Let me tell you, I didn’t know what RORO was until I came to Manila, but boy, am I glad I found out.
It’s like the backbone of a nationwide vehicle transport system in the Philippines, but with a bit of a twist.
We’re talking about the Road Roll-on/Roll-off Terminal System, also known as the RoRo System.
It’s like a road trip, but with a boat involved.
How cool is that?
And if you’re wondering if you can take a RORO from Manila to Iloilo, the answer is a resounding yes.
And let me tell you, Iloilo is worth the trip.
From Spanish Colonial structures to scenic beaches to delicious delicacies, there’s something for everyone.
Calle Real, Gigantes Island, Miag-ao Church, and Dinagyang Festival are just a few of the attractions that will make you fall in love with Iloilo.
And don’t even get me started on the people of Iloilo.
They’re known as “The Heart of the Philippines” for a reason.
They’re lovers of music, fresh seafood, and dishes like La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo.
And they’re not afraid to embrace western civilization while preserving their cultural heritage sites and pristine natural spots.
So come on, hop on a RORO and experience the beauty of Iloilo.
Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Just don’t forget to indulge in the famous Guimaras mangoes while you’re there:
Getting around in Iloilo
Taking a tour around Iloilo is not difficult because the city has a well-developed network of roads.
You can board a vehicle that will take you to Western Visayas from Iloilo, the capital.
The means of transportation used by everyone in Iloilo, both tourists, and the citizens are jeepneys, taxis, buses, shuttle vans, and tricycles.
There are many ferry terminals and ports in Iloilo.
Ferries come in from Manila and other close towns to bring in goods, and carry goods out of these ferry terminals and ports.
The way to get to the provinces is by the Iloilo International Airport.
This airport operates both local and international flights.
International flights come from Hong Kong and Singapore into this airport.
There are also domestic flight operations from places like Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
Some of the airlines that operate scheduled flights in this airport include Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, and CebGo.
Top tourist attractions & activities in Iloilo.
If you are looking for a tourist destination where you will get a mixture of historic records, urban beauty, and wonderful works of nature?
Book the next flight to Iloilo.
Do not fail to visit the under-listed locations for a lifetime’s memory of your visit to Iloilo:
Calle Real
Calle Real is a historic district in Iloilo City.
In the district, you will see historic artifacts that will remind you of time past.
Taking a tour of Calle Real along JM Basa Street and Plaza Libertad, you will see the old beauty of the city.
You will be surprised by the kind of architectural building designs of the 1800s to the architecture building designs of the Commonwealth period you will see.
You will see the clean and organized streets of the district.
Miagao Church
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Iloilo is Miagao Church.
Miagao Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A lot of people were protected in this church during the 18th-century inversion of Iloilo by Moro soldiers.
This building has a very rich historic past, and so are the materials used in its construction which are adobe, limestone, corals, and eggs.
Iloilo River Esplanade
The Iloilo River Esplanade is one of the favorite recreational areas in Ilonggos.
Fitness activities like jogging, biking, walking, and Zumba are common in this place.
The eco-park cafes are ideal places for families and friends to get together to relax or watch the sunset.
Gigantes Island
Gigantes Island is raw and enchanting.
It is a well-known beach destination in the town of Carles.
Gigantes Island is not as developed as other tourist destinations like Boracay and Palawan, but there are peculiar beauties it has.
The island has fine white sand beaches and sandbars, rock formations, and blue clear waters.
If you want to spend your next vacation on an island, plan to go to Tangke Lagoon.
The island is popular for its blue-green saltwater pool in it.
Guimaras
When you visit Iloilo, do not forget to visit Guimaras, its neighboring islands.
Guimaras has the sweetest mangoes in the world, as well as natural and historical locations that appeal to tourists.
Visit the islands, islets, and beaches in Guimaras for lifetime memories of the province.
FAQs
Is there a RORO from Manila to Iloilo?
Yes.The cheapest means of transportation from Manila to Iloilo is a bus, RoRo, or ferry.
The means of transportation available in Manila are planes ferries and buses.
How long is RORO from Manila to Iloilo?
Going from Roro to Iloilo city is about 30 hours and 41-minutes, including transfers.
How much does it cost to transport a car from Manila to Iloilo?
19$- 27$ .
Two times every day, Philtranco runs transportation services from Philtranco Pasay to Iloilo.
The company charges between 16 $- 24$ per ticket for the 16-hour 45-minutes journey.
How much is the fare from Manila to Iloilo via ferry?
Thrice a week, 2 GO Travel runs a car ferry service from Manila to Iloilo.
The company charges between 35$ to 42$ per ticket for the 23-hour and 30-minutes journey.
What is Iloilo known for?
Iloilo is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, delicious local cuisine, scenic beaches, and the famous Dinagyang Festival.
It is also known for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world which can be found in its neighboring island of Guimaras.
The people of Iloilo are friendly, music-loving, and proud of their cultural heritage.
What is the cost of taking a RORO from Manila to Iloilo?
The cost of taking a RORO from Manila to Iloilo varies depending on the time of travel, the class of accommodation, and the ferry company.
The average cost ranges from PHP 1,000 to PHP 2,000 for economy class and from PHP 2,500 to PHP 4,000 for first class.
What are the amenities available on board a RORO ferry?
Most RORO ferries have basic amenities like air-conditioned cabins, open-air decks, restrooms, a canteen or food stall, and a small convenience store.
Some larger ferries may also have a restaurant, a lounge, and a karaoke bar.
How long does it take to travel from Manila to Iloilo by RORO?
The travel time from Manila to Iloilo by RORO is about 24 hours, but it can be longer or shorter depending on the weather and sea conditions.
Some ferries have overnight trips while others have daytime trips.
Can I bring my car or motorcycle on a RORO ferry?
Yes, you can bring your car or motorcycle on a RORO ferry, but you will have to pay an additional fee for the vehicle.
The fee varies depending on the size of the vehicle and the ferry company.
What should I bring for a RORO trip from Manila to Iloilo?
It is recommended to bring comfortable clothing, toiletries, medicines, snacks, and drinks.
If you have motion sickness, it’s best to bring anti-motion sickness medication.
You may also want to bring a book or a tablet for entertainment during the long trip.
