
Camiña Balay nga Bato Avanceña House
A 160-year-old 'bahay na bato' in Iloilo City, offering a living museum experience with traditional Ilonggo delicacies.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Camiña Balay nga Bato Avanceña House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 160-year-old 'bahay na bato' in Iloilo City, offering a living museum experience with traditional Ilonggo delicacies.
"This ancestral house took my breath away and I was just in awe. It's a living museum!"

🎯 Buy Tablea Here!
Purchase authentic tablea packets and batirol for making native tsokolate. :shopping_bags:
🚶♀️ Sideways Stair Tradition
Experience the unique tradition of walking up the stairs sideways. :walking:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Tsokolate Tablea Experience
Dining Area
Savor thick, rich hot chocolate made from traditional cacao tablets, served with local biscuits and fruits. A true taste of Ilonggo heritage.

The Altar Room
Second Floor
A serene space featuring a 300-year-old Sto. Niño statue, offering a moment for prayer and reflection amidst historical grandeur.

Antique Furnishings
Throughout the House
Marvel at the original wood features and 19th-century Filipino architecture, transporting you back in time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Embrace the Heritage Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Tablea Here!
Purchase authentic tablea packets and batirol for making native tsokolate. :shopping_bags:
🚶♀️ Sideways Stair Tradition
Experience the unique tradition of walking up the stairs sideways. :walking:
📸 Capture the History
The house is a photographer's dream with its antique furnishings and architecture. :camerawithflash:
💰 Entrance Fee Value
The 200 PHP fee includes a tour and unlimited tsokolate with snacks. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Tablea Here!
Purchase authentic tablea packets and batirol for making native tsokolate. :shopping_bags:
🚶♀️ Sideways Stair Tradition
Experience the unique tradition of walking up the stairs sideways. :walking:
📸 Capture the History
The house is a photographer's dream with its antique furnishings and architecture. :camerawithflash:
💰 Entrance Fee Value
The 200 PHP fee includes a tour and unlimited tsokolate with snacks. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the well-preserved heritage house, its rich history, and the delightful tsokolate tasting experience. While some found the tour introduction brief, the overall sentiment is one of awe and appreciation for the family's dedication to maintaining this cultural gem.
"This ancestral house took my breath away and I was just in awe. It's a living museum since the descendants of the owners sill inhabit the place.
We arrived at around 10 AM and we were the only guests at that time. The entrance fee is 200 PHP (which is roughly around $3.50 USD depending on the conversion rate). You will be accompanied by a tour guide.
The ground floor is where you can buy lots of pasalubong: Muscovado Sugar, artisan soaps, scarves, artisan salt, and a lot more!
The house is made up of stone and has pillars of wood. My favorite room was the altar room where I got to pray and medidate. They have a Sto. Niño that's 3 centuries old in display.
At the end of the tour, you could drink as much tsokolate de batirol (hot chocolate) you want. The drink comes with a plate full of local biscuits and fruits in season (we were served a papaya).
All in all, the house was a trip to the past-- and it shows how important it is to preserve sites such as these for the present and beyond."
akii
"A lovely little place with absolutely amazing hot chocolate. Would recommend a visit, it's a fourth generation hand down of their recipe. The hot chocolate was nice and thick staff were friendly the place is very antique like. Oh and there's a little tradition where you have to walk up the steps sideways?"
Squidgy H
"Date of visit: May 28, 2025.
Before pandemic, I think the entrance was 150 pesos then and it had a price hike after a couple of years, though! After payment for entrance at the souvenir shop, a downloaded video from Rappler about the house tour was presented. The owners of the old house really take care of their ancestors' legacy. The whole house, with all the antiques and other cherished things from the past, is already a museum itself plus restaurant. Dining areas occupy almost the whole second floor. Camiña Balay, just like most of Iloilo's heritage houses, brings that Old World nostalgia. Visitors are of diverse background and not everyone can be pleased yet if you're into history and fascination for "bahay na bato" with all the antiques, don't miss this important cultural property when you're in this suburban district of Iloilo City.
After the tour, they serve cookies and thick hot cocoa drink served in pretty little porcelain cups. So reminiscent of a chapter in Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal where two types of the said beverage, according to the gossip of the unnamed municipal Alperez, were Padre Salvi's culinary language when it comes to accepting guests; the two Noli characters are known to be bitter frenemies. "Chocolate e" for honored visitors, which means, the best quality hot chocolate that is syrupy and coats the biscuit or cookies. "Chocolate a" for unwanted visitors; the thinly-prepared cocoa drink, probably a sikwate."
Si Joan T. Teves
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Camiña Balay nga Bato is located in the Arevalo District of Iloilo City. You can take a taxi or a local jeepney heading towards Arevalo. Many visitors find it convenient to use ride-sharing apps for direct access.
Yes, local jeepneys that ply the Arevalo route can take you close to the house. It's advisable to ask the driver for the nearest drop-off point.
From Iloilo International Airport (ILO), you can take a taxi or a van service to Iloilo City proper, and then transfer to a local jeepney or taxi heading to Arevalo.
Yes, there is usually parking available for visitors arriving by private car or motorcycle.
It's located in the Arevalo district, which is a bit south of the city center. Travel time can vary depending on traffic, but it's generally a short ride from most central Iloilo City locations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 200 PHP, which usually includes a guided tour and a serving of their famous tsokolate tablea with local biscuits and fruits.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance or arriving early can ensure a more personalized tour experience, especially during peak hours.
