LAOAG-VIGAN-PAOAY-PAGUDPUD

Ilocos collectively refers to two provinces in the Philippines: Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Inhabitants are called Ilocanos and they speak the language Iloko also called Ilocano. Region 1 occupies the narrow plain between the Cordillera Central mountain range and the South China Sea. It also occupies the northen portion of the Central Luzon plain, to the north-east of the Zambales Mountains.(source:wikipedia)

DAY 1

LAOAG CITY

Laoag is a first class city in the province of Ilocos Norte, PhilippInes. It is capital city of Ilocos Norte and the province’s political, commercial and industrial hub. It is the northernmost city in the Philipines and the location of the Ilocos Region’s only commercial airport.(source:wikipedia)

HOW TO GET THERE:

To reach the province, you may take by plane in just 45 minutes,I suggest avail those promo fares ahead of time by some aviation carriers, that, if you want a comfortable and easy trip but if you are into road tripping, take the 10-12 long hour bus trip by Partas, Florida and Dominion at Pasay or in Cubao Araneta.

ACCOMMODATIONS

We stayed  our first night at Texicano Hotel for an affordable rate at 1,000.00/night good for 2 persons and transferred to TIFFANY HOTEL on the 2nd & on our 3rd night for 1,200.00.

at the living area with Jean(Texicano Hotel)

DAY 2 

VIGAN

The City of Vigan is a fourth class city in the province of Ilocos Sur. It is the capital of the Province of Ilocos Sur. The City is located on the western coast of the large island of Luzon, facing the South China Sea. It is a Worlds Heritage Site in that it is one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines where its structures remained intact, and is well known for its cobblestone streets and a unique architecture that fuses Philippine and oriental building designs and construction with colonial European architecture.(source:wikipedia)

GETTING THERE:
Take a bus from the terminal. Bus terminal is just a 5min walk from the hotel. Fare roughly Php100-120.00.

Strolling around the city's favorite spot without your own car is very hassle. But for tourist, an option to take with horse-carriage or Calesa which is the mode of transportation in the City aside from Tricycles is a good idea. Per hour rates is Php300.00 but could be 250.00 depends with the negotiation.

BELL TOWER

A 10 minute ride away from Vigan is the historic Bantay Belfry, which sits to a hill. This towering structure is one of the sights that should be visited by the travelers not only because of its historical and cultural significance but also because of its commanding view of Vigan from the highest portion of it that can be climbed.

Entrance Fee: 20.00

 ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL

St Paul Cathedral is situated  right beside the belfry.

BURGOS MUSEUM

Burgos Museum is the ancestral house of the martyr priest Padre Jose Burgos. Despite the limited funds of the city, the museum has maintained its 19^th century interior and its well preserved kitchen. The museum contains the memorabilia of the martyr priests along with an excellent collection of archeological and ethnological fins such series of painting.(source: wikipilipinas)

Entrance Fee 20.00

VIGAN  POTTERY MAKING

This is privately own but open for public, the pottery maker will teach you  how do it and in exchange you will give any amount for their service.

HIDDEN GARDEN

Located at Bgry. Bulala, Vigan City. This is a refreshing and relaxing place to stay. It is covered with lot of fresh flowers like Roses, Bonsai's,  Tulips and others all for sale. It has restaurant inside the vicinity that offers Ilocano dishes and other Filipino Food.
Entrance is Free

BALUARTE

The Baluarte or fortress is a must see attraction for first time visitors and even for those who have visited Vigan before. The reasons for its being on the lists of the places to visit are two. First is that it has mini zoo with animals from other countries and other endemic to the Philippines. It is a private collection and is therefore continuously being improved. The second is that it is owned by Mr. Chavit Singson a well loved son of Vigan and a well know to most Filipinos follow the Philippine political scene. 

VIGAN CATHEDRAL

 

CRISOLOGO MUSEUM

The museum is managed by the Crisologo Family and is well maintained. This is evident in the polished floors of the second floor as well as the well kept details of the various rooms. The museum consists of preserved ancestral memorabilia of Floro Crisologo. (He was the patriarch of the clan and a congressman known for being responsible for landmark legislation's that not only benefited his constituents but the whole country as well. Source: Vigan.ph)

BATAC CHURCH

Take a bus from Vigan Bus Terminal drop off at the Batac Intersection/ Police Station. Then take a jeepney or trike going to Batac Church.

MARCOS MUSEUM

Marcos Museum is just across Batac Church. An entrance of 50.00 is being collected before you could roam around the vicinity.

That chamber is Former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos temporary tomb or should I say it's his permanent home. Unfortunately, no camera is allowed inside the Premise.

Marcos rest house

Inside the Museum

PAOAY

Since we came from Batac. We took a jeepney back to the Intersection and took a jeepney going to Paoay. Paoay is a fourth class Municipality in the Province of Ilocos Norte. The town is the home of Paoay Church.

 The Famous Paoay Church

It was a long day for both of us. so we headed back to the hotel. We took the last trip Jeepney going to Laoag. It was nearly 7:30 or 8:00PM when leave the town. If you really want to stay long, you can take tricycle back to laoag but they'll ask for a fare of 200-300.00.

DAY 3

BANGUI WINDMILLS

Take a bus from terminal going to Pagudpud drop off at Bangui Crossing. Then tricycle going to Bangui Windmills.
Round trip Fare is 200.00

PAGUDPUD PROPER

Take a bus to pagudpud proper. Fare is 25.00

We decided to leave the town so early since we forgot the name of best resort here.  The resort that offers water sports such as Kayaking, Jetski, speedboat, banana Boat ride, a 1.2KM zipline that reportedly the longest over the water in the world, and other activities. The Hannah resort!

CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHT HOUSE

Take a bus back to Laoag and drop off at Kapurpurwan Intersection. From there, take a trike going to Kapurpurwan for 200.00 round trip. Most of the drivers offers a 300.00 rental for Cape Bojeador Light House & Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. A 100.00 difference is very much cheap. Cape Bojeador is located in Burgos. Another Municipality of Ilocos Norte. This is a cultural heritage establish during the Spanish Colonial times.

KAPURPURWAN ROCK FORMATION

Rocks are created by forces of water from the ocean, it is located just a few minutes further from the Burgos lighthouse .

Have fun reading!