Comments on: Ilocos Norte

By: Joanne

Joanne — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:49:01 +0000

Hi everyone! I just want to update you all that we now have amall in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte (next town from Laoag). Robinson’s Ilocos Norte opened last December. Not as big as MEGA MALL or GREENBELT, or any malls in Manila but the place is just enough to cater the locals of the province. They also have a commrecial strip as you enter the development.. its called 365 Plza.. it opened last 2007. They have Shakey’s, David’s Tea House, Tribeca (A coffee shop), Red Ribbon, Non-food are Spa & a BAzar area. Beside 365 Plaza is a stand alone MC Donalds too. So, for those who are planning to visit Ilocos Norte.. Go & Enjoy our province!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:40:58 +0000

Hi sunnyfunny,

I think your plan is pretty workable, but my question is, how are you suppose to go to Vigan? Over land as well? As you can see from the past posts here, it takes about a 2 hours to get from Vigan to Laoag and around another hour to get to Pagudpud. Most of the places that are described here are pretty easy to get to. :) I think you and your hubby will be fine. Just make sure that you get a road map. :) Locals are pretty friendly over there and they will be happy to help you out.

Cheers!

Ryan

By: sunnyfunny

sunnyfunny — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:22:09 +0000

Hi Ryan,

I’m so happy to see this blog of yours. My hubby and I, with some our friends are going on a road trip this April. My hubby and I are photo enthusiast. Our itenery so far is somewhat like this, Day 1 (early morning Thursday) Vigan then spend Thursday & Friday nights in Pagudupod (probably in apo idon). Can you suggest on how we can better go about this? Para naman masulit yung trip and of course to get the pics as well. Thanks. I’ll check on your articles from now on. :)

By: Rizzie

Rizzie — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:29:36 +0000

LUSH info. Very useful. Thanks for sharing guys and girlies!

Had it all printed cos I’ll be in Ilocos in about a week! Yay!

Can’t wait,

Rizzie ^_^

By: Ryan

Ryan — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:42:36 +0000

Wow that is excellent news Mae! Ilocos is such a great destination – so much places to see and yeah, I do sound like a broken record – but never miss their empanada- that would be a sacrilege! Anyway, I am very glad that our site has helped you in many ways. More destinations are coming up so better watch out for it. Our current featured destination now is Camiguin.

When it comes to booking for flights, it’s always better to book in advance – as the fares come cheaper. For ferries, however, you may have to book it weeks ahead. For small ferries, however, usually you just show up at the port!

Please anticipate that Holy Week travel can be very hectic as there is a huge rush of travelers to popular destinations, and this is the time that prices significantly up. I think your South African fiance would love our beaches – and if you can also bring him up the Cordilleras around that time, I think he will be soo stunned by the sights there.

Good luck in exploring our beautiful country!

Ryan

By: Mae

Mae — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:15:56 +0000

Thank you so much for making this website. Me and my fiance are planning a trip to go to pagudpud (thanks to you… will be touring whole Ilocos as well), hundred islands , bohol next year April… This website has been my guide and it helped me a lot specially Ivy’s IT hehehehe I think we will be doing the same thing… makes my life easy..^_^ Its goin to be during Holy week and the week after. I am getting concerned if i have to wait a few months more to book accomodations or i should book now.. What do you suggest? same with flights and bus tickets and ferrys? I just want this trip to be memorable for my South African fiance… its his first visit… :)
Thank you once again

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:25:18 +0000

Thanks Ivy! I am sure your post would be a big, big help to anyone visiting Ilocos Norte! Excellent job, I say, and seems you had a fantastic time over in Ilocos. :)

By: Ivy

Ivy — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:57:48 +0000

Really sorry for the late post as I had to look for my IT. ^__^ We were quite lucky that we went there during the Pamulinawen festival, so there were a lot of things to do around the city.

Day 1/ Night 1: Via plane, arrive at Laoag International airport at 7:30 pm. Took a jeep to the town proper (P60) until Balay da Blas (1,350/ night for a Junior Suite for 1-2 people with bfast; really pretty!). Had dinner at Saramsam restaurant (about P150-200/ person), then went around the area to check out the different foodstalls (trikes cost around P7 to go around the city).

