The Highlights of our Ilocos Tour

by - May 12, 2016

Ilocos Philippines
This was my second time in Ilocos and I must admit, my first was much better. Me and my family are just part of the joiners and we're on a 50 seating capacity bus. We departed Manila at around 9PM so we could arrive at 6AM in Ilocos. To be honest I'm not really impressed anymore. I was just being irritated by how hot the weather is. We've visited a lot of tourist destinations and attractions but it felt like some destinations are just there for the sake of quantity. It also felt like we're always in a hurry to go to the next destination which is one of the cons if you're in a guided tour.

Ilocos Philippines
An afternoon at Saud Beach

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines
Quick fact: Paoay church is one of UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ilocos is great but I wasn't just impressed anymore. Maybe because it's been so hyped and the go to spot for those who want to travel up north. Saud beach was great. I was also able to go inside's Malacanang of the North, went to see Marcos Mausoleum, Bangui windmills and others but we weren't able to go to Cape Bojeador because it was under renovation that time. I was looking forward to see this place again though. :(

Ilocos Philippines
One of the bedrooms inside's Malacanang of the North. Where the Marcoses used to live.

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines
The famous Bangui Windmills

Of course, it wouldn't be a complete tour if we don't ride a kalesa at Vigan's Calle Crisologo and eat their infamous Ilocos empanada. It was my first time though to see Bantay Church and Belle Tower and Kabigan Falls wherein we have to trek for an hour under the scorching hot sun. The fall's okay. Not something majestic but it was fairly good. 
Ilocos Philippines
Ilocos Philippines
Mandatory mother and daughter selfie. :3

Ilocos Philippines
Kabigan Falls situated at Pagudpud Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Philippines

Trekking to Kabigan Falls is kinda challenging. Good thing is our guide is very friendly and is making sure we are still okay. I don't want to say that the trek is okay because the beauty of the falls is worth it. Because honestly, I'm not impressed with the falls itself but still, it's a good way to see new things. And plus points na din for the cold water because it was really hot by that time.

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines
There are other itineraries, in my opinion, like the Pasuquin Biscocho bakery and Salt Making that shouldn't be part of the package or the itinerary anymore because it is just a waste of time especially that there's nothing to see, really. Kapurpurawan White Rock Formations is also one of the places we went to see but it felt like I just wasted my time again. 

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines
Scramble in a very hot day.

What I like the most though aside from the food (ehem empanada <3, lumpiang pansit) is the 4x4 ride at Paoay Sand Dunes! It was oh so fun! Got few bruises but it was nothing compared to the ride. HAHA! I should do that more often! We also tried sand boarding but well just so-so. Price for the 4x4 ride is 2000 per 4 to 5 persons in one 4x4. It's inclusive of unlimited sand boarding which not really fun btw. You just do it because you wanted to try it. All in all though, for me, this is the highlight of the trip. 

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines
Trying out Sand Boarding

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines
The 4x4 trucks

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

We also went to Blue Lagoon which is also known as Boracay of the North. Didn't get to swim in the beach because as I've said, it was super hot and we have limited time.

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines

Ilocos Philippines
Isaw by the beach anyone? :)

Ilocos Philippines
If it weren't for my mother, I won't be visiting Ilocos again but hey, who am I to complain? All travel is good. Regardless if the destination is what you want or not. Good thing is there's the Ilocos empanda to keep me company. Hihi. <3
www.maayalegaspi.com

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8 comments

  1. Traveling for me is both fun and educational. It is more enjoyable if done as a family as you get to talk about that trip again and again for a week or more, while you eat or about to sleep. That means the kids enjoyed the trip. Would love to read more about your travel stories. And yes, i also love Ilocos' empanada.

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  2. I've never ridden on sand dunes before. I would love to try it, even with the bumps! I'm sorry you felt some parts of the tour were a waste, but you took some amazing pictures. What is the food you have on sticks at the end? It looks yummy!

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  3. Sometimes going back to the same place is not as fun and memorable as the first time. Familiarity breeds contempt it seems. HAHAHA. Boracay was different for me when I was visiting and living there for example.

    http://www.amazinglifedaily.com

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  4. That is one of the disadvantages of should I say organized travel? Time is limited, its like your going to a place to see it and have photo then thats it. Your not having an opportunity to interect with locals and more. Anyway, its still acceptable padin naman most likely if your travel with older people. Who want a more relaxing tour. Ilocos is awesome. Never been to a lot of places in ilocos norte and would consider to revisit again :)

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  5. One of my target for next year's travel is Ilocos. Never seen sand dunes before. I would really love to try it and I cant wait. I miss eating Ice scramble and Isaw like you did :D you look so happy and enjoying the moments in your pictures. You made me crave seriously.Btw, you captured your moments very nicely

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  6. Every experience is New. Sometimes the place is not that great in the end, but the memories were. Your photos are beautiful and I love the one with the palm trees! Could've been California!

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  7. This made me realize how little of the Philippines I've seen, and there's a lot more about Philippines - the prettier side of it - that I haven't seen!

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  8. Seems you had great fun..As I said earlier in one omy other comments, thanks to this group, I am seeing a lot of Phillipines.

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