Cold fresh air from the Pacific, Hispanic-era-like environment and the setting of the golden sun, name it, Ilocos has it!
First Stop - VIGAN
I and my friends stayed in Casa Teofila which is 5 minutes away from Plaza Burgos via tricycle. And right there, the adventure begins.
Expenses
Casa Teofila - 2950 (good for 9 persons)
Tricycle Ride - 10 pesos per head
Expenses
Casa Teofila - 2950 (good for 9 persons)
Tricycle Ride - 10 pesos per head
Choose a kalesa for your city tour. Riding a kalesa is better than riding car or any motor vehicle(if its your first time). So grab the chance.
Expense
Kalesa - 150 per hour (Maximum of 3 persons per kalesa)
Our city tour lasted for 4 hours so we paid 600pesos
Expense
Kalesa - 150 per hour (Maximum of 3 persons per kalesa)
Our city tour lasted for 4 hours so we paid 600pesos
Bantay Bell Tower Since 1591. Good News - Entrance is free!! Just register before going inside.
Visit a souvenir shop for you and your friends
See different kinds of animals in the BALUARTE. Entrance also free, just register before you come in
Stop over and take a lunch at Hidden Garden. The prices are really affordable and foods are yummy
Suggestion: Try Ilocanos famous dishes like Longanisa, Bagnet, Pinakbet, Sinanglao, Dinakdakan, Empanada etc.
Roam around the famous Calle Crisologo. Looks like Italy eh!
Second Stop - PAGUDPUD
Pagudpud is 3 hours away from Vigan. But along the way, you will see old churches and structures like the Paoay Church.
The Sinking Bell Tower. They said it was sinking before because of the soft soil. But now its already cemented. So I guess its no longer that dangerous.
The Old Lighthouse. Wait till you reach the top.
The view of the open sea is breathtaking!
On our way, we found this low tide shore, just beside the highway. Oh feel that strong wind and big waves rushing!
THE WHITE ROCK FORMATION. Definitely not photoshopped. Rock formation and the open sea combination is picturesque!
The view from the rock. This is what I'm talking about.
Expense:
Entrance fee - 15php per person
Expense:
Entrance fee - 15php per person
THE BANGUI WINDMILL. I was literally jumping for joy when I saw it. It supplies 40% of Ilocos' energy.
A trip wouldn't be complete without a group picture.
After having our late lunch, we took a rest for a while at Natividad Homestay. The house is complete with cooking utensils, refrigerator, TV and Rice cooker, just like having your own home for a day. Plus its just 5 minutes walk to Saud Beach.
Expense:
Natividad Homestay - 3000php (good for 10 people)
Saud Beach Entrance Fee - 20php per head
Expense:
Natividad Homestay - 3000php (good for 10 people)
Saud Beach Entrance Fee - 20php per head
SAUD BEACH We waited all our lives to see the sunset of the Pacific. It's worth the wait.
Third Stop - LAOAG
So you think you need to travel abroad to see desert huh? Think twice. Its just a plane away without VISA or passport requirement(for Filipinos). Amazingly, It's just in LAOAG! The PAOAY SAND DUNES
SAND BOARDING! SAND BOARDING! SAND BOARDING!
Riding the 4x4 is not as easy as you think, there are steep paths with high and low slopes and a twist of adventure. You need to tighten your grip and enjoy that roller coaster ride!
Expenses
Sand Dunes Package - 2500php (good for 5 persons inclusive of 4x4 transpo and unlimited sand boarding)
For more information about the Ilocos trip, please visit this site
http://kathygoestowork.wordpress.com/2014/02/19/kathy-goes-to-ilocos/
Expenses
Sand Dunes Package - 2500php (good for 5 persons inclusive of 4x4 transpo and unlimited sand boarding)
For more information about the Ilocos trip, please visit this site
http://kathygoestowork.wordpress.com/2014/02/19/kathy-goes-to-ilocos/
I dedicate this post to my travel buddies Marjorie(Photographer), Janelle, Janie Bib, Pae, Mae, John, Kathymar and Marv