An exciting road trip to ever experience! It’s not the destination that makes it perfect, it’s the journey we take that fulfills it! Not only does it feature majestic historical infrastructures, but is also well known for its long and exciting road adventure! The long road will guide you to how Ilocos’ changes thru time – in which religion and history were the major factors that contribute to it.
From the southern edge of Ilocos Sur to the tip of Ilocos Norte – be ready for a great trip ahead! It would be approximately 500 km from Manila going to Pagudpod – not counting the multiple side trips you are going to take along the way. Though traveling via public transport is possible, it will be so much much much better to travel via private vehicle! Not only will you control your own time in each stop over you feel getting by, but you will also have the luxury to save lots of time waiting for buses that rarely appear (about 30min interval).
Preparing for the trip requires you to check and double check your vehicle. That includes having spares with you. It’s also a good idea to take turns in driving, not because the road is dangerous, – but because it’s so beautiful that you are tempted to max out your speed! Always read road signs as accidents are very frequent when not driving with caution. Drive safe, enjoy the ride, and most of all, come back alive!
When you reach the Patapat Bridge beyond Pagudpod, then you’re halfway back home!
How to Get Here
1. Via Air
Via Air – If you want to travel fast, there are lots of regular flights to and from Laoag International Airport by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Travel time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour. From Laoag you can ride public buses going to Vigan for an hour and half or straight ahead to Ilocos Norte. (If you’re not to join travel tours and packages)
2. Via Public Transportation
Depending on your point of origin, you may choose from different bus lines. Example: Aniceto Transportation, Dominion Bus Corp., Partas Trans. Co., Maria de Leon Transit and the Philippine Rabbit Bus Line has regular travel to and from Vigan also to Laoag. Just contact them first so you will know the schedule of the trip.
3. Via Private Vehicle – recommended
Since its one of the most fascinating joyrides, its more satisfying to go on you own/rented vehicle with your friends and family. Not only will you have total control to your destination, but you also will have the option to stay longer at each place and choose whatever route you may want to take! 🙂
Where to Stay
There are a wide variety of hotels, resorts, and lounges to choose from depending on where you would take your stop at night. Vigan has a lot of hotels themselves, so as Laoag City. Though there are hotels and resorts in between these two capitals which you will find very interesting. Try out Playa Tropical Resort before proceeding to Laoag. You may also have your hotel at Pagudpod – Saud Beach Resort/Hannah Beach Resort etc – upon going back. It’s basically your choice and preference.
The Budget
You would basically set your budget on where to stay, what to eat, and on what souvenirs to buy rather than thinking about entrance fees and environmental fees. Though if you would try some adventures along the way, then it would cost you 2500php per 4×4 vehicle (good for 5 persons) at the Paoay Sand Dunes and 300php one-way zipline at the Narvacan Adventure Zone.
For the most part, entrances to museums range from 15php to 30php per person. It will cost you around 50php per person when going to some well-known tourist destinations like the Kapurpurawan rock formations but mostly – the best things in life will absolutely be FREE!
Ilocos Sur mixes it’s historical facade with modern adventure nowadays! You would be astonished by the preservation of almost century old houses, churches, and towers – yet also enjoy the thrilling adventure along the road which features zip lines, bunjee jumping, and kayaking. You could also find distinguished Ilocano recipes, pottery making stores, and even museums that show how people lived in the Old times.
The list below is arranged to what you could visit first. So feel free to follow it and add your own along the way. Have a great ride!
Quirino Bridge
Ilocos Sur welcomes your journey with the Quirino bridge. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful bridges in the Philippines, crossing people from the Abra River that runs below it. It’s beauty not only comes from the elegant architectural design, but also by the majestic mountains that enclose it. At present, you will see both Old and New Qurino Bridges. The Old bridge was unfortunately destroyed by typhoon Ferya. It is still preserved as a tourist attraction and is filled with different thrilling adventures.
The Old Quirino bridge – now only open for tourists, not vehicles.
Narvacan Adventure Zone
Along the Old Quirino Bridge, the locality offers travelers to test their courage thru different thrilling rides. Currently it only features zip lines that let you enjoy a great view of the Abra river and the Quirino Bridges altogether! The Bunjee jumping and Kayaking however are projects still in progress – and we can’t wait for it to finish. Imagine ziplining, then immediately bunjee down the river, then Kayak back up the bridge!
Crossing the Abra River on a Zipline.
Bantay Bell Tower
Located at Bantay Ilocos Sur and built on 1591, the Bell Tower is one of the oldest historical architecture in the Philippines from the Spanish times. These bell towers in the old times were normally separted from the church they serve and mostly are made of bricks – St. Augustine Church is a few yards away from here. Imagine a structure standing for more than 400 years! It shows how sturdy those brick makers master their craft. Wish today’s engineers follow the same quality in their plans as well.haha 🙂
The Bell Tower built in 1591.
St. Agustine Church
Just beside the Bell Tower is St. Agustine Church – commonly known as the Bantay church. It was established in 1590 and considered to be one of the oldest church in the Ilocos region. It got its name from the word `Bantay` which means to guard – in the Spanish era, it was used as a watchtower to overseer pirates and guard activities around the area.
