Guide to Travel Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Saud Beach
About Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Ilocos Norte is a picturesque province located in the northernmost part of the Philippines known for its unspoiled beaches, breathtaking natural landscapes, and well-preserved historical sites. This province boasts a unique culture and rich heritage evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Explore the stunning Paoay Church, stroll through the iconic cobblestone streets of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, discover the mystical Sinking Bell Tower, and bask in the beauty of the serene Bangui Windmills. With its perfect balance of rich history and modernity, Ilocos Norte is the ultimate travel destination for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.
One of the province's top attractions is the Bangui Wind Farm, featuring towering wind turbines that generate clean, renewable energy. Nearby, the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, a natural wonder carved out of limestone by strong winds and ocean waves, offers breathtaking views and a fascinating geological history.
Ilocos Norte is also home to historic sites, such as the Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features distinctively Filipino Baroque architecture. Other notable landmarks include the Malacañang of the North, a presidential museum showcasing the country's political history, and the Marcos Mausoleum, which houses the remains of the late Philippine dictator.
Food lovers will delight in Ilocos Norte's unique cuisine, which is characterized by dishes such as bagnet (crispy fried pork belly) and empanada (a savory turnover filled with vegetables and meat).
Overall, Ilocos Norte offers visitors a wealth of experiences, from exploring natural wonders and historic sites to indulging in delicious cuisine. It is truly a gem of the northern Philippines. With no shortage of gorgeous beaches and green jungle-covered mountain ranges, Ilocos Norte is a beautiful and fun place to spend a vacation. Friendly and helpful locals make getting around a piece of cake for any traveler and one can hop on a bus for basically next to nothing and get from A to B with ease. Great prices on food, drinks, and accommodations are the cherry on top of your Ilocos Norte trip.
Exploratory Glory YouTube Channel
How to Get to Ilocos Norte
There are several ways to get to Ilocos Norte. Here are some of the most popular options:
By air: The nearest airport to Ilocos Norte is Laoag International Airport, which has several domestic flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities in the Philippines. From the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a private car to reach your destination in Ilocos Norte.
By land: You can also reach Ilocos Norte by bus or private car from Manila, which is around 500 kilometers away from the province. Several bus companies operate daily trips from Manila to Laoag City, the capital of Ilocos Norte, with travel time taking around 10-12 hours.
By sea: If you're coming from other parts of Luzon or nearby islands such as Batanes or Taiwan, you can also take a ferry to the Port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte. There are several ferry companies that operate daily trips to Currimao, with travel time taking around 12 to 24 hours, depending on your point of origin.
Once you arrive in Ilocos Norte, you can hire a tricycle or jeepney to reach your destination, or rent a car or motorcycle to explore the province on your own.
Ilocos Norte Map
Rice Fields in Pagudpud
Ilocos Norte Tourist Spots
Ilocos Norte offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to explore. Here are some of the top tourist spots in the province:
Bangui Wind Farm - A collection of giant wind turbines located along the coastline that generate renewable energy and provide a stunning backdrop for photos.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation - A unique natural wonder, carved out of limestone over millions of years by wind and waves, resulting in white rock formations and dramatic cliffs.
Paoay Church - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique architecture, characterized by massive buttresses, intricate carvings, and distinctively Filipino Baroque style.
Malacañang of the North - A historical site that served as the official residence of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, now transformed into a museum showcasing the country's political history.
Marcos Mausoleum - The final resting place of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, which includes a museum showcasing his life and political legacy.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse - A well-preserved Spanish colonial lighthouse perched high on a hill providing panoramic views of the coastline.
Bacarra Belltower - Another cool experience that combines history and nature, as well as just plain fricken awesomeness, is to go watch the millions of bats that fly out of the belltower every night as the sun goes down. Small crowds of people gather to watch in wonder as seemingly endless masses of bats fly from this old building.
Paoay Sand Dunes - For the adrenaline junkies, head on over to the Paoay Sand Dunes and enjoy an off-road jeep cruise combined with sandboarding.
Bacarra Bell Tower, est.1593
What is Ilocos Norte Known For?