Operating hours can vary, but it's generally open during the day. It's best to check their official social media pages or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
The entrance fee is typically per person, and it covers the tour and the traditional snacks.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's recommended to inquire directly with the management upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll be accompanied by a guide who will share the history of the Avanceña-Camiña families and the house. You'll see antique furnishings, learn about Filipino-Spanish architecture, and end with a tasting of tsokolate tablea.
Photography is generally allowed inside the house, allowing you to capture the beautiful antique furnishings and architecture.
Visitors often mention a tradition of walking up the stairs sideways, adding a unique cultural element to the visit.
Yes, there's a souvenir shop on the ground floor where you can buy local products like muscovado sugar, artisan soaps, and scarves, as well as tablea packets.
The house has stairs, and some areas might be challenging for those with significant mobility issues. It's best to inquire about accessibility beforehand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The highlight is their well-known homemade tsokolate tablea drink, often served with local biscuits and seasonal fruits.
While the entrance fee typically includes the tour and snacks, some visitors have noted that the experience is designed to integrate the cultural history with the tasting.
The tsokolate is described as thick and rich, with a traditional flavor. It's often paired with biscuits, which can balance the sweetness.
The house has dining areas, and while the tsokolate and snacks are a key part of the experience, it functions as a heritage restaurant.
Besides Camiña Balay nga Bato, tablea packets can also be found in major groceries like Robinsons and SM City in Iloilo.
📸 📸 Photography
The antique furnishings, the intricate woodwork, the altar room, and the overall architecture of the 'bahay na bato' are excellent for photography.
Morning visits often mean fewer people, allowing for unobstructed shots. Natural light filtering through the windows can also create beautiful effects.
Generally, photography is permitted, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the heritage site and other visitors.
Drone usage is typically restricted in heritage sites and residential areas. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permits if considering drone photography.
A camera with good low-light performance and a versatile lens would be ideal for capturing both the grand architecture and the intricate details of the antiques.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the house is filled with antiques, guides are usually mindful of keeping the tour appropriate for all ages. The sideways stair tradition can be a fun and memorable activity for kids to try. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to Philippine heritage in a tangible and enjoyable way.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
The house is a living museum, with descendants still residing there, which adds an authentic layer to the experience. The collection of antique furnishings and artifacts provides a rich tapestry of the past. Don't miss the altar room with its centuries-old Sto. Niño statue for a deeper cultural insight.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Focus on the ornate woodwork, capiz shell windows, and the overall colonial charm. The tsokolate tasting setup also provides a picturesque scene for food photography. Visiting during off-peak hours can give you more freedom to compose your shots without crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of 'Bahay na Bato'
The house's design, attributed to Anselmo Avanceña, reflects the prosperity of Iloilo's elite during the mid-19th century. The spacious interiors, high ceilings, and the strategic placement of rooms were all designed for comfort and social gatherings. The use of natural materials like wood and stone not only provided structural integrity but also contributed to the aesthetic appeal, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that still resonates today.
Visitors often remark on the timeless elegance of the house, noting how the original features have been meticulously preserved. This preservation effort allows guests to step back in time and experience a tangible piece of Philippine history. The house serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Iloilo and the importance of safeguarding such ancestral homes for future generations.
The Avanceña-Camiña Family Legacy
Meeting members of the Camiña family, like Madam Luth Camiña, has been highlighted as a particularly special part of the visit. Their warm hospitality and dedication to sharing their heritage are often praised by guests. This personal interaction provides deeper insights into the family's legacy and the significance of the house within Iloilo's history.
The family's commitment extends to preserving traditional practices, most notably the recipe for their famous tsokolate tablea. This dedication ensures that visitors not only see history but also taste it, experiencing a culinary tradition that has been perfected over generations. The house stands as a proud symbol of their enduring legacy and their contribution to Iloilo's cultural landscape.
Experiencing Ilonggo Culture Through Food
Served with a selection of local biscuits and seasonal fruits, the tsokolate tasting is a delightful way to conclude the tour. The combination of flavors and textures offers a genuine taste of Iloilo. Visitors often describe the tsokolate as 'nice and thick,' a testament to the authentic preparation methods passed down through generations.
Beyond the tsokolate, the house also offers other traditional snacks and delicacies, along with items like muscovado sugar and artisan soaps for sale at the souvenir shop. This focus on local produce and traditional recipes provides a holistic cultural immersion, allowing visitors to appreciate the flavors and craftsmanship of Iloilo.


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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit