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Ilocano phrasebook

Ilocano, (Iloco) or (Iluko) is the main language of the Northern Philippines. According to the 2005 Census, there are about 8 million people who speak Ilocano as a mother tongue (locally called kabakketan a dildila) and still another 2 million who speak it as a second language. Although it has no official status in the country, those who use it often call it the National Language of the North. From their traditional homeland (the Ilocandia), Ilocanos have migrated southward, now forming large communities in Central Luzon, Metropolitan Manila and even in the main Urban centres of General Santos City and Zamboanga City in the Island of Mindanao.

There are also a sizable number of Ilocano speakers in the United States, especially in Hawaii, California, Alaska and Washington, as the Ilocanos were the first Filipinos to migrate en masse to the US. Speakers of this language are also found in Canada, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Belonging to the Austronesian family of languages, it is related to all the other languages in the Philippines like the larger Tagalog and Cebuano. It is also distantly related to Malagasy, Malay, Tetum, Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages.

Grammar
Ilocano is an agglutinative language. Meaning, it employs a number of affixes to signify changes in meaning. If you are having a hard time looking for a word in the dictionary, try dropping the following suffixes:

 * --ak or -k : I or my
 * --tayo : we or our
 * --mo : you or your (singular)
 * --yo : you or your (plural)
 * --na : his, her or its
 * --da : their
 * --en or -n : already

As adjectives may be placed at either sides of the noun, one must not forget the ligature nga (if the next word begins with a vowel) or a (if the next word begins with a consonant) to establish the connection.

Sample: yellow dress may be rendered as bado a duyaw or duyaw a bado.

Pronunciation guide
Like all its sister languages, Ilocano is fairly easy to pronounce. The general rule is one sound for each letter. However, the language, like all the Borneo-Philippine Languages, employ the digraph ng to represent an initial velar nasal consonant (the ng in English sing).

Accents are very unpredictable and must be learnt while learning the new word. Although books about the language will show these signs, they are often not found in publications like newspapers.

Vowels
The Ilocano language has either five or six vowels, depending on what dialect you choose to speak. The language is generally divided into the Amianan (Northern) and Abagatan (Southern) Dialects. The only difference however between these two dialects is the way they pronounce the letter 'E'. In the Abagatan Dialect, only five vowels are present and they are pronounced as follows:

 * a : open front unrounded vowel IPA [a]; like the a in father
 * e : open-mid front unrounded vowel IPA [ɛ]; like the e in bed
 * i : close front unrounded vowel IPA [i]; like the ea in beat
 * o : close-mid back rounded vowel IPA [o]; like the au in author
 * u : close back rounded vowel IPA [u]; like the oo in boot

On the other hand, the Amianan Dialect has another vowel for the symbol 'e'. For the speakers of the Abagatan Dialect, the 'e' that was given above is used for words of foreign origin (e.g. elepante from Spanish). For native words, the sound of a close back unrounded vowel is used. There is no equivalent for this sound in English so some dictionaries use the IPA symbol for the schwa sign. But the proper symbol must be:

 * e : close back unrounded vowel IPA [ɯ]; like the ao in the Scots Gaelic caol.

Historically, Ilocano has only 3 vowels and this reality is still evident until today as the sounds of e and i and o and u' often merges.

When the letter i precedes another letter, its sound will glide resulting to the sound of [j]. This happens also to the letter u where it glides into the sound of [w].

Spanish cities such as Vigan were in contact with Spanish, hence, the additional open-mid front unrounded vowel "e".

Consonants

 * b : like the English bed
 * c : like the k in sky not as in kite
 * d : like the d in the Japanese dojo
 * f : (in proper nouns only) like the English feather
 * g : like the English go
 * g : (in foreign words from Spanish only) like the English house
 * h : like the English house
 * j : (in foreign words from Spanish only) like the English house
 * k : like the k in sky not as in kite
 * l : like the l in London
 * m : like the m in mother
 * n : like the n in nanny
 * p : like the p in spot not as in pot
 * qu: like the k in sky not as in kite
 * r : like the r in right
 * r : (in foreign words from Spanish only) like the r in rojo
 * s : like the s in seven
 * t : like the d in the Chinese Dao De Jing
 * v : like the English bed
 * v : (in proper nouns only) like the v in vase
 * w : like the w in water
 * x : (in proper nouns only) like the x in six
 * x : (in proper nouns only) like the x in the Spanish Mexico
 * y : like the y in yam
 * z : like the s in seven
 * z : like the z in zebra

Some consonants change their sounds when followed by a vowel. The following sounds are produced:

 * di : like the j in jack
 * si : like the sh in shampoo
 * ti : like the ch in church

As mentioned above the digraph ng represents the sound of the same digraph in Singer. However, unlike in English, this sound may be used as initial.

The initial glottal stop is not written. Thus, it appears as if the word commences with a vowel. When it occurs at the middle of the word, a hypen (-) is inserted to represent the sound.

Common diphthongs
There are only three commonly used diphthongs in the Ilocano language. They are as follows:

 * ay : like the i in high
 * iw : like the iw in Tiw
 * oy : like the oy in boy

Other diphthongs are also likely to occur but they are generally from loaned words. They are usually pronounced as they are foreign.

Basics

 * Hello. : (There is actually no equivalent for this greeting. Instead, Ilocanos tend to greet in terms of time or by asking how are you.)
 * How are you? : Kumusta ka? (koo-mooss-tah KAH?)
 * Fine, thank you. :Mayat met, pagyamanan (mah-YAHT muht, pahg-yah-MAH-nahn)
 * What is your name? : Ania ti naganmo? (ahn-YAH ti nah-gahn-MAW?)
 * My name is ______ . :Siak ni ______. (SHAHCK nee _____ )
 * Nice to meet you. :Naragsakak a maam-ammoka. (nah-rahg-SAH-kahk ah mah-ahm-ahm-moo-KAH)
 * Please. : Pangngaasi . (pahng-ngah-AH-see' )
 * Thank you. : Agyamanak. (ahg-YAH-mah-NAHCK)
 * You're welcome. : Awan ti anyaman na. (ah-WAHN tahn-YAH-mahn nah)
 * Take care: Agaluadka. (ah-gahll-WAHD kah)
 * Yes. :wen. (wuhn)
 * No. :haan. (hah-AHN)
 * Excuse me. (getting attention) :Pakawanennak. (pah-kah-wah-NEHN-nahck) [also Excuse me. (Ilocanos don't usually use the native term anymore.)]
 * Excuse me. (begging pardon) : Dispensar. (deess-pehn-SAHR)
 * I'm sorry. :Dispensaren nak (deess-PEHN-sah-REHN nahck)
 * Goodbye : Agpakadaakon. (ahg-pah-kah-dah-AH-kawn)
 * Goodbye (informal) : Kasta pay. (kahss-tah-PIGH)
 * I can't speak Ilocano. : Diak makapagsao iti Ilocano. (jahck mah-kah-pahg-sah-AW ee-tee ee-law-KAH-naw)
 * I can't speak Ilocano well. : Diak unay ammo agsao iti Ilocano. (jahck oo-NIGH ahm-MAW ahg-sah-AW ee-TEE ee-law-KAH-naw)
 * Do you speak English? : Agsasao ka iti Inggles? (ahg-sah-sah-AW kah ee-TEE eeng-LEHSS?)
 * Is there someone here who speaks English? : Adda kadi tao ditoy nga agsasao iti Inggles? (ahd-DAH kah-DEE tah-AW dew-TOY ngah ahg-sah-sah-AW tee eeng-LEHSS?)
 * Help! : Tulong! (TOO-lawng)
 * Look out! : Agannadka! (ah-gahn-NAHD kah!)
 * Good morning. : Naimbag a bigat. (nah-eem-BAHG ah bee-GAHT)
 * Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem. (nah-eem-BAHG ah mah-LEHM)
 * Good evening. : Naimbag a rabii. (nah-eem-BAHG ah rah-bee-EE)
 * Good night. : Naimbag a rabii. (Note: Ilocano has actually no equivalent words to express this sentence.)
 * I don't understand. : Diak maawatan. (jahck mah-ah-WAH-tahn)
 * Where is the toilet? : Ayan ti banio? (ah-YAHN tee bahn-NYAW)

Problems

 * Leave me alone. : Panawandak man! (pah-NAH-wahn-dahck mahn!)
 * Don't touch me. : Dinak ig-igaman. (dee-NAHCK eeg-ee-GAH-mahn)
 * I'll call the police! : Agayabak iti pulis! (ah-gah-YAH-bahck tee poo-LEESS!)
 * Stop! Thief! : Agsardengka! Agtatakaw! (ahg-sahr-DEHNG ka! ahg-tah-TAH-kow!)
 * I need your help. : Kasapulak ti tulongmo. (kah-SAH-poo-lahk tee TOO-lawng maw) (or when talking to many people: Tulong!) (TOO-lawng!)
 * I am lost. : Naiyaw-awanak! (nahy-YAHW-ah-wah-nahck!)
 * My bag got lost. : Napukaw diay bag-ko. (nah-POO-kow jay bag koh)
 * My wallet got lost. : Napukaw diay pitakak. (nah-poo-KOW jhay pih-TAH-kahck)
 * I am sick. : Agsakitak (ahg-sah-KEE-tahck)
 * I had an accident. : Naaksidente ak! (nah-ahck-see-DEHN-teh ahck!)
 * I need a doctor. : Masapulko ti doktor. (mah-SAH-pooll-KAW tee dawck-TAWR)

Numbers
There exist two names for the numbers in Ilocano. The native Ilocano and the Spanish names. Generally, Ilocanos use the Spanish terms if they are talking about time of very large quantities. You will however see the native terms if you would read literary books. If you are going on a shopping, prices of small values are given in this form.

