About Ilocos Sur
Ilocos Sur is a province in northern Luzon that beautifully preserves the Philippines’ Spanish colonial past while offering breathtaking natural wonders. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan, cobblestone streets, ancestral houses, and rich cultural festivals, this destination allows travelers to step back in time. Beyond history, Ilocos Sur also boasts pristine beaches, scenic mountains, and delicious Ilocano cuisine that make it a complete travel experience.
How We Got to Ilocos Sur
- To see the beautiful Ilocos Sur, we chartered an artista van, with a driver, our travel time was about 6 hours.
- If by bus: From Manila, several bus companies like Partas, Dominion, and Viron Transit offer direct trips to Vigan or other towns in Ilocos Sur. Travel time takes around 8–10 hours, depending on traffic and stopovers.
Itinerary
We met in tiendesitas. While waiting for the others, it was full of story telling, and laughter. Then, at 1 AM, we departed. Most of us were from work so I thought when we hop in the van, all of us will take a rest, but none of us slept yet. In my mind, the statement “I need to take a rest” kept on playing multiple times because I’ve been awake for almost 48 hours. So, I had no choice but to take my Sony wireless earphone (with wire) with noise cancellation feature. Their noise can’t be cancelled, so I joined them again with unlimited chatting. Finally, after an hour and half, noise settled, the lights and the TV screen were turned off. Yes, our van is an “artista van” with flat screen TV and dolby surround audio. The aircon functioned well. Got my jacket and malong, and rested well.
Bantay Bell Tower
Around 5 AM when I woke up, and we were already entering Vigan City. Everyone was hungry, but instead of looking for somewhere to eat, we headed to Bantay Bell Tower. The Bantay Bell Tower, also known as the Bantay Belfry, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ilocos Sur. Built in 1591, this centuries-old watchtower served both as a church bell tower for the nearby St. Augustine Parish Church and as a lookout post against pirates and invaders during the Spanish colonial period.
On the other hand, the Bantay Church, officially known as the St. Augustine Parish Church, is one of the oldest and most historically significant churches in Ilocos Sur. Built in 1590, this Spanish-era church is renowned for its Neo-Gothic and Romanesque architectural style, with a façade made of bricks and stones that has withstood the test of time. During our visit, this church was under renovation because of an earthquake in 2022, yet the interiors look stunning.
“Nagugutom na ako!!!” “Kumain na tayo!” And there, we headed to the city plaza and had our breakfast at the carinderia. We stayed for 30 minutes and started our walking tour on Calle Crisologo.
Vigan City Walking Tour
About Vigan City
Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage City in Ilocos Sur, is one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial towns in Asia. Founded in the 16th century during Spanish colonization, it became a thriving trading hub, connecting Chinese, Mexican, and European merchants. Its cobblestone streets, ancestral houses, and baroque churches reflect a blend of Asian and European influences. Today, Vigan stands as a living museum of Philippine history, culture, and heritage.
Kalesa Ride
We also tried riding in a kalesa and visited Irma’s longanisa and bagnet, one of the prominent in Vigan. A lot of tourists and locals were there to experience and taste their “putok batok” delicacies. Then, we headed back to the parking lot in front of the cathedral. Then, we went to the grocery store to buy supplies. Around 1:30 PM, we departed Vigan and headed to Balay by the Sea.
Balay by the Sea
About Balay by the Sea
Balay by the Sea in Ilocos Sur is a serene beachfront getaway that offers a relaxing escape with stunning ocean views, cozy accommodations, and a laid-back atmosphere—perfect for unwinding by the waves.
We stayed here overnight and Celebrated Batang Hamog Mountaineers anniversary. As usual, after a few months of being separated, hahaha drama yern?, we had so much time talking about our past and future.
Summary
A journey through Ilocos Sur is a step into a timeless blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the heritage streets of Vigan to its coastal escapes and centuries-old churches, the province offers experiences that beautifully connect the past with the present—making every visit truly unforgettable.
Looking for travel ideas across the country? Read my complete guide to visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines — based on my actual travels.
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