essentials you might have forgotten at home.