Ilocos Norte is known for its rich history, stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, and unique culture. Here are some of the things that Ilocos Norte is most famous for:
Historic Structures - Ilocos Norte is home to several historic structures like the aforementioned Paoay Church, the Baccarra Church and Belltower, and Fort Ilocandia. All of these structures are testaments to the region's rich history and cultural heritage.
Natural Wonders - Ilocos Norte is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes, rock formations, scenic mountains, and beaches. These natural attractions add to the region's charm and attraction.
Culture - Ilocos Norte is also popular for its unique culture, which is heavily influenced by the Spanish colonial period. The region boasts traditional houses with red roof tiles and beautiful furniture made from "narra" wood, crafts, and tasty and distinctive local cuisine.
Baroque Churches - Other Baroque churches within Ilocos Norte include Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat, St. William’s Cathedral in Laoag, and the town church of Badoc, house to the Image of Apo Baket.
Famous Personalities - Ilocos Norte is also the birthplace of two Philippine presidents: Ferdinand Marcos and his son, Bongbong Marcos, who are considered as highly political figures in the country.
Pagudpud - Visitors to this region will enjoy the scenic drive of the Patapat Viaduct, which allows drivers to make their way along the steep base of the Cordillera Mountain Range. This sleepy little village by the sea is a great spot to spend a week or two. It has Miles of white sand beaches with many resorts to choose from.
Paoay Sand Dunes
History of Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte has a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times. Here's a brief history of Ilocos Norte:
Pre-colonial Period: Prior to the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, the region was inhabited by several indigenous groups, such as the Tingguians, the Igorots, and the Ilocanos.
Spanish Colonial Period: In 1572, Juan de Salcedo, a Spanish conquistador, reached the northern shores of Luzon, including Ilocos Norte. When the Spaniards arrived, the region was already inhabited by many Ilocanos. The Spanish established the town of Laoag as the provincial capital in 1583, and from there, they spread Christianity and Hispanized the Ilocanos.
American Colonial Period: After the Spanish Era, Ilocos Norte became a part of the American colonial government, modernizing and improving the province's infrastructure, education system, and public health programs.
World War II: During the Japanese Occupation, Ilocos Norte was heavily hit, but managed to resist ally bombings as there were naval bases in the towns of Currimao and Paoay that the Japanese occupied and protected. Many residents of the area participated in guerrilla activities.
Post-war Period: After the end of World War II, the province saw a rapid increase in economic activity, specifically agriculture and mining industries.
Martial Law Period and Beyond: Ferdinand Marcos was born and raised in the province, and its capital, Laoag City served as his political base during his career as President of the Philippines. This era of Ilocos Norte's history would bring a lot of change, as well as controversy.
Today, Ilocos Norte is an important province in Northern Luzon, with a rich history, unique culture, stunning landmarks, world-class beaches, and friendly people, all of which attract tourists to visit and explore the area..
Pannzian Resort Beach, Pagudpud
What Language Do They Speak in Ilocos Norte?
Ilocano is the primary language spoken in Ilocos Norte. It is a language that evolved from the Austronesian language family and is spoken by the Ilocano people, who are the third-largest ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines. The language is also spoken in other parts of the country, such as Ilocos Sur, La Union, Abra, and Baguio City. Besides Ilocano, many people in Ilocos Norte can also speak Tagalog and English, which are also widely spoken and understood in the Philippines.
Saud Beach, Pagudpud
Beaches in Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Philippines. Here are some of the famous ones:
Saud Beach: Located in Pagudpud, Saud Beach is another popular destination known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and relaxing ambiance.
Blue Lagoon Beach: Also known as Maira-ira Beach, is located in Pagudpud. It is a secluded and serene beach surrounded by cliffs, rocks, and green hills.
Currimao Beach: Located in Currimao, Ilocos Norte, this beach has golden sand and blue-green waters, ideal for swimming or just relaxing by the shore.
Windmill Beach: Known for its stunning views of the coastline and modern wind turbines. Located in the town of Bangui, visitors can explore the beach, take photos with the windmills and enjoy the cool ocean breeze. It is a popular tourist destination in the region and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Pannzian Beach: Known for its serene and untouched surroundings, the beach provides a perfect retreat for those who seek to unwind and relax. Visitors can indulge in various activities such as swimming, surfing, kayaking, and hiking. Moreover, Pannzian Beach also offers eco-tourism activities wherein visitors can engage in local cultural activities, tourism education, and sustainable practices.
