July 2022

Ilocos Norte

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  • Paoay Lake Water Park: The First-Ever Floating Playground in the North

    • Sharing the soulful, historic land that was once Provincia de Ilocos with Ilocos Sur to the south, Ilocos Norte promises a beautiful medley of man-made and natural wonders. Its history is tinted with revolts and political conflicts during the Spanish colonization, while its cultural heritage is painted with Hispanic influences, manifested in the enduring stone structures around the province. Besides a glimpse of history, Ilocos Norte also serves as an epic destination for those looking for adventure and magnificent natural scenery!

     

    Travel tips

    Ilocos Norte is approximately 100 km. away from the capital of Ilocos Sur, Vigan, and about 500 km. from Manila. Its capital, Laoag City, serves as the gateway to Ilocos Norte, with Laoag International Airport and major bus terminals located here.

     

    By bus
    Travel time: 10-12 hours

    Bus terminals: Cubao – Partas Cubao, Rabbit Bus Lines, and Dominion Bus Lines; Sampaloc, Manila – Rabbit Bus Lines, Maria de Leon Transit, and Farinas Transit

    By plane
    Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
    Route: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Laoag International Airport

    By car
    Travel time: 8-9 hours

    Route: Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) and MacArthur Highway, passing through Ilocos Sur and Paoay before reaching Laoag City.