 * 1 : maysa (migh-SAH)
 * 2 : dua (dwah)
 * 3 : tallo (tahll-LAW)
 * 4 : uppat (oop-PAHT)
 * 5 : lima (lee-MAH)
 * 6 : innem (ihn-NEHM)
 * 7 : pito (pee-TAW)
 * 8 : walo (wah-LAW)
 * 9 : siam (shahm)
 * 10: sangapulo (sah-ngah-POO-law)
 * 11: sangapulo ket maysa (sah-ngah-POO-law kuht )
 * 12: sangapulo ket dua (sah-ngah-POO-law kuht dwah)
 * 13: sangapulo ket tallo (sah-ngah-POO-law kuht tahll-LAW)
 * 14: sangapulo ket uppat (sah-ngah-POO-law kuht oop-PAHT)
 * 15: sangapulo ket lima (sah-ngah-POO-law kuht lee-MAH)
 * 16 :sangapulo ket innem (sah-ngah-POO-law kuht ihn-NEHam)
 * 17 :sangapulo ket pito (sah-ngah-POO-law kuht pee-TAW)
 * 18 :sangapulo ket walo (sah-ngah-POO-law kuht wah-LAW)
 * 19 :sangapulo ket siam (sah-ngah-POO-law kuht shahm)
 * 20: duapulo (dwah-POO-law)
 * 21: duapulo ket maysa (dwah-POO-law kuht migh-SAH)
 * 22: duapulo ket dua (dwah-POO-law kuht dwah)
 * 23: duapulo ket tallo (dwah-POO-law kuht tahll-LAW)
 * 30: tallopulo (tahll-law-POO-law)
 * 40: uppat a pulo (oop-PAHT ah-POO-law)
 * 50: limapulo (lee-mah-POO-law)
 * 60: innem a pulo (ihn-NEHM ah-POO-law)
 * 70: pitopulo (pee-taw-POO-law)
 * 80: walo a pulo (wah-law ah-POO-law)
 * 90: siam a pulo (shahm ah-POO-law)
 * 100: sangagasut (sah-ngah-gah-SOOT)
 * 200: duagasut (dwah-gah-SOOT)
 * 300: tallogasut (tahll-law-gah-SOOT)
 * 1,000: sangaribu (sah-ngah-ree-BOO)
 * 2,000: duaribu (dwah-REE-boo)
 * 1,000,000: sangariwriw (sah-ngah-reew-REEW)
 * 1,000,000,000:sangabilion (sah-ngah-beell-YAWN)
 * 1,000,000,000,000: sangatrilion (sah-ngah-treell-YAWN)
 * number _____ (train, bus, etc.):numero iti tren/bus (NOO-meh-raw ee-TEE trehn/booss)
 * half: gudua (goo-DWAH)
 * less:bassit (bahss-SIHT)
 * more:ad-adu (ahd-ah-DOO)

Time

 * now
 * tatta (taht-TAH)

 * later
 * madamdama (mah-dahm-dah-MAH)

 * before
 * sakbay (sahck-BIGH)

 * morning
 * bigat (bee-GAHT)

 * afternoon
 * malem (mah-LEHM)

 * evening
 * rabii (rah-bee-EE)

 * night
 * rabii (rah-bee-EE)

Clock Time

 * one o'clock AM : a la una iti bigat (ah lah OO-nah ee-TEE bee-gaht)
 * two o'clock AM : a las dos iti bigat (ah lahss dawss ee-TEE bee-GAHT)
 * noon: tengnga ti aldaw (teh-NGAHT ahll-DOW)
 * one o'clock PM : a la una iti malem (ah lah OO-nah ee-TEE mah-LEHM)
 * two o'clock PM : a las dos iti malem (ah lahss ee-TEE mah-LEHM)
 * midnight: kaltaang rabii (kahll-TAH-ahng rah-bee-EE)

Duration

 * ____ second(s) :____ segundo (seh-GOON-daw)
 * ____ minute(s) :____ minuto (mee-NOO-taw)
 * ____ hour(s) :____ oras (AW-rahss)
 * ____ day(s) :____ aldaw (ahll-DOW)
 * ____ week(s) :____ lawas (LOW-wahss)
 * ____ month(s) :____ bulan (BOO-lahn)
 * ____ year(s) :____ tawen (TOW-wuhn)

Days

 * today
 * ita nga aldaw (ee-TAH ngah ahll-DOW)

 * yesterday
 * idi kalman (ee-DEE kahll-MAHN)

 * tomorrow
 * inton bigat (ihn-TAWN bee-GAHT)

 * this week
 * maudi a lawas (mah-oo-DEE ah LOW-wahss)

 * last week
 * ita a lawas (ee-TAH ah LOW-wahss)

 * next week
 * intono umay a lawas (ihn-TAW-naw oo-MIGH ah low-WAHSS)

 * Sunday :Domingo (daw-MEENG-gaw)
 * Monday :Lunes (LOO-nehss)
 * Tuesday :Martes (mahr-TEHSS)
 * Wednesday :Mierkoles (MYEHR-kaw-lehss)
 * Thursday :Juebes (hoo-WEH-behss)
 * Friday :Biernes (BYEHR-nehss)
 * Saturday :Sabado (SAH-bah-daw)

Months

 * January : Enero (eh-NEH-raw)
 * February : Febrero (pehb-REH-raw)
 * March : Marso (mahr-SAW)
 * April : Abril (ahb-REELL)
 * May : Mayo (MIGH-yaw)
 * June : Hunio (HOON-nyaw)
 * July: Hulio (HOOLL-yaw)
 * August : Agosto (ah-GAWSS-taw)
 * September : Setiembre (seht-YEHM-breh)
 * October : Oktubre (awck-TOO-breh)
 * November : Nobiembre (nawb-YEHM-breh)
 * December : Disiembre (deess-YEHM-breh)

Writing time and date
Dates can be written as follows:

Times are written as in English (as in 2:23AM) but spoken in Spanish (as in a las says baynte tres iti bigat).
 * English format: March 7, 1983 would be Marso 7, 1983
 * Spanish format: March 7, 1983 would be maika-7 iti Marso, 1983

Colors

 * blue : asul (ah-SOOLL)
 * red : baga (BAH-gah)
 * yellow : duyaw (doo-YOW)
 * green : berde (BEHR-deh)
 * orange : kahel (kah-HEHLL)
 * black : nangisit (nah-NGEE-seet)
 * white : puraw (poo-ROW)
 * brown : kayumanggi (kah-yoo-mahng-GEE)
 * grey : dapo (DAH-paw)

Tricycles and Jeepneys

 * How much is the fare to name of the place? : Manu ti plete inggana idiay name of the place? (Literally: How much to the name of the place.)
 * How many people can take a ride? : Manu nga tao ti mabalin nga sumakay? (MAH-noo ngah TAH-aw tee mah-bah-LEEN ngah soo-mah-KIGH?)
 * Stop! : Para! (This is used only for modes of transportation and never for people.)

Bus and Train

 * How much is a ticket to _____?
 * Sagmamano ti tiket a mapan ______? (sahg-mah-MAH-naw tee TEE-keht ah MAH-pahn ____?)

 * One ticket to _____, please.
 * Maysa man a tiket a mapan _____. (MIGH-sah mahn ah TEE-keht ah MAH-pahn ____)
 * Where does this train/bus go?
 * Sadino ti papanan daytoy a tren/bus? (sah-DEE-naw tee pah-PAH-nahn digh-TAWY ah trehn/booss?)

 * Where is the train/bus to _____?
 * Sadino ti tren/bus a mapan _____? (sah-DEE-naw tee trehn/booss ah MAH-pahn ____?)

 * Does this train/bus stop in _____?
 * Agsardeng aya daytoy a tren/bus idiay _____? (ahg-SAHR-duhng ahh-YAH dahy-TAWY ah trehn/buhs ee-JIGH ____?)

 * When does the train/bus for _____ leave?
 * Kaano nga agrubuat ti tren/bus a mapan _____? (kah-AH-naw ngah ahg-ROO-bwaht tee trehn/booss ah MAH-pahn ____?)

 * When will this train/bus arrive in _____?
 * Kaano a sumangpet daytoy a tren/bus idiay ______? (kah-AH-naw ah soo-MAHNG-puht digh-TAWY ah trehn/booss ee-JIGH ____?)

Directions

 * How do I go to ____? :Kasano ti mapan idiay ____? (kah-SAH-naw tee MAH-pahn ee-JIGH ____?)
 * ... the train station :...estasion ti tren (ehss-tahss-YAWN tee trehn)
 * ... the bus station : ... estasion ti bus (ehss-tahss-YAWN tee booss)
 * ... the airport : ... ti pagpatayabán (tee pahg-pah-tah-yah-BAHN)
 * ... downtown:... ili (EE-lee)
 * ... the American/Australian/British/Canadian Consulate : ...tee konsulado ti Amerika/Australia/Britania/Canada) (...kawn-soo-LAH-daw tee ah-MEH-ree-kah/owss-TRAHLL-yah/bree-TAHN-yah/KAH-nah-dah) [note: There is actually no Embassy or Consulate in the Ilocandia as almost all of them are in Metro Manila.]
 * Where are there a lot of _____? : Ayanna nga lugar ti adu ti _____? (ah-yahn-NAH ngah loo-GAHR tee ah-DOO tee ____?)
 * ... the ___ hotel : ...iti ___ hotel (ee-TEE ____ haw-TEHLL)
 * ... restaurants : ... restaurant (note: When visitng the Philippines, a foreigner might want to eat at the Philippine cafetiria called carinderia.)
 * ... bars : ... bars (bahrss)
 * ... sights to see :... mabuya (mah-BOO-yah)
 * Can you show me in the map? : Mabalin nga pakitam kaniak ayanna idiay mapa? (mah-BAH-leen ngah pah-KEE-tahm kahn-YAHCK ah-YAHN-nah ee-dee-YIGH MAH-pah?)
 * street :dalan (DAH-lahn)
 * You turn left. : Kumannigidka. (koo-MAHN-nee-GEED-kah)
 * You turn right. : Kumannawanka. (koo-MAHN-now-WAHN-kah)
 * left :kannigid (kahn-nee-GEED)
 * right :kannawan (kahn-nah-WAHN)
 * straight ahead. : Dumiretso (doo-mee-REHT-saw)
 * towards the____
 * mapan iti ___ (mah-PAHN ee-TEE ___)

 * past the ____
 * kalpasan iti ____ (kahll-PAH-sahn ee-TEE ___)

 * before the ____ :sakbay iti ____ (sahck-BIGH ee-TEE ___)
 * intersection : Rotonda
 * north : amianan (ahm-YAH-nahn)
 * east :daya (DAH-yah)
 * south :abagatan (ah-bah-gah-TAHN)
 * west :laud (LAH-ood)
 * uphill :pasang-at (pah-SAHNG-aht)
 * downhill :pasalog (pah-SAH-lawg)

Lodging

 * Do you have an available room? : Adda pay ti kuarto yo? (ahd-DAH pigh tee kwahr-TAW yaw?)
 * How much is a single room? : Manu ti kwarto para maysa nga tao?
 * How much is a room for two/three people? : Manu ti kuarto para dua/ tallo nga tao? (MAH-noo tee kwahr-TAW PAH-rah dwah/TAHLL-law ngah TAH-aw?)
 * Is a __________ included in the room? : Adda ti __________ idiay kwarto? (ahd-DAH tee _____ ee-JIGH kwahr-TAW?)
 * blanket : ules (oo-LEHSS)
 * bathroom : banio (BAHN-yaw)
 * telephone : telepono (teh-LEH-paw-naw)
 * television : telebisyon (or simply TV) (teh-leh-beess-YAWN)
 * May I see the room? : Mabalin nga makitak diay kwarto? (mah-BAH-leen ngah mah-KEE-tahck dee-YIGH KWAHR-taw)
 * Do you have any room that is more quiet? : Adda ti kwartoyo nga naul-ulimek?
 * bigger : dakdakkel (dahck-dah-KEHLL)
 * cleaner : nadaldalus (nah-dahll-dah-LOOSS)
 * cheaper : nalaklaka (nah-lahck-lah-KAH)
 * I'll stay for one/ two nights. : Agyanak ti maysa/dua nga rabii. (ahg-YAH-nahck tee migh-SAH/dwah ngah rah-bee-EE)
 * Can you suggest another place? : Adda ammum nga sabali nga lugar?
 * Do you have a safe? : Adda ti safe? (ahd-DAH tee sayf?)
 * Do you have a locker? : Adda ti lockeryo? (ahd-DAH tee LAH-kehr-yaw?)
 * Please clean my room. : Paki dalus diyay kuartok. (pah-KEE dah-loos dee-YHAY kwahr-TOOK)
 * Can you wake me up at ____? : Mabalin nga riingen nak ti ___? (mah-bah-LEEN ngah ree-ee-NGEHN nahck tee ____?)
 * I am going to check out. : Ag-check-outak. (ahg-chehck-OWT-tahck)

Money

 * Do you accept American Dollars? : Ag-alakayo ti dolar nga Amerikano? (ahg-ah-lah-kah-YAW tee DAW-lahr ngah ah-meh-ree-KAH-naw?)
 * How much is a dollar here? : Manu ti maysa a dollar idtoy? (MAH-noo tee migh-SAH eed-TOY?)
 * Do you accept credit cards? : Ag-alakayo ti credit card? (ah-lah-kah-YAW tee KREH-diht kahrd?)
 * Is there an ATM here? : Adda ti ATM idtoy? (ahd-DAH tee ay-TEE-ehm eed-TOY?)

