Rediscover the exciting places of the north in this Ilocos Norte tourist spot guide.
Other than the political thought when Ilocos Norte comes to mind, many captivating places await every enthusiastic traveler.
From World Heritage sites and museums to beautiful beaches and dunes, there are plenty of things to do in Ilocos Norte.
Other than its noteworthy landmarks and attractions, Ilocos Norte is also an ideal place for gastronomic adventures. Some exciting foods to try are veggie pizza, Ilocos empanada and longganisa, and of course bagnet.
Traveling to Ilocos Norte
Fly from Manila to Ilocos Norte
Tourists coming from Manila can book flights from Manila to Laoag City in Ilocos Norte. You will depart at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 in Pasay City and arrive at Laoag International Airport. Travel time takes around an hour and 10 minutes. Other than Manila, other major hubs in the country don’t offer direct flights to Laoag.
Travel by Private Car
Laoag City is 477km away from Balintawak in North Luzon Expressway. Travel time takes around 8-9 hours, depending on the season, which could take up to 10 hours during the holiday break.
Travel by Bus
Provincial buses operate daily at predetermined trips. Most of their terminals are in Sampaloc in Manila and Cubao in Quezon City. Bus companies like GV Florida and Farinas Bus. You can opt for a regular aircon or the more comfortable de luxe or sleeper bus at a higher rate. Traveling by bus takes around 9-10 hours.
Find out the best places to visit with this Ilocos Norte tourist spot list now
Table of Contents
1. Paoay Church
This UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, also called San Augustine Church, is a famous Ilocos Norte tourist spot worth visiting.
The timeless architecture of Paoay Church emphasizes the Baroque style, characterized by its massive 24 buttresses displaying on its sides.
Likewise, its facade’s solid coral rocks and bricks are a testament to the olden construction methodology’s resourcefulness.
On the other hand, the detached bell tower has played an essential part in Ilocos Norte’s history. This three-story structure was used as a watchtower for Katipuneros during the Spanish era and by the Filipino guerrillas during the Japanese occupation of World War II.
Completion of the original building dates back to 1710. After almost three centuries of its existence, NHCP completed the conservation of its exterior in June 2020.
It takes around a 30-minute ride from Laoag City before you reach Paoay.
Visiting Paoay Church not only takes you back in time, but it is also a great place to reflect and appreciate history.
2. Paoay Sand Dunes
A trip to Ilocos Norte wouldn’t be complete without taking an adventure at Paoay sand dunes.
Prepare yourself to scream and get dirty by taking some fun yet exhilarating activities like the 4×4 ride, ATV ride, and sandboarding.
Thanks to its rolling hills and steep slopes, Paoay dunes favor an all-out outdoor adventure you can have to your Ilocos Norte tourist spot visit.
Ideally, it is best to visit early in the morning to avoid the heat. Likewise, staying here just before the sunset awaits a scenic landscape to the nearby sea.
The seemingly vast barren landscape also became a setting of some local TV shows and movies.
The Paoay Sand Dunes is just a few 15-minute rides shy away from the city proper.
3. Bangui Windmills
In the northern part of Ilocos Norte, the Bangui Windmills offer a different sight to behold for every tourist.
The 20 towering 70-m high wind turbines generate a considerable amount of renewable energy to power at least 40% of the province’s demand.
Lining along the Bangui Bay shore, these massive structures create a unique contrast to the sea and mountains nearby.
You can take many photographs as you want or walk along the beach from one windmill to another.
Entrance to this Ilocos Norte tourist spot is free. And when you’re feeling tired but wants to have extra fun, you can also try horseback riding by the shore.
There are also food stalls for a quick bite and stalls for your mandatory souvenirs like the wooden replica of windmills and seashell crafts.
4. Patapat Viaduct
Another popular Ilocos Norte tourist spot when it comes to scenic structures is the Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud.
As the fourth longest bridge in the Philippines, the Patapat viaduct has a span of 1.2 kilometers. Moreover, this bridge connects two barangays in Pagudpud, near the border of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan province.
