10 Must See Places In Ilocos Norte, Philippines

All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it. And here are some beautiful places that found in Ilocos Norte, Philippines.

1. Blue Lagoon or Maira-ira

 It’s a kind of the most beautiful secret beach resort in the northern area.  It was named as Blue lagoon since the sea water is bluish and its stillness can really be witnessed.

2. Bangui Windmills

 

The Bangui farm is usually stated as the first wind farm in the Philippines and the largest in Southeast Asia (no other country in SEA has the wind potential of typhoon-ravaged Philippines). Europeans are sick and tired of seeing windmills but in the Philippines where these tall, sleek, and white towers of power and beauty are still a novelty, the Bangui windmills are a veritable tourist spot in this otherwise unremarkable Ilocos Norte town.

3. Saud Beach Pagudpud

 

Saud Beach has been hailed as the "Boracay" of Northern Philippines. Since it boast of beautiful white beach backed by rows of coconut palms minus the noise and nightlife of Boracay. In fact you can call it either serene or boring depends on how you want to look at it. 

4. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse 

                           One of the Oldest and Most Visited Spanish Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse - This is the fantastic facade of the Caoe Bojeador also known as Burgos Lighthouse. This is a perfect portrait place and I must admit that for heritage places, we need to turn to the experts at Heritage Conservation Society to accurately describe its beauty.

 

The view from the tower of the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

You must be wondering what is the big deal with this lighthouse? This magnificent view of the jagged coastline facing the South China sea awaits anymore who patiently waits their turn to go up the lighthouse. You can also opt to go here to view the magnificent sunset in Ilocos Norte!

5. Fort Ilocandia 

 

 Fort Ilocandia - is the only rated hotel in the Ilocos Norte Region. This was originally constructed by the Marcos Family for their daughter Irene’s wedding reception. This spanish inspired resort mainly attracts taiwanese gamblers but it still never fails to charm the first-time Filipino tourist. It is best suited for hosting conferences and events but it could be quite expensive to stay here for your family’s vacation or use it just as a stopover. If you decide to stay here, might as well maximize the facilities and even walk to the famous Sand Dunes of Suba.

6. Sand Dunes of Suba

PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE – If you think you’ve seen the best of Ilocos, you’re probably missing a lot if you haven’t experienced a sunset (or sunrise) yet in the majestic sand dunes of Suba. Ilocos Norte’s unique sand dunes and stretches from the municipality of Currimao in the north and winds it’s way to La Paz in Laoag City then to Suba in Paoay and finally in Pasuquin in the south.

7. Paoay Church 

 

St. Augustine Church, or more popularly called Paoay Church, in Ilocos Norte is one of the the oldest churches in the Philippines and is among the major attractions of the province. The Paoay Church in particular is famous for its distinctive Gothic, Baroque and Oriental architecture. Its facade reveals Gothic affinity, its gables show Chinese elements, while the niches topping the walls suggest Javanese influence (reminiscent of the famous Boroboudur Temple).

8. Patapat Viaduct

 

The now famous Viaduct snakes around the coast at the foot of the North Cordillera Mountain Range. This concrete winding viaduct is 1.2 km in length and is also known as the Viaduct, and as it has a cousin in France its also known as the French Riviera of the Northern Philippines. As you traverse the bridge you pass the Mabugabog Falls that is the water power for the mini hydroelectric plant. When its been very wet and raining the falls are spectacular to watch.

9. Vigan

 Vigan – is an island, which used to be detached from the mainland by three rivers – the great Abra River, the Mestizo River and the Govantes River. It is unique among the Philippine towns because it is the country’s most extensive and only surviving historic city that dates back to the 15th century Spanish colonial period. The town of Vigan will let you experience the time in the past since it is a well-preserved Spanish Colonial Town with small rounded paving stone edges along its street.

10. Chavit Singson’s Baluarte Zoo @ Vigan

 

Baluarte is becoming famous stopover for tourists visiting Vigan where people can see and interact with animals on display at the Chavit Singson's mansion cum mini-zoo, with animal interaction scheduled everyday with several wild animals.