Best Places to Visit in Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte, located at the northern tip of Luzon in the Philippines,is a province that delights with its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly locals. This region offers a mix of attractions that cater to various interests. You’ll find everything from historic churches and museums to natural wonders and thrilling outdoor activities. Here’s a peek at some of the top tourist spots in Ilocos Norte:
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines.
This lighthouse, with brick walls as is the style of many other lighthouses in the country, is one of the highest elevated Spanish colonial lighthouses in the Philippines.
It still functions as an active and welcoming flair to ships that enter the Philippine Archipelago from the North.
Malacanang of the North
The Malacanang of the North is a historical mansion in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, built in 1977 as a rest house for the former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and his family.
Tobacco Monopoly Monument
The Tobacco Monopoly Monument is a historical landmark in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, that commemorates the end of the tobacco monopoly during the Spanish colonial era.
Museo Ilocos Norte
Museo Ilocos Norte is a famous cultural museum in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. It is known for showcasing the rich cultural heritage and history of the Ilocos region. The museum’s collection includes artifacts, photographs, and other historical items that tell the story of Ilocos Norte’s evolution from its pre-colonial period to the present day.
Juan Luna Shrine
The Juan Luna Shrine is a national museum in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. It is the ancestral house of the Luna family, built in the 1850s and dedicated to the life and works of renowned Filipino painter Juan Luna.
Patapat Viaduct
Known as the 4th largest bridge in the Philippines, the Patapat Viaduct is a 1.3km long bridge located in Ilocos Norte. It stretches along the northern coastline and connects the municipalities of Pagudpud and Adams. It is known for its breathtaking coastline view, surrounded by lush mountains and greenery.
Bangui Windmills
The Bangui Windmills are a group of 20 wind turbines located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. This was constructed in 2005 to generate renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Bantay Abot Cave
Located near Patapat Viaduct, Bantay Abot Cave is another popular tourist spot. The cave is a natural rock formation that resembles a hole in the mountain created by the sea eroding the rocky coastline over time.
Sand Dunes
The Sand Dunes of Paoay, Ilocos Norte is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy thrilling off-road adventures such as sandboarding, ATV rides, 4×4 jeep tours, and scenic views during sunset. Adventure seekers can also take horseback rides or watch a kite-flying display.
Saud Beach
Dubbed as the “Boracay of the North,” Saud beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is a popular tourist destination. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a unique landscape of white limestone rock formations in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It has been shaped by the forces of wind and water over millions of years.
Paoay Lake
Paoay Lake is a natural freshwater lake in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, known for its scenic beauty and unique geological features. It is about 1.8 km long and 1.2 km wide, surrounded by lush forests and hills. The lake is believed to have been formed by earthquakes in the 17th century or a volcanic eruption in the past.
Anuplig Falls
Anuplig Falls is a natural wonder located in the province of Ilocos Norte. To reach the falls, visitors will need to trek through the forest for around 45 minutes and can enjoy various flora and fauna species along the way. Anuplig Falls offers a breathtaking sight of cascading waterfalls, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation.
Kabigan Falls
Kabigan Falls is a 80 feet tall falls and has a refreshing natural pool for swimming. Local guides are available to assist visitors during the trek, and the area is perfect for relaxing and having a picnic.
Kalbario–Patapat Natural Park
Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park spans 32,000 hectares. It features two mountain ranges, Kalbario and Patapat, which offer challenging hiking trails and scenic coastal views. The park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna and several indigenous communities with rich cultural traditions.
Paoay Church
Paoay Church, also known as Saint Augustine Church, is an 18th-century Baroque-style church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its massive coral stone buttresses that reinforce the structure during earthquakes, intricate facade designs, and impressive interior with stained glass windows, murals, and a golden altar.
Sinking Bell Tower
The Sinking Bell Tower is a famous tourist attraction in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, known for its inclination due to being built on sandy soil. It was constructed in 1707 as part of St. William’s Cathedral. It has undergone several restorations over the centuries.
St. William’s Cathedral
St. William’s Cathedral, also known as the Laoag Cathedral, is a cathedral built in 1612 and features a unique fusion of Gothic, Baroque, and Oriental architecture. Its bell tower is one of the tallest in the Philippines.
Bacarra Church
Bacarra Church, also known as St. Andrew the Apostle Church, is a popular tourist spot in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. Built-in 1593, it is one of the oldest churches in the province and boasts a mix of Baroque and Gothic architecture. It features a unique ivory retablo and is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.
La Virgen Milagrosa
La Virgen Milagrosa Chapel is a Baroque-style chapel in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. Built in 1591, it houses a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary and serves as a pilgrimage site for devotees.
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