Locally known as Bantay Church – guarding the town for half a millennia.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Located at the central plaza (Plaza Salcedo) of Vigan. Being one of the most influenced cities of the Spanish era, religion and history are one and the same at Vigan. A side note worth knowing – Vigan is a small city and most tourist places here can be done on foot. Well if you could stand the heat of course..
St. Paul’s Cathedral at the central plaza of Vigan.
Calle Crisologo
Located at the heart of Vigan, Calle Crisologo is the most famous destination in the city. It let’s you reminisce and have a glimpse of houses in the old times. It’s best to travel here via a `kalesa` or horse chariot, then go back on foot. It features a wide array of souvenir shops show boating vintage Ilocano delicacies like `Kalamay` and the `Kulangot` (translated to Bugger in english.lol).
Live and enjoy the beauty of the past at Calle Crisologo.
Crisologo Museum
Still at Vigan, feel free to roam around the museum and be amazed on the antiquities here. Have your guide show and explain every object in the room and you’ll be surprised how they were used in those old times
The Crisologo Museum shows how it looks like to live in the past as an elite.
Baluarte ni Singson
Chavit Singson is one of the popular names in Ilocos, and the Baluarte became one of the major attractions in Vigan. It’s basically a zoo of animals which are featured all around the compound. Though many people are having debates on the captivity of these wild animals, many people still visit the place to find these rare animals out of the wilderness. You can drive thru it or just take a tricyle and support the livelihood of the people here. 🙂
How about featuring a sheep for change?
Father Jose Burgos Museum
Not far from the center of town – about 15min walk is the Father Jose Burgos Museum. Father Burgos was one of the priest who were victimed by Spanish cruelty and wrongly executed because of mutiny. His house became a national museum portraying different photographs, paintings, antiquities, and jewelries of the late priest.
A 15 minute walk from the central plaza, have a historical learning at the Burgos Museum.
Cafe Leona
On the north end of Calle Crisologo, lies an old style restaurant featuring savory Ilocano dishes! Enjoy mouth watering `lutong Ilocano` food at a very cheap price. Perfect during lunch time!
A taste of `lutong Ilocano` at Cafe Leona.
Cafe Uno
A 10 minute walk going East from Calle Crisologo, you would find a modern cafeteria with an exquisite old fashioned design. It features mainly Ilocano Dishes and also lost Ilocano dishes like the `Kulintipay`. It’s a popular shell dish not only because of it’s taste but because it is used as windows in the old days.
Modern style, old Ilocano Cuisine at Cafe Uno.
Continuing up north after Vigan, the adventure is not yet done. Ilocos Norte, like its southern counterpart, also exhibit the widespread influence of Spanish colonization. It is also home of former President Marcos – one of the most prestigious presidents of the Philippines.
Welcome to the North
The list below is arranged to what you could visit first. So feel free to follow/alter it and add your own along the way. Once again, have a great ride!
Playa Tropical Resort
Balinese inspired design. Complete with all elements of a beautiful sunset, a gentle ocean breeze, a beautifully gardenzed landscapes, fine grained sand beaches, and Filipino hospitality – all in one place.
To get here – From the main highway of Cabugao-Batac upon reaching the town of San Simon, take the route to the left to Curimao-Pangil highway. Though you could follow the main highway to start your journey of the northern region in Batac City – we opt to take a detour and spend the night at this very beautiful and affordable resort.
Enjoy Ilocano hospitality at its best at Playa Resort.
Paoay Church
Following the Paoay-Curimao road up north, you would reach another centuries old church, it has very well been restored and repaired to a very beautiful and historical architecture in the Philippines. A very wide broad church that even features churchyard filled with lots and lots of flowers and beautiful landscape designs. Truly a sight of wonder and religion.
A facade that not only have seen the Philippine history, but also looks forward to its future.
Batac Church
Going east from Paoay Church, you will reach Batac City (hometown of Marcos) – and there another round of history awaits. The Batac Church built in 1587 still stands on its original lot even after dozens of restorations done to it. This shows how people treasure their religion and history altogether.
Batac Church at the town’s central district.
Marcos Museum
Just a few steps away from Batac Church, you will now know how the people at Ilocos love the former President Marcos. The Marcos Museum features all about him. From his student days, how he topped the bar, the anomalies he exposed during his senate and congressman days, his days at war, his lovelife with Imelda, his rise to presidency, until his departure and death – it’s all here (Even the wax copy of Marcos’ deceased body). With so many projects compared to all presidents combined, a very stable economy, and the most powerful nation in Asia during his time – It’s no wonder people here consider him the hero of the Nation in one way or another.
Some of Marcos’ name plate during his stay on the Philippine government.
Paoay Lake
From Batac, we travel back to Paoay and follow the National highway going north. After a long way up, you would see Paoay Lake on the east side. A historical lake which came about as legends say: “Paoay was once a village which prospered in a lot of ways, the people became greedy that the gods submerged the village into a body of water, turning all villagers to fishes with their jewelries still attached. It is said until today, that fishermen caught fishes with jewelries in them”. Paoay lake could also be enjoyed by riding a wooden raft prepared by the locals. Just take note to ready those biceps, as the wind in here is not a joke.
