Ilocos
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How to get there
The easiest way to access Ilocos Norte is by a 45-minute Manila-Laoag daily flight via the Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Several bus companies such as Partas Trans, Fariñas Trans, Florida, Maria de Leon, Autobus and RCJ bus lines serve the Manila-Laoag route. These air-conditioned public buses, most of its stations found along Cubao or Pasay, will make your 8-10 hour travel a relaxing journey. -- When you start your Ilocos Norte adventure, you are most likely to start in Laoag. It’s the capital of Ilocos Norte and the hub of everything Ilocano. World-famous sights such as Pagudpud, Paoay and Vigan are around an hour’s journey away. The province offers a number of popular destinations for tourists, locals and foreigners alike. Because of its proximity to the South China Sea, tourist arrivals peak during the summer seasons, the beach resorts topping the most visited list. Pagudpud’s beaches are amazing — stretches of white sand lined with coconut trees and crystal-blue water. Ilocos Places of interest: Fort Ilocandia Beach Resort and Hotel The sandy beach spans 2 kilometers. It also offers the only 5-star hotel in northern Philippines sprawling over 77 hectares of land. It is located in Laoag City and is a 10-minutes drive from the Laoag International Airport. Laoag Sinking Bell Tower Over the years the 45m high bell tower has shelved few meters downward. This is evident by the tower's entrance that at present day a man of ordinary height must bent over to get inside. Bangui Wind Farm, the first power generating windmill farm in Southeast Asia. Amid the 50-meter-tall windmills, spinning blades not yet included. Feel the rush both from the wind and from the waves of Bangui Bay. Bangui’s windmills are not only beautiful but also useful. They produce sustainable energy that provides 40% of Ilocos Norte’s electricity. Sta. Monica Parish Church Complex-Sarrat, Ilocos Norte Paoay Church The Church of St. Augustine, more popularly known as Paoay Church, is a picture-perfect Baroque church in the municipality of Paoay. The green grass, the ancient gray church, and the blue sky make for a perfect shot. In 1993, Paoay Church was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Malacañang of the North Once the official residence of the Marcos family whenever they were in Ilocos Norte, this sprawling Spanish-designed house is now a museum showcasing Marcos memorabilia. From the curving staircase to the painstakingly carved furniture, everything looks grand, fitting for a palace of the then-First Family. After soaking in the culture and heritage inside the museum, go outside and breathe in the fresh breeze blowing across Paoay Lake. Patapat Viaduct On your way to and back from Pagudpud, you will be passing by this long snaking bridge that is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse After more than 100 years, Cape Bojeador is still a faithful beacon to ships entering the Philippines Kapupurawan rock formation Standing at the edge of the sea, this massive rock formation shines conspicuously white, hence its name “Kapurpurawan,” which means “white” in Ilocano. Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, Batac City Shows the memorabilia of Former President Ferdinand Marcos. The mausoleum is where the body of the late president is found, laid and preserved in a refrigerated crypt. Robinsons Ilocos Norte The first ever shopping mall in Ilocos Norte. Located in the town of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. |
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