Major city · Philippines
San Dionisio
Skip unless you have 2–3 days for island hopping and quiet beaches; a day trip from Iloilo City is too rushed.
San Dionisio is a quiet coastal town in northern Iloilo, known for its islands, beaches and laid-back pace. It works best as a 2–3 day escape from Iloilo City, not a stopover. Most visitors come for island hopping to nearby islets, mountain biking and trekking. The town itself has limited services and no direct bus from Iloilo City.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PHP
- Best months
- Dec–May
- avoid Jun–Nov (typhoon season)
- Airport
- ILO
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
- Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
- Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for San Dionisio911 ▾
- National emergency911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about San Dionisio, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.Philippines-wide
- SIM or eSIMGlobe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.Philippines-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.Philippines-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if no service charge.Philippines-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Philippines-wide
- SafetySan Dionisio is generally safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsCalled 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.Philippines-wide
- Emergency numbers911 National emergency
- Sundays & holidaysHoly Week shuts much; malls open daily; banks closed weekends.Philippines-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportILO Iloilo International Airport (In Cabatuan, 19 km (12 mi) from Iloilo City; 1 h from Manila, 45 min from Cebu.ILO Iloilo International Airport (In Cabatuan, 12 mi (19 km) from Iloilo City; 1 h from Manila, 45 min from Cebu.
- Getting aroundJeepneys and tricycles within town; hire a tricycle or motorbike for trips to beaches and trailheads.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Budget bedBasic lodge or homestay room, a night, per room₱800 (≈ US$15)
- Mid-range bedBasic lodge or homestay room, a night, per room₱1,500 (≈ US$30)
- High-end bedBasic lodge or homestay room, a night, per room₱2,500 (≈ US$45)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₱1,500 (≈ US$30) · Mid ₱3,000 (≈ US$55) · High ₱5,000 (≈ US$90)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ILO Iloilo International Airport (In Cabatuan, 19 km (12 mi) from Iloilo City; 1 h from Manila, 45 min from Cebu. From the airport, take a taxi to Tagbak Bus Terminal in Jaro (₱150–300) then a bus or van to Sara and a jeep to San Dionisio.)ILO Iloilo International Airport (In Cabatuan, 12 mi (19 km) from Iloilo City; 1 h from Manila, 45 min from Cebu. From the airport, take a taxi to Tagbak Bus Terminal in Jaro (₱150–300) then a bus or van to Sara and a jeep to San Dionisio.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–May. Avoid: Jun–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest May (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C) low), wettest Jul (18 rain days), driest Apr (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
San Dionisio: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
4 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Jeepneys and tricycles within town; hire a tricycle or motorbike for trips to beaches and trailheads. Island hopping boats can be arranged in the town proper.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 2–2.5 h
Jeep to Sara, bus to Tagbak Terminal, then jeepney or taxi to the city
For museums, churches and food; start early.
Door to door: About 1.5–2 h
Jeep to Sara, then bus or van to Passi
Known for its caves and waterfalls; half-day trip.
Miagao
skipDoor to door: About 3–3.5 h
Jeep to Sara, bus to Iloilo City, then jeepney to Miagao
Too far for a day trip; better as an overnight from Iloilo City.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town proper (Poblacion)
Near the public plaza; basic lodges and homestays. Limited options, book ahead.
Coastal barangays
Some beachfront cottages and resorts; quieter but farther from town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₱1,500–2,500 (≈ US$30–45) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₱2,500–4,000 (≈ US$45–75) excl. bed
- High
- ₱4,000 (≈ US$75)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Basic lodge or homestay room1 × 2 nights × ₱1,500 | ₱3,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₱3,000 | ₱12,000 |
| Island hopping boat (half day, up to 6 people)1 × ₱2,000 · check | ₱2,000 |
| Tricycle hire (town to beach, one way)1 × ₱100 | ₱100 |
| eSIM for a week of data2 × ₱500 | ₱1,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₱1,810 |
| Trip total≈ ₱4,980 per person per day, bed included | ₱19,910≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded.
Prices of common things
| Jeep from Sara to San Dionisio | ₱15 (≈ under US$1)/person |
| Motorbike from Sara to San Dionisio | ₱50 (≈ under US$1)/bike |
| Tricycle within town | ₱20–50 (≈ under US$1) |
| Simple meal (local eatery) | ₱50–100 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Bottle of water | ₱15–25 (≈ under US$1) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No direct bus to San Dionisio: take a bus to Sara, then a jeep (₱15 (≈ under US$1)/person, until 5 pm) or motorbike (₱50 (≈ under US$1)/bike).
- Last jeep from Sara to San Dionisio leaves around 5 pm.
- Limited ATMs and shops; bring enough cash.
- Typhoon season (Jun–Nov) can cancel island trips.
Emergency numbers
- National emergency
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
San DionisioSan Dionisio
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Dalhin mo ako sa bayan ng San DionisioTake me to San Dionisio town proper
Emergency
- National emergency911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Iloilo Airport → Tagbak Terminal (taxi): ₱150–300 (≈ US$3–6)
- Tagbak → Sara (bus): check
- Sara → San Dionisio (jeep): ₱15 (≈ under US$1)/person
Say or show
- Kumusta — Hello (koo-moos-TAH)
- Salamat — Thank you (sah-LAH-maht)
- Magkano? — How much? (mag-KAH-no)
- Nasaan ang jeep papuntang San Dionisio? — Where is the jeepney to San Dionisio? (nah-SAHN ang jeep pah-poon-TANG San Dee-oh-NEE-syo)
- Kailangan ko ng tricycle — I need a tricycle (kai-LAH-ngan ko nang TRY-si-kol)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for San Dionisio. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–May · avoid Jun–Nov (typhoon season) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about San Dionisio
Loading…
Was this useful?