Ilocos Norte: Beyond the Usual

Travelling to Ilocos Norte provides a bang for vacationer’s buck. The province is literally crammed with numerous nooks for adventures, historical places, fine beaches, and of course excellent cuisine that could be considered indigenous to the region. Here are some classifications of destination places and attractions in the province of Ilocos Norte:

HISTORICAL SITES

St. John the Baptist Church (Minor Basilica –  Badoc)

          The rustic town of Badoc in Ilocos Norte is filled with different attractions that catch the attention of many visitors throughout the country. One of its unique is the old edifice of St. John the Baptist Parish Church – the home to La Virgen Milagrosa – believed to be a miracle for many pilgrims of the town.

               In the Philippines, the 200-year old Basilica Minore of Saint John the Baptist, where the La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc is currently enshrined, became the 14th of its kind that was granted with privileges, obligations, and conditions as a minor Basilica.

Juan Luna Shrine (Badoc)

          Badoc is the birthplace of the illustrious master and patriot Juan Luna. His ancestral home has been turned into a repository of his masterpieces and some personal memorabilia, as well as antique household items that remind visitors of its occupants’ lifestyle during its time. As such, the town draws visitors that find pleasure in historical tidbits, arts, vintage collections and untapped tourist attractions.

                  The Juan Luna Shrine is a two-story structure made of clay bricks and molave wood. This restored ancestral home of the Luna clan is itself a life-sized historical artifact that speaks of affluence and classic elegance.

San Agustin Church (Paoay)

          Do not miss out on taking a short visit to one of the famous tourist destination and a world heritage site standing right in the heart of Paoay, the magnificent San Agustin Church, or also known as the Paoay Church. Paoay Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, having completed its construction in 1710. What makes Paoay Church outstanding from other well-known churches around the country is its impressive pyramid-like structure considered as a primary example of the earthquake baroque style of architecture characterized by its thick walls made from coral stones and bricks.

The Sinking Bell Tower (Laoag)

          The mysterious bell tower of Laoag City continues to spark the curiosities of people visiting Ilocos Norte, a northern province of the Philippines. Its tale traces a long story of occupation, struggle, and survival—much like the tale of the country’s rise and wane under Imperial Spain. It is believed that the tower is sinking at a rate of an inch every year. There aren’t any conclusive scientific explanations for this, but one accepted theory is that the tower being built on sandy land and its heavy and massive structure is causing it to slowly bury itself into the ground. Today, the bell tower is also sinking in a figurative way.

The Domeless Tower (Bacarra)

          The Bacarra Bell Tower is also known as “Torre Ti Bacarra” or “Torre”. It is one of the interesting things that can be found in Ilocos Norte. This Bacarra Church bell tower was known as the “bowling acrobatic tower o Southeast Asia”. It was called acrobatic because initially, the bell tower tilted during an earthquake in 1931, but never fell. In 1989, an earthquake shook Bacarra once more and the tilted topmost portion finally collapsed. The bells are still used up to this day, a rope is tied to the bell above.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (Burgos)

           Cape Bojeador lighthouse is the most accessible of all the lighthouses in the island of Luzon. The historical Cape Bojeador lighthouse is situated on a rocky promontory near the town of Burgos and it is also known as Faro Cabo Cape Bojeador. It is National Treasure heritage listed by the National Museum as one of the last Philippine Spanish Lighthouses.

Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center/Museum (Batac)

          The Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Presidential Center, commonly known as the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, in Batac, Ilocos Norte houses a large collection of Marcos Memorabilia, possibly the largest in the country. Prior to becoming a museum and housing the late dictator’s remains, it was the ancestral home of the Marcoses. The highlight of the Marcos Museum is a visit to the late dictator’s mausoleum. It’s an eerie black mausoleum that houses Marcos’ remains. People have said that it’s not really his body under the glass, but most of the people say otherwise. It is forbidden to take photos or videos inside, and any attempt at doing so will mean having to deal with the police.

Malacanang of the North (Overlooking Paoay Lake)

          Malacañang of the North served as the official residence of the Marcoses when their patriarch, Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., was still the president. It is a sprawling compound found at the shores of Paoay Lake. A frequent feature in any Ilocos tour, the house itself was a gift from former First Lady and current Representative of the 2^nd District of Ilocos Norte, Imelda Marcos to her husband. It was one of the many properties sequestered from the Marcoses after Marcos Sr. was removed from power.

Museo Ilocos Norte (Laoag)

          The snazzy Museo Ilocos Norte is one of the better ethnographic museums in the Philippines. It houses a large collection of Ilocano, Igorot and Itneg traditional clothing, household utensils, ceremonial objects and more. The Museo Ilocos Norte is a learning center of Ilocos Norte traditions. Within its spaces are many opportunities for inter-active and multi-disciplinary experiences. Its presentations are continually evolving, responding to new findings and revelations on the cultures of Ilocos Norte.

          Are you looking for a great escape? Ilocos Norte is known of the many paradise beaches that gives retreat from toxicity of life. Below are some of the beaches in Pagudpud.

Best element about Pagudpud is its excellent inhabitants, genuine hospitality of people and most especially the fine beaches.

Saud Beach

          Saud Beach is located in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The beach is known with its magnificent fine white sand. It is lined with coconut palms that added with its wonderful view and scenery. It is a beautiful place for photoshoots and also becoming the best place for surfing in Ilocos.

Kabigan Falls

          It is located in Barangay Balaoi in the town of Pagudpud. The waterfalls is very popular for its cold and clear water surrounded by tall trees. The waterfalls is far from the national highway so it’s reachable by renting vehicle or on foot.

Blue Lagoon

          Blue Lagoon is a great place to stay with its bluish-tint water and white sand. The entire area is calm. The best place to think, rest and relax.

Bantay Abot Cave

          The place is a great photograph spot. Also, a place to meditate and relax. Inside the cave is a church, at the top is covered by green plants.

Hannah’s Resort

          Hannah’s is an indeed relaxing place with its tropical paradise environment. The resort also offers thrilling adventure for those who want adrenaline rush if not swimming. There is the 1.2 kilometer zipline, surf board, jet ski, snorkel or kayak, banana boat and to the nature lovers will be pleased with their offer of mountain trekking.

ADVENTURE

Bangui Windmill

       It was Southeast Asia’s largest windfarm. Each windmill turbine has vertical rotor blades standing 10 meters high above the shore. It is near the Asia-Pacific monsoon where North Westerly winds are constant.

Solsona Apayao Road view

          Adventure-seekers had found a similar spot on a trip to the Ilocos Norte. Its good spot for those adventures and the view there is good for photography.

Paoay Sand Dunes

         The activities here is fun, you can hire a 4×4 rough riding vehicle at the base of the site, for Php 1,500 for a maximum of 5 people per car, the driver will tour the group at Sand dunes for 30 minutes. Sightseeing and photo sessions can be done for this package.

Pangil Rock Formation

       Located in Currimao, Ilocos Norte. It is good for site-seeing, photography, picnics and cliff diving.

Kapurpurawan

          Located in Burgos. This place is good in photography and site-seeing and there is also an activity here which is Horse Riding.