Ilocos remains to be one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, despite the fact that it is located in the northernmost part of Luzon. The province is rich in history, littered with natural beauty, and booming with good food.
Take a journey and check out 10 spots you shouldn’t miss in Ilocos…
1. La Paz Sand Dunes
The La Paz Sand Dunes is just a small part of the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes. The sand dunes actually span the town of Currimao to Pasuquin.
Photo by Martin San Diego via NPVB
Go on a 4×4 adventure across the rolling hills and take in the impressive site of the dunes.
There’s also a breathtaking view of the West Philippine Sea when you reach the top.
Photo by Martin San Diego via NPVB
Retreat to the site for a round (or multiple) of sand boarding.
Photo by Martin San Diego via NPVB
If you’re not comfortable with the idea of standing, you still have the option to just sit on the board.
La Paz Sand DunesBrgy. 33 La Paz, Laoag, Luzon 2900, Philippines
2. Bangui Windmills
Iconic but no longer unique to Ilocos, these windmills provide an alternative source of energy for the residents.
From only 20+ windmills seven years ago, they have now grown to over a hundred windmills scattered around the province.
Bangui WindmillsBangui, Ilocos Norte
3. Calle Crisologo
Four blocks of cobblestone streets lined with heritage houses, Calle Crisologo remains to be one of the more touristy areas in Ilocos Sur.
The streets are lined with shops selling souvenir items and dining areas.
Closed to automobiles, the street is instead packed with kalesas.
Calle CrisologoMena Crisologo Street, Vigan, Luzon, Philippines
Related Post: VIGAN Calle Crisologo: 24-Hour Guide to Best Experience Vigan’s Most Beautiful Street! @HotelLuna_Vigan
4. Sitio Remedios
Sitio Remedios is a small complex of old houses quite similar to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan.
In an effort to preserve Ilocona houses up for demoltion, Dr. Joven Cuanang and Architect Rex Hofileña came up with the idea of a heritage village by the sea.
The heritage houses are all open for accommodation.
They look just as beautiful in the morning as they do at night.
The sound of the waves and the sound of wind chimes suspended from the tree will definitely send you to sleep.
Sitio RemediosBrgy. Victoria, Currimao, Ilocos NorteTelephone: +63 0917 332 0217
Email: sitio_remedios@yahoo.com
Facebook: Sitio Remedios
Email: sitio_remedios@yahoo.com
Facebook: Sitio Remedios
5. Saud White Beach
Saud White Beach is often compared to Boracay for its long stretch of white sand.
Photo by Martin San Diego via NPVB
While still not as powdery as the sand in Boracay, Saud tops Boracay if you’re looking for peacefulness. There are less people and establishments, allowing you to just be one with nature.
Saud White BeachPagudpud, Ilocos Norte
6. SEA’s Kichen
Photo by Martin San Diego via NPVB
SEA’s Kitchen is the brainchild of 3 sisters–Sonia, Elizabeth, and Anna.
The promise is to serve healthy and organic food with ingredients freshly picked from their garden. The restaurant operates only on a reservation basis, as the food is only prepared once reservation is confirmed.
A selection of delicious and mouthwatering Mexican- and Spanish-inspired dishes welcomed our group.
SEA’s KitchenBarangay Burayoc, 2919 Pagudpud, Ilocos NorteOperating Hours: 8AM-5PM, By Reservation (thru Facebook) Only, closed on Tuesdays
Facebook: SEA’s Kitchen
Facebook: SEA’s Kitchen
7. Pagburnayan
A trip to Vigan would not be complete without paying a visit to Pagburnayan, the art of clay pottery.
Fidel Antiporda Go is a National Folk Artist, and he has mastered the art of high-heat pottery.
The dark color of the pots sugggest that they were baked in high heat. Lighter or terracotta colored ones are baked in lower temperatures for longer hours.
PagburnayanLiberation Blvd, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
8. Vista del Lago
Vista del Lago, owned by Sammy Blas, is a restaurant by the Paoay Lake that offers Western and International dishes.
Photo by Martin San Diego via NPVB
The interiors are homey and inviting.
And the food is sure to fill a hungry stomach.
If you happen to come here on a full moon, witness the moon rise above the Paoay Lake.
Vista del LagoPaoay Lake, Nagbacalan, Ilocos Norte, PhilippinesOperating Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Telephone: +63 917 729 3074
Facebook: Vista del Lago
Telephone: +63 917 729 3074
Facebook: Vista del Lago
9. Hidden Garden
Hidden Garden started out just as a simple landscaping project for the owners, but has since grown to a restaurant serving the best of Ilocano dishes.
Photo by Martin San Diego via NPVB
Tucked away in a residential area is this massive compound of exquisite landscapes.
Hidden GardenBrgy. Bulala, Vigan City, Ilocos SurOperating Hours: 8AM-8PM
Telephone: +63 906 332-8309
Email: lilongandlilangrestaurant@yahoo.com
Facebook: Hidden Garden Vigan
Website: https://hiddengardenvigan.com
Telephone: +63 906 332-8309
Email: lilongandlilangrestaurant@yahoo.com
Facebook: Hidden Garden Vigan
Website: https://hiddengardenvigan.com
10. Tan-ok Festival
Photo by Martin San Diego via NPVB
We chanced upon the Tan-ok festival during our visit to Ilocos. It is the annual celebration of the joint founding anniversaries of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.
Photo by Martin San Diego via NPVB
As with most festival of festivals, expect all participating municipalities to showcase the best representation of their stories through dance.
No comments:
Post a Comment