Eating

 * A table for one/ two person, please. : Maysa man a mesa para maysa/dua a tao. (migh-SAH mahn ah MEH-sah PAH-rah migh-SAH/dwah ah TAH-aw)
 * Can I see the menu? : Mabalin a makitak ti menu? (mah-bah-LEEN ah mah-KEE-tahck tee meh-NOO?)
 * What is the your specialty? : Ania ti specialty-yo? (ahn-YAHT ehss-PEH-shahll-tee-YAW?)
 * I am vegetarian. : Vegetarianak. (beh-jeh-TAHR-yahn-NAHCK)
 * I don't eat pork. : Diak mangan ti karne ti baboy. (jahck MAH-ngahn tee kahr-NEHT BAH-boy)
 * I don't eat beef. : Diak mangan ti karne ti baka. (jahck MAH-ngahn tee kahr-NEHT BAH-kah)
 * chicken : karne ti manok (kahr-NEHT mah-NAWCK)
 * pork : karne ti baboy (kahr-NEHT BAH-boy)
 * beef : karne ti baka (kahr-NEHT BAH-kah)
 * It's salty.
 * Nagapgad (nah-gahp-GAHD)

 * It's so sweet.
 * Nagsam-it (nahg-SAHM-iht)

 * It's spicy.
 * Naggasang (nahg-GAH-sahng)

 * It's sour.
 * Nagalsem (nah-gahll-SUHM)

 * breakfast
 * pamigat (pah-mee-GAHT)

 * lunch
 * pangaldaw (pah-ngahll-DOW)

 * snack
 * mirienda (mih-RYEHN-dah)

 * supper :pangrabii (pahng-rah-bee-EE)
 * fish : ikan (ee-KAHN)
 * ham : ham (hahm)
 * sausage : longganisa (lawng-gah-NEE-sah)
 * cheese : keso (KEH-saw)
 * egg : itlog (iht-LAWG)
 * salad : salad (SAH-lahd)
 * vegetables : nateng (nah-TUHNG)
 * fruits : prutas (PROO-tahss)
 * bread : tinapay (tee-NAH-pigh)
 * noodles : pancit (pahn-SEET)
 * rice : innapoy (ihn-nah-POY)
 * May I have a glass of water please. : Maysa man a baso ti danom. (migh-SAH mahn ah BAH-saw tee DAH-nawm)
 * It was delicious.
 * Naimas (nah-EE-mahss)

 * I'm finished/done. :Nalpasakon (nahll-PAH-sah-KAWN)

Bars

 * Do have you wine/liqueur? : Adda ti arakyo? (ahd-DAH tee ah-rahck-YAW?)
 * One/ Two bottle/s of beer, please. : Maysa/Dua man a bote ti beer. (migh-SAH/doo-wah mahn ah BAW-teh tee beer)
 * whiskey
 * whiskey (WEESS-kee)

 * vodka
 * vodka (BAWD-kah)

 * rum
 * ram (RAHM)

 * water : danom (DAH-nawm)
 * food : makan (mah-KAHN)
 * coffee :kape (kah-PEH)
 * milk : gatas (GAH-tahss)
 * chocolate : tsokolate (chaw-kaw-LAH-teh)
 * Another one, please. : Maysa pay, please. (migh-SAH pigh, pleess)
 * What time do you close? : Ania ti oras nga agrikepkayo? (ah-NYAH tee AW-rahss ngah ahg-ree-kehp-kah-YAW?)

Shopping

 * Do you have something bigger/ smaller? : Adda dakdakkel/ basbassit? (ahd-DAH dahck-dah-KUHLL/bahss-bah-SIHT?)
 * expensive : nangina (nah-NGEE-nah)
 * cheap : nalaka (nah-LAH-kah)
 * I don't wan't it. :Diak kayat. (jahck KAH-yaht)
 * I'll take it. : Alaekon. (ah-LAH-eh-kawn)
 * I need _____ . : Masapulko ti _____. (mah-SAH-pooll-KAW tee _____)
 * ...toothpaste :... toothpaste (TOOTH-payst)
 * ...toothbrush : ...sepilyo (seh-PEELL-yaw)
 * ...condom : ...kondom (KAWN-dawm)
 * ...sanitary napkin : ...napkin (NAHP-keen)
 * ...soap :... sabon (sah-BAWN)
 * ...shampoo :... siampo (SHAHM-paw)
 * ...pain reliever. (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen) :...pangep-ep iti ut-ot (...pah-nguhp-uhp ee-TEE oot-OOT)
 * ...cold medicine. :....agas ti panateng (...ah-GAHSS tee pah-NAH-tuhng)
 * ...stomach medicine. :...agas ti sakit iti buksit (...ah-GAHSS tee sah-KEET ee-TEE boock-SEET)
 * ...razor :... pagibarbas (pah-gee-BAHR-bahss)
 * ...umbrella :... payong (PAH-yawng)
 * ...post card :... post card (pawst kahrd)
 * ...stamps :... selyo para iti surat
 * ...battery :... bateria (bah-tehr-YAH)
 * ...paper :... papel (pah-PEHLL)
 * ...pen :... bolpen (BAWLL-pehn)
 * ...English Book :... libro nga Inggles (leeb-RAW ngah eeng-LEHSS)
 * ...English Magazine :...magasin nga Inggles (MAH-gah-seen ngah eeng-LEHSS)
 * ...English Newspaper : ...diario nga Inggles (JAHR-yaw ngah eeng-LEHSS)
 * ...English-Ilocano Dictionary : ...diksionario nga Inggles-Ilokano (deeck-shaw-NAHR-yaw ngah eeng-LEHSS-ee-law-KAW-naw)

Driving

 * I want to rent a car. : Kayatko nga agrenta ti kotse. (kah-YAHT-kaw ngah ahg-REHN-tah tee KAWT-seh)
 * Can I get an insurance? : Mabalin nga ag-ala-ak ti insurance? (mah-bah-LEEN ngah ahg-ah-LAH-ahck tee een-SHOO-ranss?)
 * Stop! : Sardeng! (sahr-DEHNG!)
 * gasoline : gasolina (gah-saw-LEE-nah)
 * diesel :krudo (KROO-daw)
 * gasoline station :paggasolinaan (pahg-gah-saw-lee-nah-AHN)

Note: As Ilocano enjoys no official status in the Philippines, no street sign is written in the language. Street signs and even public notices are posted in English.

Authority

 * I haven't done anything wrong.
 * Awan iti madi nga inaramidko. (ah-WAHN ee-TEE mah-DEE ngah ih-nah-rah-MEED-kaw)

 * It was a misunderstanding.
 * Maysa laeng daydiay a di panagkinkinnaawatan. (migh-SAH LAH-uhng ah dee pah-nahg-kihn-kihn-nah-ah-WAH-tahn)

 * Where are you taking me?
 * Sadinno ti pangipanam kaniak? (sah-DEE-nawt pah-NGEE-pah-nahm kahn-YAHCK?)

 * Am I under arrest?
 * Kemmegennak kadi? (kuhm-muh-guhn-NAHCK kah-DEE?)

 * Where's the warrant?
 * Ayan na ti warrant? (ah-YAHN nah tee WAHR-rahnt?)

 * I am an American/Australian/British/Canadian citizen.
 * Siak ket umili ti Amerika/Australia/Britania/Kanada. (shahck kuht oo-MEE-lee tee ah-MEH-ree-kah/owss-TRAHLL-yah/bree-TAHN-yah/KAH-nah-dah)

 * I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate.
 * Kayatko ti makipatang iti embahada/konsulado ti Amerika, Australia,Britanya,Kanada. (kah-yaht-KAW tee mah-kee-pah-TAHNG ee-TEE ehm-bah-HAH-dah/kawn-soo-LAH-daw tee ah-MEH-ree-kah/owss-TRAHLL-yah/bree-TAHN-yah/KAH-nah-dah)

 * I want to talk to my lawyer.
 * Kayatko a makasarita ti abogadok. (kah-yaht-KAW ah mah-kah-sah-REE-tah tee ah-baw-GAH-dawck)

 * Can I just pay a fine, now.
 * Mabalinak kadi nga agbayad ti multa itan? (mah-bah-lee-NAHCK kah-DEE ngah ahg-BAH-yahd tee mooll-tah EE-tahn?)

title: Ilocano phrasebook


text:
Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte is a province in the Ilocos Region, north of the Philippines.

Cities

 * – The main city of the area. Famous as a gambling city, and blessed with an International airport, so it occasionally gets overrun by tourists from Korea, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong. It is also served by a flight from Manila on Cebu Pacific -- flight time is about an hour.
 * — A city of over 55,000 people, it is better known as the hometown of the Marcos political family, and some historical figures like Artemio Ricarte, a general in the Philippine Revolution, and Gregorio Aglipay, the founder of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, a breakaway denomination of the Roman Catholic Church.

Other destinations

 * – Up on the north coast of the Philippines, it probably isn't the best place to go in winter, although if you're after deserted beaches, then it's a great relief from the hordes at Boracay. It's about a 90-minute bus ride from Laoag.
 * – Up on the north coast of the Philippines, it probably isn't the best place to go in winter, although if you're after deserted beaches, then it's a great relief from the hordes at Boracay. It's about a 90-minute bus ride from Laoag.

Understand
The province lies at the northwest of Luzon island, facing the West Philippine Sea (or South China Sea). It is bordered by Cagayan, Apayao, and Abra to the east, and Ilocos Sur to the south.

Ilocos Norte is best noted as the bulwark of the Marcos political family, among them the infamous dictator Ferdinand Marcos and first lady Imelda Marcos, and their children. The contributions of the Marcoses remains a sensitive topic here, so tread carefully. That said, the provincial political arena is shifting away from the influence of the Marcoses, though some locals continue to voice support for their family and local policies.

By air
Laoag International Airport is the province's only airport, served by a daily flight on PAL Express from Manila.

