Ilocos a blast from the past!

Summer - April 2018. It was a short trip to Ilocos Region on a 3 days and 2 night’s tour as a joiner. I bet it is cheaper, easy on the pocket and very reasonable especially if we have same wavelength, solo and a backpacker. Tons of travel agencies are existing out there and they are offering similar tours at the same value. Facebook has evolved already as market place with all sort of things including travels so you can find plenty of them.

Make sure to read reviews and check badge or any proof like counts of likers and followers and even site or page impression. So thanks to Facebook, my Ilocos trip became a reality. The good thing about being a joiner is that, transportation, accommodation, tours and even the food (sometimes exclusive in the package) are inclusive. All you need to do is to pay and enjoy!

One of the best destinations in the Northern Luzon is perhaps the llocos Region. Approximately (8) eight hours away from the Metro via bus and van or you can reach Ilocos via plane bound to Laoag International Airport, the only airport in the northernmost by geographical location. Ilocandia is located in the northwestern coast of Luzon Island.

Pagudpud, Laoag, and Vigan are the three must see places in Ilocandia. Pagudpud and Laoag are in Ilocos Norte while Vigan is in Ilocos Sur. From a budget of not less than Php 3,000.00, you will be able to see these three main attractions in the region. You will need to add Php 2,000.00+ perhaps for souvenir shopping and other activities exclusive on the tour package.

The tour begins from North to South so Pagudpud and Laoag are the first places to visit and Vigan in the South will be the last day before heading back to Manila.

Pagudpud

Town in the northern coast of Ilocos Norte and the farthest among the three. This spot is a safe haven for beach lovers and surfers due to its unique location facing the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) where waves are strong. Pagudpud is rich and known for its wide long stretch white sand beaches. Must see visit here is the Bangui Windmills, 20 units of 70 meters long wind turbines and one of Southeast Asia’s biggest wind farms after Burgos wind farm. 40-50% of Ilocos Norte’s electricity power are coming from the wind turbines that provides sustainability in lowering the carbon emission footprints.

Hannah’s Beach Resort and Blue Lagoon, one of the emerging top spot destination in Ilocos Norte is also located in Pagudpud and a true crown jewel. This is a seven-hectare exclusive resort surrounded with majestic mountain and cliffs and the turquoise water.

Laoag

The capital of Ilocos Norte, the center of political, education, commercial and industrial hub. Laoag is among the oldest and ancient city in the country, originally founded in the late 1500’s but city hood abound in 1965. Bordering by the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), it is one of the largest cities in the region of Ilocos. Tour heritage sites is of the main attractions in the city featuring Spanish colonial structures, the St. Augustine Church also known as Paoay Church, a baroque church and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site which was completed after 16 years since the groundbreaking in 1694 until finally done in 1710.

Trip to Laoag without able to experience the La Paz Sand Dunes would not be worth it. La Paz Sand Dunes is among official tourist attractions in the city. This is a protected sandy coastal and beach with 85 square kilometer range.

Vigan

Founded during the Spanish regime in the Philippines, Vigan is one of the oldest city in the country. Vigan is among the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the home of old Spanish colonial towns featuring Spanish ancient architecture that survives over the (4) four centuries. Founded in 1572, Vigan has officially became a city in 2001 and in 2015; it was recognized as one of the New 7 wonders cities in the world. Saint Paul's Metropolitan Cathedral and Calle Crisologo are the best top spots in Vigan.

Ilocos Norte