Get Lost To Ilocos: Roadtrip to Ilocos

Being in Ilocos means sightseeing. There are a lot of places to go that is perfect for your quality with your family. Ready yourselves for these awesome places that you will visit.

ILOCOS SUR

Mestizo District

Found in the City of Vigan, The Mestizo District contains the largest centralization of ancestral homes and other colonial-era architectures in the Philippines, built by the Chinese merchants who settled in Vigan. The houses are still preserved and maintained by the Ilocos Sur Tourism Information Center. The district is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. The Mestizo district is one of the most obtrusive tourist destinations in the Philippines.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Also known as the Vigan Cathedral, this church's most important aspect is its separate belfry, built 15 meters apart from the main structure. The structure was built in "earthquake baroque" style, which can sustain strong natural disasters with it's thick walls and buttresses.

Palacio de Arzobispado

The Palacio de Arzobispado, or the Archbishop's Palace, was built in 1783, and it served as the official residence of the Archbishop of Nueva Segovia. Inside the Palacio de Arzibispado is the Museo Nueva Segovia, a museum which features the archdiocesan archives, a throne room, antique portraits of bishops, manuscripts, and other religious artifacts from the various colonial churches all over Ilocos Sur. Palacio de Arzobispado is currently the only surviving 18th century archbishop's residence in the Philippines.

Burgos National Museum

The former residence of the mestizo priest and martyr Padre Burgos, a member of the GOMBURZA priest triumvirate, is now a museum exhibiting various treasures and antiquities depicting the Ilocano culture and society. A display of Padre Burgos' memorabilia can also be found in the area.

Santa Maria Church

Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, this Baroque masterpiece, Santa Maria Church, can be found in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. It was built on a hill elevated from the central town plaza together with its distinctive bell tower.

ILOCOS NORTE

Sinking Bell Tower

Laoag city has its own local version of leaning tower of Pisa in Italy. It is said to be sinking because the tower is so heavy and was built on a sandy ground which makes it sink unto the ground at a rate of 1 inch every year. It is also one of the tallest bell tower in the country and stands 45 m tall. Bell tower is different because it situated far away from the Cathedral because normally it is near the church. Also it is more beautiful at night because light will be on.

Lapaz Sand Dunes

We also have here the local version of Sahara desert in Africa or the deserts found in the Middle Eastern countries. The Lapaz Sand Dunes was created by the interaction of the wind, sea, and river. You can do things here like sand boarding, riding a 4x4, and ATV ride. Just come and visit this unique geological desert environment located in Ilocos Norte. From the city proper you can go there just for 15 minutes only.

Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino

Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino is a first class hotel in Ilocos Norte which design was inspired by Spanish colonial architecture. It is just 9 km away from the city proper. The main building houses the lobby, casino, shopping arcade, casino, arcades, and restaurant.

Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North was built as the official residence of the former President Marcos in Ilocos Norte. It is a two storey building which is located near the legendary Paoay Lake. You can see here the complete set of the house (bedrooms, dining area, kitchen, an office, a spacious ballroom on the second floor, and even had an Olympic size swimming pool. Also, it has an expansive terrace, and beautiful garden with magnificent view of the Lake.

Now, it is named as Marcos Memorabilla museum and it is open to public with an entrance fee of P20.00.

Paoay Church

Paoay Church is a national treasure of Ilocandia. A prime example of a baroque church and it is considered as one of the UNESCO world heritage site. It was built in 1896 by the Augustinian friars using coral bricks as seen from its massive walls. When you see it, it will remind you of what the Spanish era feels.

Playa Tropical Resort

Playa Tropical Resort is situated in Currimao, Ilocos Norte. A Balines inspired beach side hotel is where you can enjoy the view of stunning sunsets with the gentle ocean breeze. The beaches where the calm waves and fine sands will remind you of the seven wonder of the world. This place is also a place where you can relax and enjoy your stay here at Ilocos.

Marcos Museum and Mausoleum

Marcos Museum and Mausoleum is located in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. It can easily found as it is near the bridge where public buses stops. It is where you’ll know more about the life of the former president Marcos. And the entrance fee is P50 per person.

The Mausoleum on the other side of the museum is the body of the former President Marcos. Picture taking is prohibited inside.

Juan Luna Shrine

Juan Luna Shrine is situated in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. The Shrine house memorabilia’s of the famous Luna family who are the paintings of Juan Luna that includes his masterpiece, the spolarium.

Today, the ground floor displays different memorabilia not only of Juan Luna but also his family.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is situated in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. No public transportation is allowed here so you must have your own car when you go there if you don’t want to walk under the heat of the sun. Due to its white color characteristic, its name was derived. In Ilocano word “puraw” means white. Once you are there you’ll enjoy watching its natural beauty.

Bangui Windmill

Bangui windmill is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. It has 20 tri-blades, 70 meter high windmills arranged in an arc formation along the Bangui bay. It is situated north of Laoag City. Ilocos Norte is one of the provinces that generate energy.

Patapat Bridge

Patapat Bridge is a 1.2 km long that connects two barangay in Pagudpud. This zigzag bridge is often referred by some as the “French Riviera of the North”. Visitors and motorists will enjoy the amazing view of the sea and the luxuriant mountains as they cross this bridge that is 200 meters above sea level. It is also the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines.

PAGUDPUD BEACHES

Pagudpod is a fourth class municipality and a coastal resort town of Ilocos Norte province, in the northern Ilocos Region of the Philippines. Facing the West Philippine Sea, Pagudpud’s beaches are nothing short of amazing: Stretches of white sand lined with coconut trees and crystal-blue water. Located at the northernmost tip of the Luzon island, Pagudpud is a sleepy coastal town. But the locals are definitely generous with their smiles. It’s not overrun by tourists yet, but it’s getting there. So go there now.

Pagudpod has 4 different kinds of beaches. Tourists can choose from the following: