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

Personal Rating: ««««¶

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. 

Tra-Abel Guide to Ilocos Region

Ilocos is located on the most northwestern part of the Philippines. Plenty of tourists visit this region to learn and reminisce the rich history the place offers, home to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site - Vigan City, which boasts of Spanish-era mansions, the kalesa and cobblestone Crisologo Street. 

In addition to these historical treats, you can also find a century old lighthouse at Burgos and a century old baroque church at Paoay. 

Also, if one ventures beyond, Ilocos is home to stunning white sand beaches, enchanting caves and waterfalls, and exceptional rock formations. If these are not enough reasons for you to pack your bags and head to Ilocos now, then maybe the following reasons can make you. Ilocos is also where you can find the scenic Bangui windmills, the first in Southeast Asia, or surf the perfect waves of Pagudpud and partake into the adrenaline inducing adventures offered at Paoay sand dunes.

Tra-Abel in the Year 2014

The year 2014 has ended, it’s that time of the year when companies’ trial balances are prepared to be closed and financial statements begin to take its form (optimistically speaking). Well for this blog, it’s time to reminisce and review the places I’ve been to for the past 12 months ended December 31, 2014.

I began blogging about my travels mid-2013, it jump started at El Nido, Palawan in July 2013, the place I’ve been dreaming of ever since I was a kid, and continued on with my work-cum-travel to the CARAGA Region in Mindanao. And the passion to travel still keeps burning. For the year 2014, I've set my goal to travel to 14 different places, both within and outside the Philippines. Fortunately, I made it to most of the places I've listed and some would have to wait this year 2015. So without further ado here are the Top 10 places Tra-Abel has set foot on in the year 2014.

In January 2014, I had to work and stay in the office (Lepanto, Benguet) without much time for travelling. It was all work and no play. I had to endure a month without travel to compensate for my planned 11 days backpacking trip which will be on February. Nevertheless, I was still busy with travel blogging and travel planning. So you see I’m kinda obsessed with traveling. Haha.

Comes the second month of the year, February. I have been excitedly anticipating for this month to come. Big travel plans for my first solo backpacking trip to Thailand and Cambodia. And here’s how it went:

Thailand (#starttheyearwithaBANG-kok)

 

This country holds a special place in my heart since it was where I first experienced solo traveling outside the Philippines. The plane ticket was purchased way ahead of time and the itinerary was planned months before the flight. It was for an 11 days solo backpacking trip to Thailand and Cambodia. I visited the usual tourist sites, stayed in Khao San Road, the backpacking mecca, tried different new food and met a lot of interesting people along the way. Being new to traveling alone in a foreign land, I was able to experience different kind of emotions. One moment I was happy and excited, while some moments I was afraid for my dear life and anxious for the uncertainties this travel entails. Still I was able to enjoy every moment, appreciate every experience and savor every day of this trip.