This is your complete Ilocos Norte DIY Travel Guide.
Ilocos Norte was my first long travel from Manila (2012) and my first with Team Basti (2013), too (we've been traveling around the Philippines since this one). The trip was very long but the adventure this province can offer is worth it!
Situated on the northwest corner of Luzon, Ilocos Norte is a vacation hotspot because of its impressive shoreline and marvelous terrains. Both the old and new clash and blend in this progressive province as historic structures proudly stand among the developed areas.
Ilocos Norte is also famous for being the home province of Ferdinand Marcos, the longest-serving president of the Philippines.
Loading...
Understanding Ilocos Norte
 |
| Ilocos Norte Welcome Arch from Ilocos Sur Boundary |
Ilocos Norte is a province in the northern Philippines. In the capital Laoag City, grand Paoay Church is a fusion of local and baroque architecture. Farther north, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and the dramatic Kapurpurwan Rock Formation offer panoramic ocean views.
In the province’s northern tip, the town of Pagudpud is known for its beaches, like Blue Lagoon, plus bell-shaped Timmangtang Rock and towering Kabigan Falls.
WHAT TO BRING FOR ILOCOS NORTE
Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:
- Stylish face mask
- Water container/tumbler to rehydrate
- Sunscreen for skin protection
- Goggles for swimming or snorkeling
- Stylish Swimsuit
- Travel backpack / luggage
- Reusable vacuum storage packs
- Selfie stick
- Waterproof phone case
- Acion cam
- Camping tent
- WiFi kit
- Power bank
Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:
HOW TO GET TO ILOCOS NORTE
Before traveling, you might want to check the live weather forecast and updates to make your trip even easier and safer for you. You can also get the latest report for land traffic in Metro Manila and major parts of the Philippines.
 |
| Team Basti 2013 |
Take a bus from Cubao or Pasay to Laoag. It's approximately 12 hours travel fom Manila via land. Or take a plane from Manila straight to Laoag.
On my first visit, me and my co-workers rented a van to take us and tour us around Ilocos provinces - Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. We went straight for a 12-hour drive to Laoag going to Ilocos. Going back, we dropped by Vigan before we headed home in Manila.
ALSO READ: Drive Ilocos to Bicol in eight hours soon!
In 2013, I joined Team Basti's yearly backpacking travel and we chose to drop off Vigan first in the morning before we hop on another bus to Laoag.
Both itineraries worked for me. Just make sure to have at least 4-5 hours for you to tour around Vigan since the city's tourist spots can be accessed via walking or taking a tricycle ride in a few minutes.
 |
| Us watching NBA Finals 2013 at a bus terminal in Laoag |
In 2013, I joined Team Basti's yearly backpacking travel and we chose to drop off Vigan first in the morning before we hop on another bus to Laoag.
Both itineraries worked for me. Just make sure to have at least 4-5 hours for you to tour around Vigan since the city's tourist spots can be accessed via walking or taking a tricycle ride in a few minutes.
For airfare and transportation, you may check PISO FARE promos or you can directly compare air, sea and land travel fare and prices here:
For complete details, visit - LAOAG TRANSPORTATION GUIDE
GETTING AROUND ILOCOS NORTE
Top tourist destinations like Laoag, Paoay and Batac which are located in the central area of Ilocos Norte are connected to each one.BATAC-LAOAG-PAOAY TOUR
You can rent a tricycle (P1500) that is good for 3-4 persons to bring you to main attractions like the San Agustin Church, Paoay San Dunes, Malacañang of the North in Paoay, Marcos Museum in Batac and the Sinking Bell Tower and Museo Ilocos Norte in Laoag.
You can rent another tricycle for roughly the same price to tour you in the connecting towns of Bangui, Burgos and Pagudpud in the northside of the province.
They can bring you to the wind farm in Bangui, Cape Bojeador in Burgos and tour you around Pagudpud where Blue Lagoon and Patapat Viaduct are located in.
However, going to Pagudpud from Laoag need you at least an hour bus ride for less than P100.00.
