26/365: When In Iloilo: The El Dorado Waterpark in Westown Hotel

Let’s talk about family hang-out this time!

Iloilo is known for its famous beaches which mostly are located outside the city.  If you wish to have a fun-filled swim-water-fun I am highly suggesting the inland resort El Dorado Water Park!



The El Dorado Waterpark is located inside the Smallville Complex and is also a part of the MO2 complex adjacent to the Westown Hotel along Diversion Road in Mandurriao District.

El Dorado is an ancient South American legend about a lost city of gold which is also the theme of this resort - Pre-Spanish American and Mayan.



El Dorado became one of the most visited waterpark in Iloilo City since it started operations in 2010.  It became popular due to its great Mayan temple inspired pools. 











Relying on my personal experience with this water park I can also say that is quite maintained and clean.



One good thing about this water park is that you can bring your own food.  But if you wish, you can also order from them freshly-cooked foods at reasonable prices.   The entrance fee during our visit in 2011 is at Php 100.00 (US$ 2.50) per person.

It also offers fine poolside rooms that you can use for relaxing or overnight stay. Room rate starts at PhP2,000.00 (US$47.00).

Since it is adjacent to the Westown Hotel and the Mo2 bar you can enjoy both fine dining or a drink while listening to one great live band!

We had one great day (and night) with family and friends at the El Dorado Waterpark!

24/365: When In Iloilo: Places to Hang Out – Smallville Complex

Let’s pause for the road trips and historical churches because this Saturday and Sunday is the climactic weekend of the famous Dinagyang Festival – Hala Bira!

After the grand parade the streets of Iloilo will turn into a huge party city and apart from the street dancing everybody will surely be looking for a place to hang out and to partee!  So let me give you some places wherein you can hang out on this merry weekend.

I mentioned that one big reason why I’m enjoying Iloilo is because I can have both provincial and city life while on vacation.  If you are from Manila you will never miss the night life that you enjoy in Malate, Libis and the Makati hang-out places, Iloilo has their own fabulous night spots too!

There’s a lot to choose from but here are some places that I already hanged-out!

SMALLVILLE COMPLEX

Nope this is not the place where Clark Kent grew up.  I heard that it was called “Smallville” because the place is originally a row of small bars and restaurants adjacent to Iloilo Business Hotel.  The number of bars and gig houses became larger and is now popularly called the Smallville Complex.

This is the place where you can literally do “bar-hopping” just like what we did on Dinagyang and Kasadyahan Night. You can choose from any classy bars, open air bars, bands, karaoke, fast food, simple and fine dining, street parties and whatever kind of “gimik” you are looking for – you can find it here at Smallville Complex.

Here are some of the bars and gig houses in Smallville Complex.

Local bands play at the open bars and the crowd can sing and dance to their gusto!   Popular bands from the Philippines music industry usually flocks in Iloilo during the Dinagyang Festival. 

Carnival people are common subjects of “photo-opp” during the Dinagyang Festival too.

Street party!

I have high regards in Iloilo-s ordinance when it comes to night life.  With the many times that we had a night-out I never had a bad experience.  Well maybe I can attribute it as well to the people that I am hanging out with. 

One classy gig that we tried.  It’s a “No ID No Entry” policy and we have to fall in line for our turn to enter.

Smallville Complex is located at Diversion Road, Mandurriao District, Iloilo City.

Hang on till next night out!