Ilocos is definitely one of the most beautiful and historic places in the Philippines that any traveler should not miss. This booming tourist destination which is located at the Northwest Coast of the country has a lot to offer, from national museums, parks, to beach destinations. In other words, it is an all-in-one vacation spot.
Here are some of the
best places and tourist spots to visit in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur:
Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
This is one of the best places in the country to see Spanish colonial architectures, which have been preserved for more than a hundred years. It was named after Mena Pecson Crisologo, who is among the most-respected sons of Ilocos.
Bantay Bell Tower in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
The top of this tower gives you a magnificient view of the city of Vigan. The Bantay Bell Tower was built in 1591 and is believed to be the second oldest structure in the province.
Baluarte in Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Baluarte is one of the top tourist destinations in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. It is Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson’s home in the province. It covers approximately 20 hectares of land that has a mini zoo, shooting range, and a chapel, among others. The zoo is home to deer, camels, miniature horses, impalas, ostriches, tigers, etc. Chavit Singson lets visitors take rides and visit the animal sanctuary at no charge, saying that it is his gift to the people.
Malacanang of the North, Ilocos Norte
It was built as the official residence of the late President Ferdinand Marcos in Ilocos Norte. This two-story building is complete with bedrooms, a dining area, a kitchen, an office, a spacious ballroom on the second floor, and even had an Olympic-sized swimming pool. At the back of the building, it has an expansive terrace and a beautiful garden with magnificent views of the legendary Paoay Lake.
Sand Dunes in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
While the La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag City is one of the more popular sand dune destinations in Ilocos Norte, the Paoay Sand Dunes is recently gaining popularity to tourists travelling up north. It offers extreme activities for thrill seekers such as the 4x4 off-road vehicle adventure and sand boarding. This mini dessert is an 88-sq km parched paradise that lies adjacent the Suba Beach.
Paoay Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte
The Paoay Church or also known as the San Agustin Church is one of the few remaining Baroque churches in the country. This designated UNESCO world heritage site was built in 1896 by the Augustinian friars using coral bricks. It is certainly a national treasure of Ilocandia and brings along a picturesque view which is truly reminiscent of the Spanish era.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte
This marks the northwestern-most point in Luzon. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It was first lit on March 30, 1892, and is set high on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking Cape Bojeador.
Patapat Viaduct Bridge, Ilocos Norte
The Patapat Viaduct is a 1.3-km long coastal bridge which can be found in the municipality of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte. It is an elevated road of over 30 meters above sea level and the fourth longest bridge in the country. It is said to be the northernmost roadway part of Ilocos Norte, connecting the Maharlika Highway in Laoag to the Cagayan Valley.
Hannah's Resort, Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Pagudpud is popularly known for its beaches and Hannah’s Resort is one of these. It is situated in front of the famous Blue Lagoon, which has captivating crystal clear waters and white sand beach. If you're looking for both exclusivity and luxury, this place is highly recommended.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos, Ilocos Norte
The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a natural beauty of the erosion created by the years and years of crashing ocean waves. It may look like a large dragon watching over the entire coast at a distance. In Ilocano, the word "puraw" means white and thus, it derived its name from its characteristically white color.
Bangui Windmills in Bangui, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte Province is an ideal and economically viable place for wind turbine installation as it tends to have more wind than other provinces in the country. This is due to its location between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Bangui Windmills wind farm in Pagudpud is being recognized as the largest in Southeast Asia. The towers are 60 meters high and are located just 10 meters from the sea edge. Each wind turbine can produce electricity up to a maximum capacity of 1.65MW.
Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
This bell tower at St. William's Cathedral in Laoag City has earned its 'sinking' reputation because it is so heavy and it was built on sandy foundations that it has been consistently sinking into the ground.
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