An adventure to the northern most part of Luzon mainland is awaiting for you to experience the beauty of Ilocos Region.
 |
| Me at Bangui Windmills in 2012 |
Here are some of the things you should know first before going to Ilocos Norte:
- People here are called "Ilocanos"
- Ilocanos speak mostly Ilocano (the language) but they can understand, sometimes converse in Tagalog and/or English.
- Major telcos are available in the province
- Major and rural banks are open during business hours
- There are shopping malls and supermarket in Laoag.
- Traffic jams are only experienced in Laoag city proper.
Life in Laoag is somewhat similar to the cities in greater Manila areas (San Pedro, Laguna; Bacoor Cavite; Bulacan). So expect it to be crowded and jammed with all types of vehicles.
However, the countryside is the opposite. There you can have fresh air and serenity OR adventure (depending on your preference).
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN ILOCOS NORTE
Klook.comWHERE TO GO AND STAY IN ILOCOS NORTE
Ilocos Norte is a big province with numbers of municipality. Laoag City is the main point and the center of the province having the Capitol in there and most of the major transits to different points of Luzon. The province offers several sites and attractions you can only see in it. |
| Paoay Church 2012 |
Paoay Church, Marcos Museum, La Paz Sand Dunes, Blue Lagoon, Bangui Windmills and Kapurpurawan Rock Formations are just a few of many places you should tick off your itinerary when you get there.
READ: TOP 10 Must-See Sights in Ilocos Norte (Best Tourist Spots!)
ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA
There's also a variety of hotels and transients available from different points of the province. Majority of them are located in Laoag.
However, you can also stay in Paoay, Batac, or in Pagudpud if you would like to wake up to morning breeze of beautiful beaches of the province.
During my first tour in Ilocos Norte in 2012, all of our accommodation were sponsored by our co-worker since they have an ancestor house in Laoag.
 |
| Us at Texicano Hotel in Laoag in 2013 |
In 2013 when I did a backpack with Team Basti, we stayed at Texicano Hotel for a night in Laoag then spent another night at one of the resorts in Saud Beach in Pagudpud.
THINGS TO DO IN ILOCOS NORTE
Many historical sites are stood in Ilocos. First thing (or last thing) you need to do is visit these sites in a day.You can start with the Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag, then visit the centuries old Paoay Church in Paoay, go back to the history at Marcos Museum in Batac, and do a postcard pose with the Windmills in Bangui.
 |
| PAOAY - Ilocos Norte Travel Guide |
If you are a beach lover, go to Pagudpud where Blue Lagoon - the best beach in the province. If you are an adventurer, do trekking to Kabigan Falls or ride a 4x4 in Paoay Sand Dunes. Do not forget to try the zipline over the Blue Lagoon.
WHERE TO EAT IN ILOCOS NORTE
 |
| Ilocos Longganisa |
Or should I say, "what to eat"?
Ilocos is famous because of some of their specialties. When you visit the province, do not forget to try their very own BAGNET (a deep-fry pork) and Ilocos Longganisa to name some. Chichacorn is also their native snack. It's best "pasalubong".
 |
| Ilocos Empanada |
They are also known for their very own Ilocos Empanada which you can actually see and get anywhere in the province. Both of my visits in 2012 and 2013, I got to try this snack from Batac and from Laoag.
Pamulinawen Festival - Featured are the floral and dance parade. Every February 10 (feast of St. William) in Laoag City.
