Each summer makes us wonder where to wander around: this year, we went to Ilocos Norte. There are endless activities to do, as well as places to visit in this province; but, with a 3-Day 2-Night time allowance, here’s what I’ve been able to do and go to:
1. Architectural Appreciation
There are alot of impressive infrastracture in the province that are worth the visit and will surely bring those jaws to a drop!
Fort Ilocandia
Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: None
Fort Ilocandia is a Hotel and Casino that is open for everyone to look around into. There are a lot of instragrammable spots and your followers may think you’re abroad!
Patapat Viaduct
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: None
The Patapat Viaduct is the fourth longest bridge in the Philippines and winds around the mountains of Pagudpud. It surely is a beauty to behold! Make sure to drop by!
2. Nature Tripping
Ilocos Norte is also blessed with natural formations that are stunning and will surely take your breath away. There are a lot of caves and falls to explore–if only there’s time. But here’s where we went:
Kapurpurawan Rock
Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: Php15.00/head
‘Puraw’ in English means ‘white’, thus the word Kapurpurawan Rocks that pertains to the beautiful White Rocks formed by the waves and winds from the sea. Along the road to Kapurpurawan, there’ll also be a lot of windmills in view so it’s kinda like hitting two attractions in one ride. It’s a 10min drive from Cape Bojeador. From the parking station, there’s a 10min walk before reaching the rocks or you can rent a horse to take you there for only Php100.00/head.
Balaoi Blue Lagoon
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: Php20.00/head
Balaoi is where the famous Hannah’s Resort in Pagudpud stand, overlooking the pristine Blue Lagoon which the place is famous for! If you are on a budget, there are a lot of transient homes and cottages around the area. Food tripping is also possible because of numerous seafood restaurants scattered around.
Sand Dunes Adventure
Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: None
If you want an adventure that’ll make you scream, Paoay’s Sand Dunes is the answer! You can ride an ATV, 4×4 or Sand Board here while exploring the vast sandy area. As for us, a 4×4 ride worth P3000.00/ride is fit for a family of five. Totally worth the price! Plus, the employees there were really friendly, and they know how to take good photos!
3. History Hunting
The late President Ferdinand E. Marcos was a native of Ilocos Norte, and if you want to know more about him, his family and his life, Ilocos Norte is the perfect place to go!
Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center
Batac, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: Php50.00/head
Marcos’ Home-turned-Museum is where you can see where he lived, all the stuff he used before and generally some old technology., It’s also where his famous wax figure in a coffin is displayed. It’s pretty interesting to see all the antique from his time.
World Peace Center – Marcos Photo Gallery
Batac, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: None
Just behind the Presidential Center, a comprehensive compilation of the Marcos family photos are displayed. Old but Gold!
Malacañang of the North
Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: Php30.00/head
Only a 3min drive from Fort Ilocandia, this place was where our late President Ferdinand Marcos spent most of his time as a president; it was his office back then. The beautiful mansion overlooks the Paoay Lake.
Cape Bojeador
Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Entrance Fee: Php20.00/head
Once a spanish property, Cape Bojeador is a lighthouse that beautifully stands on a mountain overlooking a picturesque view. It’s vintage warmth is also picture perfect and definitely instagrammable. According to the caretaker, the lighthouse is solar powered and it still works but the Coastguard holds the access to the lighthouse tower so it remains locked.
4. Food Tripping
There are alot of food destinations in Ilocos Norte that are only available here. And here’s some of where we’ve gone:
The Dairy Store Ilocos
Batac, Ilocos Norte
This store is famous for their Fresh Carabao Milk that is super Tasty! And their Carabao Milk Icecream tooo that is sooooo thick. Remember how Dairy Queen flip their ice cream upside down to prove the thickness? The carabao milk icecream is precisely just like that! Flippable!
Ola Rica Restaurant
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Ola Rica is located along the road going to the Blue Lagoon and they’re famous for serving Curacha, a crab/lobster-like seafood that tastes so much better!
Pasuquin Bakery
Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte
This bakery is famous for their biscocho, a local pastry product that is loved by tourists. You gotta grab ’em while they last because they ran out fast!
Final Words
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That’s a wrap for our family summer getaway! It was enjoyable, fun and really satisfying. There are still a lot of places we weren’t able to go to, but that’s certainly what we are aiming to go back for next time. We went home with all smiles, hoping you would too if you visit the place! Questions? Leave it down in the comments! Thank you for reading! XX
