On the southeastern shore of Iligan Bay, it is the island's major industrial city and an important port at the mouth of the Iligan River. Its growth has stemmed largely from the proximity of the Agus River, with its great hydropower potential harnessed at Maria Cristina Falls.

Iligan City had its beginnings in the village of Bayug, four kilometers north of the present Poblacion. It was the earliest pre-Spanish settlement of native sea dwellers. The monotony of indigenous life in the territory was broken when in the later part of the 16th century, the inhabitants were subdued by the Visayan migrants from the island kingdom of Panglao. In the accounts of Jesuit historian Francisco Combes, the Mollucan King of Ternate invaded Panglao. This caused Panglaons to flee in large numbers to Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte. In Dapitan, the surviving Prince of Panglao Pagbuaya, received Legazpi’s expedition in 1565. Later, Pagbuaya’s son Manook was baptized Pedro Manuel Manook. The Christianized Manook subdued the Higaunon village in Bayug and established it as one of the earliest Christian settlements in the country. The settlement survived other raids from other enemies, and, because of their faith in God and in their patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel, the early Iliganons moved their settlement from Bayug to Iligan. The name Iligan is from the Higaonon word iligan or ilijan’ meaning “fortress of defense” against frequent attacks by pirates and other hostile Mindanao tribes.

Tourist Spots

Known to be the City of Iligan Majestic Waterfalls, Iligan City has 23 waterfalls surrounding it. The most famous is the Maria Cristina Falls which is the main source for hydroelectric power in the whole Mindanao region. Other famous falls good for vacationers are the Tinago Falls, accessible through a 300-step staircase; Mimbalut Falls; Abaga Falls; Dodiongan FAlls; and Timoga Springs.

Festivals and Celebrations

Diyandi Festival – this monthlong celebration is usually held every the 29th day in the month of September. This festival is for the honor of their patron saint Miguel de Archangel whom they regard as the protector from evil.

How to be there:

By plane

From Manila or Cebu to CdO~ Laguindingan Airport, Laguindingan Misamis Oriental

From Laguindingan Airport to Iligan

Iligan City is served by the new Laguindingan International Airport (CGY), which also serves Cagayan de Oro; the flight destination is Cagayan de Oro. The airport is roughly 1 hour 30 minutes away from Iligan. There are multiple daily flights from Manila and Cebu, there are also flights to/from Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Dumaguete, Clark, Caticlan, Tagbilaran. Both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines serve this airport.

To get to Iligan from the airport take a Super 5 shuttle which costs 50PHP and after 10 minute ride will will drop you at the highway. There the Super 5 bus will pick you up on its way from Cagayan de Oro to Iligan; the bus fare is 70PHP and those buses go every 30 minutes. You can also try to take a taxi, a reasonable fare would be 800-1200PHP.

By boat

From Manila or Cebu or Ozamiz, you can take a boat going to Iligan seaport,. there are three ferry lines going to Iligan port. 2GO, Trans-Asia, Cokaliong.

By bus

The best way to travel to Iligan from Cagayan de Oro is by bus. At Bulua Bus Terminal you can find buses going to Iligan. Those buses leave every 15 minutes, there are currently two companies - Rural Transit and Super 5 (which seem to have better buses). Rural Transit has both aircon and non-aircon buses; Super 5 seems to have only aircon buses. The aircon buses are fast and modern, but may get chilly during the ride. Depending on the weather and traffic expect the ride to take from 90 to 120 minutes.

Within the City Public Utilities

Jeepneys are the most common public transport in the city with a minimal fare of P7.50. Taxis are readily available anytime of the day. It can be radio dispatched, and will pick you up if you give the dispatcher a call. Habal-habal or motorcycles are most common especially in going to the city outskirts or hinterland areas. There is also the famous "Tartanillas" (calesas) that is also a public mode of transportation which serves through Barangay Pala-o and Barangay Tambacan.