Paoay lake taken from the viewdeck along the highway.
Paoay Sand Dunes
Travel up north for 5 minutes and find a diversion road to the west side to the most famous and biggest sand dune in Ilocos. The Paoay Sand Dune not only brings you a blinding view of the beautiful sand sculptures but also give you a chance to cross them using a 4×4 drive. Riding on a 4×4 is a great way (or maybe the only way) to coast thru the sand). Locals created a track to which travelers would get an adrenaline rush thru the ups and downs.
Moreover, a stop over here would only mean – SAND SURFING!!! You’ll have an unlimited tries to take on the challenge of sand surfing and feel the thrill as you go down the slopes!
Let’s get ready for sand surfing at Paoay Sand Dunes
Malacañang of the North
Go back the main highway then travel back north for another 5 minutes and find a path to the right going to the house of the president at Ilocos – also dubbed as the “Malacañang of the North. Again, you would see the appreciation they have to Marcos’ projects and accomplishments.
The Malacañang of the North taken from the guard post.
Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino
You could opt to see/stay at Fort Ilocandia if you have want. You would have to go back on the National road then left thru Federico Farinas Avenue straight to the Resort. It’s the only 5 star hotel in the Northern Ilocos Region so its quite expensive to stay the night.
Fort Ilocandia’s main entrance depicting the bravery of Ilocanos.
Laoag Sinking Bell Tower
Follow the main highway up north and you would see signs taking you to Laoag City – the captial of Ilocos Norte. Here you will find mostly similar city restaurants and hotels. But in the middle of the modern setting lies a hole in the past. The Singking Bbell Tower (built in 1612) sits at the middle of the Plaza. It is considered to be the biggest tower in the Philippines, and got it’s name because every year the tower sinks to the ground due of loose soil. Though ultimtely closed and unpassable, people still garden around the Church and preserve its historical essence.
The Sinking Bell Tower – a crack at history on the Region’s most modern city.
Ilocos Norte Museum
Also at the city of Laog lies the museum that depicts lifestyle of the Filipinos in the old times. Here you will also encounter ancient artifacts that were basis of modern equipments today. Though most rural areas in the Philippines still use some of these to some extent.
A glimpse of the past at Ilocos Norte Museum.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is found at the municipality of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It was built in 1892 and lights the way for several ships in the South China Sea. The old lighthouse is said to be of service as of now. Tourist may opt to go inside the lighthouse and see the beautiful oceanscape of the sea.
To get here, just follow the main highway from Laoag city going north until you reach Burgos Municipality. There will be a signboard going right that will lead you on top of a hill. For vehicles that could not climb the steep slope, or when parking space is already used up atop the hill, you could park your vehicle at the base and just hike on foot! It’s quite a long way up though. No parking fee needed.
A great facade – the lighthouse that guides ships for a century.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formations
Going back to the main highway, continue traveling north until you reach a noticeable sign going to Kapurpurawan at your left. Kapurpurawan in Ilocano means `very white` – fitting for the gigantic white rocks located near the shore. After registration, travel down the road until you reach a parking space. Travel on foot via a trail route going to the shore. Together with strong winds and crashing waves, the stone formations formed by these elements thru time created a beautiful landscape for tourist and locals alike. Enjoy ice candy while enjoying the scenery! 🙂
A windy day at the Kapurpurawan rock formations.
Bangui Windmills
The windmills that give power to some areas of Pagudpod and Bangui are both a tourist attraction and a huge infrastrucutre investment for the people at Ilocos. Enjoy the windy beaches and bewilder the unscalable windmills upfront.
To reach the windmills, you would take a left detour upon reaching the municipality of Bangui. The detour is quite difficult to see, so its good to make use of those social skills of yours and speak with locals. Upon reaching the windmills, you may want to have a snack first on the restaurants or cafeterias in the sea front while enjoying the view.
One of the windmills protruding along the way to the shore where dozens of windmills still await.
Saud Beach
Pagudpod is the last municipality of Ilocos Norte. Traveling to the east would take you to Region II (Cagayan Valley). A great reward for an exhausting but exhilarating road trip is to swim on Saud Beach. There are quite a number of hotels here that offer you a place to stay like the famous Saud Beach Resort and Hannah Beach Resort. You could also do a lot of side-trips to the places close by – Lover’s Rock, Bantay Abot Cave, Maira ira Cove..etc.
Saud Beach.
Bantay Abot Cave and Timmantang Rock
Another beautiful rock formations you could visit in Pagudpod are the Bantay Abot Cave and Timmantang Rock. These two rocks are inseparable and believe to be lovers back from ancient times thus, they are called as “Lover’s Rock”. They are situated along the coastline of Sitio Gaoa, Balaoi Pagudpod.
Patapat Bridge
Alas! The end of Region 1! It’s a journey halfway home from here. This bridge is one of Marcos’ famous projects connecting Regions 1 and 2. The former highway here is a very steep and dangerous road trail with no safety elements around. Another reason why people at Ilocos love Marcos. 🙂
Patapat Bridge – connecting Ilocos and Cagayan
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