By bus
Take a scenic bus trip from the capital Manila to Ilocos Norte, lasting about eight hours. Among the bus companies plying this route are the Philippine Rabbit, Partas, Dominion, Fariñas, and Maria de Leon.

By car
Ilocos Norte is the terminus of two major numbered highways, Rte 2 from the south and Rte 1 from the north. Rte 2 enters from Ilocos Sur, while Rte 1 (also AH26) comes from Cagayan Province to the east, with scenic sections that take you around cliffs at the northern edge of Luzon; you'll also be greeted by wind farms that are concentrated in the north.

Get around
Ilocos Norte is best explored on foot or riding the calesa, the traditional horse-drawn carriage that promises a unique experience in itself. Tricycles also abound for traveling short distances. Going from town to town would mean taking a bus, a mini-bus, or a jeepney.

See

 * Saint Augustine Church in Paoay, one of four world heritage listed baroque churches in the Philippines. Interestingly, this church is made of coral.
 * Bangui Wind Farm in the town of Bangui. This wind farm is beautiful with many massive windmills spread around the coastal area around Bangui. The original section of this wind farm is on the beach right beside the town of Bangui and is picturesque with a long line of windmills slowly curving along with the coast line.

Eat

 * Be sure to try some Ilocos style empanada. Ilocos empanada is a bright orange deep fried pocket filled with ingredients such as grated papaya, mongo beans, egg and longanisa (if you order a 'special' empanada).
 * You can also try some pinakbet which is a dish of mixed vegetables cooked in bagoong (a Filipino style fish sauce).

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Ilocos Norte


text:
Ilocos

Ilocos, officially named Ilocos Region and administratively designated Region I, forms the northwest part of the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It is known for its old towns, historical sites, beaches, and nature attractions.

History
The first inhabitants of what will become Ilocos are the Negritos, who will be pushed out by waves of Austronesians who penetrated the region's narrow coast. These Austronesian settlers will be the ancestors of the Tingguian inhabiting the Cordillera foothills, the Ilocanos in the present areas of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and northern La Union, the Pangasinan (Pangasinenses) of Pangasinan province and southern La Union, and Sambals in west Pangasinan.

Spaniards arrived in the 16th century, and set up Christian missions throughout the region to convert the natives to Catholicism. Southern (abagatan) Ilocanos and the Pangasinan easily embraced Spanish colonial rule, but not the northern (amianan) Ilocanos who bore deep resentment toward the Spaniards and led many failed revolts against the colonial administrations, most notably the Silang revolts between 1763 and 1764.

During the 1970s, Ilocos region, then also including the Igorot-majority provinces of Abra, Benguet and Mountain Province, was expanded to include Pangasinan, then part of Central Luzon. Followed that is major Ilocano migration, promoted by Ferdinand Marcos (himself an Ilocano), to Abra, Benguet, Mountain Province, and Pangasinan, which was met with resentment from the native Igorot and the Pangasinan, with the former leading an armed insurgency against the Philippine government. Abra, Benguet and Mountain Province would be moved to the new Cordillera region in 1987; the latter two remained majority Igorot with significant Ilocano minorities, while Abra have become majority Ilocano. Pangasinan, meanwhile, remained in Ilocos region, but some native Pangasinan continue to resent the Ilocano migrants. As a result, calling the region simply as "Ilocos" than the longer, official name "Ilocos Region" can be construed as ethnocentric especially in Pangasinan. Ilocano migration & settlement to those areas already happened earlier in 19th century.

Geography
Ilocos occupies the narrow plain between the Cordillera Central mountain range and the South China Sea. It also occupies the northern portion of the Central Luzon plain, to the northeast of the Zambales Mountains.

Lingayen Gulf is the most notable body of water in the region and it contains a number of islands, including the Hundred Islands National Park. To the north of the region is Luzon Strait.

The Agno river runs through Pangasinan and empties into Lingayen Gulf. The river flow into a broad delta in the vicinity of Lingayen and Dagupan.

People
The region's population of 5,000,000 is predominantly Ilocano, with significant Pangasinan, Tagalog and Igorot minorities.

Ilocanos, the largest ethnic group in the region, originate in the two Ilocos provinces, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, collectively named Ilocandia. They are a predominantly Roman Catholic people, and there are over 8,000,000 Ilocanos spread throughout northern Luzon. Ilocanos also form a significant number of Filipino Americans in California and Hawaii; the majority of them brought to the U.S. as farm workers.

The province of Pangasinan, meanwhile, is home to the Pangasinan people. Also known as the Pangasinense or Pangalatok (the latter they consider derogatory), the Pangasinan form the majority (60%) of Pangasinan's population, and are known for salt production and milkfish (bangus) fisheries. They speak Pangasinan, a language more closely related to the languages of the Ibaloi and Kalanguya Igorot ethnic groups than to Ilocano.

There are also some smaller Igorot populations in Ilocos region, especially the Tingguian and the Isneg at the foothills bordering the Cordillera. The few ethnic Tagalogs are mostly in parts of Pangasinan bordering Tagalog-speaking Nueva Ecija. Sambals or Sambalis inhabit part of western Pangasinan bordering Zambales.

Talk
Local languages spoken here include Ilokano and Pangasinan (also called Pangalatok, considered derisive). Other languages are Sambal to the southwest Pangasinan and Bolinao to the west Pangasinan, and native languages of Igorots: Ibaloi in Pangasinan and Itneg in Abra. Tagalog is spoken by residents in towns along the border with Nueva Ecija and is also spoken by everyone, and some are proficient in English.

By bus
Though slower, buses are the most common way of reaching the region, especially from Manila.

The major carriers serving the region are Victory Liner (and sister bus line Five Star), Dominion Transit, and Partas. Victory and Five Star primarily serves destinations in Pangasinan, while Dominion and Partas serves much of the region through the Manila North Road.

By car
From the south, the main route is the toll Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx), whose final segment between Pozorrubio, Pangasinan and Rosario, La Union has been completed in 2021. A free alternative is Route 2, which TPLEx superseded, but remains well-traveled, with many segments widened to 4 to 6 lanes.

To the north, the Maharlika Highway (Rte 1/AH26 connects Ilocos Norte with Cagayan Valley, with a scenic section around Pagudpud. There is also a newly built highway from Nueva Vizcaya that connects with Pangasinan, but many segments remain unpaved and is largely winding, being built on rugged terrain.

Multiple highways connect Ilocos Region with the Cordilleras, from north to south: Route 204 (from Abra), Route 205 (from Mountain Province) and Route 54 (from Baguio)

By plane
The only airport with scheduled flights from the Philippines' major airlines is at Laoag. The other airports in Lingayen (no IATA), San Fernando and Vigan (no IATA) only sees general aviation and flight training, except for Vigan airport which is served by charter carrier Platinum Skies.

Get around
Bus service is plenty, with all largest cities served by buses. Primary roads across the region are Highways 2 (which includes MacArthur Highway in Pangasinan, and the Manila North Road), 55 (which starts at Tarlac City) and 57 (between Urdaneta and Dagupan, also part of MacArthur Highway to Lingayen).

See

 * Hundred Islands Natural Park in the Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan is a watery is dotted by 123 small, pristine islands. Three islands have been developed for tourists.

Vigan colonial houses: Vigan is famous for its cobblestone streets and Spanish-era houses, an architectural remnant of its colonial past. The Mestizo District displays mansions typical of the era. They were owned by prominent Ilocano-Chinese merchant families of that time, hence mestizo or "mixed race."

Spanish-era churches The region is dotted by old Catholic churches built by natives for the Spanish. The most famous churches are in Vigan, Paoay, and Manaoag.

Go next

 * Cordillera
 * Central Luzon
 * Cagayan Valley

title: Ilocos


text:
Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur  is a province in the Ilocos Region of the Philippines.

Cities

 * - this city was transformed into a commercial, religious, social, and cultural center by Spanish settlers during the 16th century. Today, this provincial capital still has well-maintained cobble-stoned streets and ancestral homes, ensuring its inclusion to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Understand
Ilocano is the main language used.

By air
Since February 2017 Vigan's domestic airport (, confusingly called "Mindoro Airport"), located southwest of the city, has re-opened with daily flights to/from Manila, & Basco, Batanes.

The next nearest airport is Laoag International Airport, in the nearby province of Ilocos Norte. The airport caters to both international and domestic flights. The national carrier, Philippines Airlines, has four flights each week to Laoag. A bus trip from the airport to Ilocos Sur would take over an hour.

By land
An extensive network of roads and highways connect Ilocos Sur to other provinces in the island. Bus trips from the country's capital, Manila, take about seven hours aboard several bus lines like the Philippine Rabbit, Partas, and Dominion.

Get around
The most common rural mode of transportation would be tricycles and the calesa or traditional horse-drawn carriages. Getting from one municipality to another would require taking a bus, mini-bus, or jeepney. When going short distances, however, it is best to go on foot to experience authentic local adventure.

title: Ilocos Sur


text:
Iloilo

There is more than one place called Iloilo:

Philippines

 * Iloilo (province) — a province in Western Visayas
 * Iloilo City — the capital city of the province

title: Iloilo


text:
Iloilo City

Iloilo City is the provincial capital of Iloilo, on the island of Panay. Iloilo City is fundamentally the economic, cultural, educational and tourist center of Iloilo province.

Understand
It is considered a highly urbanized city with a government separate from the province. Along with nearby Guimaras, the city forms the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras metropolitan area.

Iloilo City lies on the southern coast of Iloilo province,

History
The city's history traces back to pre-colonial times as the center of Madja-as, but written history states that Iloilo originated from the town of Oton, an outpost founded by Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Raids by Chinese and Moro pirates forced the relocation of the outpost to Villa Rica de Arevalo (present-day Arevalo). During the 1700s, Iloilo boomed through its local sugarcane industry, that leaves its mark on historic estate houses. As the Spanish Empire began to crumble, Visayan revolutionaries during the early days of the Philippine Revolution established the capital of the Federal State of the Visayas in Iloilo City until its dissolution in 1898.

The city fell into the hands of the United States in the aftermath of the Philippine-American War, and it became an important Protestant mission site, with the establishment of Protestant universities, like the Central Philippine University.

Iloilo City was devastated during the Pacific War; the Central Philippine University was destroyed along with many other parts of the city. The city's postwar rebuilding was slow, followed by Ilonggo emigration, but the entry of major retailers has helped boost its economy.

Climate
Iloilo City has a tropical wet and dry climate, with two distinct seasons: dry season between December and May and wet season between June and November. Average temperatures vary little by time of year; daytime highs are between and, and nighttime lows run between  and. Annual average humidity is 80%, so it can be uncomfortably hot during the day.

Orientation
Iloilo City is divided into 7 districts, namely: City Proper, Jaro, La Paz, Lapuz, Mandurriao, Molo, and Villa Arevalo. With the exception of Lapuz, all the districts are former towns that were merged to form the present city.

Iloilo City Proper hosts heritage buildings from the Spanish and American colonial eras, downtown shopping centers and the ferry terminals, Mandurriao hosts the city's central business district. Jaro has CPU and an old town center, Tagbac has the bus stations for trips from the north, and Molo has the station for buses from Iloilo's south coast and Antique.