Embracing the mountains’ curves just above the shores of Pasaleng Bay, traversing here offers a picturesque view along the way. Besides, you can also pull over to a broader viaduct section to capture some instagrammble photos.
With the lush greens of the mountains and the navy blue waters of the sea, you’ll surely mesmerize the beauty, even just for a while.
Vehicular traffic may be light here but always practice caution since you will still be on the road.
5. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
The coastal views of Ilocos Norte are genuinely unique in most cases. Like in the town of Burgos, you can spot the Kapurpurawan rock formation.
This geological rock formation protruding along the beach keeps tourists in awe because of its white surface.
Its name comes from the Ilocano word puraw, meaning white. Meanwhile, its unique shape and color are the result of weathering and oceanic waves.
Getting close to the rock itself requires some trekking from the drop-off point near the highway. Then you have to walk for a while or ride a horse for a small fee.
The beach here, however, is not suitable for swimming and any other water activities.
Make the most of taking postcard-like photos or marvel at the rough waves coming ashore.
6. Saud Beach in Pagudpud
For beach lovers, Saud Beach in Pagudpud is the place to be when visiting Ilocos Norte.
Saud beach makes a perfect weekend getaway for locals and nearby provinces, mainly because the crowd is manageable.
Fine creamy-white sands, towering palm trees, and calm sea waters sync perfectly for an unforgettable seascape.
Tourists will also enjoy the affordable beach resorts and hotels that line just a few steps from the beach.
Besides swimming, tourists will also love playing outdoor games on the beach like volleyball, badminton, or frisbee throwing.
For early risers, the sunrise view makes a refreshing scenery. The sunset otherwise draws some romantic vibes for those traveling with their loved ones.
When choosing to camp instead, ask your local guide first about the designated camping areas.
If you are looking for an affordable white sand beach experience in the Northern Luzon, Saud Beach in Pagudpud shouldn’t miss your Ilocos Norte tourist spot itinerary.
7. Malacañang of the North
When in Paoay, the Malacañang of the North is another Ilocos Norte tourist spot not to miss.
Built as a holiday residence of the Marcos Family, this bi-level house-turned museum has distinguished Spanish architecture.
The noticeable living spaces here are the sizeable living room, the grand staircase, spacious ballroom, and even an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
The back is an open veranda overlooking Paoay Lake and manicured lawn to the rest of the property.
Here, you can gaze at the memorabilia of the Marcos family. You can also have a slice of the history of the former first family life who lived here.
The museum is open to the public at a minimal entrance fee.
Tourist who loves seeing olden Philippine houses will surely appreciate this well-preserved historical abode.
There is also a small shop for you to buy some souvenirs on the ground floor, too.
8. Paoay Lake
You can visibly appreciate the Paoay Lake after touring the Malacañang of the North.
Here you can calmly observe this freshwater’s natural beauty or watch migratory birds flock at its banks.
Local legend says the location of Paoay Lake is once a prosperous village that sank after an earthquake. Now, Paoay Lake is one of the natural parks in the region.
Some cafes and restaurants are within the lake’s outskirts, offering a vantage point to watch the sunset.
When feeling adventurous, you can rent a paddleboat or kayak.
9. Sinking Bell Tower
In the heart of Laoag, Ilocos Norte, there is a bell tower that naturally sinks.
The Augustinian friars built it in the 1600s, and it was too late to realize that it sits on a sandy foundation, causing it to sink an inch year by year.
The sinking bell tower is quick to spot near the busy streets of Laoag. Just a few steps from the Laoag Church, this bell tower still rings the bell every Sunday.
Now, stalls have sprung near the tower, obstructing its view. However, you can wait for this Ilocos Norte tourist spot to light up during the night for a dramatic perspective view.
10. Laoag Cathedral
Also known as Saint William’s Cathedral, this church is the Catholic Diocese seat in the region.
Originally built from wood and thatch, today, the Laoag Cathedral displays Italian Renaissance architecture.
