Tra-Abel’s Top 10 Things to Do at Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte has always been part of my family’s list of places to go. We occasionally visit our relatives in Pasuquin and on top of that, some of the seminars and conventions I attended were held in Ilocos (Batac and Paoay). But that was 10 years ago. So when my high school friends came up with an idea to visit Ilocos Region in 2014, I immediately agreed.

Ilocos Norte is a province on the northern most part of the Philippines. It is famous as a local tourist destination where you can find a variety of tourist spots that offers different travel experiences.

Here are Tra-Abel’s top 10 things to do in Ilocos Norte:

1. Trek to the Refreshing Kabigan Falls

Entrance Fee: 20 per head

Tour Guide Fee: 100/group

Address: Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

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Kabigan Falls is an 87-feet tall waterfalls located in Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte. Having been to plenty of waterfalls in the Philippines, the main highlight is the scenery that greets every tourists on their way to the waterfalls. One has to cross a small river (or is it a creek?), walk along the side of green rice fields and trek through a lush virgin rainforest. Another exciting thing about the trek are the FOOD stalls selling varieties of local delicacies such as tupig, empanada, kakanin and other mouthwatering merienda. The food stalls are situated 500 meters apart, in such a way that they serve as a pit stop to catch your breath and replenish your energy. 

2. Play Patintero with Passing Vehicles at Patapat Viaduct

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required (Included in Tricycle North Tour)

Address: Patapat, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

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Second on my list of things to do at Ilocos Norte is a visit to the Patapat Viaduct. It is a 1.3 kilometers concrete coastal bridge, the fourth longest bridge in the Philippines, which connects Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley Region. The place offers a great opportunity for taking selfies and groufies including jump shots. Although it is common knowledge and the vehicles passing here are aware that tourists stop here for some photo-op, one still needs to be careful and mindful of the passing vehicles along the bridge.

3. Take some stunning Groufie Jump Shots at Timmangtang Rock Formations

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required (Included in Tricycle North Tour)

Address: Sitio Gaoa, Brgy. Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

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Just a trike ride away from Kabigan Falls and Patapat Viaduct is Timmangtang. Tourists usually stop here for some picture taking on their way to Bantay-abot Cave and Blue Lagoon Beach. The scenery is so beautiful and stunning, which made us do an obligatory jump shot!

4. Visit the Amazing Bantay-abot Cave

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required (Included in Tricycle North Tour)

Address: Sitio Gaoa, Brgy. Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

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Just a hundred meters away from Timmangtang, Bantay-abot Cave can be visited on your way to the Blue Lagoon Beach. It is a sea formed rock that offers a little bit of adventure for tourists who decide to go in it. You have to watch your step and guard your things (especially your cameras) for you and your things not to get wet.

5. Bask at the Fine White Sand Beach of Blue Lagoon

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required (Included in Tricycle North Tour)

Address: Sitio Baniaran, Brgy. Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

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The Blue Lagoon Beach at Pagudpud has a developed beachfront where resorts, hotels and conference centers can be found. There are numerous variety stalls lined along the beachfront selling food, souvenir items, tattoo services and other items and services that tourists need. Although the beach area is relatively smaller compared to the 1-kilometer long Saud Beach, it also has equally fine white sands and clear blue waters that tourists will surely enjoy.

6. Sunset Watching and Night Swimming at Saud Beach, Pagudpud

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required

Address: Saud, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

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Saud beach at Pagupud is the cheaper alternative (compared to Blue Lagoon Beach) for tourists looking for fine white sands and crystal clear blue waters. Affordable accommodations and varieties of food can be found near the beach. Sunset viewing is a delightful experience that you should not miss. And for those who are not a fan of the sun, night swimming is relatively safe here!

7. Get Up Close with the Bangui Windmills

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required (Included in Tricycle North Tour)

Address: Bangui, Ilocos Norte

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On your trip to Ilocos Norte, one cannot miss the towering windmills lined along the shores of Bangui Bay. A trike ride from Saud Beach, one can get up close with the Bangui Windmills.  It is a 9-kilometer shoreline with a single row of tall wind turbines that convert kinetic energy from the wind into electrical power. The first wind farm in all of Southeast Asia! Kewl!

8. Reminisce the past at the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required

Address: Burgos, Ilocos Norte

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The lighthouse is a cultural heritage structure located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, which was constructed during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. This lighthouse is the counterpart of the Cape Engano Lighthouse at Palaui Island (northeastern counterpart) which is also over 100 years old.

9. Marvel at the Irregular but Beautiful Kapurpurwan Rock Formations

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required

Address: Burgos, Ilocos Norte

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Just a few kilometers away from the Cape Bojaedor Lighthouse, is where the Kapurpurwan rock formations can be found. A short hike under the scorching heat of the sun is required for you to get close to the rock formations. A more comfortable alternative is to ride the horses which can be rented at the entrance of the park. Based from our experience, Kapurpurwan is best visited when the sun is not on its highest! #oplaniwasnognog

10. Wonder at the Majestic Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required

Address: Paoay, Ilocos Norte

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Witness the grandeur of Paoay Church, a 300-year old baroque church located at Paoay, Ilocos Norte. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stood various earthquakes for a long period of time. The best time to visit the church is in the afternoon when the sun is about to set.  A must try food is the Pinakbet Pizza which is offered by a restaurant across the church.

Click here for Tra-Abel's Top Things to do at Ilocos Sur