6 Places to See in Ilocos Norte this June
2017 is almost half-over and you’re still stuck in limbo about where to go? Why not try and go to Ilocos Norte? It’s more than just the home of the Marcos family; it’s also a place where you can see and experience things you will not see if you’re always in Manila.
Here’s our list of six places for your June trip to Ilocos Norte:
Bangui Wind Farm
PRIMER FILE PHOTO
If there’s one thing Ilocos Norte is known for more than its beaches and the Marcoses, it’s their windmills. The towns of Burgos and Bangui are some of the most popular when it comes to seeing shorelines littered with windmills.
Also read: Bangui Wind Farm
These windmills do more than provide Ilocos Norte with some of the country’s most scenic tourist spots. They also provide the province with electricity.
The Bangui Wind Farm can be found in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.
Marcos Museum
PRIMER FILE PHOTO
Like him or not, a trip to the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, Ilocos Norte is something that you should not leave out of your itinerary. It gives you a chance to see things from the side of Ferdinand Marcos. A visit also gives you a chance to see how Marcos looked like the moment he passed on thanks to a wax figure in his mausoleum.
Also read: Marcos Museum and Mausoleum
The museum highlights his achievements and some of the most significant events in his life, including the time he was tried for supposedly shooting (and killing) his father’s political rival, Julio Nalundasan.
You can find the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum at #10-N Lacub, Marcos Ave., Batac, Ilocos Norte.
Paoay Church
PRIMER FILE PHOTO
One of the first towns you’ll come across on your way to Ilocos Norte is Paoay. This small town in Ilocos Norte houses one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines: Paoay Church.
Also read: A beautiful piece of history: Paoay Church
Also called San Agustin Church, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has stood for over three hundred years, and was made entirely by hand. It’s made of coral stones and bricks and is a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Oriental.
Pro tip: There’s a restaurant in front of the church known as The Home of Pinakbet Pizza. Try it and be amazed.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
PRIMER FILE PHOTO
Rock formations aren’t exactly new, but these white rock formations found in Burgos, Ilocos Norte make you feel like you’re seeing them for the first time.
Also read: White rock destination at Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is called as such because the Ilocano word puraw translates to white. These formations used to be a locals-only spot until they started posting about it on social media (we’re talking about Multiply and Friendster here, not Facebook and Instagram).
Fun fact: they’re made of sand, not limestone. There was also a time when people could swim here, but the shifting tides has since made it near impossible to do.
The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
Suba Sand Dunes
PRIMER FILE PHOTO
There’s another tourist treat Paoay is known for apart from the beautiful Paoay Church: sand dunes. While the thought of seeing endless seas of sand may not be enticing, just wait till you get to Brgy. Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
Also read: Experience sand boarding at Suba Sand Dunes
The sand dunes here are perfect for thrill seekers that don’t want to get wet (with sea water). Get your fill of adventure with ATV rides and sand boarding, or simply cross the dunes on a 4×4 jeep.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
IMAGE jacapph via Wikimedia
For those bitten by the photography bug, one of the best places (other than the wind farms) to go to in Ilocos Norte is the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos.
A cultural heritage structure, it has stood since the time of the Spaniards. It used to be one of the busiest lighthouses in the country, guiding ships as they pass along Cape Bojeador. This means one thing: great views of the West Philippine Sea! Fun fact: the lighthouse still works! Of course, no one uses it anymore, but still!
The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse can be found in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
These, however, are just six of the spots we recommend. Ilocos Norte still has a lot more in store for every kind of traveller. Check out our full Ilocos Feature for more on what locals like to call “Solid North”.
Written by Andronico Del Rosario
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse image from Wikimedia
