Exploring ILOCOS: Pagudpud, Laoag and Vigan | Travel Blog 2018

Sunny days already ended two months ago and this is certainly a long overdue post! But yeah, I'm still sharing my unforgettable trip up north last April. It's gonna be quite long, but definitely worth reading, especially if you're planning a quick getaway filled with heart-racing adventures, gastronomic treats and historical encounters!

So let's go and explore ILOCOS!

PLACES

The itinerary given by the travel agency set my expectations for this 3-day tour. Of course what I'll be wearing for a day will depend on the places that we'll visit and the activities prepared for us. However, I was so sure that it won't be followed by our driver/tour guide.

Oh God, I was so right.

It's not a bad thing tho, because Sir Danny (our driver) knows Ilocos really well, he sure does know where to go first. So we went straight to Paoay, Ilocos Norte, off to try the highlight of our tour---first thing in the morning and on our first day! 

DAY 1: My first time to try sand boarding and scream my lungs out during the 4x4 ride! It was crazy yet surreal! I would love to do it again, if not for the fee..hehe! Not for the faint-hearted, because it is certainly a one wild ride!

Literally with sands on my hair, I battled the scorching heat of the sun, just to marvel at the nostalgic beauty of the Saint Augustine Church, popularly known as Paoay Church.

After an hour, we went to President Ferdinand Marcos' museum also dubbed as the "Malacañang of the North". What made the place stood out is the beautiful balcony overlooking the lake of Paoay. 

DAY 2: Visited the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (Burgos, Ilocos Norte) early in the morning. The place is a bit scary yet so beautiful. Still standing strong after more than 100 years, while carrying a bunch of creepy stories on the side.

Of course I cannot miss the beach! But before that, we had  quick side trip at Timangtang Rock Formation and Bantay Abot Cave (Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte), also dubbed as the "Lover's Rock"

Actually, Bantay Abot Cave is a hill with a hole. It was wrecked by an earthquake, creating the 'hole' where the waves were free to flash inside its walls. 

Now I'm ready to splash! Woohoo!

Locals claim that Hannah's Beach Resort is the Boracay of the North. And yeah, very close! Though I would compare it to Baler instead, since the waves are really big---like you can actually surf :) 


It may look like I'm enjoying the sun so much, but to tell you the truth, it's burning like fire on my skin! The sun's heat felt like it's 12 noon, but actually, it's only 9 o'clock in the morning!

Time to shake off the salt and sand on my hair---of course with the help of the strong winds at Bangui Wind Farm. 

It was my first-time to see, feel and 'hug' (yeah, and they're HUGE!) true windmills! They stood tall and majestic, delivering great power in a very natural manner. And for a little trivia, did you know that this is the largest wind farm in Southeast Asia? Wow!

DAY 3: Jumped out of bed at 4 AM and hit the road at 5. We're on the last day of our tour *sniff* though with a heavy heart (because I would love to stay for a few more days..), I looked forward to cap off the trip with a handful of exciting places to visit for DAY 3!

The first side trip was at a Tobacco Plantation. Another first-time for me! I'm not a fan of the end-product, but I'm glad to see an actual tobacco plant and be surrounded by lots of them! Of course I won't miss this very "instagrammable" setting!

Our next stop was at a Pagburnayan Shop, a jar making place. Anything 'crafty' entices me, and I salute these jar makers that we met for possessing those very skillful hands---turning the clay soil into beautiful jars and pots. 

Tried making one, but I failed. So I just pretended to look cool on the picture instead! Nice background, huh :)

Another museum that we visited was the Crisologo Museum, wherein we were obliged to donate before we enter. The curator, who happens to be an old, sophisticated woman, was so strict and nosey. Well I always take my time whenever I visit places like this: I would read postings, take photos and inspect memorabilia very closely---and she doesn't like that. 

Good thing she gave up after a while...YES!

Time to grab some refreshments and cool down a bit, so we stop at the Hidden Garden in Vigan. Picture-perfect place for plant lovers! Refreshing in the eyes and also for the lungs! Breathed so much fresh air in this place that it made me sleepy. 

Now off to Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson's Baluarte! This zoological park also known as the fortress of Vigan is where you'll find Chavit's very own Safari Gallery (houses taxidermed rare animals from his hunting quests), the Baluarte Zoo, and his golden mansion. 

We explored its vast area by foot, though you can opt to ride a shuttle (for 100 PHP). Animal encounters were offered too, like touch the tiger, kiss the seal, etc. (with corresponding fees of course). But the good thing here was the fact that entrance is absolutely FREE. 

But the place I really look forward to in this trip was Calle Crisologo. I cannot miss this heritage site for real! However, I was a little disappointed because the place was too crowded when we arrived (since Vigan City was the host for the National Games that time). Worried that I won't be able to take decent photos *sniff*

Still, the history embedded within the preserved walls and along the unpaved street was something that is more than the pictures that will ever be taken here. 

And that's it! The end my Ilocos adventure! Oh hello there, Bantay Church Bell Tower :)

FOOD

I guess the highlight of my 3 days and 2 nights stay in Ilocos were my gastronomic encounters! Ilocano dishes were one of the best Filipino dishes I've ever had--I swear!

Now here are some of the authentic dishes I've tried (excluding the street foods, and quick snacks we had; too hungry to even take photos of them). Serve yourself!

Ilocos Bagner with KBS (Kamatis, Bagoong and Sibuyas)

Igadu

Bagoong Rice 

Dinuguan

Poqui-Poqui

Ilocos Pakbet

Seafood Platter 

WRAP-UP

We booked the trip under NorthMaster Travel and Tours. It was a joined tour, I was with my boyfriend and a friend. Reservation costs 500.00 PHP, but it was deducted from the total cost. 

We had a comfortable road travel, together with the other 12 joiners. Our driver/tour guide, Sir Danilo Talampas or Sir Danny, is really funny and very accommodating. He's actually the best in his team! If you are interested to arrange a special/exclusive tour bound to Ilocos with him (which I would totally recommend), don't be shy to shoot me a message. 

Here's the breakdown of my expenses for this trip:

Transportation / Lodging / Entrance Fees: 

P 2,300.00

Sand dunes & 4X4: 

P 500.00

Food / Water: 

P 1,000.00

Pasalubong / Others: 

P 2,000.00

More or less, just prepare 5K-6K, and you're good to go! I bought a lot of 'pasalubong' for really good deals, like bawang and sibuyas na tagalog (native garlic and onions), Sukang Ilocos (Ilocos Vinegar), Honey, Vigan longganisa, Ilocos Bagnet, etc. The food here was really cheap, so you can definitely spoil your tummy without breaking the bank. 

Hope you enjoyed this post, as much as I did! I guess there's a need to share my skincare tips which helped me survived the heat of ILOCOS! 

Share your experiences with me as well, comment down below! I'll be happy to hear your Ilocos stories too---may it be bad or good :) 

Going places with a happy heart...