    Where to Go in Ilocos Norte

    Paoay Lake Water Park: The First-Ever Floating Playground in the North
    The calm waters of Paoay Lake in Ilocos Norte now brims with life as Paoay Lake Water Park covers 4,200 square meters of the lake with a massive inflatable playground!
    DOT: List of Local Destinations that lift Swab Tests for Fully Vaccinated Tourists
    The Department of Tourism officially announced the list of PH destinations that lift swab test for fully vaccinated tourists.
    DOT to Include Biking Tours, Other Outdoor Activities to Boost Ilocos Tourism
    The Department of Tourism includes biking tours and other outdoor activities to boost tourism in the Ilocos region.
    Ilocos Norte Beach Named as One of the Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
    The Department of Tourism is glad to share another milestone as Saud Beach in Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte was named as one of the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world.
    LIST: Religious Sites in the PH You Can Visit This Lenten Season
    If you haven't been to any of such religious sites before, we've listed down some of the spots you might want to visit for the upcoming Lenten season.
    Dos Hermanos Islands in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte Is An Enchanting Natural Wonder of Blue Lagoon
    Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is home to pristine white sand beaches and breathtaking spots and sceneries. It includes two small island-like rock formations in its northern coast called the Dos Hermanos Islands.
    Kabigan Falls in Baloi, Ilocos Norte: A Canvas of Trails, Mountains, and Streams
    Are you looking for adventure? Head on to Brgy. Baloi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and trek towards the hidden Kabigan Falls where you can enjoy the sight, smell, and sound of nature!
    Bantay Abot Cave in Baloi, Ilocos Norte: Formed out of Nature’s Wrath and Grace
    Ilocos Norte never lacked with majestic rock formations that leave every passerby in awe. In Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, your eyes will not miss the whale-like rock formation overlooking the great sea beyond! This rocky hill, with a hole inside, is a result of both nature's grace and calamity, making it a masterpiece in itself. Tune in with us as we take you inside Bantay Abot Cave!
    TagpuJuan sa Dos Hermanos in Pagudpud: A Serene Sanctuary By The Sea
    TagpuJuan sa Dos Hermanos is a transient house and restobar near the famous twin island—Dos Hermanos. Located in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, this private home near the island reef is a Filipino-Mediterranean inspired home that combines both an old and modern touch.
    Bellagio Hills Hotel in Paoay, Ilocos Norte: Italian Luxury in the North
    Inspired by the regal beauty of the Bellagio town in Lake Como, Italy, Paoay’s very own Bellagio Hills Hotel is the perfect lifestyle and luxury resort for all your relaxation needs.
    Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Manifests a Tale of the Spanish Colonial Period
    Sitting on top of a hill overlooking the large waves of the West Philippine Sea is Cape Bojeador Lighthouse built during the Spanish Colonial period.
    REFMAD Farms Highlights Dragonfruit Benefits from Hopia to Bath Soaps
    REFMAD Farms Dragon Fruit Plantation & Resort, located in Brgy. Paayas in the municipality of Burgos in Ilocos Norte, is known to many as the biggest Dragon Fruit farm in Ilocos!
    Casa Consuelo in Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud Is a Sanctuary Overlooking the Twin Island
    Snorkel your way to the marine life and hike towards the island during low tide to see the beauty beneath the West Philippine Sea at Casa Consuelo.
    Pannzian Beach and Mountain Resort in Pagudpud: Every Traveler’s Dream Retreat Haven
    Pannzian Beach Resort offers the best of nature, from the unpopulated beach, blue waters to towering mountains, and cold breeze - except cell phone signals, television sets, and other high-tech amenities. This resort values the simplicity of life away from any urban distraction promoting a stress-free and healthy lifestyle.
    6 Places to See in Ilocos Norte this June
    The rainy season may have begun, but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun! Here are some of the best spots to visit in Ilocos Norte!
    See the best of Pagudpud at Saud Beach Resort and Hotel
    If you’re looking for an accommodation that can give you the best view, head on now to Saud beach Resort in Pagudpud.
    Traditional Ilocano hospitality at its best: Northview Hotel
    If you’re in Laoag and want to spend a bit more for your accommodations AND experience Ilocano hospitality, get yourself a room at the Northwind Hotel.
    Blue, white, and zip: Blue Lagoon
    Azure blue waters, a white sand beach, and the longest over-water zipline up north. Find all of these at Blue Lagoon.
    Java Hotel in Laoag, Ilocos Norte: A Balinese Moroccan Getaway in the North
    As one of the most popular hotels in town, Java Hotel is known for its attractive Balinese Moroccan inspired architectural design that has captured the attention of many tourists who pass by the hotel for its alluring beauty and homey look.
    A child’s paradise: Rio Grande De Laoag Resort Hotel
    It’s your slice of nature located mere minutes away from the city of Laoag: Rio Grande De Laoag Resort Hotel.
    Laoag’s ‘Mini Fort Ilocandia’: The Palacio de Laoag
    The hotel now stands as a testament to this idea which the new management calls a “mini-Fort Ilocandia”.
    Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud Is More Than Just a Road at the Northern Tip of the Country
    Located in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Patapat Viaduct is not just an ordinary bridge. This coastal bridge connects Maharlika Highway from Ilocos Region to its neighboring province Cagayan Valley.
    Boracay of the North: Saud Beach
    The Saud Beach is what makes Pagudpud, the paradise of the North.
    Kingfisher Kite Surfing Hotel in Ilocos Norte: Pagudpud’s Hidden Paradise
    Tucked in a remote place almost half an hour away from town lies Kingfisher Kite Surfing Hotel, which is undoubtedly a Pagudpud paradise.
    Bangui Windmill Farm in Ilocos Norte: A Famous Tourism and Sustainable Attraction
    If there is one thing that is synonymous to Ilocos Norte, that is no other than their iconic windmills! Situated near the Bangui Bay in Ilocos Norte, the Bangui Windmill Farm is the right destination for tourists who want to explore the northern region.
    Playa Tropical Resort Hotel in Currimao, Ilocos Norte: A Tropical Paradise in the North
    Let Playa take you to a vacation that you truly deserve. At Playa Tropical Resort, you will totally feel summer at any time of the year. It is the place where you can feel more refreshed, calm, and excited to make your dream paradise getaway to come true in the North.
    Suba Paoay Sand Dunes in Ilocos Norte: A Geological Yet Thrilling Sand Adventure in the North
    A thrilling roller coaster ride down the bumpy trails of Suba Paoay Sand Dunes Adventures takes you to a different adventure in the North.
    Malacañang of the North in Ilocos Norte: A strongman’s home
    Malacañang of the North served as the official residence of the Marcoses when their patriarch, Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., was still the president.
    Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos, Ilocos Norte: A Magnificent White Rock Destination
    The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is an art of nature featuring a landscape of smooth ivory limestone produced by the natural process of sedimentation.
    A quiet escape up north: Kapuluan Vista Resort
    With Blue Lagoon pretty much dominated by other resorts, people often look for a quiet escape. This is where Kapuluan Vista Resort comes in.

