Escape to Ilocos for only 2,999!

Roadtrip Travels offers a one of a kind group tour experience of Ilocos.  Explore the many sights of the province including the historic city of Vigan, the heritage church in Paoay and the beaches of Pagudpud,  for only 2,999!

Inclusions:

• The tour includes roundtrip van transportation with the assistance of a guide and photographer.
• Entrance Fees
• Standard room accommodation 
• Please take note, that they are under the Homestay, Lodging/Pension House Category and upgrades are subject to additional fees.  Room assignments are done per group.

Terms and Conditions:

• Open Tours are combined individual or groups 
• Exclusive tours are available upon request.  Same rate applies to 12-14 participants.  
• Van seating is on a first come first serve basis
• 4-6 person shares a room.  Additional fee applies for double and triple occupancy option.
• Confirmed reservations are strictly non refundable but is considered transferable to the third party designated by the client otherwise the participant's group will be responsible for the payment of his/her balance.
• All tour details and itinerary may be altered or canceled due to hazardous conditions, uncontrollable circumstances or any fortuitous event which may arise. In the event that a tour gets cancelled due to these reasons, you may opt to reschedule your tour to a different date, subject to the van and room availability.
• Roadtrip Travels (CMDJ Travel and Tours) has the right to cancel any tour that does not reach the required minimum number of participants (at least 12 pax per van).         

Available Dates:

• October 2-4 (2nd Van Open)
• October 9-11 (8 Slots)
• October 16-18 (3 Slots)
• October 23-25 (Open)
• October 30 - Nov 1 (2nd Van Open)

Buy now for a minimal booking fee of 100 pesos.

Vigan, Laoag, Pagudpud in 36 Hours

The first time I went to Ilocos was on June 15, 2008.  Because of the duration of the land travel which is 12 hours, we were only exploring Pagudpud.

I joined a group I was meeting for the first time on the day of the departure itself, and they turned out to be good friends up to now.

I was also able to visit Vigan on a separate occassion.

This is one of the remaining pictures I salvaged from my multiply account.  I borrowed the curtains from our room to achieve this shot, not to mention that it was raining hard that afternoon.

3 years after, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to go back, thanks to the promo fares of Cebu Pacific. 

Friday Night

Our flight to Laoag was originally scheduled to arrive at 8:00PM, but due to delays, we arrived at 11:00PM.  From the airport, we asked the transport service to take us to the Bus Terminal to Vigan.

Saturday Morning

We arrived in Vigan around 2AM since the bus to Vigan departed at 12MN.  Originally, we were supposed to stay at the guest room of my boss at Casa Maria, but since it was really early in the morning, we opted to check-in at Grandpa's Inn within the heritage district.  They have affordable rates, from 730php/2pax to 2680php/4pax.  Amenities corresponds to the rate, but all comes with a free breakfast.  We took the fan room at 980php/2pax.  With the included plated breakfast of Vigan Longganisa and Tapa, I must say, it's a real value for money.  We ordered Bagnet Pinakbet to compliment our meal to complete the experience.

http://www.grandpas-inn.com/rates.php

After the hearty breakfast, we did not waste time and went on to tour Calle Crisologo.  We thought we were so fortunate when we visited because there was a parade that turned out to be a funeral procession.

After the the Heritage houses, we took a tricycle to visit the nearby Bantay Church and go on a Calesa tour of the Heritage Streets stopping at the Vigan Museum.

After the short tour of the city, we went back to the hotel to freshen up just in time for check-out.  We were on our way to our next destination, Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte.  Before the ride, we stopped by the Plaza near the church to sample the Vigan's famous Empanada and Okoy.

Saturday Afternoon

The trip to Pagudpud will take another 3 hours.  Since we are pressed for time, my contact in Pagudpud, Ms. Mary Ann of Polari Beach House suggested that we start the tour at Cape Bojeador where our Trycle guide will wait for us and progress with the tour north bound finally ending at the resort.

After the light house, we made a stop at the View Deck to view the windmills and went to see it up close at Bangui.

We arrived at the Polari Beach House in Saud just in time for Sunset.

Dinner in Polari as well as breakfast had to be arranged beforehand.  After our meal, we retired for the evening and woke up the next day for our trip back to Laoag.

We decided to leave early so we can sample food and still be able to explore a few sites in Laoag.

Sunday Lunch

We started with Lunch at the famous La Preciosa with Mami, Dinuguan, Adobo and cakes for dessert.
We then explored the Sinking Bell Tower and the Tabacco Monument at the center of town.  We also visited the Ilocos Norte Museum with their vast collection of cultural treasures of Ilocos.

