Ilocos Travel Guide (Luzon/Philippines/Southeast Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Ilocos

Nestled in the northernmost region of the Philippines is Ilocos, a land of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It comprises two provinces, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, each filled with fascinating attractions and hidden gems waiting to be explored. This comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your trip to Ilocos so you can make the most out of your stay.

List of Places to Visit in Ilocos

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ilocos has a rich culture and history that is reflected in its well-preserved museums and historical places. Take a step back in time and explore the following attractions:

Vigan City - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan City is known for its Spanish colonial-era architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages known as kalesas.
Paoay Church - Also known as the St. Augustine Church, this church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an excellent example of Baroque architecture.
Malacañang of the North - A historical mansion built in the ’70s during the Marcos regime. It showcases the Marcos’s extravagant lifestyle and their contribution to the province.
National Museum Ilocos Region Museum Complex - This museum complex houses galleries that feature the culture and history of Ilocos.

Natural Attractions of Ilocos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Ilocos is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, with a variety of beaches, waterfalls, and parks waiting to be explored. Here are some of the must-visit natural attractions in Ilocos:

Pagudpud Beach - Known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning rock formations, and powdery white sands, Pagudpud Beach is a paradise that can’t be missed.
Bangui Windmills - The windmills are known for their enormous size and unique design, and it’s the first wind farm built in the Philippines. It is an excellent location to take photos.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation - This majestic rock formation is carved by natural forces such as the wind and sea, creating an astounding structure of a white limestone cliff.
Paoay Sand Dunes - Hop on a 4x4 jeep and experience the thrilling adventure in the sand dunes. It’s also an excellent location for watching the sunset in Ilocos.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ilocos

For adventure enthusiasts, Ilocos is the perfect place to try different activities like hiking and biking. Here are some hiking/biking trails to try:

Lapaz Sand Dune Trails - The sand dunes are perfect for biking.
Kapurpurawan Trail - Capurpurawan trail is for hikers. It’s a moderately challenging trail that ends with a view of the majestic Kapurpurawan rock formation.
Pug-os Trail - A popular trail among hikers, this trail leads to an amazing view of the Bangui Wind Farm and the sea.

Best Things to Do in Ilocos: Activities and Tours

Aside from visiting the attractions, there are other activities that you can do in Ilocos. Here are some of the best things to do:

Try Ilocano Cuisine - Ilocos is known for its unique and flavorful dishes, so don’t miss out on trying their local cuisine like bagnet, empanada, and pinakbet.
Experience the Nightlife - Ilocos has a fun and vibrant nightlife scene. Head to Calle Crisologo in Vigan City for some karaoke and beer or try “inuman,” a casual get together with friends over some drinks.
Go on a Heritage Tour - Ilocos is rich in culture and history, and taking a tour of the historical sites is a must. .
Try Surfing - Try surfing in the crystal clear waters of Pagudpud Beach.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ilocos

Here’s your week-long itinerary for Ilocos:

Day	Activities
1	Arrive in Laoag City, visit the Malacañang of the North and Paoay Church. Head to Batac for a taste of their royal treat halo-halo.
2	Go on a Pagudpud tour. See Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Bangui WindFarm and Pagudpud Beach.
3	Go on a Paoay Sand Dunes Tour. Try sandboarding and jeep adventure. Visit the La Paz Sand Dune Trails for biking.
4	Visit from the Museums in Vigan City. Join Chef’s Tatung’s Vigan food tour in the evening.
5	Try trekking in Pug-os Trail. Rest and have a relaxing time at the beach.
6	Visit the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and explore the town of Burgos.
7	Shopping in Vigan City for souvenirs and local products to bring home. Depart from your hotel and travel back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Ilocos

The cuisine scene in Ilocos is another must-try. Make sure to taste these dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

Bagnet - Deep-fried pork belly that is served crispy and best paired with the Ilocano vinegar.
Empanada - A pastry made of rice flour filled with beef, egg, and veggies.
Pinakbet - A vegetable dish made with eggplant, okra, bitter gourd, tomatoes, and fermented shrimp paste.

Local Beverages

Basi - A wine made out of fermented sugar cane.
Brewed Coffee - Famous in Ilocos, you can find it in every street corner, and it’s perfect to keep you warm during the rainy season.

Where to Stay in Ilocos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ilocos has a wide selection of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay:

Hotel Luna in Vigan City
Pannzian Beach Resort in Pagudpud
Fort Ilocandia Resort in Laoag City
Java Hotel in Laoag City

What to Buy in Ilocos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bring home a piece of Ilocos with these local products:

Abel Iloko Fabrics - The handwoven fabrics that are made out of cotton can be used for blankets, table runners, and other home decor.
Pasalubong Food Items - Biscocho, longganisa, and other savory treats to surprise your loved ones.
Burnay Pottery - A traditional handmade pottery crafted with precision by the people in Vigan.

Local Culture and Customs of Ilocos

Knowing the local customs and culture is essential when traveling to Ilocos. Two things that stand out in Ilocos are their craftsmanship and love for food.

Best Time to Visit Ilocos

The best time to visit Ilocos is from November to May, where the temperature is typically cooler and less humid. It’s also the dry season, so it’s the best time to visit the beaches and do outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ilocos

Do:

Respect the culture and traditions of the locals.
Try the local cuisine.
Pack appropriate clothes for your trip.
Ask before taking photos of the locals.

Don’t:

Litter.
Disrespect the environment and the culture.
Bargain for too much or haggle too hard when shopping in the local market.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ilocos

Ilocos is generally a safe place to visit, but it’s still best to practice caution when traveling. Here are some tips:

Always carry a copy of your passport and other important documents.
Keep valuables secured in your bags.
Avoid walking alone at night.

Health in Ilocos

Ilocos does not require any vaccines to travel there, but it’s still advisable to consult a doctor before the trip.

Getting to Ilocos: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ilocos

The nearest airport to Ilocos is the Laoag International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Ilocos

Traveling from Manila can be done either through Laoag or Vigan. The bus ride takes around 8-10 hours.

Other Options

Other options include taking your own car, joining in organized tours or hiring private cars that will bring you to the Ilocos region.

How to Get Around in Ilocos

The best way to get around in Ilocos is by hiring a tricycle or renting a private car.

Where to Go Next from Ilocos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations to explore from Ilocos:

Baguio - Known as the summer capital of the Philippines.
Banaue Rice Terraces - Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this attraction is 10-hours away by bus.
Vigan City - Explore more of the province or return and enjoy more of the courtyards and museums.

Conclusion

Ilocos is a destination where you can experience the best of the Philippines in one place. It’s a place where you can experience the natural beauty and the culture of the region while indulging in flavorful food. With the help of this comprehensive tour guide, you will have a well-planned itinerary to make the most of your stay. It’s time to book that flight and explore Ilocos!