Day 1
Day 2
ILOCOS 3D2N ITINERARY
Here's a sample of jampacked 3 days and 2 nights itinerary for backpacking Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur:
- 06:30am - Bantay Church and Bell Tower (St. Agustine Church)
- 07:00am - Baluarte ni Chavit Singson
- 08:30am - Breakfast
- 10:30am - Batac Tour (Marcos Museum, Marcos Mausoleum, Photo Gallery)
- 12:30pm - Lunch
- 02:00pm - Paoay Church
- 03:00pm - Malacañang Ti Amianan
- 04:30pm - Sand Dunes
- 06:00pm - Hotel Check-in
 |
| Paoay Church 2013 |
- 06:00am - Breakfast
- 06:30am - Estimated Time of Departure for Pagudpud
- 07:30am - Cape Bojeador
- 09:00am - Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
- 10:30am - Bangui Windmill
- 11:00am - Kabigan Falls (Optional for the physically fit; pax account)
- 12:30pm - Lunch at Pagudpud
- 01:00pm - Free Time (Swimming)
- 04:00pm - Bantay Abot Cave
- 04:30pm - Patapat Bridge
- 05:00pm - Estimated time of departure for the hotel
 |
| Cape Bojeador Lighthouse 2012 |
Day 3
TIPS AND CHECKLISTS
- 06:00am - Breakfast
- 07:30am - Estimated Time of Departure for Vigan
- 09:30am - Start of Heritage tour (Kalesa Ride, Crisologo Museum, Pagburnayan, Heritage Village)
- 12:00pm - Lunch
- 01:00pm - Estimated Time of Departure for Manila
SAMPLE EXPENSES
- 800++ bus fare from Manila to Laoag
- 1000++ tricycle Paoay-Batac tour package
- 200 bus fare to Pagudpug from Laoag
- 1000-1500 tricyle roundtrip to Pagupud package
- 1000+2000 accomodation in Laoag/Pagudpud
- 20 per head tour to Kabigan Falls
TOTAL BUDGET: P3,200 to P4,000 per head
TIPS AND CHECKLISTS
- Visiting the whole province is best for a 4D3N tour.
- ATMs, banks and MoneyTransfer are available in Laoag.
- Cellular signals are available for all networks.
- Souvenirs are sold in public markets and tourist sites in the whole province.
- Fastfoods and local eateries.
- Bring your own chargers/powerbanks for your gadgets.
- Vigan City is often a sidetrip going before or after Ilocos Norte.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ilocos Norte
- What does Ilocos Norte known for?
Ilocos Norte is noted for its distinctive geography and culture. This includes numerous examples of well-preserved Spanish colonial era architecture, particularly Saint William's Cathedral in Laoag with its sinking bell tower done in the Earthquake Baroque style, the St. - How long is bus from Manila to Ilocos Norte?
Travel time is usually up to 12 hours, depending on your destination and the traffic. Many buses operate to Ilocos, check out some of your options. - What is the culture of Ilocos Norte?
Ilocanos are known to be hardworking and frugal, hardy in the face of adversity. Respect and humility in everyday dealings mark the Ilocano personality; they live simply, concentrating on work and productivity. Local artisans like fabric weavers and potters are famous for their skilled craftwork. - What to wear in Ilocos Norte?
During the hottest season (April to June), it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing to make out the best of your trip to the province. You may also like to get your best swimsuit or Dri-FIT on if you are going to plunge and dive in to the sea and waterfalls in Ilocos Norte.
HELPFUL LINKS AND REFERENCES
- http://www.ilocosnorte.gov.ph/ | Ilocos Norte's government official website.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilocos_Norte |Ilocos Norte on Wikipedia.
- http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/ilocos-norte | Ilocos Norte on Philippine Tourism site.
- http://ilocostimes.com/ | Ilocos Times
- http://www.flyphilippines.biz/festivals_ilocos.php | Festivals in Ilocos Norte
WHERE TO GO IN ILOCOS?
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.
WHERE TO STAY IN ILOCOS NORTE:
&p[summary]=This is your complete Ilocos Norte DIY Travel Guide. Ilocos Norte  was my first long travel from Manila  (2012) and my first with T...&p[url]=https://www.morefunwithjuan.com/2017/05/ilocos-norte-travel-guide.html?m=0&p[images][0]=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2r10Py9XN3TY2ZFpw8iNzcOt1dGzH0C5mN5ZxfMcDqEwdhec3BDoQQBwbLlUUHA8ncgJ7cLSwON1OltfPx_RGrJze3ZOvZ4oBczVlRXvf6B-DMHUv-EfvUOaSoUhqQvxmGa8FVdPNYbbDq3ouDLLAiuIHArxGLPyhhuw9U7fPfJUanq6uI6ygkoIc/w640-h360/Ilocos%20Norte.jpg){kind=link}
No comments
Let us know your thoughts!