Language
The main language spoken in Iloilo and vicinity, as well as in the nearby Island of Guimaras and in the western part of the Island of Negros (including the city of Bacolod) is Hiligaynon, also known as Ilongo. It is an Austronesian language closely related to the other languages of Panay Island, and less so (say, like English to Dutch or German) to the other languages of the Philippines, such as Cebuano or Tagalog. Many words are shared between the languages of the nation, such as tubig for "water", or oling/uling/oring for "charcoal", as well as numerous Spanish loanwords for e.g. numbers or names of vegetables.

Tagalog is known in Iloilo to some extent, thanks to the national media and migration between islands. As in other parts of the country, the level of English knowledge varies, from the ability to tell prices by market vendors to full fluency among the educated elites.

The signs you'll see in Iloilo are mostly in English. Tagalog may appear in, say, advertisements by national brands or the public service messages by the federal government. Hiligaynon can be seen in some signs, sometimes handwritten, posted by local people and businesses; it is also widely used in personal communications and classified ads on the Internet, e.g. via Facebook, WhatsApp, or Reddit. The local branch of the National Museum (in the former jail downtown) is a rare exception, as a place where you'll see Hiligaynon used in writing in all the explanatory signs (along with English and Tagalog).

By plane
A seat in an air-conditioned minivan costs from the airport to SM City Iloilo, and  vice versa.

The terminal fees at Iloilo Airport are for domestic flights and  for international flights, but they are integrated into the ticket price.

By boat
Pump boats are used for traversing the waters between Guimaras and Iloilo City.

 * Cokaliong and Trans Asia Shipping Lines''' sail from Cebu City six times a week with fares from (one way).
 * There are four fast ferry lines (fast craft) that sail from Bacolod many times every day:
 * Ocean Jet
 * Weesam Express
 * 2GO Travel
 * Fast Cat - from one way.
 * Milagrosa Shipping Lines, +63 33 337 8627, sail from Cuyo and Puerto Princesa once a week.
 * 2GO Travel, +63 2 8528 7000, sail from Manila twice a week and Cagayan de Oro once a week

By bus
Ceres Liner /  operates the bulk of most routes to Iloilo City, and trips either use the large company-owned Iloilo Northbound Termina (in barangay Tagbac) for routes from the north (Roxas, Kalibo, Caticlan, Manila), or the small San Pedro Bus Termina from the west (San Jose de Buenavista and Antique).

ALPS and Philtranco operate daily overnight trips from Manila to Iloilo City, which take 18 hours at the shortest. These services end at Tagbac Terminal, a terminal not more than a kilometer from the Ceres terminal.

By passenger van
UV Express vans also run between Iloilo and Caticlan, taking 5 hours, and Iloilo and San Jose, taking 2 hours.

By taxi
The best way to get around town, taxis are available from the bus stations and malls, and you can also hail them from the street. The best service are often offered by Light of Glory or GDR Taxi. They drive fast but as relatively safe as possible.

By jeepney

Jeepneys are widely available, with routes from the bus stations into Mandurriao and the city proper. As of 2022, routes have numbers (e.g. the route connecting the bus stations in Tagbac with the city proper is route 10); minibus-based modern jeepneys are now available, but you can still take the city's trademark passad jeepneys – made from second-hand vehicle parts and are different from the archetypical Manila jeepneys for having the front of a SUV or pickup instead of the distinctive hood based on the US Army jeeps.

Don't take this if you're in a great hurry as the drivers can sometimes decide to wait in the loading areas for 5–10 minutes.

By trisikad or tri-cycle
Tricycles mean a motorbike with a sidecar and a trisikad is its human-powered equivalent using a pedal bike. It's the method of transportation for small, tight roads in barangays and the outskirts of the city. It is more expensive than the jeepneys.

Beaches
Beachgoers in the Iloilo area may want to check the tide times for the city's waters. Tides in the area can be quite high, with over 2 m difference between the water levels at the low tide level and the high tide level on the days when the tidal amplitude is the largest (around the new moon and the full moon times). Unlike most of the world, where the tide pattern is semidiurnal (two high tides and two low tides every day), Iloilo's tide pattern is usually diurnal, with just one minimum and one maximum each day.

Unlike cities such as Dumaguete or Sipalay, Iloilo does not have public beaches immediately adjacent to city centers. Nonetheless, most of the sea coast on the city's western outskirts, from Molo to Villa Arevalo to Oton and farther into the western suburbs, is a beach, even though it does not directly face the coastal road. To get from the coastal road to the waterfront, you have 3 options:

 * Pay an admission fee at one of the numerous "beach resorts" in any of the seaside barangays of Calumpang, Calaparan, Villa, etc. The fee is typically in the 100-500 pesos range, depending on the resort's level of fanciness. It entitles you to the use of the showers, toilets, picnic shelters (which are often rented for parties), swimming pools (if available), etc on the resort's property; most importantly, it means that you can now walk through the resort's back gate and into the (actually public) beach. Resorts usually also have restaurants and karaoke ("videoke", pronounced "bijukeh") machines. Some close for the night, while others rent basic rooms for overnight stay, from around 1000 pesos and up per night. In this area, "beach resorts" typically don't have their own private beaches; instead, visitors simply walk out through the back gate of the resort's perimeter fence to the public beach. These back gates are usually locked from around 6 pm till around 8 am; this means that if you are desirous of a sunrise swim or a moonlight beach walk, you'd have to walk out the resort's front gate, and then find some other passage from the coastal road to the beach (see below).
 * Walk to the beach through one of the seaside restaurants, with or without buying any food there. The Breakthrough, in the Villa Arevalo District (at the southern end of Yulo Dr.) is perhaps the most prominent of those.
 * Walk to the beach on one of the numerous pedestrian/bike trails that reach to the beach at the border between two adjacent resorts, or through residential areas.

During the low tide, a wide sandy beach is exposed, making it possible to walk on the beach from Calumpang (just west of Molo) to Oton; one may have to walk quite a ways out to get to the water sufficiently deep to swim. (Fortunately, the sea bottom is mostly sand, not mud or rocks). During the high tide, however, most of the beach is under water, the water practically reaching to some of the fishermen's homes; the swimming depth is much closer to the shore.

The beach, unfortunately, is quite littered in many areas. You'll see many fishing boats on the sand, as well as residents' dogs walking around, who may bark but usually don't attack people.

Events
As with most Philippine city and towns, there are many festivals celebrated in Iloilo City annually. The Dinagyang Festival is the primary and most important festival of the city.

Buy

Markets
For produce, go to any of the city's produce markets, which usually have much better prices than supermarkets. Downtown (aka City Proper) has the Central Market (in the Art Deco building at Rizal St and Iznart St) and Terminal Market (a few blocks to the west, between Rizal St and De Leon St). As of early 2024, both markets buildings are closed for renovation, with the vendors' tables relocated to several blocks of streets around and between the two markets, in a rather chaotic way.

The Jaro Market, just west of Jaro cathedral, is not particularly impressive most of the week, but it expands a lot on the market day (Wednesday), when it occupies an entire street (appropriately named Market St). The market in Oton is pretty good as well. Smaller markets can be found in other neighborhoods as well, e.g. Lapaz Public Market (off Luna St, just north of the Iloilo River brigde), Arevalo Market (south of Villa Arevalo District Plaza), Tagbac Marketplace, etc.

If you're staying at a place with your own kitchen, then, besides several supermarket chains, some specialist groceries may be of interest as well. In particular, Hua Kong in Rizal St downtown sells Chinese basics, such as various kinds of soy sauce and vinegar and loose tea (not tea bags). All About Baking Iloilo (a national chain, with branches downtown and in Jaro) carries various cooking/baking ingredients rarely available in local supermarkets, including some dairy products, cocoa powder, and matcha tea powder.

Eat
Good restaurants in Smallville: Pirate's bar which has a wrecked ship attached to its façade as a design. It's a bit dim inside but it adds to the relaxed atmosphere. They also have a dance club beside the main building. The club has laser lights and great speakers, just be aware that it can get quite congested with cigarette smoke. Annex is for those who love to karaoke.

For local delicacies, you can try the famous biscocho from the aptly names Original Biscocho Haus. There are several branches and stalls around the city, but the main branch is near the Jaro Plaza.

Krua Thai also has some tasty foods. Almost everything on the menu is good and it's a refreshing break from the typical Ilonggo cuisine. A little bit further is Boardwalk which has a few of restaurants. Notably is Paprika where there is almost always a live band performing. They have a selection of sea foods. The B Place is a bar with a relaxing view of the river as well as the cool breeze moving through the place. The food is again typical of bars in this area.

Beside Smallville is Uncle Tom's which have excellent Spareribs, Steaks, Fried Chicken, Baby Backribs and the best of all: Ox Tongue. Their gravy is very tasty and the you can tell that the chicken was well marinated and seasoned. Along the highway you can find Dos Maria's where they serve pizzas that are big; having a diameter of around 20 or more inches. Though the pizza is big the taste is generic and really unsatisfying. Afriques is an Italian themed restaurant with a touch of Ilonggo flavor. They serve a variety of pizza and pasta-type dishes, most of which are extremely delicious. The pizza is tasty but it's crust can be better. Most of the dishes are served in generous portions especially the sauces. They have two locations: one near Plaza Libertad, General Hughes street and the other beside of Hotel del Rio. Ted's Batchoy is arguably the best Batchoy shop in iloilo. Batchoy is a mix of noodles and pork Chicharon along with some spices and a tasty broth. It's very good and filling espcially if you're very hungry. It's one of Iloilo's native dishes.

Drink
There are a number of karaoke bars, beer houses and strip clubs in the city, however, these tend to be unsafe for tourists. The safest and cleanest venues to enjoy the city's night life are found in Smallville, near SM City in Mandurriao. There are different bars and restaurants with a wide menu and good drinks to choose from.

Stay healthy

 * Healthway QualiMed Hospital Iloilo Atria Park District, Mandurriao, www.healthwaymedicalnetwork.com.ph/, +63335004000
 * The Medical City-Iloilo Branch Locsin Street, Molo, www.themedicalcityiloilo.com/, +63335001000
 * Iloilo Mission Hospital Mission Road, Jaro, www.facebook.com/iloilomissionhospital/, +63333200315
 * St. Paul's Hospital General Luna Street, Iloilo City Proper, www.sphiloilo.com/, +63333372742
 * Western Visayas Medical Center. Q. Abeto St, Mandurriao, ,

Cope

 * Bureau Of Immigration Iloilo Office. 2nd floor. Customs House Building. Aduana Street.

Go next

 * A short ferry ride to the island of Guimaras.
 * Ferry to Bacolod or Cebu City or Manila or Palawan.
 * Bus or Van to Roxas, Kalibo, Caticlan.
 * Bus or Van to San Jose de Buenavista 2½ hours by bus from Iioilo

title: Iloilo City


text:
Iloilo (province)

Iloilo is a province on the island of Panay in the Philippines.

Cities

 * — The provincial capital, and largest city. It hosts the Dinagyang Festival every January.
 * — A fishing and agricultural municipality of 33,000 people (2020).
 * — Small tourist town and its surrounding islands.
 * — A fishing town to the northeast.
 * — Has a Spanish-era church that is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
 * — A smaller city which hosts the Pintados Festival every May.

