Provinces in the Philippines are reopening one by one as travel restrictions are eased to help the tourism industry get back on its feet again.
Ilocos Norte is one of the provinces that recently opened to tourists from the rest of Luzon
“We're elated with the decision of Governor Manotoc to finally welcome visitors from Luzon to Ilocos Norte, even those coming from areas that are still under general community quarantine (GCQ).
"The province's success in managing the number of Covid-19 cases, not to mention an array of cultural sites, natural attractions, and fun activities make it really worth the long drive for people looking for a cure for their cabin fever,” Department of Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in a statement in October 2020.
Ilocos Norte is limiting the number of tourist arrivals and the DOT will be helping them monitor the movement of their visitors.
So, if you're thinking of escaping your stressful city life amid the quarantine, perhaps you should head north to Ilocos Norte and explore the natural beauty and culture that the province has to offer.
Below are photos of some of the must-visit tourist spots in Ilocos Norte.
Pagudpud is famous for its pristine beaches such as the Saud Beach, Sabang Beach, Pasaleng Beach, and the Blue Lagoon in Malingay Cove. It is dubbed as the “Boracay of the North” and has become a popular surfing site. So, taking a swim or catching waves in Pagudpud should definitely be part of your itinerary.
A trip to Ilocos Norte isn't complete without visiting its iconic windmills at the Bangui Wind Farm.
The Bantay Abot Cave is actually a stunning rock formation along the shore of Baloi in Ilocos Norte. It's name means “a mountain with a hole” and is said to resemble a whale resting ashore. The Bantay Abot Cave is only 30-45 minutes away from the Bangui Windmills.
Another must-see natural beauty in Ilocos Norte is the Kabigan Falls. Aside from enjoying the view and taking a relaxing dip at the majestic 87-feet-tall waterfalls, there's a 40-minute trek that adventurous travelers can look forward to. The mouth of the trail leading to the Kabigan Falls is only approximately a 5-minute drive away from Bantay Abot Cave.
The Sinking Bell Tower of the Laoag Cathedral (a.k.a. Saint William's Cathedral) is a must-see tourist attraction that's filled with mystery. First off, unlike most church tower bells, it is located far from the cathedral at about 80 meters away from its doors. Second, it is also said to sink into the ground at a rate of an inch a year. Stories have it that when the bell tower was newly built, a person riding a horse could enter it. Now, a person with a relatively normal height needs to bend first before entering. Some believe it is due to the fact that the bell tower was built in sandy land and its heavy structure is causing it to gradually sink itself into the ground.
The La Paz Sand Dunes is one of the most famous tourist spots in Ilocos Norte. It is located in Laoag City and locally referred to as Bantay Bimmaboy, a name that alludes to its appearance, which resembles pigs or “baboy” in Filipino. The unique sandy coastal desert has been used as a location for local movies such as 'Panday' and 'Himala', and Hollywood films like 'Mad Max' and 'Born on the Fourth of July'. Plus, it has a panoramic view of the South China Sea.
This is another sand dune located a bit farther from the city than the La Paz Sand Dunes. While there, you can go on a thrilling 4x4 or ATV ride and try sand boarding. Or, you may simply enjoy the excellent view of the sea. The Paoay Sand Dunes is located just right beside the Malacañang of the North, which can be the next stop in your itinerary.
The Malacañang of the North is a presidential museum in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, with a breathtaking view of the Paoay Lake. Locals call it the Malacañang ti Amianan. It was the residence of former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos and his family, which was actually given as a gift to him by former First lady Imelda Marcos for his 60th birthday. It was converted into a museum back in 2011.
The San Agustin Church, more commonly known as Paoay Church, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993. It was also acknowledged as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1973.
The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, was established during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines and still functions over a century after it was built. It is also known as the Burgos Lighthouse and is said to mark the northwesternmost point in Luzon.
The magnificent Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, is a must-visit for those who are into nature photography or those who just want nature's work of art to be their background in travel selfies.