Badoc Island White Beach: A stunning island located off the coast of Currimao. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and pristine natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water activities in the turquoise waters surrounding the island. The island can be reached through a boat ride from the mainland, and visitors can expect a serene and secluded experience there.
Caaoacan Beach: Caaoacan Beach is a beautiful public beach located in the municipality of Pagudpud. The beach features clean and clear waters, powdery white sand, and is surrounded by scenic natural rock formations. The beach is also known for its stunning sunset views, making it a perfect spot to cap off a day of adventure and exploration.
Aside from these, there are many other beautiful beaches in Ilocos Norte, such as Paoay Beach, Bantay Abot Cave, and Pasaleng Bay, which are all worth exploring.
Evangeline Beach Resort, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Hotels and Resorts in Ilocos Norte
If you’re a nature lover or just want completely fall off the grid for pure relaxation, then we highly recommend going even further north to the edge of Pagudpud to Pannzian Resort. Tucked into the mountainside and overlooking an expansive sandy beach, Pannzian is a great place to free your mind. An all-organic and green hotel where everything is grown on-site. Pannzian Beach Resort is definitely worth a visit and is very affordable.
For a very budget-friendly stay, we also recommend staying at Evangeline Beach Resort on Saud Beach, we stayed there for a few nights and really enjoyed it. Saud Beach provides visitors with a long powdery beach and is perfect for couples looking for romantic sunsets every night. Children walk along the beach selling cool traditional Filipino souvenirs.
Ilocos Norte has a lot of resorts that can cater to different types of travelers, from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations. Here are some of the popular resorts in Ilocos Norte:
Playa Tropical Resort Hotel, Currimao - A beachfront resort with a Bali-inspired design, lush gardens, swimming pools, recreational activities, and an in-house restaurant.
Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, Laoag - A luxury resort with colonial-inspired architecture, expansive gardens, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, casino, golf course, and restaurants.
Hannah's Beach Resort & Convention Center, Pagudpud - A beachfront resort with an infinity pool, water sports facilities, outdoor activities, and a convention center that can accommodate large events.
Saud Beach Resort and Hotel, Pagudpud - A beachfront resort located on Saud Beach with clean and comfortable rooms, outdoor pools, and multiple restaurants.
Kapuluan Vista Resort in Pagudpud - A serene and secluded beach resort located in a lush tropical landscape. The resort offers several types of accommodation, including spacious villas overlooking the ocean, and cottages nestled among the greenery.
All of these resorts offer guests a chance to explore the beaches and marvel at the beauty of Ilocos Norte while enjoying comfortable accommodations and top-notch amenities.
For a higher pace and some excitement check out Blue Lagoon, another incredible stretch of beach that lives up to its given name. The most popular resort in the Blue Lagoon has got to be Hannah's, with lots of fun activities including ziplining, ATVing, trekking, and watersports. Take the zipline across the bay over some of the bluest water this planet has to offer. Keep in mind Blue Lagoon is a very popular and busy place, so expect crowds of people.
Saud Beach
Evangeline Beach Resort
Restaurants in Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte is known for its unique and flavorful local cuisine, which can be found in various restaurants and food establishments across the province. Here are some of the popular restaurants in Ilocos Norte:
La Preciosa Restaurant, Laoag - Known for its traditional Ilocano dishes, such as bagnet, pinakbet, and dinakdakan, among others. They also have Filipino and Chinese dishes on their menu.
Herencia Cafe, Paoay - Famous for its pinakbet pizza, which is made using local vegetables and bagoong (fermented fish sauce), It is also a great place to try Ilocano empanadas.
Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant, Laoag - Offers a unique twist to traditional Ilocano dishes, with creative and modern interpretations of classic recipes.
Kapuluan Vista Resort Restaurant, Pagudpud - Offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, local dishes, and international cuisine. The restaurant overlooks the sea, offering a scenic view of the beach while dining.
Apart from these, visitors can also find various food stalls, carinderias, and markets that offer delicious Ilocano dishes such as longganisa, empanada, bibingka, and many more.
More Philippines Attractions