By plane

Iloilo City has a decent airport about outside the city, replacing its old airport nearer to the downtown. A flight from Manila to Iloilo takes about a hour.

 * Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines fly from Manila and Cebu.
 * Cebu Pacific also fly from Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Puerto Princesa.
 * International flights are also by Cebu Pacific from Hong Kong and Singapore.

By bus
Bacolod-based Ceres has buses running from other major points in Panay, as well as Manila and Bacolod (which take the ferry). ALPS and Philtranco also have buses from Manila that take ferries for parts of the trip.

By boat
There are four major seaports: the International Port at Loboc, the Domestic Port at Fort San Pedro, the Muelle Loney Port serving the Iloilo-to-Bacolod trips, and the Ortiz Port serving the Iloilo-to-Guimaras trips. Iloilo has the only true international port in Western Visayas and the is one of the busiest ports in the country.

Frequent RORO service runs from Negros to Iloilo City and Barotac Viejo.

Get around
Between cities and most towns, journeys are mostly on buses, UV Express vans or jeepneys.

Bacolod-based Vallacar Transit runs the bright yellow Ceres buses and minibuses which serve most of the province from terminals in Iloilo City and has a near-monopoly on bus services within the province.

Within Iloilo City, primary forms of local transport are jeepneys, taxis and trisikad (try-SEE-kuhd, pedicabs or cycle rickshaws). The typical Iloilo City jeepney is different from the archetypical Manila jeepney, being made from second-hand Japanese vehicle parts. Metered taxis are available from the airport, malls, and bus terminals.

There are two major highways, the Iloilo-Roxas Road (Rte 4) and Iloilo-Antique Road (Rte 501), both radiating from Iloilo City into Passi and Roxas, and Miagao and San Jose de Buenavista respectively.

Do

Stay a week longer and experience the Jaro Fiesta. Visit the Jaro Cathedral and join the devotees, get yourself invited in a Jaro resident's house to experience Filipino hospitality, and also pass by the temporary market set up in the Plaza (park) across the cathedral. (Lately, the Jaro Plaza market has acquired a dowdy reputation for its second-hand clothes stalls, and preponderance of pickpockets, so exercise caution.)

If your timing is right, i.e. if the Chinese lunar calendar's aligned with your lucky stars, the Chinese New Year falls right smack within a week or two of the Dinagyang or Jaro Fiesta. The Iloilo Chinese Lunar New Year celebration has built up quite a reputation for a decent enough food fest, dragon dances, a variety show and fireworks. Worth staying around for.

Eat
Iloilo is nationally famous for its local cuisine and the visit to Iloilo will not be complete without trying the popular La Paz Batchoy and the Pancit Molo. These Ilonggo specialities were named after 2 of the several districts in Iloilo City.

For something quirky, do join the early morning crowd at Madge's Cafe in Lapaz Market. Traditional coffee with made-to-order breakfast treats.

Gorge on the crispy tender lechon kawali of Ramboys, and be surprised at how light the meal is on your wallet.

Tatoy's and Breakthrough in Villa are top on the list of visitors from the Big City. Ilonggos take seafood for granted and wonder what the fuss is all about, but these two places do them very well and they have their strong supporters among residents preferring one over the other.

The Avenue mall in Smallville offers a good range of choices (and do check the other places in Smallville as well). Not inexpensive but as the owner says, "we need to educate the taste buds of the Ilonggos."

Before you leave, take home the ginormous siopao of Roberto's, the enormous hamburgers of Perri Tod's and the "better than Bulacan's" buko pies of Nang Palang.

Iloilo is the home of the famous (and notorious) Mang Inasal, but for truly good bbq chicken, try Barrio Inasal in Aurora Subdivision. Takes long to order but because they do them only when you order them. Non-aircon but the place is breezy enough; a really cold soda (soft drink) helps.

For Chinese food, there's Ocean City, Summer House and Mansion House; all great value for money. There's even a German place behind the Jaro Cathedral, and a few really good Thai restaurants. Increasingly, there's plenty of Korean all over the place, largely patronized by the sizable local Korean community.

Drink
Smallville is a popular night spot in Iloilo where Ilonggos and visitors go to eat, drink, and spend a fun night out in the city. The term Smallville refers to the original row of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Within the original Smallville is Maki (Japanese cuisine), Freska (Filipino), Crave Restaurant and Steak House, Krua Thai (Thai), Off Price (boutique), Imay’s (Filipino), Blue Jay, Crave Brugers, and the Iloilo Business Hotel.

Smallville - the place is great. A lot of restos to choose from. You can actually hop from one place to another because it's like a village of restos - thus the name Smallville. Regatta's grill and Maki give you the best food with reasonable prices. There are also places with live bands to keep you up and about till closing time. There are also shops brewing coffee that you must try just before you head for home.

If you want to take it slow, there are a few coffee places spread all around the city, notably those of the Coffee Break chain. Do visit their Lopez Mansion branch in Jaro and take a glimpse of the mansion as you sip your latte.

Go next
Plenty of day trips if you have a day to spare. Miag-ao & Guimaras top the list.

Do the Miagao route and finish up in San Jaoquin for lunch (right on the border of Antique province). Each of the towns along the coastal road (Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miagao, San Joaquin) has its own little downtown, with a historic church with an ornate facade and a marketplace with a variety of foods. There is also a somewhat interesting free exhibit at the fishery research center just west of Tigbauan.

Do Guimaras and stop by the Trappist monastery for some prayer and jam. If you can, stay overnight in one of the many pocket resorts where the peace and quiet are in sharp contrast to the "SM by day, Malate by night" feel of Boracay.

title: Iloilo (province)


text:
Ilulissat

Ilulissat (lit. "City of icebergs"; Danish: Jakobshavn) is the third largest city in Greenland, in the Disko Bay just by the icefjord, from which it got its name. Ilulissat has one of the most beautiful settings for a great Greenlandic experience.

Understand
Ilulissat is at the mouth of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, which was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The town is next to the sea filled with icebergs from the most active glacier in the world, Sermeq Kujalleq. Excavations show that people have inhabited the area for thousands of years, and it was once the largest town in Greenland. The town is also known for having almost the same number of sled dogs as people: the town is home to 4,600 people and nearly 3,500 sled dogs.

By boat

 * Arctic Umiaq Line sails to Ilulissat from South and West Greenland if the waters are safe.
 * Disko Line sails around Disko Bay for other destinations. There are no roads outside communities. To get between communities, you have to go by air or boat. Disko Line operates scheduled boat transport among the settlements and communities on Disko Island and along the coast. They also offer a series of packaged and custom tourist boat tours.

Get around
You can walk around, or get a cab, if you're going to or from the airport, which is located a bit out of town. However, most hotels will pick up and drop off guests at the airport. The Hotel Arctic, which is furthest from the centre of town, offers regular van service to the city centre (it's a 20-minute walk should you prefer to go on foot.)

Watch for dogsled yield signs. Dogs are kept in many places around town, and sleds have right-of-way. They are fast and quiet, with dogs fanning out in front each on individual ropes. Pedestrians and drivers must beware.

Museums
There are two museums in Ilulissat. The first is the Ilulissat Museum, which features exhibitions showcasing the life and expeditions of the explorer Knud Rasmussen. The second is the Inuit Art Museum, which features many paintings from Greenland, the Faroes and Denmark, with the most notable by Emanuel A. Peterson.

Icebergs
The sea surrounding Ilulissat is full of icebergs, mainly because of the proximity of the town to the Ilulissat Ice Fjord. the most active glacier in the world. The giant icebergs can be admired from shore or in local boats. These massive icebergs slowly drift out of the mouth of the fjord on their journey to the Atlantic.

Do

If you walk south from the camping ground you will reach the coast at the mouth of the icefjord. West of Kællingekløften(Nakkarfik) you will be high above the water, but walking around to the east side you can climb all the way down to the water and sit and watch the nature in all its magnificence.

 * Attending a kaffemik (coffee gathering) is the best way to meet some of the locals, and they will be happy to invite you to one. Ilulissat and the surrounding settlements are all great places to score an invite to one of these, and the local tourist offices can help you attend one of these local social traditions.
 * The Ilulissat region is a great area to explore at sea, you can travel to either the nearby settlements or see the fjord and all of the icebergs in it. Travelers can also sail to Disko Island and see the majority of Disko Bay on the journey.
 * No winter or spring trip would be complete without a dogsled ride. Tours from one hour to ten days can be arranged with tour companies in town. Each sled will hold one or two passengers, not including the driver who will sometimes run alongside, sometimes ride on the back, and sometimes jump on to sit in front of you. Lyngmarks Glacier on Disko Island is the only place in Greenland where travelers can dog sled in the summer. Many local hunters will take tourist along with them on their dog sleds. The best way to arrange this is through the local tourist offices in Ilulissat.
 * There are many good hiking trails in and around Ilulissat. Travelers can hike through the mountains and around the lakes in the valley to the site where traces of the first humans in Greenland over 4,500 years ago have been found.
 * The Arctic palerfik is the ceremonial last dog sled trip of the winter season in Iluissat (before the sun gets too strong and snow starts melting), and takes place in March or April. Made up of a hundred sleds, each pulled by ten dogs, it's a terrific parade to witness for many travelers.
 * In the summer, Arctic midnight orienteering competitions are held in the midnight sun. This is an official Arctic championship and an unofficial Greenlandic championship held annually.

Sleep
Ilulissat is the place in Greenland with most accommodations/hotels, but due to the increased tourism, it is recommended to make reservations in advance.

Stay safe
In the summer, long trousers, long sleeves, a hat and a mosquito net are a must.

In the summer of 2007, a polar bear was seen some kilometres north of town. This was a major event as it was first time in 20 years a polar bear was seen in the area. Many of the local inhabitants surrounded the bear and it was soon decided that the bear was a threat. Consequently, the luckless bear was shot.

Go next
Like usual in Greenland, there aren't really any roads to anywhere. There's a hiking path to Oqaatsut, a 5-7 hour hike away, or a little less by kayak. Other than this, you can take the plane or boat to available destinations.

title: Ilulissat


text:
Imabari

Imabari (今治) is a city in Ehime, Shikoku. The city contains some islands nearby.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site with some English materials.

Get in
There are many options for getting to Imabari. The JR Yosan Line connects Imabari to Matsuyama and Uwajima in the southwest and Takamatsu to the east. From Okayama, it can be reached in less than 2.5 hours on the Shiokaze Express.

It's also connected to Onomichi on Honshu via the Shimanami Kaido expressway, accessible to cars and bicycles.

There are also buses from Hiroshima and Fukuyama. You can take a bus from Onomichi however, there are no direct buses, so you must transfer.

If that's not enough, you can also arrive by ferry. There are ferries from Takehara. There are also many ferries connecting Imabari to the islands along the Shimanami Kaido.

