Visiting Ilocos Norte marks the start of the second half of my goal in exploring all the eighty two provinces of the Philippines.
Actually, this is not my first visit in Ilocos Norte. In 2020, just before the lockdown, I was able to go here twice for a business trip. So I didn’t count that visit as part of my #PHProvinces journey because I wasn’t not able to explore the place.
Since I had a time and my workload wasn’t that heavy that week, I decided to book a flight via Philippine Airlines going to Laoag. I can’t remember the last time I departed at NAIA Terminal II, so I was so surprised about some changes I saw. They added new furniture and mini garden. According to the Department of Tourism, they want to showcase how beautiful the Philippines is and how talented the Filipinos are thru this project. The solihiya panels, furniture and lamps added a warm and cozy vibe while the mini gardens gave a “fresh” feel of the area. I sat in one of the new lounging areas to charge my phone. Since I arrived early for my flight, I worked on some emails and then played an online games to kill time. Just recently, I discovered a cool website that offers a variety of online games while looking for a gift to my niece who loves to play LEGO. That’s where I saw LEGO City Adventures Build and Protect which I had fun playing in the past few days building my own virtual city using virtual Lego pieces and characters. A few minutes after, we were called for boarding and after an hour, I landed at Laoag Airport
I also booked my stay at the same hotel where we stayed before which was Viven Hotel. It’s a decent hotel in the area and the location for me gave so much convenience because it was just a few steps the mall and other business centers. I rested in my first day as the coming days would be packed with activities that would exhaust the energy of your thirty-plus uncle. :p
Day one.
Suba Paoay Sand Dunes. This is actually what I was excited for this trip. I’ve been looking forward to try this experience because I find it thrilling. The activity cost P2500/truck for a maximum of 5 pax. They are open as early as 4AM until 7PM. Best time to go is either early in the morning or in time for the sunset. We arrived late morning so it was freaking hot. The activity would last for an hour where you get to try sandboarding, visiting installation arts by Filipino artists like Leeroy New and Raphael David, and of course the thrilling ride along the uneven slopes of the dunes.
Right after the sand dunes, we visited the picturesque St. Augustine Church or famously called the Paoay Church. This is the church in our history books with a distinct architecture, huge buttresses and an interesting façade that somehow looks like a triangle. There are also cafes and restaurants within the complex, mostly are located in front of the church like Don Empanada, Strasbourg Café, and Papa Nards House of Chicken Inasal. Don’t forget to try bagnet and Ilocos empanada.
Right after our lunch at Paoay, we then went to Malacanang of the North (Balay Ti Amiannan). For an entrance fee of ten pesos, you get to visit the former residence of the Marcos Family. It is now a presidential museum displaying some paintings and remaining family possessions. Some were labeled with “Pls. Do Not Touch” signage on a masking tape. :p
Beach time! But before that, we visited first the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse which is also in my bucket list. I could let go some places in my Ilocos Norte itinerary but not this one. Aside from the visiting all the provinces, I would also like to visit all the centuries-old lighthouse in the country. What impressive about this lighthouse is that it is still serving its purpose and is well-maintained. The beam is now coming from a solar-powered modern electric lamp. There is also a mini museum inside. Tour guides can take a nice photo of you in some of the IG-worth spots within the area. Don’t forget to tip them after. There is a pasalubong center there where you can buy souvenirs. For me, they offer the cheapest pasalubongs here as compared to other stores in Ilocos Norte.
Our next stop is Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation. This famous rock formation is one of the must see in Ilocos Norte. But you have to walk more or less 20 minutes before you can reach the dedicated viewing deck. You can also rent a horse if you do not want to walk. Tourists are no longer allowed to come closer for safety reasons. Actually, it is really best viewed from a distance. Aside from the rock formation, you can already see some windmills in the area.
After the Kapurpurawan, we went to the famous Blue Lagoon. Along the way, you can stop and take a snap at Timmangtang Rock and Bantam Abot Cave. At the Blue Lagoon, only small resorts, hotels and homestays are currently operating when we visited. The huge resort complex with lame installations was still closed.
Final stop for this Ilocos Norte trip was the Patapat Viaduct. The most scenic and most photographed viaduct in the country I guess. It became a popular destination but you just have to be very careful when walking or crossing the road as it is still a busy road. After Patapat Viaduct, you will pass by a grotto and spring if you are going to Cagayan.
We spent a night in Tuguegarao City before our flight back to Manila the next morning. Don’t forget to try their famous pancit batil patong!
SAMPLE ITINERARY IN ILOCOS NORTE
Flight Manila to Laoag via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific
Check in at Viven Hotel (I used this link for discounted rates)
DAY 1
1. Suba Paoay Sand Dunes
2500/Truck max of 5
Opens at 4am to 7pm (Best time to go early morning or sunset, bring drinking water)
2. Paoay Church (St. Augustine Church)/ Lunchtime
*Where to Eat
a. Don Empanada
b. Strasbourg Cafe
c. Ilocos Coffee Plus
d. Papa Nards House of Chicken Inasal
e. Elias ( pasalubongs)
3. Malacanang of the North
P10/head
9am – 430pm
4. Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino
5. Laoag City Proper
a. Sinking Bell Tower
b. St. William’s Cathedral
c. Aurora Park (Abolition of Tabacco Monopoly Monument)
d. Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol
DAY 2
1. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Walk or trike (P10/head)
Entrance fee P10/head
Souvenir shops
8am – 5pm only
2. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
P20/head
P100 Horseback riding
3. Bangui Windmills
4. Blue Lagoon
10 pesos/head
Other attractions
– Timmangtang Rock
– Bantam Abot Cave
DAY 3
5. Kabigan Waterfalls
6. Patapat Viaduct
7. Paraiso ni Anton ( Kalbaryo-Patapat Natural Park)
Roadside attraction, cascading spring water and grotto.
You can also visit some places in Cagayan if you are planning to fly back via Tuguegarao Airport.