Discovering Ilocos, Northern Luzon
The Ilocos Region is an administrative region of the Philippines, comprising four provinces in the northwestern part of Luzon: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. This time, I explored Laoag and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, and Vigan in Ilocos Sur, located in the northernmost part of the Ilocos region. These places are renowned for their unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making them a must-visit.
Whether you’re fascinated by historical buildings, enchanted by beautiful beaches, or eager to savor delicious local cuisine, Ilocos has something delightful for everyone. Come and experience the magic of Ilocos!
How to Get to the Ilocos Region
Getting to the beautiful Ilocos Region from Manila is an adventure in itself, with a few exciting options to choose from! You can take a quick one-hour flight from Manila to Laoag Airport, or if you prefer a scenic journey, hop on a bus to Laoag, which takes about 8 hours. From Laoag, you can easily catch a bus or van to Claveria, Cagayan, passing through the picturesque town of Pagudpud.
For my trip, I started from Angeles City, Pampanga, where I live, and made my way to Cubao, Quezon City, Manila. From there, I took an overnight bus to Laoag. You might wonder why I went to Manila first. Well, the bus to Laoag departs from Manila, and the bus that arrived in Pampanga was already full, so I couldn’t get a seat. But this little detour added to the excitement of my journey!
Pagudpud
Pagudpud is a charming coastal town in the Ilocos Norte region, often dubbed the “Boracay of the North” for its stunning white beaches.
Popular tourist attractions in Pagudpud include the Bangui Windmill, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, and Bantay Abot Cave. My adventure began with a bus ride from Manila at 9 PM, arriving in Pagudpud at 5 AM. A friendly tricycle driver greeted me at the bus stop, and I decided to let him guide me around the local attractions. Our first stop was the Pagudpud Windmill, where massive windmills lined the coast, creating an awe-inspiring sight. The sea was crystal clear, and the gentle breeze was incredibly refreshing. I couldn’t resist picking up some windmill keychains and T-shirts from the souvenir shop.
Next, we headed to Kabigan Falls. We took a tricycle to the village, and from there, we hiked up a scenic mountain path for about 30 minutes with a guide. The waterfall, standing at about 80 meters high, was a breathtaking sight, and the cool splashes were invigorating. You can even take a dip in the waterfall’s pool, though the water is quite chilly.
Although there are other beautiful beaches and rock formations to explore, we had to cut our visit short due to rain. The tricycle driver kindly took me back to the bus stop, and I caught a bus to Laoag just before noon.
Laoag
Laoag, the vibrant capital of Ilocos Norte, is fondly known as the “Sunshine City” and is brimming with religious, historical, and cultural treasures. Must-see spots in Laoag include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paoay Church and the grand Malacañang of the North. I arrived in Laoag, just an hour south of Pagudpud, and after dropping off my luggage at the hotel, I eagerly set out to explore the city.
In the heart of the city stands a charming red brick bell tower, which is said to sink a little bit each year. Its rustic charm beautifully contrasts with the modern buildings surrounding it. My next destination was the magnificent Saint Augustine Church, so I headed to the jeepney terminal. After a scenic hour-long jeepney ride to Paoay, I arrived at the church.
Saint Augustine Church, a World Heritage Site, boasts an imposing stone exterior and stunning decorations that left me in awe. There’s also a fascinating museum next to the church. The next morning, I hopped on a bus to my next exciting destination, Vigan. With hourly buses, the wait was minimal, and I was soon on my way to more adventures.
Vigan
Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ilocos Sur, is a charming city known for its beautifully preserved Spanish-era houses. Strolling along the cobblestone streets, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. I took a bus from Laoag and arrived in Vigan in about two hours. After leaving my luggage at the hotel, I eagerly set out to explore the city.
Vigan boasts numerous Spanish colonial buildings from the 16th century, and the entire city is a World Heritage Site. Crisologo Street, Vigan’s main thoroughfare, is lined with stunning Spanish-style buildings along the cobblestone road. You’ll find delightful souvenir shops, cozy cafes, and inviting restaurants. For a truly enchanting experience, you can even ride a horse-drawn carriage around the city.
While Vigan is charming during the day, it transforms into a magical wonderland at night. The lamplight and historic buildings create a fantastic atmosphere. Since it was the Christmas season, the fountains in the park and the churches were beautifully lit up, adding to the romantic ambiance. Vigan is a perfect destination for couples and families looking to create unforgettable memories.
Summary
In this article, we introduced a joyful trip to Pagudpud, Laoag, and Vigan in Ilocos Province, located in the northern part of Luzon, Philippines. Each destination offers its own unique attractions and rich history. If you have the opportunity to visit the Philippines, make sure to explore these enchanting places!
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