Go next

 * Shimanami Kaido Bikeway - This 70km bikeway connects Imabari with the islands of Oshima, Hakatajima, Omishima, Ikuchijima, Innoshima, Mukaishima, and ends at Onomichi in Hiroshima prefecture.
 * Matsuyama
 * Mount Ishizuchi
 * Saijo
 * Kamijima
 * Niihama
 * Touon
 * Shikokuchuo
 * Iyo

title: Imabari


text:
Wikivoyage:Image policy

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title: Wikivoyage:Image policy


text:
Imari

Imari (伊万里市) is a city in Saga Prefecture, Japan, best known for its traditional ceramicware.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site. Its Pamphlet section contains an English version.

Get in
Imari is accessible by the Matsuura Railway and the Chikuhi Line of JR Kyushu. By car it can be reached from the Matsuura Bypass and Route 202 from Karatsu.

Do
Imari Ton-Ten-Ton Festival is held for 3 days every year near the end of October. Located in Imari City, the festival is one of the three great fighting festivals in Japan. In the festival a crashing battle took place between the two huge portable shrines, the Ara-mikoshi and the Danjiri. After a death during the battle in 2006, this part of the festival is performed by reducing the scale. The name "Ton-Ten-Ton" represents the sound of drums used in the festival.

Go next

 * Arita
 * Karatsu
 * Matsuura
 * Hirado
 * Sasebo
 * Takeo
 * Ureshino
 * Omura
 * Saga

title: Imari


text:
Imatra

Imatra (population ca. 30,000) is an industrial town in South Karelia. It is dominated by Lake Saimaa, the River Vuoksi and the Finnish-Russian border. Imatra’s over 300-year-old history of busy tourism is greatly attributed to the attraction of the spectacular rapids of the river Vuoksi, which have enticed many illustrious personas to visit the area throughout the ages. Visitors have included such people as Russian Empress Catherine II, Alexander Dumas Senior and Richard Wagner.

The municipality of Ruokolahti, 10 km to the north towards Puumala is also handled in this article.

Understand

Imatra's rise to prominence can be traced back to the late 19th century when it attracted Russian aristocrats and wealthy visitors who were drawn to its stunning natural beauty. One of the main attractions for these visitors was the Imatrankoski Rapids, which were considered one of the most impressive natural wonders in the region. To accommodate the influx of tourists, the town built several hotels and other amenities, including the Imatran Valtionhotelli, which was completed in 1903 and quickly became one of the most famous hotels in Finland. The hotel's beautiful architecture and breathtaking views of the rapids made it a popular destination for famous guests like Russian Tsar Nicholas II and Finnish President Urho Kekkonen.

However, in the early 20th century, Finland gained independence from Russia, and the flow of Russian tourists to Imatra decreased, leading to a decline in the town's fortunes. Nevertheless, Imatra continued to be a popular destination for domestic tourists and grew and developed in the years that followed.

Today, Imatra is well-known for the Imatrankoski Rapids, which are a series of rapids on the Vuoksi River that flow through the town. The rapids attract both tourists and locals, and the area features several viewing platforms and walking trails. However, a hydroelectric dam was built and, since 1929, the rapids flow freely only at regular shows and on special occasions.

Apart from natural beauty and historic landmarks, Imatra is also a hub for sports and outdoor activities. The town boasts hiking and biking trails, a golf course, and water sports opportunities, making it an ideal destination for those who love the outdoors.

By car
Imatra is about 250 km north-east from Helsinki and the voyage takes about three hours, varying somewhat between routes. The town is near the Russian border and you can cross the border at Svetogorsk just 7 km from Imatra.

By plane
Scheduled flights to the nearby Lappeenranta Airport have been on and off at various times, so you may need to check its webpage for the current situation. There is also the historically significant Immola Airfield (ICAO EFIM) in the northern part of the town. Your best bet, though, would be to fly into Helsinki and travel from there by bus or train.

By train
Trains between Helsinki and Joensuu stop at Imatra. The duration of the trip is about three hours and there are about ten daily departures.

By bus
Imatra has direct coach connections with Helsinki, Kouvola, Joensuu, Mikkeli and Savonlinna. Timetablescan be found at Matkahuolto.

Regional bus lines 100 and 101 have frequent traffic between Imatra and Lappeenranta. See timetables.

A minibus route from Saint Petersburg is provided by Transgold.

By boat
Lake Saimaa can be reached from sea through the Saimaa Canal.

Get around
The centre can be covered by foot or bike. The other alternatives are car and taxi.

By bus
The city has a small public bus network of six lines, see Ridango for bus locations and timetables for stops. Google Maps and matka.fi include local transport in Imatra.

By bike
There is a bike sharing system using bluetooth and the Donkey Republic about €1.50/1 hr, €4/5 hr, €12/24 hr. For longer stays becoming a member is cheaper: €9 or €18/month covers all trips of less than 1 hr respectively 12 hr, also in other towns using Donkey Republic – but you need to register as member in the country of your card (available: most countries in western Europe and USA). Customer service info@kaakau.fi@undefined, daily 09:00–21:00. Several towns in south-east Finland use the same system, which is in use also elsewhere in Finland and abroad.

By taxi

 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi

Buy
You can find all sorts of small shops in the (along and next to Koskenparras street). If you prefer shopping malls, head to the, where you can find Rajamarket, Lidl, Citymarket and a new (as of December, 2018) Prisma.

Eat
There is a list of lunch offers for each day.

Go next

 * Lappeenranta – Imatra's bigger cousin with a fortress and better shopping.
 * Punkaharju – The ridge bisecting Lake Saimaa is one of the most famous Finnish landscapes.
 * Savonlinna – A medieval castle, an opera festival and freshly fried fish.
 * Russia – If you have a valid visa (or if you don't need one), Svetogorsk is close by.

title: Imatra


text:
Imerovigli

Imerovigli (Greek: Ημεροβίγλι) is a town just north of capital Thira on the largest island in the Santorini archipelago.

Understand
Imerovigli is a small village and is famous for its beautiful sunset that give it the nickname balcony of the Aegean. The name itself stems from the Greek word vigla which means 'view point'.

Imerovigli is built on the caldera ridge, which leads to an interesting divide. The eastern side of the town is built on a slope and facing adjacent town Vourvoulos as well as the sea, and consists of most of the original, residential part of the village. In contrast the western part of town is facing the volcano caldera, and this half of the town consists exclusively of tourist accommodation built side by side on the limited surface area available between the old town and the steep cliff.

When the Venetians occupied the island (see Santorini), they built 5 fortified castles, of which one was built in Imerovigli in 1207. Strategically located on Skaros Rock, the castle was continuously inhabited throughout the Medieval Age because it provided protection against pirates. Guard posts could spot marauders in the caldera from afar, offering early warning. From the early 19th century, the castle gradually lost its strategic importance and was abandoned. The structure fell in disrepair, and what was left of it was levelled by earthquakes. Little remains of the castle today, but Skaros Rock itself remains the most popular attraction of Imerovigli. The town also boasts architectural gems such as the Monastery of Saint Nikalaos and the Church of Ai-Stratis.

Get around
Imerovigli's streets are too narrow for anything other than pedestrians or the occasional motorcycle. Fortunately, the town is rather small, so getting around on foot isn't that difficult. However, the streets have many steps, which can be challenging to navigate for visitors with disabilities.

Go next

 * Finikia
 * Fira

title: Imerovigli


text:
Imlil

Imlil is a village in the High Atlas Mountains in Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco.

Understand
Imlil is a good starting point for a trekking holiday or for climbing Mt Toubkal the highest mountain in North Africa (4,167 m). As you travel up the valley from Asni to Imlil, the countryside around you will transform: From arid dust to green, leafy foliage. The temperature will drop also, a very welcome break from the baking heat of Marrakech.

Imlil village has a variety of shops and "pensions" as well as being a base for guides and trekking parties. The route to Toubkal starts in the village. Its a progressive community and monies from tourism go into a variety of projects organised by the village association such as litter collection and disposal, and a Community Hammam.

Imlil is a base for mountain guides and muleteers who work in the area surrounding Jebel Toubkal. It is also a main entry point for those wishing to trek in the mountains in this area. The valley in which Imlil lies is periodically flooded. The most obvious evidence of the 1995 flood is the wreckage of cars on the valley floor north of Imlil. At this point in the mountains, it becomes true Berber country. The almost constant hustling continues, but it feels of a much less threatening nature.

The Imlil Village Association
The Imlil Village Association uses money from tourism to address the problems it brings, like litter, and to start new projects. A local "tax" has been agreed by many of the businesses providing tourist facilities to fund projects. To date a Land Rover Ambulance has been acquired so that the valley population has a safer way of getting to hospital, litter collections have been started and a village hammam (community bathhouse) was opened on the little road up to the school.

Oddly, while the villages in the next valley don't have running water or electricity, Imlil has its own mobile phone mast: The villagers never stop texting each other.

The Imlil Association is part of the "Valleys of Imlil Association" which is an umbrella organisation which other villages are able to join to promote and plan ecologically responsible tourism and infrastructure.

Get in
The most convenient by plane is to arrive in the airport of Marrakesh. Other airports around are in Agadir and Casablanca. From there it's best to take an intercity bus to Marrakesh first. From Casablanca to Marrakesh there is also a train.

Imlil is approximately 60 km south of Marrakech, and it can be reached by road through the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. The road is being upgraded but can be prone to flooding.

First you will need to reach Asni. From there an old green Mercedes-Benz minibus shuttles between Asni and Imlil all day long (from 07:00 onwards). Wait at the taxi area until someone shouts "ImlilImlilImlilImlilImlil!". It should cost just 10 dirham. A grand taxi shouldn't cost that much more (about 15 dirham to Imlil; about 30 dirham to Marrakech). If, as a tourist, you're quoted a price in the hundreds of dirham (this happens), say it's too expensive and walk away. You'll instantly be called back and asked to name your price: they will still want your business even if they can't rip you off.

There are open-back trucks that take the villagers up and down the mountain to Imlil, but they leave only a few times a week. There are many con men in Asni: travellers are told about the 'bus', by a 'local' whose story matches a popular guide book's advice exactly. They are told they should follow him to the village where the truck is. However, this is just a ploy to try to get them to buy his cheap jewellery. Instead, you will be better off hitch-hiking to Imlil. The road up the pass is quite busy during the day, and a ride can be found for around 20-30 dirham.

Get around
Imlil is a relatively small village, so travelling by foot is the best option. Many of the paths are fairly rocky, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

See
One of the great delights of the area is to sit on the Kasbah roof eating lunch or taking tea and watching the subtle changes of colour of the surrounding mountains as the sun moves.

Do

 * Relax at the cafe until night falls. Mind the mosquitoes though from the river. At 21:30 you will hear the sound of the call to prayer. The mosques sound even more ancient and timeless in the mountains, the sound echoing through the hills, the distant villages far down the valley seeming to reply.
 * Visitors can use the community hammam by joining the Imlil Village Association and paying a small entrance fee.

Trekking
Trekking is one of the very best things Morocco has to offer in the High Atlas, the country boasts one of the most rewarding mountain ranges in the world. If you are used to the Pyrenees or Alps, here you will feel you are moving a century or so back in time.

