Iligan City Visitors Guide

This brief guide to Iligan City will let you know how to get there, what to do, eat, and drink, where to stay, and must-see spots.

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE

ABOUT

A city with one waterfall is interesting enough already.  What more if it has two… or at least twenty?  It may seem unbelievable but it’s true!  Iligan City is home to about 23 waterfalls thus the moniker City of Majestic Waterfalls.

Some may be doubtful about exploring the city considering that Mindanao is known for clashes between rebels and government forces but Iligan is actually a safe place to go to in Northern Mindanao.  Sure there’s a heavy presence of police and armed forces especially at the city entrance but other than that, it looks like most cities in the country.  So long as you remain within the city and obey the city ordinances and rules, your safety is less likely to be at risk.

Location

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season.  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April.  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May.

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

TIP:  This guide recommends that booking for Iligan City summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This guide recommends traveling to Iligan City in April-May or in November-December, just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

Fast Facts

Getting Here

There are many ways to get here depending on your starting point. This guide recommends using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while in Iligan City:  Rome2Rio and PHBUS. The following are the major ports of entry for this destination.

Getting Around

The following are the modes of transportation available in Iligan City …

SEE & DO

The following is your guide to places to see and activities to enjoy while in Iligan City.

1 | See the waterfalls

If you can only do one activity in the city, it should be to see all the waterfalls, or at least the most popular ones.  The top on the list to visit is Maria Cristina Falls, one of the most popular not only in Iligan but the whole Philippines.  Apart from being beautiful, this 320 feet high waterfall is also beneficial as it is the primary source of electricity of the city.

Tinago Falls is also a must-visit when in the city.  It has multiple cascades with a natural pool hidden in a lush jungle giving a truly scenic and mesmerizing view.  Another to add to your list is Limunsudan Falls.  The tallest two-tiered waterfall in the country is located in a remote area that requires a 3 to 4 hours ride on dirt roads but you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of this grand waterfall.

Other popular waterfalls to see are Abaga Falls, Dodiongan Falls, and Mimbalut Falls.

2 | Explore Hindang Cave

Waterfalls are not the only natural attractions to see in Iligan.  The city is also home to Hindang Cave, a cave complex with 6 to 8 chambers in which two of the chambers are inhabited by hundreds of fruit bats.  Getting to the cave may require a challenging trek of around 2 to 3 hours but then you will be accompanied by pleasant sights of lush greenery and massive limestones which is rewarding enough already.

3 | Hike Mt. Agad-Agad

Hiking Mt. Agad-Agad is a great activity if you’re in for more challenging adventures.  It is easily accessible since the trail is quite established but it may not be ideal for first-timers with minimum to zero physical activity prior to hiking.  At the peak is a park with huts, chairs and tables, and even a restroom.  One can see a partial view of Iligan City below.

4 | Visit the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House

The house, which used to be the residence of former Philippine Presidents Diosdado Macapagal and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Mindanao, features memorabilia and paintings of the Macaraeg-Macapagal family.  The house is recognized as a heritage house by the National Historical Institute.

5 | Walk around Anahaw Open Amphitheater

Located in the city hall premises, Anahaw Amphitheater is probably the biggest open amphitheater in Mindanao.  It is used as a venue for various events, celebrations, and other activities.

6 | Take a refreshing dip at Timoga Springs

If all the waterfalls aren’t enough yet, you may want to take a refreshing dip at Timoga Springs, a group of springs known for the icy-cool and crystal-clear waters flowing towards several swimming pools of varying sizes.  The water, which comes from Lanao Lake, is one of the richest sources of high-pH, alkaline mineral water.

NOTE: The Diyandi Festival occurs annually every 29th of September.

EAT & DRINK

The following is your guide to the flavorful food to enjoy and restaurants to try while in Iligan City.

1 | Ams Chicken House

One of the oldest restaurants in Iligan, Ams is known for its big and crispy fried chicken.  Aside from fried chicken, this homegrown restaurant also serves other dishes including lumpia, fish fillet, kinilaw, sotanghon, as well as cakes and pastries.

2 | Aruma Coffee Lounge

Like Ams, Aruma is also one of the oldest food establishments in the city.  It has a minimalist setup with white interiors making it homey and comfortable.  With reasonably-priced food, Aruma Coffee Lounge is one of the best places to spend time with family and friends.  Don’t miss the banoffee pie and blueberry cheesecake.

3 | Downtown Chicken & Steakhouse

While it offers a variety of dishes, the restaurant is most known for its fried chicken which some believe to be the best fried chicken in town.  With its nice ambience and reasonable prices in addition to good food, Downtown Chicken & Steakhouse is one of the restaurants you need to go when in the city.

4 | Fontina

Fontina is a nice and cozy place that serves a mix of Filipino and international cuisine with vegetarian options.  It is located in the heart of the city near a hotel and several business establishments.  Try their spinach pizza, blueberry cheesecake, and black forest cake.

