Northbound : Ilocos Tour

Sinking Bell tower in Laoag

What will you do or perhaps where will you go if there is a long weekend, you have money to spare, and company to bring? I’d say, go up north. Go to the farthest northwestern part of Luzon. Land travel to Ilocos Norte is about 12hours straight and there are buses namely Farinas that goes there on a regular basis. There are also flights to Laoag for 40mins for about Php3-Php4k per trip. If you’re up to it, drive your own car to explore most of the wonderful sightings in the Ilocos region.

It is usually advisable to leave Manila very early in the morning so the passengers (poor driver) can enjoy the sleep and come arrival will appreciate the beauty of Ilocos better. Ilocos bound is just a straight driving, mostly follow the highway and you’ll be on track. Take NLEX and SCTEX going to Tarlac. Exit in Tarlac then bound to where Baguio is. In about five to six hours you’ll be in La Union and in another 3-4 hours you’ll reach Vigan.

First stop in Ilocos is Vigan. Vigan is rustic, rich in heritage, and an amazing city. I’ll leave the details of Vigan in the Wikipedia website. Vigan is where you’ll see the cobbled-stone street of “Calle Crisologo”. There you’ll see a lot of souvenir shops ranging from antique sculptures, mugs, hats, shirts, wood sets, and their famous longganisa, chichacorn, sukang iloco (vinegar) and bagnet. Bring a couple of thousands for your family souvenir, because for sure you won’t be able to resist the charms of the local sellers here. You can also ride the kalesa (horse ride) @ around Php300 for a historical tour around Vigan city. This may take you around 1 – 2 hours depending on your trigger happy fingers allotted for photo ops.


After which, if you get hungry try to eat at the famous “Café Leona” just located near the Max restaurant in the center of the plaza. Try their Bagnet, pinakbet and their pizzas. Though I haven’t tried, I’ve heard that breakfast in “Coffee break in Vigan” is also a delight just along Calle Crisologo.  Hotels are also available within the vicinity that ranges from Php1,200 to Php5,000.

Now we carry on to Laoag, which is another 2 ½ hour drive from Vigan. You definitely won’t miss it because of the big sign welcoming tourists and locals warmly in the vicinity of Laoag city. If you’d arrive at night, stop over at the fluorescent lit sinking bell tower just about 600m from the sign of Laoag. Bring your tripod and take photos of the one of the wonders of the Philippines.

Where to stay in Laoag, Java hotel is the most popular place to stay in. Rates are slightly higher compared to other provincial hotel rates starting at Php2, 500 for Java’s deluxe room. There is cable TV, air-condition, and the food is good. Stroll around the city of Laoag at night and people will be mostly travelling by tricycles. Try the Ilocos empanada at Dap-ayan just around the corner in front of the plaza. Dine in saramsam” where pizza and pasta recipes done by Ilocanos will make you want some more @ very affordable prices. Then have your photo ops of the Museo, the plaza and other churches within the city.

Next on our itinerary, which we allocated a whole day for, were Cape Bojeador light house, Kapurpurawan rock formation, Bangui wind mills, and Paoay church. All the ones listed are farther north bound except for the Paoay church. The light house is a 30min drive from Java hotel, then another 20mins to Kapurpurawan rock formation. Last 30-40mins to Bangui windmills to see one of the World heritage sites here in North Luzon.

Everything is amazing. The rock formation and the wind mills are almost surreal. It is so grand and majestic from nature to man made. Being there is a treat.

Kapurpurawan rock formation

 After taking many photos of the places we’ve been, we went back to Paoay which is south bound of Laoag. It’s a 1 ½ drive from Bangui windmills, but feast yourself to the delightful sightings of Paoay church @ sunset and delicious menu of Herencia restaurant just in front of the church. We were lucky enough that there were no tourists / visitors that were roaming that much in the area.

Bangui windmills

Paoay Church

 After our late lunch we tried to see the sand dune but unfortunately, will be more fun if you’re in a group. So what we did, we just visited the Malacanang of the north wherein Marcos has lived with his family during the vacations of his presidency. It closes at 4pm but we’re fortunate that the guard let us in after 5pm and captured the majestic sunset on the house.

Last stop, last day Pagudpud bound. This is one of the last towns of the North. It is a 13 hour straight drive to Manila. We just visited the Patapat viaduct before sunset for our safety (there were no street lamps, curvy road). We almost regretted that we did not stopped by in the blue lagoon, but our place in Saud beach resort was also as good from the stories that I’ve heard. Rates ranges from Php3,000 per night, food are also served and a visual treat of rich blues and creamy white sand sits in front of you.

Patapat Viaduct

During my first visit, I went to Marcos palace in Batac. It’s a town after Laoag wherein you’ll see his works, his wardrobe, writings and especially his preserved body. It’s a Php50 entrance fee where you’ll taste a bit of Philippine history. 

My Ilocos trip will always delight me and will always be treasured. This is one of my trips where I saw so much beauty in the Philippines. It is one way of celebrating your vacation, be of relaxation and rekindling of one self. I'd truly say that, it is more fun in the Philippines.

Marcos Palace in Batac