Imlil is the starting point for the ascent of Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa. There are many guided treks up to the mountain and a refuge near the summit for an overnight stay. You should seek guidance locally as to weather conditions. The trek can be done without guide, and rest can be found at the base camp hut at 3,300 m—maybe call ahead or send an email to confirm availability, but there is plenty of space.

Trekking resources are available here, but nowhere higher up.

Buy
There is a group of shops that cater to tourists towards the south of the village, selling items including jewellery, headscarves, and the Moroccan djellaba - a full body garment with a pointed hood worn by men.

Eat

 * Chez les berberes
 * Dar Tighoula

Drink
There is a small café near the tourist shops selling soft drinks. The Kasbah du Toubkal also sells soft drinks at higher prices.

Sleep
Leaving the stress and insanity of Marrakech for this little mountain village and surroundings is a good idea, even just for a day or two. You can pitch a tent in a grassy clearing beside the French Refuge. You can stay in the refuge too. Both options are cheap.

Go next
From Imlil the trekker can strike out into the mountains. The most popular route is southwards, towards Mt Toubkal. However heading North over the pass to Ikkiss and Tacheddirt is possible too.

When heading out, it is possible to hire a mule or donkey to carry your luggage. If you're inexperienced, or the weather looks dodgy, a guide might be a good idea too.

title: Imlil


text:
Imouzzer

Imouzzer Ida Ou Tanane is a small village 60 km northeast of Agadir.

Understand
Imouzzer is a favourite daytrip for locals who come to visit the cascades.

Get in
The best option is to take a grand taxi (aka green minibus) from Aourir (25 dirham, a little more than an hour) that runs every 1-2 hr if there are enough people.

To get to Aourir take a bus running north on Mohammed V (31, 32) in the direction of Taghazout or Tamri (there might be more). The trip should cost around 5 dirham.

Do
Walking down the road for about half an hour the river turns into a second set of cascades. Just at their top the water carved deep holes in the stone. This is a great place for a little swim. Young locals come here to jump from the top of the rocks.

Buy
The region is famous for its almond-trees and as such almond products such as Amalou are sold here. It might also be a good place to buy locally produced honey.

Eat
Down at the river is a café, a restaurant (tajine for 2: ~80 dirham). The hotel (see below) also runs a restaurant.

There are more eateries at the crossroads up the mountain, however the road takes about 3½ km to get up there.

Sleep

There is much more accommodation on the road from Aourir including a bunch of Auberges.

Go next
Get back to Aourir which is handy to go to Taghazout, Tamri or Agadir.

title: Imouzzer


text:
Imperatriz

Imperatriz is a city in western Maranhão. Second largest of its state, with some 260,000 inhabitants (2020), it provides a peek into a quite distant Brazil. Imperatriz is the starting point for ecological tourism in several places in the south and southwest of the state of Maranhão, including the cities of Carolina and Riachão and Chapada das Mesas.

Understand
Imperatriz is second largest economic, cultural and population center of the state and the main region that binds the southwest of Maranhão, northern of Tocantins and the southern of Pará. The history and development of Imperatriz gave it several titles including the "Gateway of the Amazon" and "Capital of Energy." The city is a center for mining, mainly in the reserve of Ciriaco, a neighboring region.

Climate
Imperatriz has a typical tropical savanna climate, and is well known for its changeable weather conditions, with a wet season, during spring and summer months (November to April), and a dry one, during fall and winter months (May to November). In fact, July and August are the hottest and coolest months at once, when temperatures can range from 13 °C (55 °F) to over 40 °C (104 °F) within a single day, but the “feels like’ is always over 36–42 °C. Occasional cold snaps can make temperatures drop to as low as 12 °C (54 °F), often made to feel cooler because of the windchill, but temperatures below 15 °C (59 °F) are rare. This has a lot to do with why Imperatriz has a reputation for "four seasons in one day". It is not a city known for its stable weather patterns. The city has been described by locals as a city where you "wait five minutes and the weather will change".

Get in

 * Good bus connections. The highway towards Belém is unsafe at night.
 * The train between Parauapebas and São Luís stops at Açailândia, about 80 km to the north.
 * The train between Parauapebas and São Luís stops at Açailândia, about 80 km to the north.

Do

 * Freitas Parque Aquático, on the banks of the BR-010 close to the Exhibition Park, is a modern water park.
 * During the summer season, the beaches on the Tocantins River appear. They have a large structure for cleaning, security (on land and water), lighting, a stage and sand courts.
 * In the south of Maranhão and near Imperatriz, you can visit the Três Marias Waterfall, Macapá Waterfall, and Santa Luzia Ecological Park

Buy
There are 3 shopping malls: Timbira Shopping, Imperial Shopping and Tocantins Shopping.

Indigenous handicrafts, mainly krikati, are very common in the city. In indigenous production stands out ceramics, ornaments, objects in straw, clay and weaving. Rural handicrafts such as harnesses, garishes and agro products also stand out. In public buildings such as the Casa do Artesão, there are several options available. There is also the Praça de Fátima, where handicrafts are sold.

Eat
In the city, restaurants serve dishes developed with regional products into the local menu. An example is the baião de Dois, rice with cuxá, as well as local cakes and sweets. The beef and cassava barbecue also stands out. Fish also have their gastronomic importance, with pacu, golden, painted and tambaqui being very common. Dishes that are also common are those made with pequi, such as rice or chicken with pequi, in addition to the panada, regional food very common in the region, found in many parts of the city.

Among those mentioned, there is the traditional panelada, sold in an environment that sell homemade food and in traditional stalls on Avenida Bernardo Sayão, occupying the space popularly known as the “Four Bocas”. In addition to the pot, you can also eat free-range chicken, roasted in a pan, chambari, goat, sarapatel and cooking.

Accompanied by flour, rice, pepper and lemon; the main dish served at “Quatro Bocas” is the panelada; made from the guts, stomach and feet of the ox. More than a typical eccentricity, the dish became famous for being available for sale 24 hours a day and, contrary to what one might imagine, the flow of consumers increases during the night and into the night.

title: Imperatriz


text:
Imperia

Imperia is a city of 42,000 people (2017) in Liguria. Imperia is well known for the cultivation of flowers and olives, and is a popular summer destination for visitors.

Understand
The economy of Imperia is based on tourism, food industry (olive oil and pasta), a specialized agriculture (olive groves and flowers in greenhouses) and on trading and harbour activities. The seaside tourism represents an important aspect of the economy of Imperia.

The urban centre of Imperia includes the former towns of Porto Maurizio and Oneglia (which in turn includes Castelvecchio).

Oneglia, to the east, is the largest part of the city, on the left of the mouth of the Impero stream, gathering around Piazza Dante, from which some of the main modern streets of the city open. It is the industrial centre of the city, mainly linked to the production of olive oil. It is characterized by a Piedmontese-style architecture (the inspiration from the arcades of Via Roma and Piazza San Carlo in Turin is evident), inheritance of the period in which it was part of the territories of the Savoy and the Kingdom of Sardinia. Immediately north of Oneglia is the village of Castelvecchio di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Porto Maurizio, west of the Impero stream, is located on a promontory jutting out into the sea on the left of the mouth of the Caramagna stream and extends over the coastal selvedge; it has a predominantly residential and tourist vocation. It is intricate and picturesque, full of caruggi (alleys), small creuze (alleys) and prestigious buildings.

The territory behind the city, in the center of the Riviera dei Fiori, has an orographic trend characterized by short valleys, placed perpendicularly to the coast and uniformly sloping down, in which many settlements have developed that have managed to keep intact or almost their original structure.

The cultivation of the olive tree, introduced around the 12th century, has profoundly marked the history of the Imperia territory, as well as, centuries later, flowers and tourism did. Olive trees grown on terraced hills with the characteristic dry stone walls are the dominant element of the landscape.

By plane
Airport of Genoa Cristoforo Colombo

By car

 * A10 motorway (Autostrada dei Fiori)
 * Provincial road 1 "Aurelia"

By ship
In Porto Maurizio there is a tourist port which, especially in the summer season, acts as a fulcrum for marine tourism

By train
Imperia station, on the Genoa - Ventimiglia line

By bus
Bus services carried out by the Riviera Trasporti.

See

 * International Naval Museum of Western Liguria.
 * MACI Museum of Contemporary Art of Imperia, Villa Faravelli, Viale Giacomo Matteotti,

Porto Maurizio

 * Old Town
 * Covent of Santa Chiara — established in 1365, the existing structure dates from 1741.
 * Central Museum of the Historical Institute of the Resistance, in via Cascione.
 * Covent of Santa Chiara — established in 1365, the existing structure dates from 1741.
 * Central Museum of the Historical Institute of the Resistance, in via Cascione.

Oneglia

 * Villa Grock
 * Church of San Giovanni Battista
 * Museo dell' Olivo (the Museum of the Olive) at the Fratelli Carli plant in via Garessio

Montegrazie

 * Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
 * Shrine of Nostra Signora delle Grazie

Do
Hike, bike and discover the still largely untouched hinterland of Imperia.

title: Imperia


text:
Imperial

Imperial is a city in Southern California.

Understand
Imperial is a small community in Imperial Valley with a population of 14,758 according to the 2010 US Census. It is known in the area to be a bedroom community as most residents work outside of Imperial. The City experienced tremendous growth during the 2000s, ranking in the top five of the fastest growing cities in California. As a result close to sixty percent of the housing was built after 1990 mostly consisting of single family housing common in large residential subdivisions across California. El Centro is just south of Imperial and serves as the commercial destination for Imperial residents.

By car
Highway 86 bisects the city and connects Imperial to Brawley (10 miles north) and El Centro to the south. Highway 86 also provides access to the Palm Springs area and Los Angeles. Other major routes include I-8 connecting the area to San Diego in the west and Yuma to the east.

By plane
operates as a general avaition airport with limited commercial flights from Los Angeles and Phoenix on Southern Airways/Mokulele. It may be cheaper to fly into San Diego International Airport and then rent a car or take a Greyhound bus to get to El Centro. From Mexico the nearest airport for commercial flights is in Mexicali

By bus
The nearest Greyhound station is located in El Centro to the south.

Get around
Imperial Valley Transit has several bus routes that connect passengers to the neighboring cities, however routes are not designed to be used to effectively travel within the Imperial.

See
If you want to take a fulfilling drive, drive through the Anza-Borrego State Park, located around 70 miles from Imperial. There, you will see the desert life. Anza-Borrego is full of beautiful colorful flowers and lovely wildlife. Rattlesnakes are known to survive there so take precautions.

Pioneers Memorial Museum is another place to see. Pioneers Memorial Museum is full of old artifacts found around the Imperial Valley and see how the Imperial Valley became as it is today.

Buy
The Imperial Valley Mall, located about 20 miles south of Imperial, is an excellent way to shop. Holding many well-known shops and brands there (such as PacSun, Hollister, American Eagle, etc.), the Imperial Valley Mall is well known by locals and is visited often.

Eat
There are a few restaurants in Imperial, and one fast food drive-thru. They are all low-priced and worth it.

Drink
There are no bars in Imperial.

Sleep
Travel into El Centro for excellent hotels.

title: Imperial