Ilocos Norte

The northwestern tip of Luzon, with dune off-roading in Laoag, Paoay Lake and the Bangui windmills, plus the white-sand beaches of Pagudpud in the far north.

Ilocos Norte occupies the northwestern tip of Luzon. Its capital, Laoag, is about 480 km from Manila — roughly 1 hour by direct flight or about 10 hours by overnight bus — and the historic town of Vigan is about 80 km to the south. A visit falls into three parts. In Laoag city there's the Sinking Bell Tower, St. William's Cathedral, the Tobacco Monopoly Monument and the Museo Ilocos Norte, and west of the city are the La Paz Sand Dunes for dune bashing and sandboarding. The southern route through Paoay, Batac and Badoc takes in Malacañang of the North, Paoay Lake, the Marcos Presidential Center, Batac's empanada stalls and the Juan Luna Shrine (the World Heritage–listed Paoay Church is also in Paoay, but is covered here under the Vigan destination). The northern coast runs past Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, the white rock formations of Kapurpurawan and the Bangui Windmills to Pagudpud's Saud Beach, Blue Lagoon, Kabigan Falls and the Patapat Viaduct — one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the Philippines. The best time is the dry season from November to May; the sea is calmest from March to May, while the northeast monsoon brings surfable waves from November to February. June to October is the rainy season, with frequent typhoons. Local food includes Ilocos longganisa, empanada, bagnet (crispy fried pork) and sugarcane vinegar. Plan to stay 3–4 days: one day for Laoag and the southern route, one for the northern coast, and 1–2 nights by the sea in Pagudpud. Sights in the north are spread out, so hiring a van or a tricycle is recommended.

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Itineraries