A place where nature and history collide, Ilocos  is truly a great place to visit. From the historical streets of Vigan to the great formations of sand dunes in Paoay, Ilocos is near to perfection when it comes to rest and recreation.

Calle Crisologo, Vigan

Photos by: Mark Albert Alejo Cruz

 The most famous and major tourist magnet in Vigan, Calle Crisologo is full of Spanish-styled houses that gives people of this generation a glimpse of the Spanish era. This street also features the prosperous lifestyle of the said era because of the Manila-Acapulco trade.

Pagudpud Beaches

Saud Beach Resort in Pagudpud

Saud Beach – one of the finest beaches in the Philippines, Saud beach is actually what people usually refer to when they talk about Pagudpud beach. The beach boasts of white sandy shores with a great backdrop of coconut palm trees arrayed beautifully perfect for a humming sound and gentle breeze during one’s stay here.

Saud Beach

Sunset at Saud

Saud Beach

TRAVEL GUIDE: Saud Beach Resort in Pagudpud

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon – this beach used to be a secret, however, as many tourists find the place to be relaxing and cozy many have to come to see the place themselves. Blue Lagoon also known as Maira-Ira Point is a crescent-shaped beach with soft white sand lining its pristine blue waters. The beach is the perfect place to stay if you want to rest your tired bodies from the day’s event in Ilocos.

Hannah Beach Resort

TRAVEL GUIDE: Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Baluarte

Baluarte ni Chavit

There are two good reasons why you should visit Baluarte, also known as the Fortress: first, because of its mini-zoo that serves as the home of many endemic animals in the Philippines and second, is that it is actually owned by Mr. Chavit Singson, a well-known politician in the country.

More Photos:  Baluarte ni Chavit Singson in Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Dubbed as the tallest lighthouse in the Philippines, Cape Bojeador sets conveniently atop of a hill. The lighthouse is just so tall that it gives the best panoramic view of the South China Sea.

Bangui Windmills

These windmills have become one of the major attractions of Ilocos and have since become a symbol for Ilocos Norte. It was constructed primarily to provide electricity throughout the province. It is conveniently located at a 9 kilometer stretch farm that faces the South China Sea, the right spot for strong winds.

More Photos: Bangui Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Found in the rocky parts of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, these rock formations cannot be classified as something common as they are formed over years and years to a formation that you’d unexpectedly see. For some reasons, seeing Kapurpurawan Rocks makes you realize that when nature works, it’s definitely something that no human can ever accomplish.

More Photos: Kapurpurawan Rock Formations

Kabigan Falls, Pagudpud

If you are on a tour to Pagudpud, don’t miss visiting the Kabigan Falls. It’s a good breather actually to have about 30-40 minutes lazy trekking en route to Kabigan and swim into its concave basin or simply enjoy the bountiful trees and ferns surrounding the mighty falls.

Bell Tower Bantay, Ilocos Sur

Sitting on top of a hill, the historical Bantay Belfry is not only a must-see sight in Ilocos because of its historic and cultural significance but also because of the panoramic view of the entire Ilocos Sur when one goes to its top part.

St. Augustine Church in Paoay

The Paoay Church’s history is dated back in 1694 when its construction was started by the Augustinian friars. If you’ll look at it, the church’s design is a combination of Oriental, Baroque and Gothic styles. The Paoay Church has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Paoay Sand Dunes

Who says you need to go to Dubai to experience sand boarding and dune bashing? Our very own Paoay Ilocos Norte boasts its sand dune adventure and sport for its tourists who wish to try how it feels like playing in the sand. Sand dunes in Paoay is uniquely Ilocos.

Marcos Museum

The late president Ferdinand Marcos hails from Ilocos and what better way to commemorate his life, works and even visit his mausoleum than visiting the Marcos Museum. Tourists, especially students will be informed of his lifeworks thru getting to know him and looking at his memorabilias. The mausoleum is also inside the museum where anyone can have a glimpse of his body being preserved. There is a 5-peso entrance fee and no cameras allowed inside the mausoleum.

Malacanang of the North

This tourist spot is also called as the Malacanang ti Amianan as the locals dub it. The Malacanang of the North is a 2-storey mansion in a 5-hectare land located at Baranagay Suba, Paoay Ilocos Norte. This has been the official rest house of the late President Ferdinand Marcos whenever the family goes to Ilocos. It also became an alternative venue to receive foreign dignitaries as well as locals. Inside the mansion is a museum which is divided into three parts- the National Building Gallery, The Diplomacy gallery, and the agriculture room.

 Patapat Viaduct

The Patapat Viaduct is a road an elevated coastal bridge with a distance of 1.3 kilometers. It gives a nice view of the elevated concrete road winding along the mountainside of the municipality of Pagudpud. It was constructed to solve the landslides with causes many accident especially during rainy season.

Cabugao Beach Resort

Photo by Gay General

Cabugao Beach Resort is one of the goto beaches in the North. Though far, the beach is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy activities like surfing and diving. It is situated 45 minutes away from the Laoag International Airport with complete amenities like fully air-conditined guestroms, private hot and cold showers, cabana bar and grill, conference or function rooms, beach huts, laundry service and many more.

Pinsal Falls

Pinsal Falls is also known as the “Twin Falls” where it has a height of 85 feet surrounded with nature’s beauty perfect for swimming and going on a picnic. It is located in the town of Santa Maria Ilocos Sur. It has been featured by different travel shows and it was even featured on the famous movie “Panday” by the late Fernando Poe Jr. because of its beauty. Legend has it hat the natural pools found in the site are believed to be the footprint of a giant named Angelo when he was searching for his wife, Aran.

Pagburnayan Pottery Making

Pagburnayan Pottery Making is one of the most frequently visited and photographed tourist spot in Vigan next to Calle Crisologo. It is home to the famous pottery in the Philippined. The locals say that they use the authentic and old method if making jars with the use of a potter’s wheel. The root word “Burnay” is an earthenware jar, which is the ones used by pottery makers while anay is a material that is heated in high temperature heat which makes the jars durable and and hard.

The Sinking Bell Tower

This tower was built in 1612 by the Agustinian Friars and this is one of the noticeable landmark as you enter the city proper of Laoag City in Ilocos Norte. It stands about 45 meters and called with a “sinking” reputation due to the fact that it is just build around a sandy surface and it is believed to be sinking about 1-inch per year. Elderly locals used to say that the anyone can enter the tower on a horseback without stooping. However today, even a person with ordinary height needs to lean forward to enter through the main door of the tower.

Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino

http://www.fortilocandia.com.ph/

The Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino is the only 5-star hotel in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. The classic-Spanish-architecture themed hotel with brick walls lie in a 77-hectare land with casino and golf-course. This was built by former President Ferdinand Marcos just in time for the wedding reception of her youngest daughter- Irene Marcos who wedded Greggy Araneta in 1983.

Juan Luna Shrine

Juan Luna, hero, a well known painter was born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. His infamous painting is the Spolarium and many other renowned paintings. The shrine showcases the legacy of the family. A family gallery as well as vintage photograph of the Luna clan is shown in the museum. It also showcases different palettes done by Juan Kuna himself.