Getting there:
By Air
The easiest way to get to Ilocos Norte is via Cebu Pacific
or Philippine Airline’s daily flight (MANILA-LAOAG) which takes about 45
minutes. If you’re heading to Ilocos Sur, you may take a 1 ½ bus ride from
Laoag to Vigan.
By Land
Several bus companies such as Partas, Fariñas
Transit, GV Florida Transport, and Philippine Rabbit travel from/to
Manila-Laoag (Ilocos Norte) or Manila-Vigan (Ilocos Sur). These are all air-conditioned
public buses. Travel time is around 10-12 hours. Check out their websites for
the trip schedules.
Where to stay:
We stayed at Farm
Side Hotel in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. Walking distance from Robinson’s
mall but 10 minutes tricycle ride from Laoag.
We booked the hotel via agoda.com
for Php1, 100/night (2 pax). Suggest you visit the site for affordable accommodations.
Must See:
Pagudpud North- Ilocos Norte
- Saud Beach
- Blue Lagoon
- Bantay Abot Cave
- Timmangtang Rock
- Patapat Viaduct
- Kabigan Falls
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| Saud Beach |
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| Kabigan Falls |
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| Blue Lagoon |
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| Timmangtang Rock |
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| Bantay Abot Cave |
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| Patapat Viaduct |
Pagudpud South- Ilocos Norte
- Bangui Windmills
- Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
- Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
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| Bangui Windmills |
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| Cape Bojeador Lighthouse |
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| Kapurpurawan Rock Formation |
Paoay/Batac- Ilocos Norte
- Paoay Sand Dunes
- Paoay Lake
- Malacañang of the North
- Paoay Church and Bell Tower
- Marcos Mausoleum and Museum
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| Malacanang of the North |
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| Paoay Lake |
Vigan- Ilocos Sur
- Calle Crisologo
- Crisologo Museum
- Plaza Salcedo
- Syquia Mansion
- Baluarte ni Chavit
- Vigan Cathedral
- Vigan Pottery
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| Calle Crisologo |
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| Baluarte ni Chavit |
Must try:
Activities
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| 4 X 4 Ride in Paoay Sand Dunes |
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| Sand Boarding in Paoay Sand Dunes |
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| Pottery Making in Vigan |
Restaurants/Food
- Bistro 51, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte - we tried their bagnet binagoongan and pinakbet for around Php400 (already served with rice and drinks-good for 2).
- La Preciosa, Laoag, Ilocos Norte - we tried dinengdeng and bagnet on our first night and because we're very satisfied, we went back on the second night and ordered poqui poqui and bagnet (again). But aside from their authentic Ilocos dishes, don't forget to try their carrot cake. Budget for a meal is around Php500 (good for 2).
- Herencia Restaurant, Paoay, Ilocos Norte- house of the famous pinakbet pizza. Budget: Php500 (good or 2)
- Cafe Leona, Vigan, Ilocos Sur- end your Vigan tour with a nice dinner here having a mesmerizing view of the cobbled Calle Crisologo. Don't forget to order their authentic Vigan Longganisa.
- Plaza Salcedo's empanada and okoy- Vigan tour will not be complete without a stop over at the famous plaza salcedo. Both empanada and okoy cost Php30 each.
Here's our 3-day Ilocos Itinerary:
