Water activities such as swimming, boating, island hopping, diving, or lounging by the sea are just some of the nice things to do around the shores. These are just a few activities you can enjoy when you book a hassle-free Ilocos Tour Package.
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Here is my list of 10 Must-See Sights and Must-Visit Places in Ilocos Norte:
1. The Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag
St. William's Cathedral is known for having the famous "Sinking Bell Tower" in Laoag City. The 45-meter bell tower was built by the Augustinians in 1612 and was once one of the tallest bell tower in the Philippines back then.
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| Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag in 2013 |
Although it belongs to St. Williams Cathedral, this structure is 85 meters away from the church. Funny thing, isn't it?
The tower was built duing the Spanish era in the Philippines. It said to be "sinking" since the tower is so heavy and is built on sandy foundations that it has been consistently sinking into the ground.
Location: Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: FREE
2. Bangui Wind Farm
Bangui Windmill is a wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The wind farm uses 20 units of 70-meter high Vestas V82 1.65 MW wind turbines, arranged in a single row stretching along a 9-kilometer shoreline off Bangui Bay, facing the West Philippine Sea.
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| Bangui Windmill in 2013 |
Bangui Wind Farm is the first of its kind in the Philippines.
Location: GPH9+C6H, Bangui, Ilocos Norte
Entrance: FREE
3. Patapat Viaduct
The Patapat Viaduct is an elevated road — over 30 meters above sea level. This 1.3 km long coastal bridge can be found in the municipality of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte.
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| Patapat Viaduct in 2013 |
Connecting the Maharlika Highway in Laoag to the Cagayan Valley, this is a busy street above the coastal areas of Pagudpud. The fourth longest bridge in the country, this winding concrete beauty is said to be the northernmost roadway part of Ilocos Norte.
4. Malacañang of the North
The Malacañang of the North and is a presidential museum in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It was the residence of the family of Ferdinand Marcos when he was the President of the Philippines.
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| Malacañang of the North, Paoay in 2013 |
This was a birthday gift from first lady, Imelda Marcos, to her husband on the occasion of his 60th birthday. (It is named after the official residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines in Manila - the Malacañang Palace.)
It is among a number of properties belonging to the Marcos family which were sequestered by the Philippine Government when President Marcos was removed from power.
Location: 4GHQ+6XV, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Entrance: P20.00
5. Paoay Church
Completed in 1710, the Saint Augustine Church or better known as Paoay Church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building.
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| Paoay Church in 2012 |
It is declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.
Location: Marcos Ave., Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Entrance: Free
6. Paoay Sand Dunes
The Paoay Sand Dunes is an 85-square-kilometre protected sandy coastal desert and beach located in Paoa, Ilocos Norte, in the Philippines. The area is popular for recreational activities such as sandboarding and 4x4 vehicle riding.
Don't get confused, La Paz Sand Dunes is different from Paoay Sand Dunes. The one in Paoay is bigger than La Paz.
Location: Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Entrance: 4x4 ride is P500 per head
7. Blue Lagoon
The beautiful cove named Maira-ira Beach lies in Maira-ira Point, the northern tip of Pagudpud. This beach is more popularly known as Blue Lagoon and is one of the many attractions that the Province of Ilocos Norte has to offer. It has a long stretch of white sands kissed by clear, turquoise blue waters.
Along the road to Blue Lagoon, you will also find Bantay Abot Cave, Timmantang Rock and Dos Hermanos Islands.
Location: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: P30 environmental fee (rates depending on the resort)ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN ILOCOS NORTE
Klook.com8. La Virgen Milagrosa Chapel
Badoc houses the Sanctuary of the Miraculous Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the La Virgen Milagrosa. History traces the life-sized statue to Nagasaki, Japan. It was sent floating in the sea by missionaries operating in secret in Japan (for fear of persecution during the Tokugawa Regime), along with the Miraculous Statue of the Black Nazarene (Sinait’s Santo Cristo Milagroso).
It was first found by local fishermen in the shores of Barangay Dadalaquiten, on the boundary between Sinait and Badoc, in the year 1620. Today The La Virgen Milagrosa is enshrined at the Badoc Church.
Location: WC3V+533, Badoc, Ilocos Norte
9. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Kapurpurawan Rocks are rock formations created by forces of the ocean on the rocky coast of Burgos, located just a few minutes further from the lighthouse.
Location: GMQ3+C9P, Burgos, Ilocos Norte
10. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines.
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| Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in 2012 |
The lighthouse was first lit on March 30, 1892, and is set high on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking the scenic Cape Bojeador where early galleons used to sail by.
Location: Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos, Ilocos Norte
ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA
HOW TO GET TO ILOCOS NORTE
By Air
Air travel is the quickest and most efficient way of getting to Ilocos Norte, but it is also the costliest. Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines offer one-hour flights from Manila Domestic Airport to Laoag Airport.
By Land
Traveling by bus is longer but more economical. The trip takes about 10 to 12 hours via bus lines like Florida and Partas, so it's best to pick a comfortable seat and bring essentials like food, water, and a travel pillow for the long haul.
Driving to Ilocos Norte cuts the 10 to 12-hour trip to nine hours if you take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.
Air travel is the quickest and most efficient way of getting to Ilocos Norte, but it is also the costliest. Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines offer one-hour flights from Manila Domestic Airport to Laoag Airport.
By Land
Traveling by bus is longer but more economical. The trip takes about 10 to 12 hours via bus lines like Florida and Partas, so it's best to pick a comfortable seat and bring essentials like food, water, and a travel pillow for the long haul.
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| Inside Partas bus going to Ilocos in 2013 |
How to Get Around
By JeepThe jeepney is the cheapest mode of transportation and is highly recommended if you want to commute like a local in Ilocos Norte.
By Tricycle
For tourists, tricycles are the most popular means of getting around, especially when trying to get to the remote areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ilocos Norte
- Why should visit Ilocos Norte?
Travel time is usually up to 12 hours, depending on your destination and the traffic. Many buses operate to Ilocos, check out some of your options. - How long is bus from Manila to Ilocos Norte?
The Hundred Islands National Park is the first national park and a protected area located in Alaminos, Pangasinan in the northern Philippines. - What is the culture of Ilocos Norte?
Ilocanos are known to be hardworking and frugal, hardy in the face of adversity. Respect and humility in everyday dealings mark the Ilocano personality; they live simply, concentrating on work and productivity. Local artisans like fabric weavers and potters are famous for their skilled craftwork. - What to wear in Ilocos Norte?
During the hottest season (April to June), it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing to make out the best of your trip to the province. You may also like to get your best swimsuit or Dri-FIT on if you are going to plunge and dive in to the sea and waterfalls in Ilocos Norte. - What does Ilocos Norte known for?
Ilocos Norte is noted for its distinctive geography and culture. This includes numerous examples of well-preserved Spanish colonial era architecture, particularly Saint William's Cathedral in Laoag with its sinking bell tower done in the Earthquake Baroque style, the St.
WHERE TO GO IN ILOCOS?
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WHERE TO STAY IN ILOCOS NORTE:
