Located in the northwest corner of Luzon island, Ilocos Norte is one of the uppermost regions in the country. With Laoag as its capital, it can be reached via a 45-minute flight (Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific), 10 to 12 hours bus ride (I opted for Partas) or by private vehicle. This coastal region boasts of sand, beaches, rock formations and flavorful cuisine among others.
And since I already did my Ilocos Sur trip a year ago, I decided to meet up with K one weekend last July (who's doing his Ilocos tour during that time) to finally complete Ilocos Region and check it off my travel list.
Tricycle was our mode of transportation going around these places. (You can check out more details about this HERE)
Here's what we managed to see, do and eat for one weekend:
1. LAOAG: Sinking Bell Tower
Built in 1612 by Augustinian Friars, this once 45-meter bell tower can no longer be accessed by an ordinary man because the tower has sunk considerably and evenly.
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| the entrance now fit for a hobbit |
2. LAOAG: Provincial Capitol Building and Abolition of Tobacco Monopoly marker
The seat of government of the region can be found along JP Rizal Street and just across is the Abolition of Tobacco Monopoly marker. This landmark commemorates the lifting of tobacco monopoly in the Philippines in accordance with the royal decree from King Alfonso XIII. However, tobacco is still one of the major crops of the province.
There's also a park separating the Capitol Building and the Tobacco marker.
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Adjacent to the Monopoly marker,
bonsai-aficionados will be delighted
in this well-sculpted garden. Stroll around, breathe in fresh air and just a few steps to the back you'll reach the Tabacalera complex.
4. LAOAG: La Tabacalera
Just right beside the Museo Ilocos Norte, this lifestyle complex boasts of a handful of restaurants, boutique shops and a bookstore. The ironwork outdoor ceiling lends a nice contrast to the old structure beside it.
5. LAOAG: Museo Ilocos Norte
Worth a visit especially if you're a history buff or just want to know more about the Ilocano heritage. Located at the Tabacalera complex.
6. Paoay Church
Also known as Saint Augustine Church/Parish, this stands as a monument of more than 200 years of Christianity in Ilocos. Constructed from 1694 to 1719, this church is one of the four Baroque-style Churches that have been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
After exploring the church, you can walk around in the garden at the left side.
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| the famous buttresses |
7. BATAC: Ferdinand Marcos Presidential Center (Marcos Museum and Mausoleum)
Said to be the ancestral home of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, this houses a museum and a mausoleum at the adjacent building. There is an entrance fee for the museum as well as museum guides inside to usher you through the galleries which showcases Marcos' life from his childhood to his presidency.
Inside the mausoleum is where you'll find the late president's body covered in wax inside a glass case. No pictures are allowed inside.
8. PAOAY: Malacanang of the North
One of the many Marcos residences, this property overlooks Paoay Lake and was converted into a museum after the Marcos regime. This serves as the former First Family's residence when they are in Ilocos. The mansion resembles a 19th century bahay na bato. Open from 9 AM to PM from Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance fee of 20 Php.
9. LAOAG: La Preciosa
We were lucky we got a table easily as this restaurant-cum-cafe (formerly a house) is quite popular among tourists and locals alike. Located along Rizal street, this is not far from the city center and is easily discernible because of its colorful facade. Read more about our La Preciosa experience HERE.
10. PAGUDPUD: Kabigan Waterfalls
11. PAGUDPUD: Patapat Viaduct
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12. PAGUDPUD: Agua Grande and Paraiso ni Anton
These two sights can be found right after Patapat. Agua Grande is a picnic park where the river meets the sea and Paraiso ni Anton has three mini waterfalls which are believed to be miraculous and has healing powers.
13. PAGUDPUD: Timmangtang Rock
Located along the shore and partly by the sea, this bell-shaped rock formation is said to be the male partner of Bantay-Abot. The two are collectively termed as 'Lover's rock'.
14. PAGUDPUD: Bantay Abot Cave
15. PAGUDPUD: Blue Lagoon
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Also known as Maira-ira Point, the sand at this beach may not be the whitest or the finest but you'll surely be amazed by the azure colored waters. There are a variety of accommodations as well as activities to choose from if you want to stay overnight - from homestays to luxury resorts.
16. PAGUDPUD: Dos Hermanos Islands
Another natural landmark, this twin rock formation is best seen from afar. Make sure to ask the locals where the name came from.
17. Bangui Wind Farm
As part of the initiative of Ilocos Region to be eco-friendly and self-reliant in their energy sources, these 70 meters tall wind turbines were constructed in 2005 along the shoreline fronting West Philippine Sea. These were also the first in Asia and currently supplies around 70% of the province's energy requirements.
Best not to wear flipflops as the sand could get very hot especially near midday!
18. BURGOS: Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Built in 1892 on a hill overlooking the West Philippine Sea, this still functioning Lighthouse is said to be the tallest and oldest lighthouse in the country. According to the guide, a few local horror films were also shot in this location.
19. Bangui Viewdeck
Located along the highway, this elevated view deck gives you an aerial view of the Bangui Windmills together with the surrounding scenery.
20. BURGOS: Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
This natural rock formation created by natural forces sits on the rocky coast of Burgos. It got its name from the Ilokano word 'puraw' meaning white, pertaining to the rock formation's color. Can be reached by foot or by horseback riding.
21. LAOAG: Saramsam Ylocano Resaurant
Also located near the city centre, this restaurant offers an eccentric and bohemian interiors and serves authentic and fusion Ilocano dishes. More on Saramsam HERE.
