Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur: Getaway Like No Other
It was in year 2012 when my friends and I went to this exceptional place, Ilocos. Two of my Ilocano friends invited us, since it was our summer vacation that time. It was an exhausting and tiring yet superb and fantastic three-days-two-nights adventure!
From Manila, we took a bus going to Laoag. The almost-8-hour ride costs 750.00 php (may vary on peak seasons). It was indeed a long drive but the travel was definitely worth the time.
From Manila, we took a bus going to Laoag. The almost-8-hour ride costs 750.00 php (may vary on peak seasons). It was indeed a long drive but the travel was definitely worth the time.
Here’s a sneak peek of the places we visited.
First Stop: San Nicolas
We first dropped our things in my friend’s house. Of course, a little rest and a bath were necessary before our grand tour! We didn’t miss the chance to look around their mini-hacienda (according to him it was mini, when in fact it wasn’t, haha).
We first dropped our things in my friend’s house. Of course, a little rest and a bath were necessary before our grand tour! We didn’t miss the chance to look around their mini-hacienda (according to him it was mini, when in fact it wasn’t, haha).
Second Stop: Marcos Museum & Mausoleum
I got excited when my friend said that the body of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos lies in this place. Whether it was wax or not, the creepiness of the place was undeniable. Entrance fee in mausoleum is free, however, picture-taking is not allowed inside.
I got excited when my friend said that the body of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos lies in this place. Whether it was wax or not, the creepiness of the place was undeniable. Entrance fee in mausoleum is free, however, picture-taking is not allowed inside.
A few steps away from the Mausoleum is the Marcos Photo Gallery (World Peace Center). Pictures and clippings of the Marcos family are here, showcasing only the “positive” side of the late dictator’s leadership.
Third Stop: Paoay Church
It was under renovation that time, so we didn’t have the chance to see what’s inside. Just like the grandeur of the facade, I think it is as equally magnificent. Even more magnificent at night, perhaps?
It was under renovation that time, so we didn’t have the chance to see what’s inside. Just like the grandeur of the facade, I think it is as equally magnificent. Even more magnificent at night, perhaps?
Fourth Stop: Baluarte
From Ilocos Norte, here comes our first destination in Ilocos Sur, Baluarte. It is a zoo open to public where you can freely interact with the animals and take photos with them.
From Ilocos Norte, here comes our first destination in Ilocos Sur, Baluarte. It is a zoo open to public where you can freely interact with the animals and take photos with them.
Fifth Stop: Calle Crisologo, Vigan
Our last stop for our first day in Ilocandia, the most sought-after tourist destination in Ilocos Sur, Vigan. Walking down this street made me think I were thrown back in Spanish era. Spanish-inspired buildings, ancestral houses, and vintage calesas are just some of the reasons why tourists are so much in love with this place. One of my favorites, indeed.
Our last stop for our first day in Ilocandia, the most sought-after tourist destination in Ilocos Sur, Vigan. Walking down this street made me think I were thrown back in Spanish era. Spanish-inspired buildings, ancestral houses, and vintage calesas are just some of the reasons why tourists are so much in love with this place. One of my favorites, indeed.
Sixth Stop: Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
This was actually the start of our second day. Going back again to Ilocos Norte, we went first to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos. Don’t miss the eeriness and sinister atmosphere of this place when you visit Ilocos. This is a perfect spot for playing Ouija board.
This was actually the start of our second day. Going back again to Ilocos Norte, we went first to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos. Don’t miss the eeriness and sinister atmosphere of this place when you visit Ilocos. This is a perfect spot for playing Ouija board.
Seventh Stop: Bangui Windmills
Another extraordinary tourist spot in Ilocos Norte: the Bangui Wind Farm, where gigantic and extremely large windmills are located. The locals there said that these windmills were build due to insufficient electricity and power outages in the area. Tip: Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen, the scorching sun is waiting!
Another extraordinary tourist spot in Ilocos Norte: the Bangui Wind Farm, where gigantic and extremely large windmills are located. The locals there said that these windmills were build due to insufficient electricity and power outages in the area. Tip: Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen, the scorching sun is waiting!
Eight Stop: Pagudpud Beach
I’m a beach bum, so I would like to emphasize the beach part in this article. Haha! We stayed in Apo Idon Beach Hotel, lodging sponsored by my gay-space-friend Wynie, food sponsored by my girl-space-friend Amilka. We checked-in at around 2:00 pm and checked-out at around 12:00 nn the next day. Warm tropical sunshine, deep blue sky, fine white sand, and playful waves, plus the great ambiance the hotel itself brings made our stay really worth it. I just love Pagudpud!
I’m a beach bum, so I would like to emphasize the beach part in this article. Haha! We stayed in Apo Idon Beach Hotel, lodging sponsored by my gay-space-friend Wynie, food sponsored by my girl-space-friend Amilka. We checked-in at around 2:00 pm and checked-out at around 12:00 nn the next day. Warm tropical sunshine, deep blue sky, fine white sand, and playful waves, plus the great ambiance the hotel itself brings made our stay really worth it. I just love Pagudpud!
Ninth Stop: Patapat Viaduct
Our third day! It was raining so I didn't bother to take pictures having Patapat Viaduct as a backdrop. Good thing my friends were so energetic despite of the weather. We didn't stay long here ’coz there were lots of big buses and vehicles passing along.
Our third day! It was raining so I didn't bother to take pictures having Patapat Viaduct as a backdrop. Good thing my friends were so energetic despite of the weather. We didn't stay long here ’coz there were lots of big buses and vehicles passing along.
Tenth Stop: Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is located in the rocky coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. In Ilocano, “Kapurpurawan” or "puraw" means white.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is located in the rocky coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. In Ilocano, “Kapurpurawan” or "puraw" means white.
Eleventh Stop: Fort Ilocandia
I don’t have any idea how much a one-night stay costs, but by simply looking at the grandeur of this place, it’s definitely expensive. Good thing we were allowed to take pictures.
I don’t have any idea how much a one-night stay costs, but by simply looking at the grandeur of this place, it’s definitely expensive. Good thing we were allowed to take pictures.
The Empanada Battle: Norte vs Sur
If you’re planning to have food trips in Ilocos, here's a specialty you shouldn't dare miss, the Empanada. It has two versions, the Batac Empanada of Ilocos Norte, and the Vigan Empanada of Ilocos Sur.
The Batac Empanada is mainly made of papaya, monggo, egg, and Batac longganisa. You can choose whatever filling you want for your empanada, and its price varies depending on your chosen ingredients. Its orange-colored crust is thick and crispy, yet oily.
On the other hand, the fillings of Vigan Empanada are cabbage, monggo, egg, and Vigan longganisa. The wrapper is thinner, making it more crispier and less oilier that Batac empanada. Nothing special, but I like its taste better than the former.
Try them for yourself! Try Batac's miki as well. :)
Too bad we missed a lot of places, like Sinking Bell Tower, Lapaz Sand Dunes, Malacañang of the North, Juan Luna Shrine, Bacarra Domeless Tower, Blue Lagoon, and some of the falls, caves and churches! Will definitely go back soon.
And there goes our Ilocos getaway like no other! Hope you enjoyed the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them! :)
And there goes our Ilocos getaway like no other! Hope you enjoyed the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them! :)