Facing west to the South China Sea and bordered by the vast sierra mountains of the Cordillera Region, the province of Ilocos is by far one of the must-see places in the Philippines – from its profound natural beauty to great historical riches. Pack your bags and take on an exciting road trip to Ilocos and see its remarkable sites:
10. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse or Burgos Lighthouse is set on top of a hill, overlooking the South China Sea. The construction of tower was completed in 1892; since then it has served as the station for ships heading the Pacific Ocean and has safely guided galleons (Spanish cargo vessels) and fishing boats toward their way to the shore. The lighthouse has become a favorite sightseeing destination for local and international tourists.
9. Bangui Windmills is also called the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project. The country’s first ever wind farm and the biggest in Southeast Asia is located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. The wind farm consists of 20 towering wind turbines that serve as energy generators and help reduce the greenhouse gases that result to global warming. The Bangui Windmills stand at the Bangui Bay facing the vast South China Sea. Apart from its scientific significance in the country, the windmills, with its distinctive construction and design, has also established itself as a prominent tourist attraction in Ilocos and have drawn people from various parts over the world.
8. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is located along the coastline of Burgos in Ilocos Norte and among the popularly visited sites of the north. Kapurpurawan or “Puraw” is an Ilocano term for white. During a bright sunny day, this exceptional rock formation appears like it was perfectly sculpted. The massive white limestone rock formation is an amazing creation of the natural forces of land, sea and wind.
7. La Paz Sand Dunes is the country’s very own version of the Sahara desert. Found in Ilocos Norte, this 85-square-kilometer coastal desert boasts steep, narrow slopes and immense sand dunes ranging 10 to 30 meters high. Experience the desert safari – hop on a board and slide down the steep slopes or ride the four-wheel vehicles and explore the vast sand fields.
6. Northern flavors (bagnet, empanada and longganisa). Among the homegrown delicacies of Ilocos, bagnet, empanada and longganisa are the popular favorites in the country. Bagnet is deep-fried pork rind meat loved for its crispy skin. Native Ilocano sausage or locally known as longganisa is a mixture of ground pork and pork fat with garlic and spices. The empanada, a pastry that originated in Europe is made by dough wrapped around the fillings of meat and vegetables. However, the Ilocano version of empanada is quite special. Its stuffing is a mixture of green papaya, mung or munggo beans, sliced longganisa and egg yolk wrapped in a brightly colored, thick crust.
5. St. Augustine Church or better known as the Paoay Church is among the historical churches in the Philippines dating back to 18th century. The construction began during the early 17th century and was spearheaded by Augustinian friars. Paoay Church’s appearance is influenced by a combination of Gothic, Oriental, and Baroque designs. The church is believed to have been constructed to withstand one of the natural forces – earthquakes, where its pyramidal design is supported by corals, bricks, tree sap, lumber and enormous buttresses.
4. Pagudpud is famously known as the Boracay of the north, where towering coconut trees dot the long stretch of fine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The magnificent coastal town is located in Ilocos Norte, facing the West Philippine Sea.
3. Blue Lagoon is a secluded beach and also a part of Pagudpud. Located in the northernmost tip of Luzon, the beach is found deep within a cove and prides itself of its powder-fine white sand and rich blue and perfectly clear waters. Blue Lagoon is definitely a place to head for leisure and relaxation.
2. Juan Luna Shrine is a renovated two-storey house that hosts Juan Luna’s household artifacts, paintings, old photographs of the original house (burned down back in 1891) and the Luna family. The remodeled construction is found in Badoc, the birthplace of Juan Luna, one of the Philippines’ renowned artists whose great talent have been recognized throughout the country and around Europe. Here’s a fact for the curious minds: Ilocanos show their love and honor for Juan Luna in a fun, new way by having his famous mustache an Ilocano trademark. Notice Ilocos’ tourism ads where models – young and old, men and women, are seen sporting the iconic curly mustache.
1. Calle Crisologo at the Heritage VIllage. Vigan, the provincial capital of Ilocos Sur is popularly known as one of the oldest living 16th century town in the country. The famous picture-perfect Calle Crisologo, is a part of The Heritage Village, a recognized World Heritage Site. Travel back in time along Calle Crisologo, one of the esteemed tourist attractions in the country where establishments featuring a unique blending of Oriental and European architectural designs line the cobblestone alleys with calesas or horse drawn carriages passing by.
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