Ilocos Sur
We have come extreme on the 2nd day of our trip. After Baguio, we went straight to Vigan, Ilocos Sur where the Heritage Village is located. I'd been yearning to visit the place ever since and finally.
We have come extreme on the 2nd day of our trip. After Baguio, we went straight to Vigan, Ilocos Sur where the Heritage Village is located. I'd been yearning to visit the place ever since and finally.
Yes! After 6 hours drive from Baguio, we finally arrived at the capital of Ilocos Sur. The "province-feel" breeze that I always loved.
We had a hard time looking for a place to stay for the night as we are not for luxury, we prefer just a good place to sleep. We stayed at CORDILLERA FAMILY INN just right outside the entrance to the Heritage Village. They have 2 branches, one is inside the village boasting the Spanish style interior, while the one that one that we stayed looks for short term staying visitors like us. Nothing luxury but it's extremely clean, aircon is good, warm water in the shower and comfortable beds.
After resting for a bit and washing up, we went out for dinner and for the dancing fountain show. There are restaurants surrounding the place. We ate at Chowking for few minutes and settled sitting on the side. They do have chairs but it's full so we sat on the ground as well. It's okay, more fun :)
It started around 8pm playing up to 3 songs and the water was dancing along.
After the show, we strolled the village. There were bars around and some restaurants open but the charm of the village is different during the night.
The next day, we had a city tour. The kalesa offered us a tour around the area. We paid around P200. Perks of having an Ilocano guy. He took photo for us and toured us around. This sign was in front of the fountain but we can't come near during the night because there's too many people.
After touring the nearby site, we went to Bantay Bell Tower. There are professionals there who can help you take photos if you wanted to be more fun and interesting. Since we wanted to be in the same photo, we tried their help. They really capture great photos and they know the best angles. So don't be cautious of spending money, you can give them how much you want. But if you really don't want to spend a penny, you can just do it yourself. (Our group photos were taken by them).
We then head to Former Late President Elpidio Quirino's ancestral house. There is conservation fee upon entry. And you're not just touring a simple house, history was all over the place. There was also a tour guide that will explain to you every bits of the house. They go by batch. Most of the furniture are the original one but there are some that was redone because it's starting to show it's age.
After the tour, we asked the kalesa man to drop us back to Heritage Village. Again, a whole new different charm appeared. I think most people visits there during afternoon instead of early morning (HOT HOT HOT). There are lots of souvenir shops, just be smart as to where you will buy.
Ilocos Norte
We then checked out and went for lunch nearby. We drove straight to Ilocos Norte for around 2-3 hours, We don't have a definite place to go to except at Bangui where my father's friend is living. Then, we just went to Paoay Church first and went for Sand Dunes adventure which is just few minutes away.
We had other decent photos here but I really like this cute photos so I inserted this instead.
A man offered suggested us this the Culili Point for the activity. And yet another advantage is that we have an Ilocano for us so it's easier to negotiate prices. Rates vary on the number of people and the type of car that you would like to us. The smaller, the scarier as I can say. The path is too steep and is prone to accidents. Note: This activity is like riding a roller coaster. I felt like I got bruises after.
This was the jeep that was offered to us. Not a luxury one because we paid so cheap. If you want to stand at the back like us, make sure you hold on to your hats and glasses. Always grip on the rails, as hard as you can because you might end up sun bathing at the sand while the jeep drives away. I tried to take photos and video, but I just really can't.
The driver took photos for us whenever we made stops. And he's a pretty good photographer.
My sister and I were offered for sand sledding for free. But we're acting princesses and it looks scary especially when you're almost landing.
That was a tiring adventure but IT WAS AWESOME. There are lots of places that has this around Ilocos Norte. Upon entering the border of Laoag, you'll several signs. Just go wherever your heart leads you to.
We drove straight to Bangui after, it was quite late when we arrive. We never forget to stop by to this family whenever we travel to Ilocos. They are our extended family so to say. Their house is right in front of the famous Bangui Windmills so we have loads of dramatic photos there. These were all taken in the morning when we woke up and decided to go for a dip. Swimming this early is the best. Fresh air, sunrise, ocean breeze. Everything is just perfect.
After lunch, we went to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation at Burgos. Not too far from Bangui but you can take a nap during the trip.
There is an entrance fee for maintenance of course. But it won't make you poor. And also, unbiased opinion, but this place is too beautiful. If the picture were already these pretty, it is worth a visit.
Quick advice: As this is in the Northern part of the Philippines, put sunblock, wear sunglasses, caps, or anything that will protect your skin because IT'S EXTREMELY HOT. I can't even enjoy taking photos because the heat was unbearable.
I was not exaggerating when I say the heat is unbearable. I went home with burnt skin.
There are locals who are selling souvenir items. BUY IT!
