The Wonders of Ilocos Norte

In the Philippines, provinces are grouped into regions with the National Capital Region comprising the focal point. Region I, or more commonly known as the Ilocandia, is composed of four provinces in Northern Luzon: Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. However, Ilocos is only commonly referred to Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, with the UNESCO Heritage City of Vigan as the frontliner. Ilocos is a major tourism hub for its centuries-old churches (prime examples are those that can be found in Sta Maria, Vigan, Paoay and Bacarra), old Spanish houses in Vigan and even contemporary structures like the windmills of Bangui and Malacanang Ti Amianan in Paoay. Other tourist sites include the homes of patriotic heroes like Juan Luna in Badoc, Diego Silang, Leona Florentino and Father Burgos (one of the three martyr priests) in Vigan, Artemio Ricarte in Batac. Even the houses of former presidents of the country have attracted massive number of visitors like that of Elpidio Quirino (or the Syquia Mansion) in Vigan and Ferdinand Marcos in Batac. Natural wonders include the beaches of Pagudpud and Cabugao (which is good for surfing), sand dunes and the magnificent lake of Paoay and Tirad Pass in Cervantes. Delicious foods are also popular like the pinakbet, bagnet, longganisa, sinanglao, chichacorn, soft biscocho, balicutia, bibingka, empanada and okoy.

How to enjoy Ilocos Norte with a tight budget?

1. Buses are cheaper modes of transportation from Manila than planes. But you have to spend 10-12 hours travelling. Planes can only consume 1.5 hours. For those who cannot afford to buy plane tickets, they can take the bus. The most expensive bus fare is 962pesos with Partas (deluxe type). Partas terminals are in Pasay and Cubao. Other options include the Farinas Trans (green buses), Autobus (orange) and Florida Liner (pink).

Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CebuPac) fly from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 2 and 3, respectively. PAL flies to Laoag at 1745hours, while CebuPac is either 1240 or 1800 (both airlines fly only once everyday to Laoag International Airport). From the airport, one can take shuttles or trikes to the city proper. You can ask your hotel to pick you up at the airport. Just a caution though, not all hotels offer free airport transport. Better ask the hotel before making a reservation to save money.

2. For local accommodation, it is best to plan very wisely. There are hotels within the city and in nearby towns (which can be 30 minutes away from the airport at most). If you are planning to roam the city at night, it is best to stay in one of the hotels in the city proper. But there are also good finds at the outskirts of the city, such as the 5-star Fort Ilocandia in Paoay and Gertes Hotel in Laoag (via San Nicolas). You can also opt to stay in Playa Tropical in Currimao or Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud.

3. For tour packages, you can ask your hotel for tour packages or contact James through mobile number 09083088131. Rate ranges from 3500 - 4000pesos. Some offers 2500pesos, but customers shoulder the expenses for fuel. Driver and van is, of course, included. You can go to any part of the province or even Vigan. Some drivers even suggest good itineraries to maximise your visit to the place.

4. Take the early evening CebuPac flight (1800hours) from Manila and arrive in Laoag at 1920hours. If you are planning to include a one-day swimming in Pagudpud, you can go directly to this town. This will give you the time to rest for the night and wake up to the scent of the ocean breeze. Homestay is popular in this town wherein you can avail really low rates. Cottages in the municipal beach cost 300pesos for overnight stay (plus 20pesos entrance fee). There are buses that ply from Laoag to Pagudpud (I do not know though the time schedules for buses, so for you to be assured of the bus, better take the early afternoon CebuPac flight). Fare should be minimal as there are only four towns in between. Pagudpud is two hours away from Laoag by private vehicle.

5. After a day of swimming in Pagudpud, you can visit the other tourist spots. It is better to rent a vehicle to visit as many places as possible. From Pagudpud, the first stop-over is Bangui Windmills. A windmill ref-magnet costs 25pesos. The sand in the area is fine but black.

6. The lighthouse of Cape Bojeador in the town of Burgos can accompany you in viewing the entirety of the place. This is on the left side of the road. You can buy gamet seaweed (nori) in this town for 400pesos per bundle (ganta).

7. Kapurpurawan White Rocks Formation is one of the natural wonders in this part of the country. As the name suggests, there are white rocks in magnificent formations.

8. You can buy soft biscocho in the Pasuquin Bakery (the name of the town is Pasuquin) for 70pesos. The toasted biscocho is 75pesos.

Pasuquin Bakery is the lone maker of the soft biscocho.

9. One of the popular churches in the country is the Bacarra Church and Bell Tower Ruins. The domeless belfry has attracted a lot of tourists.

The domeless belfry of the Bacarra Church has attracted a lot of tourists. (Photo credit: http://worldtourist.us/ilocosnorte/laoag.html)

10. In Laoag, you can visit the Sinking Bell Tower, Tobacco Monopoly Monument and the museum where you can buy loom woven clothings.

11. In Batac, you can visit the Marcos Mausoleum and Mariano Marcos State University. Ask the locals where you can buy bagnet, longganisa, and empanada. A kilo of bagnet costs 350pesos. A kilo of pure meat longganisa costs around 220pesos, with taba is 190pesos. A piece of empanada (wrapping material made from rice, with cabbage, longganisa and egg as fillings) is 40pesos.

12. In Paoay, you can visit the Paoay Church, eat pinakbet pizza in Herencia Cafe (in front of the church) for 330pesos, sand dunes, Malacanang Ti Amianan near Paoay Lake. Chichacorn factory is in this town. Loom woven clothing factory is also located in this town.

The massive structure of Paoay Church makes it not susceptible to earthquakes.

Herencia Café in front of the Paoay Church is home to the popular pinakbet pizza.

13. From here, you can go directly to the airport for your flight back home. You do not need to go back to the city proper.

Suggested duration of visit: 2 days and 1 night (excluding the first night of travel from Manila and the last night of travel back to Manila). If you are planning to include Vigan in your itinerary, just add 1 day.

Suggested month / time to visit: February to coincide with the Pamulinawen Festival of Laoag, July for the Empanada Festival of Batac, or summer months to enjoy swimming in Pagudpud.