5 | Gina’s BBQ Express

Craving for flavorful barbeque while in town?  Head to Gina’s BBQ Express.  Known for the best barbeque in town, the place is usually packed with people looking to enjoy good food including grilled bangus (milkfish) in addition to barbeque. 

6 | Iliganon Restobar

Iliganon Restobar offers a variety of dining experiences with its cafe area, open bar area, a piano area where you can enjoy a bit of peace, or outdoor seating where live bands occasionally play.  Customers rave about their beef rendang and durian shake so make sure to order them while in the resto.

7 | Lai-lai Yeung Chow

As the name implies, Lai-lai Yeung Chow specializes in Chinese cuisine.  It’s a go-to place for locals craving for Chinese favorites such as pancit canton and lumpiang shanghai.  With generous serving and reasonable prices, the restaurant is worth-trying when in Iligan.

8 | Marianos Home Cooked Specialties

A top restaurant based on reviews, Marianos is a family owned restaurant with a relaxing vibe around.  They serve tastefully-presented dishes made of high quality ingredients.  A go-to place for fancy dining, prices aren’t cheap but with wonderful ambience and good service in addition to high quality foods, Marianos is a place you shouldn’t miss while in the city.

9 | Pop Rock Cafe & Bakery

What started as a bakery now becomes a popular place serving Asian and American dishes for brunch, lunch, and dinner.  This no-frills cafe is fairly small but is well-maintained to provide customers a comfortable dining ambience.  Must-try includes piadina and chicken fettuccine.

10 | Tita Fannies Liempo & Chicken Haus

Known for liempo and chicken, Tita Fannies serves more Filipino dishes such as sinigang, bulalo, and lumpia.  Conveniently located near the Iligan City Cathedral, the food is reasonably-priced hence a good place to bring a group of family and friends.

KNOWN FOR: Suka Pinakurat, a spicy dipping sauce made from coconut vinegar.

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WHERE TO STAY

There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts. The following is your guide to our top choices for each range in Iligan City.

1 | Red-C Residences (Budget)

2 | Go Hotel Iligan (Mid-Range)

3 | None (Luxury | Resort)

This guide recommends using the following sites to conduct research online of where to stay in Iligan City or for a specific destination:

Book your room with these trusted online booking sites.  Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive.  We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:

TIP: Go Hotel Iligan is the best property to experience this destination.

BUDGET

Suggested Budget

Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to budget daily.  Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

Travel Costs

Accommodation

A bed in a hostel dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).

Most budget hotels begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast.  For a three-star hotel, prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.  AirBnB is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD).  However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using HostelWorld, Agoda, Booking.com, and AirBnB. 

Food

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using: Skyscanner, momondo, Kayak, kiwi.com.

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

Always book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  Booking tours online is almost always more expensive. 

Typical Costs in Iligan City in 2023:

• Hostel Dorm Bed: 250-350 PHP ($5–7 USD) night
• Budget Hotel:  700 PHP ($14 USD) night
• Mid-Range Hotel:  1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
• Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
• Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
• Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
• 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
• Jeepney Ride: 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD) ride
• Taxi: 75-500 PHP ($1.50-10 USD) ride – use GrabTaxi app
• Long-Distance Bus Ride: 400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
• Public Ferry Ride: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) ride

DOWNLOAD: Budget Planner Template

ADVICE

The following is some of our best advice on traveling to Iligan City.  Learn what you need to know BEFORE you go!

Tips & Hacks

he following are our Top 10 Tips when visiting this destination in the Philippines:

• Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
• Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
• Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
• Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
• Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
• Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
• It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
• Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
• Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
• Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines

Money Matters

The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso. Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found on the island. If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.

READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Health & Safety

Crime

While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Iligan City, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.

Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.

READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

Safety

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

• 6 Common Accidents to Avoid  
• How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
• Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
• Motorbike Safety Tips
• Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
• Sun Safety Tips  

TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.

Health

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:

• Maintain a Balanced Diet
• Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
• Get Plenty of Rest
• Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
• Keep Active
• Sanitize Often 
• Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
• Take Your Vitamins
• Practice Safe Sex
• Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE: Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Recommended Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

The following are our Top 10 most useful travel apps on our smartphones when traveling in the Philippines:

1. Grab (taxis/ride shares)
2. Angkas (motorbike ride-hailing)
3. WhatsApp (phone calls)
4. Skyscanner (flights)
5. Rome2Rio (transportation)
6. Agoda (accomodations)
7. Booking.com (accomodations)
8. AirBnB (accomodations)
9. Traveloka (flights, accomodations, activities)
10. Klook (attractions & activities )

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below.  Download a FREE copy for yourself as a PDF.

READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines

Itinerary

Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options. 

We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip.  Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.

VIEW: Iligan City 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Packing Checklist

The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list.  This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing.   To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list.  Click the link below to download it for FREE now. 

Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist

Things to Remember

This guide recommends to take note of the following while traveling in Iligan City or in the Philippines in general.

Smoking

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

Alcohol

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Nudity

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

Foreigners & Expats

If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly.  Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.

READ MORE: Practical Information about the Philippines

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