Tra-Abel’s Top Things to Do at Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur is home to the recently named "New7Wonders Cities of the World" - Vigan City. That's enough reason for me to visit the province. A little surprise during my trip was the celebration of Vigan of its Longganisa Festival, which made my visit there more colorful! So without further ado, here are the Top Things to Do that I recommend to everyone planning to go to Ilocos Sur, Philippines!  

Immerse in Philippine History while walking around Calle Crisologo

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee:Not Required

Address:Crisologo St., Mestizo District, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

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The biggest selling point of Ilocos Sur tourism is its heritage village with its center located at Calle Crisologo. It is a cobble-stoned street, lined with Spanish Era ancestral houses (with ancient tile roofs, massive hardwood floorings, balustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish, Mexican, and Chinese architectural styles), which led to Vigan's inscription in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Marvel at the 200-year-old-Baroque Style St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral and its Bell Tower

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required

Address: Burgos St., Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

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Located on the other end of Plaza Salcedo, one cannot miss this majestic baroque style church of St. Paul. The current church was reconstructed in 1800 which replaced the original church constructed in 1574. A short visit to this grand cathedral is a must on your way to the Dancing Fountain Show at Plaza Salcedo.

Be entertained in Vigan’s Dancing Fountain Show at Plaza Salcedo

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required

Schedule: 7:00pm and 8:00pm everday

Address: Plaza Salcedo, Quezon Ave. cor. Burgos St., Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

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Launched recently by Vigan City as part of its continuing commitment to improve the tourism industry and attract tourists locally and abroad, is the Dancing Fountain Show at Plaza Salcedo. The show can be compared to the fountain show held at Petronas Tower in Kuala Lumpur (Had the chance to watch it in October 2014) and Marina Bay in Singapore (That’s what they say). An important reminder is to go early to secure the best spot for watching and picture taking as it easily get populated, especially during holidays and town festivals.

Climb the Bantay Church Bell Tower

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required

Schedule: 7:00pm and 8:00pm everday

Address:Manila-North Road, Zone 5, Bantay, Ilocos Sur

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The old historic belfry of the church known as the Bantay Bell Tower, which served as a watchtower for pirates back in the Spanish colonial era, gave the town its name - Bantay (meaning to guard). A visit to this historic site is a must. It is easily accessible and is just a trike ride away from the town proper. It is best visited during sunset for a beautiful photo opportunity.

Dine in Café Leona and Try the Infamous Pinakbet Pizza

Entrance Fee: Not Required

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required

Schedule: 7:00am and 11:00pm everday

Address:Calle Crisologo, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

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Pinakbet is a local cuisine of Ilokanos, with veggies (mostly composed of the ones mentioned in the folk song Bahay Kubo) as its main ingredient cooked in Bagoong. So if you want to get a taste of Pinakbet with a twist, you can order Pinakbet Pizza at Café Leona. During my last visit at Vigan, my friends and I were excitedly anticipating to get a bite of this Pinakbet Pizza but unfortunately, it was already sold out. We had been watching the Dancing Fountain Show and roaming around Calle Crisologo for too long, by the time we decided to eat dinner, it was already too late. LOL. We did get a taste of the Pinakbet Pizza though, at a restaurant in front of Paoay Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte (as shown in the picture).

Taste Ilocos Empanada and Ilocos Longganisa

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Famous food at Ilocos is Empanada and Longganisa. They even have longganisa festival every first week of May. So if you get the chance to go there during the festival, don’t forget to try their delish Empanadas and famous longganisa. The best place to sample an empanada is at Vigan Empanadaan - a reserved location where visitors can get a taste of Vigan’s famous empanada. Located at the eastern part of Plaza Burgos.

Get Close with the Animals in Baluarte Park

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required

Schedule: 7:00am and 6:00pm everday

Address:Salindeg, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

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A zoo where you can find different animals (and life-sized concrete dinosaurs) owned by the former Ilocos Governor Chavit Singson. It is a great venue for family outings, seminars and conventions complete with modern facilities. It can be reached by trike from the town proper and travel time is around 15 minutes.

Experience Making Jars in Pagburnayan

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required

Address: Pagburnayan, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

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Located at the southwestern end of Liberation Boulevard in Vigan, this is where the famous Ilocano jar called burnay is made. Tourists can see and actually try how to make the burnay using pre-historic methods. Carabaos (water buffalos) are used to knead the clay, and a foot-powered potter's wheels is used to turn the clay into burnay jars. At the entrance of the Pagburnayan, there numerous stalls selling souvenir items such as T-shirts, Key Chains, Ref Magnets and other collectibles.

Relax and Take your Time walking around the Hidden Garden

Entrance Fee: P20

Tour Guide Fee: Not Required

Schedule: 6:00am and 7:00pm everday

Address:Bulala, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

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Hidden garden is a place where tourists can escape the scorching heat of the sun. It is a paradise of greenery where various plant species can be found. A restaurant can also be found at the heart of the Hidden Garden, where different Ilocano cuisines are offered.