TRAVEL DATES: June 22 - 25, 2012
We went off to Ilocos Province boarding the 10:30 PM Florida bus from Cubao, Quezon City. The trip was about 8 hours and it was hard to think a lot of activities to do for the 8-hour ride, so I opted to sleep for the whole bus travel. We had two stop-overs going to Ilocos for passenger's bio-break and stretching moments.
6 AM, we arrived at Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
It was dubbed as the Philippine's most historic place because of its famous "PARIS-like" feel and several antique houses.
Since we arrived earlier than as planned, and our tour guide c/o Kuya Lee was a bit late too, we maximized our time to roam around Vigan's plaza while there were still few people.
7AM, Kuya Lee arrived.
We then ate breakfast to fuel ourselves for the rest of the day. First stop, Calle Crisologo. It's a historic place in Vigan lined up with old houses, and it's like reminiscing the 1920's. Too bad we visited there while the sun was up because it should have been better to visit it by night time.
It was expected to be a tough day of traveling and walking and traveling. Place after place, view after view. All of those were scenic! Some of the places visited were:
On our way to Laoag, the northern province of Ilocos, we dropped by Batac and Paoay. Paoay has the famous church and it sure was magnificent. Who would expect someone to have series of jump shots at the heat of the day?!
TRAVEL TIP: Never miss the opportunity tasting the local Ilocos Empanada! The cool thing was that they have their own festival and their "ambassadors" were "Empa" and "Nada"! Cool, right? :)
More views to satisfy your eyes!
The most anticipated place on our trip was Pagudpud Beach. We arrived there though at 7PM and too bad it was raining hard and the roads were a bit dark. Anyhow, as what they always say, there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
Arriving our hotel was the "light" we were looking for! Kapuluan Vista Resort Hotel was a perfect place to relax and unwind after a stressful day! The place was cozy, the air was fresh, and most of all, the food was delicious!
TRAVEL TIP: The road trip from Paoay to Pagudpud takes around 1.5 - 2 hours so be sure to go there before the sun sets because the road is kinda dark.
A series of food pictures for your eyes only. Beware, the pictures below may result hungriness when viewed more than 10 seconds! :)
Total Budget per person: PHP 6,500.00 all in and you may view our itinerary from here!
I wanna go back to Ilocos again and just drop by all the places we've been to. Hope to have another opportunity to experience warm hospitality the Ilocano way!
Leave a comment and I'll surely appreciate it!
We went off to Ilocos Province boarding the 10:30 PM Florida bus from Cubao, Quezon City. The trip was about 8 hours and it was hard to think a lot of activities to do for the 8-hour ride, so I opted to sleep for the whole bus travel. We had two stop-overs going to Ilocos for passenger's bio-break and stretching moments.
6 AM, we arrived at Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
It was dubbed as the Philippine's most historic place because of its famous "PARIS-like" feel and several antique houses.
Since we arrived earlier than as planned, and our tour guide c/o Kuya Lee was a bit late too, we maximized our time to roam around Vigan's plaza while there were still few people.
(Yes, we officially arrived at Ilocandia together with our tired and sleepy faces)
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| The view of Vigan's Plaza |
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| Eating Ilocos' famous Sinanglao dish! |
We then ate breakfast to fuel ourselves for the rest of the day. First stop, Calle Crisologo. It's a historic place in Vigan lined up with old houses, and it's like reminiscing the 1920's. Too bad we visited there while the sun was up because it should have been better to visit it by night time.
Our Calle Crisologo Moments!
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| ...And Live While We're Young!... |
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| Baluarte Zoo by the Singson's |
The Marcoses at the Palace and Sand Boarding at Ilocos Sand Dunes
More of the Marcoses.....
A tourist told us that when go up the tower, we will see the view of South China Sea...
Hidden Garden and Pottery Making
On our way to Laoag, the northern province of Ilocos, we dropped by Batac and Paoay. Paoay has the famous church and it sure was magnificent. Who would expect someone to have series of jump shots at the heat of the day?!
"Sa Paoay, Kumakaway!"
TRAVEL TIP: Never miss the opportunity tasting the local Ilocos Empanada! The cool thing was that they have their own festival and their "ambassadors" were "Empa" and "Nada"! Cool, right? :)
More views to satisfy your eyes!
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| Bangui Windmills |
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| Cape Bojeador |
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| Patapat Viaduct |
The art of taking pictures... naturally!
The most anticipated place on our trip was Pagudpud Beach. We arrived there though at 7PM and too bad it was raining hard and the roads were a bit dark. Anyhow, as what they always say, there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
Arriving our hotel was the "light" we were looking for! Kapuluan Vista Resort Hotel was a perfect place to relax and unwind after a stressful day! The place was cozy, the air was fresh, and most of all, the food was delicious!
TRAVEL TIP: The road trip from Paoay to Pagudpud takes around 1.5 - 2 hours so be sure to go there before the sun sets because the road is kinda dark.
Kapuluan Vista Moments
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| A View of the Kapuluan Vista Pool |
A series of food pictures for your eyes only. Beware, the pictures below may result hungriness when viewed more than 10 seconds! :)
Sinanglao and other local foods
Kapuluan's Alma's Margarita
Ilocos Kilawin and Dinakdakan
Another Ilocos' Best: Bagnet!
Ilocos Longganisa
Dinner by the beach!
Total Budget per person: PHP 6,500.00 all in and you may view our itinerary from here!
I wanna go back to Ilocos again and just drop by all the places we've been to. Hope to have another opportunity to experience warm hospitality the Ilocano way!
Leave a comment and I'll surely appreciate it!
