Our Full-Packed Ilocandia Tour

Agyamanak Ilocos! (Thank you) I’ve been to Ilocos once and we stayed in Pagudpud during the visit. We only had our North bound tour last time and exploring Vigan is one of my wish list. After the trip, I admit, Ilocos is really one of my favourite.

Till next time Ilocandia!

I do appreciate the richness of the province and its simplicity, or maybe the history behind it. Years back, all I know about Ilocos was about the Ilocanos being “kuripot” (thrifty) but I haven’t proved it yet except from our neighbour who is an Ilocana that would like to keep all the old stuffs because she doesn’t want to waste anything and it would take ages for his son to ask for money. Maybe it’s only her. :D

So when I was invited by my former officemate, my closest friend that is now working in Singapore, I did think twice (papilit pa) but was really glad to come back. It was a planned trip that Carlo and Roseann organized for his borgs and others. So before I start showcasing Northern and Southern Ilocos on this post, I will grab this opportunity to thank Carlo for sponsoring big portion of the trip. And also, I would like to say sorry again because of the “I cannot count anymore” times we had fights. I know you still hate me until now but I am still not giving up on you. Be happy out there Muymoy! 

From left to right - Yours Truly, Jenjie, Carlo-manager, Kiko, Alfie, Nohj, Julie and Rose. 

Night trip is the best trip for an 8-hour ride going to Ilocos if you opted to travel by land. After the long drive, we finally reached Vigan and had our breakfast in Grandpa’s Inn. Eating here is a great start because of the same historic ambiance and vintage touch. We immediately proceed to our Vigan Tour after breakfast.  

Grandpa's Inn

Quick picture taking before the full packed tour.

Ilocos longganisa is a must try delicacy.

Before anything else, I’ll show you where we stayed during the trip. The Java hotel in Laoag. It is in Balinese Moroccan style with a bit of Spanish look. I love the structure and it’s highly recommendable for those who wanted a first class service in the region. 

Java Hotel

We had to finish our Vigan tour first before we went here  to relax. The place is very clean and spacious. It’s a very relaxing place to stay after a tiring tour.

Clean and spacious room for us.

And more of the hotel facilities.

We had a quick dip in the pool, had our dinner and ended the day. The boys had their drinking sessions on the other room. All I can say is it feels so good to see old friends again around. Hope you’re all doing well today.

Here’s our Ilocandia tour itinerary, we skipped some spots due to time constraints and added Kapurpurawan Rocks on our list:

Day 1

7:00AM - ETA in Vigan City
   Breakfast at Granpa's Inn

8:00AM - Call time for Vigan Tour

   Baluarte ni Gov. Singson 

   Pottery Making 

   Syquia Mansion 

   Calle Crisologo “Vigan Heritage Village” 

11:00 - Left Vigan City

12:00 - ETA Batac City 

   Lunch

   Marcos Museum

   Paoay Church

   Malacanag of the North

4:00PM - Check in at Java Hotel, Laoag City

Day 2 

8:00PM - Call time for Northern Tour – Pagudpud Tour 

   Kapurpurawan Rocks

   Burgos Lighthouse 

   Bangui Windmill
12:00-1:00 - Lunch at Pagudpud

   Patapat Viaduct 

   Paraiso ni Anton

  Kabigan Falls

  Blue Lagoon

5:00PM - Left Pagudpud

7:00PM ETA - Back to Java Hotel

Day 3 

7:00-8:00 AM - Checked out

   La Paz Sand Dunes
   Proceed to Vigan 

   Ilocos Bawang and Suka at Pinili on the way

11:00AM - ETA at Vigan City

   Last minute pasalubong hunt in Calle Crisologo

1:00PM - Lunch 

3:00PM - Left Vigan City

12:00PM - ETA in Manila

I’ll end my post for now because I am being eaten by my laziness. On my next post is our Vigan Tour. Sorry for my “bitin” post. Full-packed Vigan Tour is coming!

_________________________________________________

The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another 

must wait till that other is ready. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Credit to the map used above.