Traveling is something that everyone should be doing more often. It is an activity where we get to know ourselves and other people. Just a random question, what if a law would be enacted today wherein we could only travel to one place in our entire lifetime, do you have a place in mind where you want to visit? I have two words for you: Ilocos Norte.
Ilocos Norte is a beautiful province in the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region. It is known to house beautiful God-created natural resources such as Pagudpud, Kabigan Falls, Blue Lagoon beach, Aqua Grande, La Paz Sand Dunes and many more.
How to get to Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte is 500 kilometers and ten-hour land travel away from the Philippines’ capital, Manila. You could either choose to travel by bus or find Cebu Pacific promo then book and ride a plane going to Laoag International airport. The newly opened, Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), which is ten minutes away from Manila Airport houses the major bus lines in the Philippines. You could also book your bus trip here: https://www.victoryliner.com/.
Bus cost ranges from PHP 600 to PHP 800 (17 USD to 20 USD) and PHP 4000 to PHP 5000 (100 USD) if you ride on a plane going there from Manila. The most common way to travel within the area is to rent a motorcycle but if you have a budget, you could also rent a personal car with a driver worth PHP 3500- PHP 4000 (70 USD).
Now that you know already how to travel and roam around the place, here are some of the best places to visit in Ilocos Norte:
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
This lighthouse is a cultural heritage structure located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It was established during the time of the Spaniards in the Philippines. It is a National Historical Landmark and a Natural Cultural treasure in the Philippines.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
This awesome rock formation is located on the rocky coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. With just an hour away from the city, this immaculate white rock formation attracts thousands of tourist every month. You need to trek in order to see this beautiful creation.
Kabigan Falls
If you’re a nature lover, you’d surely fall in love with Kabigan Falls. This 87-feet high waterfall is located in Barangay Baloai in the Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. You have to go through a thirty-minute walk towards the falls but the view and the cold water is surely worth it.
Bangui Wind Farm
Just to give you a brief background, this wind farm was made possible with the assistance from the Danish firm to Ilocos Province and contributes to 40% of the entire electrical power of the province. Every traveler who went to Ilocos Norte has a picture of them with the windmills in the background.
The Danish government, through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), extended the firm a $29.5-million “mixed credit” or zero-interest loan. The balance of the $48-million initial investment was raised through debt and equity by Northwind Power’s shareholders.
Museo Ilocos Norte
For travelers who are art lovers, Ilocos Museum is something you should not dare miss. The museum houses the rich culture of Ilocos Norte including the Ilocano, Igorot, and Itneg traditional clothing, celebration objects, utensils and a lot more.
Pagudpud food spots
Pagudpud is the place in Ilocos Norte that houses the best beaches in the world. But people often overlook that it also houses the best restaurants in town; Saud Beach Resort and Hotel Restaurant, La Cocina De Consuelo, Kapuluan Vista Resort and SEA’s kitchen to name a few.
Laoag Sand Dunes
Dubai? No, It’s in Laoag! This is a perfect place for people seeking thrill and adventure. You could rent a 4×4 rough riding vehicle for only 30 USD.
You could also try the sand boarding which is full of thrill and excitement.
Blue Lagoon Beach
This beach facing West Philippine sea is truly remarkable. It is located at Maira-ira point, the northern part of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. It’s called blue lagoon because of its bluish waters and fine sand.
Aqua Grande
If your number one goal is to relax then Aqua Grande is your top choice. The place is known for its eco-friendly surroundings. It has a waterfall, river and a lot of delicious restaurants within the area.
Saud White Beach
When we talk about beaches, the Philippines has the best beaches in the world and one of that includes Saud White Beach. It is known to have a very clean white sandy beach but with fewer tourists compared to top destinations Boracay and Palawan.
Regardless of whatever your status is right now, traveling is something that you should do. Forget about the rest of the world and go to Ilocos Norte, a world-class province in the Philippines that you’d surely love.
Lakbay Norte Media Tour was made possible by North Philippines Bureau (NPVB) aiming to boost the tourism in the Northern Luzon. | Photo credits: Martin San Diego