Ilocos is a popular tourist destination because of its accessibility by land. There are flights to this part of the country, but many opt to go on a long road trip. It has been a tradition for some families and friends to go on a weekend drive to Vigan, Pagudpud and other famous attractions in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.
Here's a budget and itinerary for Ilocos.
Guide
Ilocos Norte and Sur are popular tourist destinations for a reason. These provinces offer culture, history and nature. They are also developed places that make them easy to access by public or private transportation, and visitors will also find many accommodation types that fit their budget.
Places of Interest
These are some of the destinations you might want to include in your itinerary for your trip to the Ilocos region.
Calle Crisologo
Calle Crisologo in Vigan is one of the most popular destinations in Ilocos. The cobblestone streets, old houses, kalesas and delicious food make it a top attraction in the region. Its ambiance will take you back to colonial time. The historic center is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This UNESCO-listed church is a must-visit while in Ilocos. The church is centuries old and has a distinct design that attracts visitors.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
This unique white rock formation is a sight to behold. It was formed over thousands of years. Fast forward to today, it is now a premier tourist destination in the region.
Bangui Windmills
This wind farm provides renewable energy and gained popularity as a tourist spot because of the scenic views it provides. The ideal time to go is from blue hour to sunset.
Paoay Sand Dunes
You'll start your trip here riding a 4x4 until you reach the dunes. You can try sand boarding here.
Blue Lagoon (Pagudpud)
People make their way to Pagudpud for the beach. One place that many flock to is Blue Lagoon. The beach is nice but can get really crowded during the weekends and holidays.
Sinking Bell Tower
This bell tower in Laoag is a few centuries old. It attracts tourists not just because of its long history, but also because it is sinking every year.
Cape Bojeador
This lighthouse is a regional landmark with historical significance. It was first constructed in the early 1890s.
Other attractions include:
- Malacanang of the North
- Juan Luna House
- Baluarte Zoo
- Padre Burgos House
- Saud Beach
Getting Around
Most visitors drive their own car to Ilocos or rent one with a drive. This is the most convenient way to explore the region. However, it is also possible to take public transportation to some of the spots, there are buses and jeeps that will take you as close as possible to the places you want to visit. You will save money doing this, but you'll also spend a lot of time waiting.
Another affordable alternative is to hire a tricycle and visit Ilocos' attractions by cluster. With Laoag as your base, it costs around P250 each to visit the destinations in Paoay (Paoay Church, Sand Dunes) and Batac (Batac Church, Marcos Mausoleum). It costs around P600 each to tour Burgos (Cape Bojeador, Kapurpurawan, Bangui) and Pagudpud (Blue Lagoon, Patapat, Kabigan Falls). The tricycle can accommodate up to four persons.
The bus from Metro Manila can drop you off at Vigan so that you can easily explore Calle Crisologo.
Where to Stay
Most visitors stay in Laoag, Calle Crisologo (Vigan) or Pagudpud (beachfront resort). Many tourists uses the accommodations in these destinations as a base whenever they explore Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. These places have a variety of hotels, resorts, inns and guesthouses for travelers regardless of their budget. You can book through Agoda to get a good value deal.
How to Go to Ilocos
There are regular flights from Manila to Laoag. However, to get the lowest possible fare, you'll have to book weeks or months before your trip. Most people travel by land because of its convenience and spontaneity.
If you aren't taking your own transportation, you can take the overnight bus. Partas and Florida Bus are the companies that regularly ply the routes from Cubao or Manila to Laoag or Vigan.
The Cubao to Vigan bus costs approximately P670 to P800+++ depending on the class you book. Cubao to Laoag costs around P800 to P970+++ depending on the seat you book.
Budget for Ilocos
This is a rough approximate of your budget for a 3 days and 2 nights trip.
*I rounded out the numbers for easy computation. Everything is in Philippine Pesos.
800 - Overnight bus from Cubao to Laoag
800 - 1 night accommodation shared with at least with one other person
1500 - Food and drinks
125 - Paoay tricycle tour shared with at least one other person
300 - Burgos tricycle tour shared with at least one other person
150 - Roundtrip bus fare from Laoag to Pagudpud
300 - Pagudpud tricycle tour shared with at least another person
800 - Overnight bus from Laoag to Pagudpud
4775 - Total for 3 days and nights per person for a pair of travelers
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight bus from Cubao to Laoag
Day 2
Check in Laoag accommodation
Paoay tour
Burgos tour
Day 3
Check out accommodation
Depart for Pagudpud
Pagudpud tour
Return to Laoag
Overnight bus from Laoag to Cubao