Day 2/ Night 2: Woke up early, had breakfast at Balay, and took the Partas bus going to Vigan (P60/ way). There we took a Calesa (P100/hr I think) and went around — Calle Crisologo, Plaza Burgos, St. Paul Cathedral, Bell Tower (as was seen in Panday), Crisologo Museum, Burnayan and Baluarte. Took a trike back to Partas bus termnal (P50) and took the Partas bus going back to Laoag (P60). Had dinner at La Preciosa (P150-200/person).

Day 3/ Night 3: Woke up early, breakfast at Balay. Took a bus to to Batac, then a jeep to Paoay (P30/ P7). Checked out Paoay church, then rented a trike nearby to go to the Caligui Sand Dunes, then back to Batac for the Marcos Musoleum (P150). Checked out then took a bus to Pagudpod Center (P70). There are 2 buses, one going to Pagudpud Center and another going to Cagayan (St. Joseph). If you’re staying at Saud beach, you can just take that Pagudpud bus. But if you’re staying at the Blue Lagoon (like we did), better take the St. Joseph bus, or else, once you’ve arrived at the center, you need to take another bus going to Balaoi.

Stayed at Kapuluan Vista Resort (P1,600/ night with breakfast for the Standard Room) and had the welcome drink. There were a lot of tricycle drivers who offered tours around the area (P300-P500) and another including the Bangui Windmills and the Burgos Lighthouse (additional P300). However, we opted to rent a motorcycle (with driver) instead to go around Pagudpud – Patapat Viaduct, Agua Grande, Paraiso ni Anton (P200 for 2). Got back at Kapuluan at dusk and had dinner there (P200-P250/ person).

Day 4: Woke up early and had dinner at Kapuluan. Checked out before lunch, took a bus to Barayan/ Bantoc (P25), went down and took a trike going to the Bangui Windmills and the Burgos Lighthouse (P100). Took a bus going back to Laoag (P50). Since we still had a couple hours to spare, we walked around to check out the Sinking Bell Tower, the Tobacco Monument and the Laoag Church. Took a trike going back to the airport (P100) and it was Goodbye, Ilocos! We’ll see you again!

By: Ryan

Ryan — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:51:25 +0000

Wow, thanks for those information – really helpful. I am thinking we would probably be staying in Mambajao so I guess the food there is cheaper. We prefer to eat mostly in small eateries- because that is where you get the authentic feel of the cuisine. Regarding Ilocos, well, we would really come back there- even only for those mouthwatering empanadas! But yes, if you please, you may post your itineraries here – it would be extremely helpful for all our readers. Thanks in advance!

If you happen to be on Facebook, please do not hesitate to add our fanpage – look for Tourism Paradise Philippines. :) And if you also please, you may also share these pages to other fellow travelers. The more people sharing information, the better for the destinations!

Cheers!

Ryan

By: Ivy

Ivy — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:53:32 +0000

Oh wow! I am sooo jealous of you. I have a lot of places still lined up in my “to viosit” list. Camiguin is absolutely beautiful. I’d have to say, that would be my number 1 destination in the Philippines and next is Palawan. The only drawback there, is that food is quite expensive although maybe it was because we stayed near the white island, so the nearby places to eat are mostly restaurants catered to foreign tourists. Nonetheless, it is gorgeuos and I’m quite happily surprised that the roads around the island are already cemented (so no butt bruises for me in our habal-habal ride ;D). As for Bukidnon, while I only got to pass by quickly in that area, don’t forget to go to the Del Monte farm and get those “Sweet 16″ pineapples. I’m not the biggest fan of pineapples, but they were really, really sweet and delicious without that scratchy feeling you get when eating them. :)

I am definitely looking forward to reading about all those places, especially Batanes and the Camarines Islands. I’m targetting those areas (hopefully next year), along with Siquijor, Coron and Davao.

The sand dunes is in Barangay Caligui, Paoay. To get there, take a trike from the Paoay Church for about 5-10 mins to Caligui. If the driver doesn’t know exactly where it is, he can ask the residents in the area (since you’ll be passing by one) where Panday was filmed. ;) I suggest going there a bit later in the afternoon, as the sand could get really hot. Otherwise, make sure to wear closed shoes. Hehe.

I think the best itinerary (with costs) I have out of all my trips is that of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur (Vigan) and Pagudpud. So if any of the readers are interested, I’d be mopre than happy to share it here. :)