From Wikitravel

Iligan is a city in the northeastern coast of Mindanao, surrounded by the provinces of Balo-i and Linamon of Lanao del Norte on the south, the town of Lugait of Misamis Oriental on the north, and the land of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon on the east and Iligan Bay on the west.

[edit] Understand

Chroniclers say that centuries ago, long before Legaspi's expedition reached the Philippines in 1565, the Tala-andigs and the Banhawons, two of the known peace-loving Higa-onon tribes of Mindanao, had to build an ilihan or iliyan, meaning a "fortress of defense" on the coastal plain to secure them from the frequent attacks of pirates and savage tribes. Hence, the place to be called as Iligan. Some say its name was derived from the seasonal surge and outflow of its two major rivers. Local folks call this alluvial phenomenon "ilig". This is the reason why Iliganons consider the monsoon season a blessing because the soil along the riverbanks are fertilized. Its Cebuano-speaking inhabitants likes to believe that Iligan means "where good fortune gravitates".

Obviously, Mother Nature has blessed this city of more than 300,000 inhabitants. Not only is it situated on a limestone-rich area, it is also way out of the typhoon belt, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Iligan is also ringed with more than twenty waterfalls (earning the monicker "City of Majestic Waterfalls") and more than a dozen springs distributed evenly within a 30-kilometer radius of the city.

Its rivers and tributaries practically caused Iligan to move forward economically and make it the industrial center of Mindanao today.

Besides its rich natural resources, it is also the home of nationally acclaimed artists, poets, cultural workers and writers.

Iligan is predominantly Christian (93.61%). Iliganons are the mixture of the Muslim and Cebuano population with a minority of Tagalog and some other cultural minorities and immigrants from other places.

[edit] Information center (tourism)

If you'd like to visit and see the various attraction that Iligan offers, you may request for a tour guide at the City Tourism Office, Bahay Salakot, Buhanginan Hills, Pala-o, this city or call 221-3426. You may also go to the Tourism Information Center located at Rizal park for more details.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

The nearest airport to Iligan City is the Cagayan de Oro Airport with seven daily flights. Flight time from Manila to Cagayan de Oro Airport is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

[edit] By boat

From Manila, you can take a boat going to Cagayan de Oro seaport, and then take a taxi or bus to Iligan City. From Manila, you can also take a boat going to Ozamiz City. This boat will drop you in Iligan seaport itself.

From Cebu, there is a daily boat schedule going to Cagayan de Oro seaport.

[edit] By bus

From Cagayan de Oro Airport, you can take a taxi cab (direct to Iligan), or take a taxi cab to drop you to Bulua Bus Terminal. At Bulua Bus Terminal you can find buses plying the Iligan route. Travel time from Cagayan de Oro to Iligan (by taxi or bus) is approximately one-and-a-half hour.

[edit] Get around

Jeepneys or jips are the most common public transport in the city with a minimal fare of P6.50. Taxis are readily available anytime of the day. It can be radio dispatched, and will pick you up if you give the dispatcher a call. Habal-habal or motorcycles are most common especially in going to the city outskirts or hinterland areas.

[edit] Talk

Cebuano is the common language among Iliganons. Tagalog and English are also widely understood and spoken.

[edit][add listing] See

This is not the final list on what's worth seeing, but it's a good place to start whether you're a first-time visitor or an Iligan expert.

• Downtown Iligan - A lot has changed since the tri-people (cultural mix of Maranaos of Lanao del Sur, Higaonons of Bukidnon, the predominantly Christian settlers and migrants from other parts of the country) helped create the foundation of this city. Today's downtown practically has most of the ammenities that make an urban center - hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and cultural attractions.

• Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House - The house boasts as the only house in Mindanao where two Philippine Presidents resided. One being the father, and the other, the daughter, Pres. Diosdado Macapagal and HE Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo respectively. In 1994, upon the instigation of the late former President Diosdado Macapagal, the lot where the house stands and a two-hectare cocoland nearby were donated to the City Government of Iligan for the purpose of developing the place into a tourist destination with a memorabilia of the Macaraeg-Macapagal Family.

• Laya Ancestral House

• Iligan City Hall - The seat of the city government, is on top of Buhanginan Hill, some 47 meters above sea level. It was built way back in 1957.

• Linya Galleria

• MVC Park and Lagoon

• Rizal Park

• Freedom Park

• Anahaw Open Amphitheater - On Buhanginan Hill's southeastern side is Anahaw Ampitheater, probably the biggest open amphitheater in Mindanao, which is a venue for theater, sports tournaments, celebrations, and other activities. The amphitheater and the city hall is only less than 3 kilometers away from the city proper.

• Bayug Island - Bayug (an island sitio of Barangay Hinaplanon, 3.7 km. northeast of poblacion) is traditionally considered as the first settlement in Iligan even in pre-Islamic times.

[edit][add listing] Do

A number of these attractions are quite unique and could only be found in this city. There are numerous waterfalls, springs, and beach resorts.

• Buhanginan Hill - A popular place for watching the sunset or viewing the city lights at night. The road going to the top of the hill is a quick and convenient challenge and favorite destination for early-morning joggers. At the top is a playground where children can romp around.

• NPC Natures Park

• Maze Parks & Resort

• Tinago Mountain Resort

• Timoga Spring Pools - Known for its pristine, cool and crystal clear waters freely flowing downstream towards several swimming pools. Shed, snack bars, cottages and lechon (roasted pig) stalls are available.

• Taytay Swimming Pool

• Mimbalut Falls - It is a site to behold and provides an enjoyable swimming spot. Picnic tables are available if you simply want to wade and enjoy a quiet scenery and listen to the melodious chirping of birds.

