Ilocos Norte offers plenty of reasons to explore: protected landscapes, coastal formations, historic buildings and a well-known local specialty. To plan your trip, it helps to choose your main focus first. The places below show different sides of the destination, without needing to combine them into a set itinerary.
Dunes, Water and Coastal Formations
Paoay Lake Protected Landscape is a protected area in the Municipality of Paoay in the province of Ilocos Norte. Its protected-area category is established by Republic Act No. 12230. Travelers with a focus on landscapes will find a specific point of interest here around Paoay.
A different kind of landscape defines the La Paz Sand Dunes. The coastal dunes are also known as the “Desert of the North” and locally as Bantay Bimmaboy; they were declared a National Geological Monument in 1993. The name, coastal setting and designation offer different ways to understand the site.
In Burgos, the massive, bright white Kapurpurawan Rock Formation juts out into the sea. The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, a Level I national historic landmark, also stands in Burgos. The rock formation and the lighthouse appeal to very different interests: one is a striking coastal feature, the other a historic structure. At Bangui Wind Farm, you can stop to take photos, watch the sunsets and enjoy leisurely walks along the shore of Bangui Bay.
Churches and Historic Buildings
St. Augustine (Paoay) Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Baroque church. Its Earthquake Baroque design and massive stone buttresses define its architectural character. Visitors can stroll around the historic grounds and attend religious services and devotional activities. This combines a visit to the building with its religious use.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse offers another perspective on the built heritage, as a different type of historic landmark. Travelers interested in architecture or history can consider the two buildings as separate themes for their trip, without treating them as a single location or a fixed route.
A Taste of Batac
In Batac City, Batac Empanada is available at Riverside Empanadahan. The fried meat pie contains mung beans, Iloco-style longganisa and egg; its orange dough also makes it easy to recognize. As a local specialty, it adds a culinary element to trip planning that is distinct from landscape and architecture interests.
The Wider Ilocos Travel Region
The wider Ilocos destination also offers more cultural and landscape themes. Vigan is the best-preserved example in Asia of a planned Spanish colonial town. In Santa Maria, within the wider Ilocos destination, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines World Heritage property. In Pangasinan, the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag is a pilgrimage site visited by devotees throughout the year.
Within the wider Ilocos destination, Arosip Ecotrail is in La Union province, in the upland barangay of Bacnotan; the downhill trekking route is 6.5 kilometers long, or is listed as taking 45 minutes. Along the route are Zim-sim-ug Twin Falls, Padtok Falls and Tekdag-Aso Falls. Registration at the Barangay Hall is required for the ecotrail; locals or tour guides assist visitors along the way. Check these arrangements locally before your trip.
At the Naguilian Agricultural Complex in La Union province, visitors can see how Naguilian’s original Iloco basi, a sugarcane wine, is made. The annual Basi Festival in Naguilian, La Union province, celebrates traditional Ilocano sugarcane wine with themed street dancing, cultural performances and community activities. As specific festival dates may vary, check the dates if you want to plan your trip around the event.
Choose the Right Focus for Your Hotel Search
The wider Ilocos travel region adds other cultural, hiking and food interests to this selection. Base your decision on which of these themes you want to focus on during your trip.
Explore more destinations: Laoag City, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, La Union.
Return to the wider travel overview: Ilocos.
