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Showing posts with label Ilocos Sur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ilocos Sur. Show all posts

5.15.2015

Ilocos Sur Travel Guide

Posted on Friday, May 15, 2015by Julianne with No comments
In preparation for our Ilocos escapade, I did an intensive online research which started approximately five months before our trip. A mammoth of vivid insights about the two provinces of Ilocos were giving me so many reasons to rush this vacation. My primary resources were online photos and stimulating chronicles of bloggers who have already stepped on the northwestern point of the country. Here are some of my discoveries about Ilocos Sur…

THINGS TO DO
1. Take a leisurely walk in Calle Crisologo (The Heritage Village) 
- See it during the day to better appreciate the facade of Spanish-style houses that were converted into hotels, restaurants, museums and souvenir shops.
- A walk at night offers enchanting sights of the past and the present. 


2. See the tourist spots in Vigan via Kalesa Tour.
- Rate: P150-350/hr 

3. Experience a range of dining discoveries in Vigan 
- Enjoy Ilocos' cuisine in the restaurants along The Heritage Village. 
- Plaza Burgos has a row of stalls selling famous Vigan empanada and more... 

4. Visit museums 
- Arce Mansion, Qurino Blvd. cor. Abaya St., Vigan City 
* Dress like ilustrados or pretend to be someone from the Spanish era and have a photo of yourself (with fee)
- Crisologo Museum, Delos Reyes Street, Vigan City / No Entrance Fee
- Syquia Mansion (ancestral house of the wife of former Pres. Elpidio Quirino), Quirino Blvd., Vigan City / Entrance Fee P20-30
- Burgos National Museum (Padre Burgos House), Burgos, Vigan City / Entrance Fee P20
- Magsingal Museum, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur 

5. For adrenaline junkies, visit Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone located at Banaoang, Bantay, Ilocos Sur or just savor the relaxing scenery from this old bridge. 

6. Enjoy fresh water of Pinsal Falls located at Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. 

7. Witness the process of making burnay jars at Pagburnayan Pottery, Liberation Blvd., Vigan City. 
- No Entrance Fee
Photo Credit: interaksyon.com

8. Visit historical churches with massive structure and distinctive baroque architecture. 
- La Nuestra Señora dela Asuncion Church, Sta Maria
Photo Credit: vigattintourism.com
- San Vicente Ferrer Church, San Vicente 
- Simbaan a bassit (Cemetery Chapel), Vigan City 
- Sta Lucia Church, Sta Lucia 
- St. Augustine Parish Church or Bantay Church, Bantay
- St. Augustine Parish Church or Bantay Church or Shrine of Our Lady of Charity
- St. Augustine Church, Tagudin
- St. John of Sahugan Church, Candon
- St. Lucy Parich Church, Narvacan
- St. Mark the Evangelist Church, Cabugao
- St. Nicholas of Tolentino Parish Church, Sinait
- St. Paul Cathedral or Vigan Cathedral, Vigan City
- St. William the Hermit, Magsingal
- Sto. Domingo Parish Church, Sto. Domingo

9. Climb Bantay Bell Tower and have a commanding view of Vigan. 

10. Witness the dancing fountain in Plaza Salcedo which starts at 7pm. 
Photo Credit: gmanetwork.com

11. Visit Baluarte of former Ilocos Gov. Chavit Singson. 

- It's a mini zoo and a wildlife museum.
- See the golden yellow building/house of the former governor.

12. Buy pasalubong and souvenirs.
- There are many stores in Calle Crisologo selling keychains, t-shirts, antique decors etc.
- Vigan longganisa and bagnet are said to be cheaper in Vigan Public Market.
- Aside from chichacorn, bring home Ilocos' bibingka.
Photo Credit: foodtrippings.com

WHERE TO STAY
Panday Daya, Vigan City
Quirino Blvd. cor. Calle Abaya, Vigan City
Mabini cor. Plaridel St., Vigan City
Florentino St. cor. Jacinto St., Vigan City
Mena Crisologo St., Vigan City
Photo Credit: Cordillera Inn FB Page
National Highway, Guimod, Metro Vigan
Photo Credit: Fiesta Garden FB Page
V. delos Reyes cor. Salcedo St., Vigan City
Photo Credit: Gordion Hotel FB Page
Bonifacio St. cor. Quirino Blvd., Vigan City
Photo Credit: Grandpa's Inn FB Page
Alcantara St. Ext., Vigan City
Photo Credit: Green R Hotel Website
V. delos Reyes cor. Florentino St., Vigan City
General Luna, Vigan City
Photo Credit: Hotel Luna FB Page
Rivero St., Vigan City
Photo Credit: Hotel ni Among FB Page
V. delos Reyes cor. Gen. Luna St., Vigan City
Bonifacio St., Vigan City
Photo Credit: Hotel Veneto de Vigan
San Vicente Metro Vigan
Photo Credit: Metro Vigan Inn
Calle Crisologo, Vigan City
Plaridel St. cor. Bonifacio St., Vigan City
Photo Credit: My Vigan Home FB Page
Mena Crisologo St., Vigan City
Amianance, Vigan City
Quirino Blvd., Vigan City
Photo Credit: Villa Angela FB Page

