Are you looking for a travel destination on where you can enjoy the scenery at the same time explore its history? Well you are in the right page. Here I will give you a brief summary of my trip to Ilocos Region in the Philippines.
How to get to Ilocos? – You have three option to get there. If you are planning to do a D.I.Y (Do It Yourself) travel you can travel by bus or by car, if you have one. Having a car is a big advantage as you are the one controlling your time and as long as you know the way or you have your waze or google map app activatedyou will get to your destination. 😁
If by bus, you can ride either Partas Bus which is the terminal is located in Cubao, Quezon City or Fariñas Trans in Sampaloc, Manila. These are the ones that has route to Ilocos. To see the fare rate, please visit this link. I suggest that you book your ticket prior to your trip to save queuing time.
Lastly, you can avail tour packages that fit to your liking. Today, there a great number of travel agencies around Philippines that offers budget friendly packages. And as for us, since our Ilocos tour is a sudden decision, we just avail a tour package to our trusted travel agency – the “Lakwatsa Tayo Pilipinas“. Besides from having a cheaper travel package, our travel agent (Ms. Cyril) is very friendly and accommodating. Our transportation and accommodation are also included in the tour package we availed, we don’t have to worry anymore where to sleep. 🙂 As for the food, it is also not a problem as there are a lot of food stall and restaurant in every area of Ilocos.
Here’s little glimpse from our tour:
Calle Crisologo or also known as Mena Crisologo was named after Marcelino Crisólogo. He was a Filipino politician, poet, writer at playwright and a popular for being one of the representative of Ilocos Sur in the Malolos Congress. The best time to visit Calle Crisologo is late at night as the street is more lively with people strolling, shopping and eating. Calle Crisologo is popular not just because of their Spanish structure of houses but also because of their antique stores, souvenirs and delicacies.
Syquia Mansion is a 19th century stone mansion built during the Spanish colonial period in 1830. It served as the home of the late President Elpidio Quirino and his family. The Syquia Mansion tour is free, but a donation may be given to the caretaker of the Mansion. It is really impressive as not only the Philippine antiques is being exhibited inside the mansion, but also some antiques from other countries. Even the presidential memorabilia’s and their huge family oil painting portrait are being displayed.
Baluarte is a Zoological Park in Vigan, Ilocos Sur that was established by politician and businessman, Chavit Singson. The tour inside Baluarte, allows you to have an up close encounter with numerous animals. Part of the park is the Safari Gallery which displayed the preserved remains of animals hunted by Chavit Singson in different parts of the world.
Hidden Garden is also where the nature, history and food meet. It is only 11 minute ride from Baluarte either by car or by calesa. You wouldn’t know that there is a huge garden hidden in the place, as the first thing your will see is their souvenir shops and restaurant. The entrance to the hidden garden is in the back of the restaurant. It features different types of flowers, herbs, bonsai, orchids and plants. The ambiance of the place is very relaxing and refreshing as the high-growing bamboos are shedding the area from direct sunlight. (Please excuse my photo. 😅 My phone was drained so I able to take pictures of the place. I just ask a friend to take this shot) 😭
Pagburnayan Jar Shop is the most popular jar making in the town of Vigan. The root word Burnay is earthenware jar that meticulously crafted by potter’s hand while using a manually pottery wheel. We were even taught and try to mold a small jar. It looks so easy when you are the one watching the pottery maker, but when you are the one molding it was so hard. You need to be gentle at the same time put some force to create shapes and everything. It was actually fun and a good learning experience.
Bantay Bell Tower is the bellfry of Saint Augustine Parish Church also known as Bantay Church and was established in 1590. The town name it Bantay meaning to guard as it served as a watchtower for pirates back in Spanish colonial era.
Cape Bojaedor Light House o Ang Parola ng Cape Bojeador was designed by Engineer Magin Pers y Pers on 1887 and was built and finished by Servicio de Faros under Guillermo Brockman in 1890. The light house was built to serve as a guide to the ships that enter the Philippine archipelago away from the rocky coast of the town.
It was declared as a National Historical Landmark on August 13, 2004 and a National Cultural Treasure on June 20, 2005 by the Philippine Government.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is one of the most visited tourist destination in Ilocos Norte. The rock formation was formed through the oceanic and weather forces, a true nature’s art. Its smooth ivory limestone is what captivates the tourist to come and visit the rock formation.
Bangui Wind Mills is the power sohrce of the region. The wind mill uses 20 units of 230 ft high of vertas wind turbines, each are capable to produce electricity up to the maximum capacity of 1.65 MW. It is arranged in a single row streching along the shoreline of Bangui Bay, facing the West Philippine Sea.
Kabigan Falls is located Barangay Balaoi in Pagudpud. Before you get to the waterfall you have to walk for 1.8 kilometer from the national road. Though the trek is very tiring, it is worth the effort as the scenic waterfall is very relaxing despite of its cold temperature.
Culili Point: Paoay Sand Dunes is gaining popularity among tourist visiting Ilocos Region. If you are visibg Paoay and looking for a thrilling adventure, then you must include this to your itinerary. To start your Paoay Sand Dunes adventure you need to hire a professional driver and 4×4 vehicle available at the starting point of the dunes. The driver will give you a “roller coaster ride” for 30 minutes while touring the dunes. The sand dunes is made up of loose sands due to the wind and water flows, it creats different heights, shapes and sizes which makes a more thrilling ride. While you are at the dunes, you must also try the sandboarding.
Malacañang of the North was the residence of Ferdinand Marcos when he was the President of the Philippines. It is a two-story mansion with an overlooking view of the Paoay Lake. When it was given back to the Ilocos Norte jurisdiction, the restorations and renovations were commenced by the region’s Governor and in 2011 it was opened to the public as a Museum. To explore the mansion, you have to pay the entrance fee of PhP 30.00 (USD 0.59). The museum displays the memorabilia’s of Marcos Family. The simple yet exquisite design of the house will make you wish to have this kind of place as your Bahay Bakasyunan (Vacation Home), its very tranquil and relaxing.
Paoay Church or Saint Augustine Church is a Roman Catholic Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte founded by Augustinian Missionaries in 1593. The tower of the church was used as observation post by Katipuneros during the Philippine Revolution and by the Filipino Guerillas during the Japanese Occupation. Paoay Church was declared as one of the National Cultural Treasures of the Philippine through the Presidential Decree No. 260 on August 1, 1973.
There are a lot more to visit in Ilocos Region, unfortunately we only have a limited time. But all in all, we enjoyed our stay and learned a lot about the place. We were able to meet fellow travelers and locals which makes our tour more enjoyable.
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