Two massive columns are supporting the unusual bi-level facade. The center top is a niche-like recessed portion that displays an image of their patron saint – San Guillermo el Ermitaño.
Masses are offered here in three different languages, which are English, Tagalog, and Ilocano.
Visiting Laoag Cathedral is an excellent addition to your day tour or pilgrimage tour in Ilocos Region.
11. Cape Bojeador
Another historical landmark to include in your Ilocos Norte tourist spot itinerary is the Cape Bojeador in Burgos.
The Cape Bojeador dates back to 1892 with its evident brick wall construction. This unassuming lighthouse is still a functional edifice that guides sailors approaching the territories of Ilocos Norte.
The drop-off point is near the national highway, where parking spaces are also available. Then, you may opt to ride a tricycle to take you to the property or walk for around 15 minutes for a quick exercise. Lastly, before reaching the viewing deck, you must take a few steps on a concrete staircase.
The deck’s view offers a unique viewing platform overlooking the ocean from one side and the mountains on the other side.
At a very minimal entrance fee, you can learn more about its construction in the 1890s and how it was challenging during the Luzon earthquake in 1990. You’ll hear some unique stories from the guides for every room too.
Don’t forget to take some lovely photos or ask your local guide for assistance.
12. Juan Luna Shrine
If you are a fan of laid-back and untapped tourist attractions like museums, you may want to add Juan Luna Shrine in Badoc to your Ilocos Norte tourist spot list.
This two-story restored ancestral home is a lifesize work of art itself that showcases contemporary elegance.
Locally available materials like molave woods and clay bricks made up the Juan Luna Shrine. Its ground floor houses the artists’ artworks and memorabilia, while the upper floor shows the living, bedroom, Azotea, and chapel.
Note that the artworks are only reproductions of his original masterpieces, though.
Some artifacts you can also spot represents his brother, General Antonio Luna. These include his sword and uniforms.
Juan Luna is a renowned national artist in the Philippines, and his work of art displays his patriotism and nationalism.
13. Batac Museum
Also called Marcos Museum and Mausoleum, this museum in Batac dedicates to former President Ferdinand Marcos.
Tourists can have a glimpse of some interesting artifacts and memorabilia of his family. The house also served as the old resting place of the late leader.
Batac Museum has no entrance fee, but donations are welcome.
Come and stop by at the Batac Museum if galleries like this interest you.
14. Kabigan Falls
Another Ilocos Norte tourist spot to visit in Pagudpud is the Kabigan Falls.
This 87-foot cascade lies in the middle of a tropical forest where tourists can get a chance to commune with nature.
Note that a guide will accompany you for a minimal fee.
Tourists can expect some 30 minutes of an easy trek through the forest and passing across some streams from the drop-off. After that, you will arrive at the magnificent water body in the middle of the woods.
You can take a dip at the naturally-formed basin. The water could be freezing, though, especially during the wet season.
Visiting Kabigan Falls is a fun addition to your tour in Pagudpud.
🔗 Nearby Tourist Destinations | Vigan | Cagayan |
Start planning your Ilocos Norte tourist spot itinerary now
Laoag City in Ilocos Norte is one of the busy cities in northern Luzon. With sprawling commercial businesses, the city maintains its charm to tourists who want to relive it in the olden days.
Century-old heritage sites and underrated museums are some of the gems the local and national government preserves, for these are timeless testaments of the province’s rich history and culture.
The best time to travel to Ilocos Norte is during the dry season, from January to June. Its peak reaches during March to April during the school break and Holy Week season.
If you want to visit during the cooler months of November to December, you can expect a more laid-back vacation during these times.
Plan your next weekend or extended vacation now. Find deals on your accommodation now so you can curate your Ilocos Norte tourist spot itinerary carefully while maximizing your stay.
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Safe travels!
Remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. For your guidance about the changes in health protocols, you may visit the guidelines from the Department of Tourism or visit their Facebook Tourism page. Stay safe.