• In Brgy. Hindang lies Hindang Falls and caves, a 40 ft. high two tiered waterfalls with lagoon ideal for swimming. It is nestled with towering peaks sheltering it from the sun and prying people. Other attractions of the barangay are the 6-8 cave clusters. Most caves have narrow entrances with long and deep chambers.

• Mt. Agad-Agad - Approximately 1,600 ft above sea level, very accessible and is good for mountain hikings and campings. A small waterfall is also featured on the way to the top of the mountain. Because it's so easy to climb, you may go up Mount Agad-agad in the morning and come down in the afternoon. But the trek will be much more worth the sweat if you spend the night there. At the peak, the panoramic overlooking view of Iligan City and Mt. Malindang in Misamis Occidental right across Iligan Bay is a spectacle. But wait till evening when the city lights look like the reflection of the stars.

• Golf and Country Club of Iligan - A 9-hole golf course laid out on gently rolling low green hills which is a favorite among local golfers and others who come to Iligan. It is located in Barangay Tipanoy which is about 6.0 kilometers away from the city proper.

• Adlaw sa Iligan - On June 16, 1950, President Elpidio Quirino signed into law the charter of the new city of Iligan. In 1984, June 16 of every year was declared as "Adlaw sa Iligan" to commemorate and celebrate the founding of Iligan as a chartered city. It is usually during the weeklong celebration of the Iligan City Charter Day that the city government forges unity and partnership with the private sector and the barangay leaders in fellowship gatherings. Activities that traditionally enliven the occasion are agro-industrial fair, cultural and artistic performances and the Tambayayong Festival, a float competition of various government agencies.

• Diyandi Festival sa Iligan - Folk-lore depicts Iligan's patron saint, St. Michael the Archangel as the protector of peace. Thus, his feast every 29th of September, is a grand celebration in the city. In fact, it has transformed into a month-long festival, the "DIYANDI FESTIVAL SA ILIGAN". Every September 27th, Kasadya streetdancing and merrymaking is participated in by different schools, civic organizations, and ethnic groups. It is a showcase of Iliganon tradition depicting historical, cultural, and religious aspects, group competition of tribal dances, and presentation of a religious stage play.

• Alimyon Flower Festival - Every Oct.30-Nov.2 flowers are brought directly from cut-flower growers in the farms and are priced cheaper than those displayed at shops and markets. The flowers in Iligan are also sold at Zamboanga City, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, and Pagadian.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] Currency

The city uses the Philippine peso. US dollar is also accepted, but it's good to have it changed to peso. Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged to Philippine peso at any banks, and authorized money changers.

For foreigners, it would be wise to always have Philippine bills and coins (for convenience).

[edit] Shopping

[edit] Iligan Delicacies

• Cheding's Peanuts

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Sunburst Fried Chicken

• Gazpacho's Restaurant

• Kuzina Iliganon

• Yom's Sizzling House

• Teepoy's Grille & Restaurant - Home of seafoods and Filipino dishes.

• Tatay's Grille

• Alfresco

• Big Ben

• Merry Muffet

• Jollibee

• Chowking

• Greenwich Pizza

• Buns & Pizza

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Zoey Cafe - The first espresso bar in town. It offers unique coffee blends, cakes and pastries.

• Aruma Coffee Shop - Located at the corner of De Leon and Burgos Sts.

• El Centro - Located at the heart of the city, El Centro is an open-air coffee and beverage bar where people from all walks of life congregate to breathe the cool Iliganon air, great beverage and clean fun.

• 69th Street Bar - Provides the fitting ambiance for a great night out – music, booze and company. Check it out at Obach Street.

• Iliganon Bar - Newly-opened Iliganon Bar, located along Quezon Avenue Ext., Pala-o is an instant hit among yuppies and young night owls.

• Club Seven - Another hip place to be in for nightowls is Club Seven at Chelina Arcade (adjacent Elena Tower Inn) National Highway, Tibanga.

• Darren's

• D'Zyr Restaurant & Acoustic Bar - D’ZyR Restaurant & Acoustic Bar, National Highway, Tibanga plays hosts to a number of national bands including Pure Instinct.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Iligan City offers adequate accommodation for every type of traveller. There are economy class hotels, pensionne houses, modest inns, and several lodging houses.

• Cheradel Suites, Bro. Jeffrey Road, 063 223 8118, fax 063 221 4926.

• Maria Cristina Hotel, Gen. Aguinaldo St., 063 221 5308.

• Farrah Hotel, Sabayle St., 063 221 6985 / 063 221 6988.

• Corporate Inn Boutique Hotel, Isabel Village, 06 221 4456 to 58

• Famous Pension House, Brgy. San Miguel, 063 225 3968/ 063 223 0692.

• Rene's Diner & Pension House, Andrada Compound, Brgy. Mahayahay, 063 221 3701.

• Casa Royale Inn, Tino Badelles St., 063 221 3324.

• Elena Tower Inn, Tibanga Highway, 063 221 5995/5997, fax 221-5996.

• Fleckstone Inn, M. Roxas Ave., Tibanga, 063 221 1927, fax 063 492 4868.

• Crystal Inn, Tibanga, 063 221 2779, fax 063 3516 4811.

• Jalexis Inn, Cors. Juan Luna & Zamora St., fax 063 223 8907.

• Maxim Inn, Quezon Avenue, 063 221 5272.

• Kingsway Inn, Padilla Bldg., Tibanga, 063 223 3937.

• Home-stay Accommodation. Travellers who express preference to stay in houses of locals than in hotels or commercial inns can choose from among the 8 private homes in Iligan. Reservations can be made thru the City Tourism Office, Bahay Salakot, Buhanginan Hills, Pala-o, this city or call 221-3426 for details.

[edit] Contact

[edit] Get out

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