    Where to Eat in Ilocos Norte

    EASY RECIPE: Longganisa-stuffed Cabbage with Tomato Sauce
    The Philippine Primer shares a delicious recipe using the all-time favorite Longganisa.
    SMOKE in Paoay, Ilocos Norte: Serving an Army of Flaming Ribs, Wings, and Spice Cakes
    SMOKE is strategically located near the iconic San Agustin Church of Paoay in Ilocos Norte, making every dining experience a classic one.
    (CLOSED) Kitchen Lab in Laoag: A Multi-Cuisine Fine Dining of Modernized Plates
    Kitchen Lab in Laoag introduces modernized cuisine through degustations.
    Lanie’s Batac Special Empanada in Ilocos Norte Adds a Twist to Your Favorite Snack
    You may have taken a big bite of Irene's Vigan Empanada in Ilocos Sur and has deemed it worth going back for. Driving further north, however, there is also another gem that you might wish to try to satisfy your cravings for the delightfully filling snack. This is Lanie's Batac Special Empanada in Riverside, Batac, Ilocos Norte! Try Lanie's Special Empanada, their version of Bagnet, Miki, and Balut!
    Bergblick Restaurant in Pagudpud: German Fine Dining Overlooking the Mountains
    Bergblick, which means mountain view is a combination of casual fine dining with its Filipino-German palates and a terrace of a magnificent view of the rice fields and mountains. It boasts an international feast inside a casual and homey dining place.
    Cuisine de Iloco in Ilocos Norte: The Best Place to Get Your Ilocano Cravings
    Established in 2017, Cuisine de Iloco in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte is the brainchild of owners chef Jaymar Aquino and his brothers' idea to build a family-owned restaurant, with him bringing home his culinary experience from working as a chef abroad and incorporate it with their hometown's best flavors.
    Saramsam Ylocano in Laoag: A Charming Food Destination for Homey Ilocano Meals
    Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant and Bar is an in-house restaurant of Balay de Blas Pensionne House owned by the Blas family in Laoag City.
    (CLOSED) Herencia Garden Restaurant in Laoag: The Second Home of the Original Pinakbet Pizza
    Dubbed as the “Home of the Pinakbet Pizza”, Herencia Restaurant gained fame nationwide not just for its specialty pizzas but also some of the best food in Ilocos Norte.
    La Preciosa in Laoag City: Home to Ilocos’ Best Carrot Cake
    La Preciosa is one of Laoag City’s culinary gem and home of Ilocos’ best carrot cake. Its roots can be traced to a small kitchenette that was managed and operated by the restaurant’s namesake and the mother of the restaurant owner, Preciosa Palma.
    Eagle’s Nest in Laoag: Java Hotel’s Ilocano In-House Bar & Restaurant
    Spend your weekend lunch out at Eagle’s Nest for a sumptuous dining experience!

    Where to Stay in Where to Stay in Ilocos Norte

    LIST: Where to Stay in Bohol This 2019
    Planning a trip to Bohol? Here's a rundown of hotels that you should consider!
    The Peacock Garden in Baclayon, Bohol: Bringing European Color to the Philippines
    The Peacock Garden in Bohol brings elements from the Old world and Europe to the shores of the island. It's the perfect getaway for those who want to want to take a break from city life.
    Amun Ini Resort & Spa in Anda, Bohol: An Eco-Friendly Diving Paradise
    Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa in Bohol pays tribute to Mother Earth with their natural attractions.
    Donatela Hotel in Panglao Island: A Romantic Botanical Garden in Bohol
    Donatela Hotel, reborn from what was previously known to many as Tarsier Botanika, draws in Panglao Island’s guests to its lush garden abode which provides its many guests with a sense of calm and privacy.
    North Zen in Panglao Island Brings Forth Boholano Artistry to Its Villas
    From the warm people smiling up to you to give you the most hospitable welcome, to the resort's pleasing and refreshing ambiance, North Zen Villas in Brgy. Doljo, Panglao Island may just be the tropical paradise that embodies the true identity of Bohol.
    South Palms Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol Takes Pride in Its LUKAY Mission
    If you’re looking for a place where you can just relax and admire the beauty of Bohol’s famed beach, then see South Palms Resort Panglao.
    The Bellevue Resort in Bohol: Your Own Private Sanctuary in the Heart of Panglao
    The Bellevue Resort in Panglao, Bohol provides their guests with the ideal island getaway at their very own sanctuary.
    Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa in Panglao Island Showcases Filipino Heritage with Luxurious Rooms
    Talk about a preferred resort. This one has both locals and foreigners both coming back AND extending their stay!
    Henann Resort Alona Beach is the Largest Beach Resort in Panglao, Bohol
    Located in Alona Beach, Henann Resort Alona Beach offers world-class accommodations that are perfect for work or play.
    Amorita Resort in Panglao: Modernity and Elegance at the Heart of Bohol
    Amorita Resort offers exclusivity and modernity at the heart of the Bohol island.
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