Around 5PM, we were back in Laoag Airport for our flight back to Manila.

"My Sabaw Collection" Soups I have Tried From All Over

Tyulah Itum at Vieva Satti Haus in Quezon City

Corned Beef Sinigang from Sentro 1771

Nabiyaki Soba at Suzu Kin, Makati

Chicken Binakol at Pino Bar and Restaurant at Malingap, Teachers Village, Q.C.

Mami, at La Preciosa in Laoag, Ilocos Norte

Chicken Tinola at Igmaan, Seaside Dampa, Macapagal Ave. Roxas Blvd.

Bulalo at Leslie's in Tagaytay

Pork Chop with Noodles at Tasty Dumplings, Chinatown, Binondo

Philippinized Pizza

I"m not really a fan of Pizza, but who could resist this Philippine Regional take on this Italian classic.
Please share your local versions!

Laing Pizza from Smalltalk Cafe in Legazpi

Pinakbet and Longganisa Pizza from Herenciacafe in Ilocos

Dinuguan and Bagnet Pizza also from Herenciacafe of Ilocos

1000 Things To Do And See In The Philippines - Ilocos Norte (30-51)

Ilocos Norte on Tripline

The numbering on this Map, does not correspond to the numbers in my list.  The Map shows the convenient route to take in touring Ilocos Norte from Manila to Laoag Airport, then to an accomodation in Saud Beach, Pagudpud.  The tour starts North of Saud going South to the direction of Vigan.  I intend to connect this map to my Ilocos Sur entry.

30. Watch the Sunset in Saud Beach, Pagudpud.  I just stated, watch since the waves at Saud can be really rough that swimming can be a challenge.  I remember rolling a few times along the shore during my last visit.

31. Trek and Swim at Kabigan Waterfalls.  (Pagudpud)  The next five including this one, is included in the Pagudpud tour itinerary.  If you hire a tricycle, you will see these spots laminated in their passenger car.  If your a group of more than 4, its best that you hire a van.  The price is just a little more than hiring two tricycles but its more comfortable and you get to your destination faster.  Kabigan falls would require a short trek, about 30 - 45 minutes and they will charge an environmental fee.  A guide is also needed.  early summer is the best time to visit, since the water flow becomes less during dry season.

32. Roadkill Picture at Patapat Viaduct.  

Patapat Viaduct is a scenic coastal bridge that connects Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley Region.  There's nothing much to do in this are than admire the scenery and take pictures.  Challenge yourself by doing creative shots.  Some of my friends did planking, but I did a roadkill shot.  Just be mindful of the passing vehicles.

33. Bantay Abot Caves

Bantay abot cave is not really a cave but a hill that was wrecked by an earthquake in the 80's leaving a hole in the middle. The top of the cave is covered with lush green vegetation thus adding the beauty of the cave. To get to the interior of the cave, one need to go down a few concrete staircase and a rocky part going up to the hole.

From the inside of the hole one can see the blue waters of Maira-ira beach or Blue Lagoon and on the other side of the hole is the Timangtang Rock - a bell-shaped rocked in the coast of Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Apart from the view, one could also enjoy the melodious sound of the swallow birds chirping and the echoing waves as it hits the shore.

34. Blue Lagoon Cove, Maira-ira Beach

The beach here is so much better than that in Saud with very few visitors.  I suggest spending an entire afternoon here, especially when the water is calm, unless you enjoy rolling with the waves.

The waves can be rough but definitely fun!

35. Bangui Windmills

The Bangui Windmills are located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The windmills, officially referred to as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project, were a project by the NorthWind Development Corporation as a practice renewable energy sources and to help reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. The project is the first “Wind Farm” in the Philippines consisting of wind turbines on-shore facing the South China Sea and considered to be the biggest in Southeast Asia. The project sells electricity to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) and provides 40% of the power requirements of Ilocos Norte via Transco Laoag. 

36. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Also known as, Faro Cabo Cape Bojeador, this lighthouse stands majestically on a hill in Burgos, 35 meters north of Laoag City, overlooking the South China Sea. It is known for being the highest lighthouse in the Philippines that is still functioning since its completion on March 30, 1892. Originally, the design and construction of this lighthouse was following that of Engineer Magin Pers y Pers', but was later reconfigured and finished by Engineer Guillermo Brockman. This octagonally-shaped tower has the same mechanism found in other lighthouses of its time. It has a winding machine with a counter weight which enables the lenses of the lantern to rotate. Normally, it takes about an hour before the lenses complete their full rotation. To date, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse still gives signals to passing ships along the Cape. 

Taken in 2011

My first visit 2008