Tourist Spots and Destinations in Ilocos Sur and Norte:
Since I am an avid fan of the Marcos'es, traveling to their hometown, Ilocos, is one of my bucket list. This province has everything to offer, from its history, politics, and tourist attractions. What to visit and what to do? Check our photos below:
Our first destination was Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
(Burgos Lighthouse) is situated in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It is a
cultural heritage that was erected during the Spanish era in the
Philippines. It's a 66-foot-tall octagonal stone tower on Vigia de
Nagpartian Hill with an overlooking scene of Cape Bojeador.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is one of the landmarks of Ilocos Norte. It's a pure white limestone curved by the nature.
Bangui Windmill is another landmark of the province. It is the place that converts wind energy into electrical energy which is
situated in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. This wind farm has 20 units of
70-meter high wind turbines, stretching along 9 kilometers shoreline of
Bangui and is facing the South China Sea. Each of the turbines are 326
meters apart from each other.
Blue Lagoon is a like a half-circle body of water on the coastal area of Pagudpud.
The shoreline has fine, white sand and surrounded by trees, plants and
private cottages. The clear water in the lagoon have dark blue
color, where its name came from.
This
house served as the office of the late Don Mariano Marcos, the former president's father, when he was the congressman. It was also used as an
office of Imee Marcos, the president's daughter, when she was the Ilocos
Norte Representative. She even lived in this mansion within her term.
Bongbong Marcos, the presidential son, also moved into this house when
he was the governor of Ilocos.
Paoay Church is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in the Philippines. The
structure is made up of baked bricks, coral rocks, tree
sap and solid lumber. The 24 buttresses were also placed on each side
of the church for support and those are the reason why it is still
standing after the quakes in 17th century up to this generation.
You're thinking that sand dunes can only be found in the dessert countries, right? We also have it here in the Philippines - the Paoay Sand Dunes
You can't live without food, try the famous empanada in Vigan City.
Calle Cristolo or Mena Crisologo
Street is named after Mena Pecson Crisologo who is the most respected
sons of Ilocos. He actually wrote Mining wenno Ayat ti Kararwa which is
compared to Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere; he is also the author of Don
Calixtofaro de la Kota Caballero de la Luna and Codigo Municipal.
The next day, we also visited Tangadan Tunnel which connects the province of Ilocos and the Province of Abra.
Store can be found almost in every sides of the streets, selling local products - like Sukang Iloco
Pinsal
Falls is located in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. It is believed that
this water falls is the largest in the province. The 85-foot water
falls has its unique beauty that captured the eyes of some film
directors and producers, like the movies of Fernando Poe Jr., they were
filmed here. As the water fell on the ground, because of the current,
it creates an artistic rock formations.
San Juan de Sahagun Parish in Canoon City, Ilocos Sur
It's not just one Pig, but it's Tupig! If you're bound for Norther Provinces, like Ilocos, or just passing by Pangasinan, your travel experience will not be complete without tasting - Tupig.
In other side of the world, Balut is considered as an exotic food. But here in the Philippines, this food is everywhere and can be considered as the national food, hhmm, maybe. Our travel was only 57 hours, from our departure to arrival in Manila. Our time was limited but it was remarkable.
How to Get to Ilocos Sur and Norte:
We chartered a van with a driver, from Manila to Ilocos, and vice versa.