We went back to Bangui to retrieve our things and on the way to Isabela (my father's hometown). But since it's on the way, we stopped at Pagudpod (who doesn't know this place?). It is one of the most famous white beaches in the Philippines as it is just in Luzon and is accessible by car. A lot of resorts were in the area and renovating the surrounding spots but the beauty of the beach is still there.
So that's it. That was our North Luzon DIY Trip. From Pangasinan to Baguio to Ilocos Sur to Ilocos Norte for 4 days. If you will ask me about the cost, you won't be spending too much on entrance fees, but allot your budget for accommodation and food. If you are backpacking and is travelling alone, then it'll be cheaper. We traveled as a family so cost is 4 times more. Hope I shared enough and you had a good time viewing my photos.
After touring the nearby site, we went to Bantay Bell Tower. There are professionals there who can help you take photos if you wanted to be more fun and interesting. Since we wanted to be in the same photo, we tried their help. They really capture great photos and they know the best angles. So don't be cautious of spending money, you can give them how much you want. But if you really don't want to spend a penny, you can just do it yourself. (Our group photos were taken by them).
We then head to Former Late President Elpidio Quirino's ancestral house. There is conservation fee upon entry. And you're not just touring a simple house, history was all over the place. There was also a tour guide that will explain to you every bits of the house. They go by batch. Most of the furniture are the original one but there are some that was redone because it's starting to show it's age.
After the tour, we asked the kalesa man to drop us back to Heritage Village. Again, a whole new different charm appeared. I think most people visits there during afternoon instead of early morning (HOT HOT HOT). There are lots of souvenir shops, just be smart as to where you will buy.
Ilocos Norte
We then checked out and went for lunch nearby. We drove straight to Ilocos Norte for around 2-3 hours, We don't have a definite place to go to except at Bangui where my father's friend is living. Then, we just went to Paoay Church first and went for Sand Dunes adventure which is just few minutes away.
We had other decent photos here but I really like this cute photos so I inserted this instead.
A man offered suggested us this the Culili Point for the activity. And yet another advantage is that we have an Ilocano for us so it's easier to negotiate prices. Rates vary on the number of people and the type of car that you would like to us. The smaller, the scarier as I can say. The path is too steep and is prone to accidents. Note: This activity is like riding a roller coaster. I felt like I got bruises after.
This was the jeep that was offered to us. Not a luxury one because we paid so cheap. If you want to stand at the back like us, make sure you hold on to your hats and glasses. Always grip on the rails, as hard as you can because you might end up sun bathing at the sand while the jeep drives away. I tried to take photos and video, but I just really can't.
The driver took photos for us whenever we made stops. And he's a pretty good photographer.
My sister and I were offered for sand sledding for free. But we're acting princesses and it looks scary especially when you're almost landing.
That was a tiring adventure but IT WAS AWESOME. There are lots of places that has this around Ilocos Norte. Upon entering the border of Laoag, you'll several signs. Just go wherever your heart leads you to.
We drove straight to Bangui after, it was quite late when we arrive. We never forget to stop by to this family whenever we travel to Ilocos. They are our extended family so to say. Their house is right in front of the famous Bangui Windmills so we have loads of dramatic photos there. These were all taken in the morning when we woke up and decided to go for a dip. Swimming this early is the best. Fresh air, sunrise, ocean breeze. Everything is just perfect.
After lunch, we went to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation at Burgos. Not too far from Bangui but you can take a nap during the trip.
There is an entrance fee for maintenance of course. But it won't make you poor. And also, unbiased opinion, but this place is too beautiful. If the picture were already these pretty, it is worth a visit.
Quick advice: As this is in the Northern part of the Philippines, put sunblock, wear sunglasses, caps, or anything that will protect your skin because IT'S EXTREMELY HOT. I can't even enjoy taking photos because the heat was unbearable.
I was not exaggerating when I say the heat is unbearable. I went home with burnt skin.
There are locals who are selling souvenir items. BUY IT!
We went back to Bangui to retrieve our things and on the way to Isabela (my father's hometown). But since it's on the way, we stopped at Pagudpod (who doesn't know this place?). It is one of the most famous white beaches in the Philippines as it is just in Luzon and is accessible by car. A lot of resorts were in the area and renovating the surrounding spots but the beauty of the beach is still there.
So that's it. That was our North Luzon DIY Trip. From Pangasinan to Baguio to Ilocos Sur to Ilocos Norte for 4 days. If you will ask me about the cost, you won't be spending too much on entrance fees, but allot your budget for accommodation and food. If you are backpacking and is travelling alone, then it'll be cheaper. We traveled as a family so cost is 4 times more. Hope I shared enough and you had a good time viewing my photos.
For Transportation services, you can contact my dad (Noel) at 09192057079. You can show your itinerary and they will fix it for you for convenience. Affordable prices, good vehicles and trustworthy drivers. Here is the page: NBBC Travel
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