Ilocos will, no doubt, surprise you. From historic streets to Ilocos Norte’s photogenic windmills, this laid-back region has no shortage of breathtaking sights. As you embark on an Ilocos tour, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage sites, Spanish-era mansions and cobblestone streets. Of course, taking an Ilocos tour means you’ll see jaw-dropping rock formations, fabulous beaches and even slice some steep sand dunes. Plus, the Ilocos Region offers a smorgasbord of mouthwatering and hearty dishes, such as Longganisa, Batac Empanadas and Bagnet.
Dreaming of going on an Ilocos tour, but don’t know where tostart? Got no clue on how to get to Ilocos? Guess what? We’ve got loads oftips, to help you build an Ilocos tour or weekend break that you’ll remember foryears to come.
How to get to Ilocos
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Want an easygoing and hassle-free Ilocos tour? Then, book aflight from Manila to Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte. Thanks to Philippine Airlines, you can nowtravel with ease to Ilocos without having to take a long bus ride.
There are literally daily flights to Laoag, Ilocos Nortefrom Manila. Download Skyscanner’saward-winning mobile apps, to find flights to Laoag that fit perfectly toyour budget and planned Ilocos travel itinerary.
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With Skyscanner, you get to compare flights from thousands ofairline websites and online travel agents. In other words, it can help you findthe most affordable flights to Laoag.
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Alternatively, there are buses that can take you to Vigan,Ilocos Sur and Laoag, Ilocos Norte from Metro Manila. Bus fare to Laoag fromCubao, Manila is PHP 805 to PHP 970. From Cubao, the bus fare to Vigan isaround PHP 670 to PHP 810.
Bus schedule:
- Cubao to Vigan (First Class): 07:00 PM
- Cubao to Laoag (First Class): 07:00 PM
- Cubao to Laoag (First Class): 10:00 PM
- Cubao to Laoag (Deluxe): 10:00 PM
- Cubao to Vigan (First Class): 10:00 PM
- Cubao to Vigan (Deluxe): 10:00 PM
What to do in Ilocos
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See Agustin Church
A visit to Agustin Church is an absolute must when taking anIlocos Tour. Not only is it a National Cultural Treasure in the Philippines,but it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site as well. Furthermore, it is, hand down,the oldest and most gorgeous churches in the Philippines. With its remarkableBaroque architecture and imposing beauty, this stunning historic icon will giveyou the urge to snap a jillion of photographs.
- Address: Marcos Avenue, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
- Entrance fee: free
Visit BanguiWindmills
They don’t call these windmills as one of the best and mostbeautiful attractions in Ilocos for nothing. With its towering height, uniquedesign and striking natural backdrop, it’s easy to see why it’s aquintessential stop in every Ilocos tour. For a memorable experience in BanguiWindmills, try to see it when the sun starts to set. Trust us, the sunset viewshere are lit and spectacular. And, did we mention that it’s a brillianttechnological innovation for the region’s power and electricity?
- Address: Bangui, Ilocos Norte
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day and 7 days a week
- Entrance fee: free
Experience the PaoaySand Dunes via 4×4 jeep
In the mood for some heart-pumping things to do in Ilocos? Readyto infuse a heavy dose of adventure to your Ilocos tour? Why not include avisit to the Paoay Sand Dunes to your Ilocos tour? From sharp turns and highelevations to sudden drops, you’ll love every minute of this heart-pumpingride. Additionally, you may experience the Paoay Sand Dunes in a different wayby sand boarding on its sloped areas.
- Cost: PHP 2,500 per group (good for 4 to 5people)
Visit Malacañang ofthe North
Fond of history? You might want to add Malacañang of theNorth to your Ilocos tour. An intriguing presidential museum, this two-storymansion has 7 rooms, with each having a specific theme of historical eventsfrom the era of former President Ferdinand Marcos. As an added bonus, it offersa sweet overlooking view of the Paoay Lake.
- Paoay, Ilocos Norte
- Opening hours: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM daily
- Entrance fee: PHP 20
Explore Vigan
No Ilocos tour is complete without a visit to Vigan. Listedas a UNECO World Heritage site, this iconic city will sweep you away with itsold world charm and historic wonders. Famous for its preserved Asian and Spanishcolonial architecture, the city wows visitors with its rustic mansions,horse-drawn carriages, malecon and cobblestone streets. Not to mention, itbrims with street-food stalls selling a wide variety of tasty Ilocano dishes.
Take a North Tricycletour in Pagudpud
Hit a few birds in one stone by taking a North tricycle tourin Pagudpud. With this Ilocos tour, you’ll get catch sight of Patapat Viaduct,Kabigan Falls and Saud beach. Not to mention, it includes stops to the BlueLagoon, Aqua Grande, Paraiso ni Anton, Bantay Abot Cover and Timmangtang RockFormation.
- Cost: PHP 600
Where to stay inIlocos
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There are plenty of options, when it comes to accommodationsin Ilocos. Whether you’re staying in Vigan or Pagudpud, you’ll find a cushy,spotlessly clean and relaxing place to stay in Ilocos. Here are our picks forthe best accommodations in Ilocos.
- Hotel Felicidad (Vigan)
- Ciudad Fernandina (Vigan)
- Casa Rica Hotel (Vigan)
- Alta Vista Ilocandia Inc. (Pagudpud)
- Java Hotel (Laoag)
- Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel (Laoag)
- The Guest House Laoag (Laoag)
Get the best deals for these hotels in Ilocos withSkyscanner!
Sample Ilocos tour itinerary
Day 1:
- Depart from Manila 07:15 PM and arrive at Laoagat 08:25 PM
- Dinner and hotel check-in
Day 2:
- 06:00 AM: Wake up and breakfast
- 07:00 AM: Depart for Batac
- 07:30 AM: Take Batac tour (Batac RiversideEmpanada, Marcos Presidential Center and Batac Church)
- 10:30: AM Arrive at Paoay
- 10:45 AM: Visit Paoay Church
- 11:15 AM: Lunch
- 12:15 PM: Experience Paoay Sand Dunes
- 01:45 PM: Walking tour in Laoag (MonopolyMonument, Saint William’s Cathedral and Sinking Bell Tower)
- 04:00 PM: Arrive at hotel
- 06:00 PM: Dinner
- 07:00 PM: Socials
- 08:00 PM: Sleep
Day 3:
- 06:00 AM: Breakfast
- 07:00 AM: North Tricycle tour
- 11:30 AM: Lunch
- 12:00 PM: Hotel check out
- 12:30 PM: South Tricycle tour (Cape BojeadorLighthouse, Kapurpurawan Rock formations and Bangui Windmills)
- 06:00 PM: Arrive at Laoag/dinner
- 07:00 PM: Depart for Vigan
- 09:00 PM: Arrive at Vigan/ hotel check-in/seeCalle Crisologo
- 10:30 PM: Sleep
Day 4:
- 06:00 AM: Breakfast
- 06:30 AM: Depart for Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur viabus
- 07:30 AM: Arrive at Santa Maria PublicMarket/depart for Santa Maria Church
- 07:45 AM: Explore church
- 09:15 AM: Start return to Vigan
- 10:15 AM: Tour Vigan (Camarin Jar Factory, PlazaSalcedo and Vigan Cathedral)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 01:00 PM: Visit Balaurte and Bantay Church Bell
- 03:00 PM: Snacks/hotel check out
- 04:00 PM: Depart for Vigan Bus Termnial
- 05:00 PM: Take bus ride to Manila
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