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Saturday, September 20, 2014

Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte- A Travel Back In Time

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
Saud Beach

Kabigan Falls

Blue Lagoon

Timmangtang Rock

Bantay Abot Cave

Patapat Viaduct

Pagudpud South- Ilocos Norte

  • Bangui Windmills
  • Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
  • Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Bangui Windmills

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

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
Malacanang of the North

Paoay Lake
Vigan- Ilocos Sur

  • Calle Crisologo
  • Crisologo Museum
  • Plaza Salcedo
  • Syquia Mansion
  • Baluarte ni Chavit
  • Vigan Cathedral
  • Vigan Pottery
Calle Crisologo

Baluarte ni Chavit
Must try:

Activities


4 X 4 Ride in Paoay Sand Dunes

Sand Boarding in Paoay Sand Dunes

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: