After an eight hour road trip to Ilocos Sur, where else should you go? --- Ilocos Norte, of course. If Ilocos Sur is to Historical Sites; Ilocos Norte is to Nature Trip.
THINGS TO DO
1. Experience pure adrenaline rush in 4x4 adventure ride and sand boarding at La Paz Sand Dunes.
Rate: P2,500 - 4x4 ride and unlimited sandboarding (good for 4-5persons)
2. See Bangui Windmills upclose.
- There are hundreds of windmills spread out in the province of Ilocos Norte. Various windmills are also visible from major tourist attractions. The Bangui Windmills, in particular, are arranged in a shoreline of Bangui Bay. Aside from taking a photo beside a colossal electricity-generating fan, feel the breeze and hear the roaring sound of big waves.
3. Enjoy beach bumming in the clear blue sea of Pagudpud - Saud Beach and Blue Lagoon.
- Enjoy walking on the long stretch of white sand in Saud Beach. It has a more laid back atmosphere perfect to have siesta or to have intimate to so-so conversation with a partner.
- Blue Lagoon, on the other hand, has tranquil and adventurous vibe. It's also a surf destination in Ilocos.
Photo Credit: She Garcia's FB Page
4. Check out the panoramic view from the hole of Bantay Abot Cave (a mountain with a hole).
5. For adventurous junkies, there are many activities available in Blue Lagoon. The 1.2 km. zipline of Hannah's Beach Resort could be on your toplist.
Rate: P650-900/head
6. Experience a 30-minute hiking and enjoy the cold water of Kabigan Falls.
Entrance Fee: P20/head + P150 tour guide (2)
7. Take a closer look at Kapurpurawan Rock Formation.
- There's more behind that spectacular white limestone formation, curved by oceanic forces.
Entrance Fee: P120
8. Climb a flight of cemented stairs up to the highest viewing point of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and enjoy a commanding view of South China Sea.
9. Meet our former president through memorabilia, interesting facts and 'the embalmed body of Ferdinand Marcos' displayed in a glass coffin at Marcos Museum and Mausoleum.
Entrance Fee: P50/head
10. Visit Paoay Church a National Cultural Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo Credit: Rona Reyes FB Page
11. Explore Malacañang of the North and behold the serenenity of Paoay Lake.
- Schedule: Tue. - Sun. 9am-4:30pm
- Entrance Fee: P30
13. Visit more museums.
- Museo Ilocos Norte, Gen. Luna St. cor. Llanes Sts., Laoag City
Schedule: Mon - Sat: 9am-5pm/Sun 10am-5pm
Entrance Fee: P50
- Marcos Museum, Brgy. San Agustin, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte (birthplace of the late Pres. Ferdinand Marcos)
Schedule: Mon.-Sat. 8am-12pm/2pm-5pm
- Juan Luna Shrine, Rizal St., Badoc, Ilocos Norte
Schedule: Tue. - Sun., 8am- 5pm
No Entrance Fee
14. Visit more old churches.
- Immaculate Conception Church, Batac, Ilocos Norte
- San Andres Apostol Parish Church/Bacarra Church, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte
- San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte
- Sta. Monica Church, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte (near Marcos Museum)
- St. William Cathedral/Laoag Cathedral, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Sinking Bell Tower
WHERE TO STAY
There are many hotels, beach resorts and homestays located near Pagupud beaches. Pension houses, lodges, hotels and luxury resorts can also be found in Laoag City. See long list of accommodations in a separate post.
WHERE TO EAT
Some of the most recommended restaurants and the must-try in their menu (Click the Photo Credit for reviews):
Emohruo Beach Restobar, Saud Beach Cove, Burayoc Point, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Glory's Empanada, Batac, Ilocos Norte
Johnny Moon, La Tabacalera Ilocano Lifestyle Center, Llanes cor. Gen. Luna (West of Capitol), Laoag City
La Preciosa, J.P. Rizal, Laoag City
Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant and Bar, N. Corpuz Bldg., Rizal Street corner Hizon St., Barangay 7-A, Laoag City
HOW TO GET HERE
Via Bus
Fariñas Transit
Laong Laan cor. M. dela Fuenta St., Sampaloc, Manila
Tel Nos.: 731 4507; 731 4375; 743 8580
Laoag Bus Terminal
Tel No.: (077) 772-01-27
GV Florida Bus
Earnshaw St, Sampaloc Manila
Tel No.: 7433809
Partas
Aurora Blvd., cor. Bernardino St., Cubao
Tel No.: 727 8278
Laoag Bus Terminal
Barangay 1,Laoag City, Philippines
Tel No.: (77) 7714898
Viron Transit
EDSA, Cubao
Tel Nos.: 726 7409; 726 7412; 727 3841
Dapitan cor. Blumentritt St., Manila
Tel Nos: 741 6538
*Travel Time: 10-11 hours from EDSA-Balintawak
Via Plane to Laoag International Airport
Philippine Airlines
Daily Flight Schedule: 12pm & 7pm
Cebu Pacific
Daily Flight Schedule: 7:30pm
- Travel time is one hour or more
- Ride a jeepney to Vigan
Tour Ilocos Norte & Ilocos Sur via van for rent (from Laoag)
Some van rentals (based in Ilocos) available in Facebook
Ilocos Travelers Van RentalLaoag Vigan Pagudpud Van and Car for rent
Van for Rent - Ilocos Norte Sur
Xyna Tours Van Service
**Some details may change without prior notice.
***I was not commissioned to promote any hotel, restaurant, bus company. etc. The information listed is based on my own online research. Due diligence is necessary.
