The trip was so tiring but our adventure here was memorable.
We felt like we were back from Spanish era.
Filipino history and culture are still alive here.
Ilocos Norte is one of the amazing places in the Philippines.
Most of all, local people are trustworthy.
Itinerary to Ilocos Norte
1st Day: VIGAN City
- Travel by bus from Manila (Florida Terminal) to Vigan. Bus fare = 640 PHP/person; 2 hours trip
- Arrived at Calle Crisologo and bagnet breakfast at Barbecue Reyes
- Vigan city kalesa tour ( rate = 100 PHP/hour, finished within 5 hours)
St. Augustine Parish Church
Bantay Bell Tower
Hidden Garden
Pagburnayan Pottery
Baluarte ni Chavit
Loom weaving
Crisologo Museum
- Merienda/dinner at Café Uno
Miki noodle soup with bagnet
Crispy Longganisa Burger
- Hopping around at Plaza Salcedo, St. Paul Cathedral and Plaza Maestro
- Evening walk at calle crisologo
2nd Day: LAOAG City
- Travel by bus from Vigan to Laoag (266 PHP for 2 person)
- One day city tour by tricycle with Kuya Wawie ( Contact him weeks before your trip at 09069729377. He was reliable and knowledgeable about the place. His tour rate is only 800 PHP)
Lunch at Saramsam Café (Saramsam pasta and Poque-poque pizza)
Museum of Ilocos Norte (with entrance fee: P20)
Tobacco Monopoly Monument
Sinking Bell Tower
St. William's Cathedral
Malacanang of the North
Paoay Lake
Musoleum of Marcos in Batac
Paoay Church
Merienda at Herencia Café (located infront of the Paoay Church)
Laoag Sand Dunes ( four wheel drive adventure for 1500 PHP)
Empanada food trip at JMs Empanada Canteen
- Went to our hotel in Pagudpud (luckily, Kuya Wawie saw his friend in van who sends their tourist to Saud, Pagudpud)
3rd Day: PAGUDPUD
- Travel by bus from Vigan to Laoag (266 PHP for 2 person)
- One day city tour with Kuya Arnel (09186890723; tour rate = 1000 PHP)
1) South Bound Tour
Bangui View Deck
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Bangui Wind Mills
2) North Bound Tour
Patapat Viaduct
Paraiso ni Anton
Agua Grande
Timangtang Rock
Bantay Abot Cave
Blue Lagoon (Maira-ira Beach with entrance fee 40PHP/person)
- Back to our hotel near Saud beach
- Went to Saud beach
3rd Day: Back to Manila
Food trip
Recommended place to stay:
- Hotel Salcedo de Vigan
- (http://www.hotelsalcedodevigan.com/index.htm) - the rate per night is not cheap but we like their hotel and their bedroom is comfy and very clean :)
- Chalet Bami House at Saud, Pagudpud
- (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g676742-d2188104-Reviews-Chalet_Bami_Guest_House-Pagudpud_Ilocos_Region_Luzon.html) (+63) 919 8526265 /(+63) 908 484223)
- room is not spacious and not too fancy but the owner gave us a discounted and you can even use their kitchen to cook; they are also very accomodating
For more details, please visit http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/ilocos-norte/