WHERE TO EAT
Some of the most recommended restaurants and the must-try in their menu (Click the Photo Credit for reviews):
Abuelita’s, 39 Gov. A. Reyes St. cor. Mabini, Vigan City 
Bistro Candon, Four Brother's Compound, Candon, Ilocos Sur
Café Leona, Calle Crisologo, Vigan City
Café Uno, Grandpa's Inn, Bonifacio St. cor. Quirino Blvd., Vigan City 
CTL Resto Grille, Casa Teofila Lodge, Panday Daya, Vigan City 
Kuboville, Salcedo St., Vigan City
Kusina Felicitas, Grandpa's Inn, Bonifacio St. cor. Quirino Blvd., Vigan City 
Hidden Garden Lilong and Lilang Restaurant, Brgy. Bulala, Vigan City 
Ihawan sa Caoayan, Don Alejandro Quirolgico Caoayan, Ilocos Sur 
Lampong’s Restaurant, Calle Crisologo, Vigan City 
Leila’s Cafe, General Luna St., Vigan City 
Los Majitos de Vigan, General Luna St. cor. V. delos Reyes St., Vigan City 
Tummy Talk, Calle Crisologo, Vigan City
Uno Grille, Grandpa's Inn, Bonifacio St. cor. Quirino Blvd., Vigan City

Poqui Poqui balls

Sizzling Bagnet Sisig
Photo Credit: blissfulguro.com


Okilas Dinardaraan
Photo Credit: triptoeing.com

Pinakbet 
Photo Credit: manilarules.com

Pinakbet Pizza 
Photo Credit: ediblecravings.net

Sinanglao

Graceland
Photo Credit: travelfoodfinds.com

Royal Bibingka
Photo Credit: nagpanaoan.com

For Reviews, click here.

HOW TO GET HERE
Via Bus 
Asturias cor. Laong Laan St., Sampaloc, Manila
Tel Nos.: 732 8534; 521 0670

Dominion Bus Lines
EDSA cor. New York St., Cubao
Tel Nos.: 727 2350; (0932) 4412706

Laong Laan cor. M. dela Fuenta St., Sampaloc, Manila
Tel Nos.: 731 4507; 731 4375; 743 8580

Aurora Blvd., cor. Bernardino St., Cubao
Tel No.: 727 8278 

Vigan Bus Terminal
Alcantara St., Vigan City
Tel Nos.: (77) 722 2933; (77) 722 2935

EDSA, Cubao
Tel Nos.: 726 7409; 726 7412; 727 3841

Dapitan cor. Blumentritt St., Manila
Tel Nos: 741 6538

*Travel Time: 8-9 hours from EDSA-Balintawak

Via Plane to Laoag International Airport 
Daily Flight Schedule: 12pm & 7pm

Daily Flight Schedule: 7:30pm
- Travel time is one hour or more
- Ride a jeepney to Vigan

*For contact details, more photos, reviews, rates and other information, click the words in red font.
**Details may change without prior notice.
***I was not commissioned to promote any hotel, restaurant etc. The information listed is based on my own online research. Due diligence is necessary.
****Visit related post about Ilocos Adventure: Ilocos Norte Travel Guide. For sample itinerary and expenses check out 3D/2N DIY Ilocos Escapade.

5.13.2015

3D/2N DIY Ilocos Escapade

Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2015by Julianne with No comments
Are you planning a vacation in Ilocos region? Nowadays, there are plenty of Ilocos tour package being offered by various travel agencies nationwide. This type of deal is mostly advantageous if you want to travel an unfamiliar tourist destination and has no spare time to make a research. The price range P2,850 to P3,999 seem reasonable since most packages already include transportation, accommodation and arranged itinerary. Less hassle, less worries.

ILOCOS NORTE

 The other option is the DIY (Do-It-Yoursef) travel and tour. I, together with some relatives and few friends, opted to visit Ilocos through this alternative. We are a group of 11 people (including the driver). It was a 3D/2N escapade which took place last April 24-26, 2015. We rented a Nissan Estate for this trip. Fortunately, our driver is very familiar with all the roads leading to the region’s popular destinations. A native of Isabela, his skill in speaking Ilocos' dialect is also a great supplementary. He was our driver and tour guide rolled into one.
 ILOCOS SUR
Going to Vigan, Ilocos Norte from Manila is approximately 8 hour road trip (SM North EDSA as the starting point). From Vigan, Ilocos Sur you'll be spending additional 2-3 hours on the road if you are going to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Sure, it's a long travel but it's worth it. Countless majestic natural sceneries are so captivating. It is a vacation that you will remember for a lifetime. The collage I provided here is just a peek of what you can expect in Ilocos. More photos will be provided in separate posts.

For those who would prefer the DIY travel, here’s our actual itinerary and breakdown of expenses for your information and guidance.


 Other places included in our itinerary but decided to skip due to time constraint:
- Museo Ilocos Norte
- St. Andrew of the Apostle Parish
- Bangui View Deck
- Juan Luna Shrine
- Syquia Mansion (house of Elpidio Quirino)
- Burgos Museum
- Pagburnayan Pottery Making

Other Activities:
* When you’re in Pagudpud, I notice that there are many activities you can do in Blue Lagoon than in Saud Beach. One very popular activity is the 1.2km zipline of Hannah’s Beach Resort. Rates: P650 - P900.
* Extreme adventure @ Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone in Quirino Bridge

Tips and Suggestions:
* 4x4 Ride and Sandboarding Adventure are extreme activities that you shouldn't miss. During peak season, the operators/rganizers/association tend to have hectic schedule. It would be advantageous to deposit down payment to secure priority slot. You can start as early as 6am to avoid too much sun exposure in the desert. Our contact is Mr. Glenn Guerrero.
* For budget travellers, there are many homestays in Pagudpud where you can use kitchen utensils, dining wares, griller, refrigerator etc. In our case, RB's Homestay regular rate is P5,000 for the entire house. During our stay, however, the owner accommodated two groups. He charged us P350/head. We had a common kitchen and comfort room. Overall, I give this homestay  a "Pop" rating.
* For large groups, there are many hotels in Vigan that offer dorm type room which is cheaper than regular rooms. Metro Vigan Inn, although not located within Calle Crisologo, is highly recommended. 
* There are many budget hotels in Laoag City. This is where a lot of travel agencies book their clients. More info in my future post. 
* If you are going to rent a van, it is very beneficial if the driver knows the route to Ilocos tourist spots. When you're inside the vehicle, it's either you just want to look at the majestic views of Ilocos or have a siesta.
* Bring cap, hat, umbrella or any protector against the sun.
* I observe that some souvenirs like key chain and ref magnet are quite cheaper in Cape Bojeador Lighthouse as compare to other places. In Marcos Museum and Mausoleum you can buy Ilocos' chips at more affordable price. 
* For foodies, some Ilocos favorites are Batac empanada, Vigan longganisa, Bagnet (Ilocano version of lechon kawali), Chichacorn (Ilocos version of cornik), Fusion pizzas (Pinakbet pizza, Dinuguan pizza etc), Bibingka (taste more like cassava cake/tikoy), Dinengdeng (vegetable soup, Igado  (pork meat and liver sauted in vinegar and soy sauce) and Poqui-poqui (a smoked eggplant dish). But the most bizarre food we've tried in Ilocos was a halo-halo with macaroni elbow and melon powder. :D 
* In Vigan City, the most popular restaurants are almost always full. Get a number from the counter and wait outside until your number is called. That's the only time you can place an order.  So, please bring long thread of patience.  
* One interesting way to enjoy Vigan is through a Kalesa Tour. More info in my next post. 

For your reference:
4x4 Ride and Sandboarding Adventure @ La Paz Sand Dunes
Mr. Glen Guerrero
Contact Nos.: (0908) 885 3669; (0910) 947 4129; (0915) 456 1133

Accommodation
RB's Homestay - Saud, Pagudpud
Contact Nos.: Ryan (0921) 999 5996; (0915) 797 8999
Facebook: Pagudpod Home Stay

Metro Vigan Inn - Bayubay Norte, San Vicente, Metro Vigan
Contact Nos.: (0917) 824 3800; (0917) 824 4800
Facebook:  Metrovigan Inn

P.S. My other discoveries about Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur coming soon...
*For contact details, more photos and other information, click the destinations/contact person in red font.
**Details may change without prior notice.
***I was not commissioned to promote any individual, beach resort and hotel. The information listed is based on my own personal experience. Due diligence is necessary.
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