Ilocos Norte has a special place in my heart. I know, that’s quite a statement, but hear me out. This province has so much to offer giving you a lot of reasons to fall in love with it. It boasts many natural attractions, historical sites, and rich culture. And to top all of that, they have a lot of delicious food so there’s no going hungry when you visit this part of the country.
Personally, there are a few more reasons why Ilocos Norte is special for me. One, this is where we went to on my first ever out of town trip with friends. Along with that, it was my first airplane ride too! We decided to fly to Ilocos because none of us drives and we weren’t sure if we could manage the really long bus ride. Another reason is because I took my longest vacation in the province here. As a Manila girly, I’ve never really stayed in the province for more than just a few days. So when my friend invited me to go on a vacation with her family in their hometown a few years ago, I said yes right away. I enjoyed my time there so much that it kind of feels like a second home now.
So whenever there’s a chance to visit Ilocos, I always take it. Especially if that means I’d get to eat the very tasty Batac Empanada! If you’re going on a trip to Ilocos soon, here are some of the best things you can do and tourist spots to visit in the province.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Paoay, Laoag & Batac
Paoay Church
This UNESCO-listed attraction in Paoay is also known as San Agustin Church. It is also one of the most beautiful and ancient churches in the country. Before being declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, it was first declared a National Cultural Treasure in 1973. According to the historical marker by the church entrance, the Augustinians laid the cornerstone of the church in 1704. The church is built using coral stones and bricks and it took 192 years before it opened to the public in 1896.
Its stunning facade has become a popular backdrop for tourist photos. It has a mix of Gothic and Baroque designs with some Oriental elements. Its exterior is also reminiscent of temples in Java. Aside from the facade, another distinct feature of the church are the huge buttresses on the sides and the back of the building. These buttresses were built to make the church withstand strong earthquakes that often happen in the province.
Next to the church, you will see a three-story bell tower. Separating it from the church was also a measure to protect it against earthquakes. Historically, the bell tower was used as a communication device to the townspeople. It also served as an observational post for Filipinos during the World War II.
You can visit Paoay Church as part of the Laoag City Tour. You can hire a tricycle for this tour (P1000) which can accommodate up to 3 people. If you’re a bigger group or you prefer traveling around in a car/van for a more comfortable ride, you can also book a private Laoag City Tour like the one below.
Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:55 AM; 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Marcos Avenue, Barangay San Pedro, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Paoay Sand Dunes
If you didn’t know there’s a desert in the Philippines, it’s time to head to Paoay! Paoay Sand Dunes is one of the two most popular sand dunes in the province, next to La Paz in Laoag City. Sitting next to Suba Beach, the Paoay Sand Dunes span 88 square kilometers which makes for a great 4×4 off-road adventure.
Riding a 4×4 through the ups and downs of the sand dunes feels like a roller coaster, albeit an extra dusty one! This activity had me holding on to the metal bars of the truck for dear life, but it was worth every adrenaline-inducing minute.
Apart from being a tourist attraction, the Paoay desert has brought many a film to life. Among notable films shot here were Nora Aunor’s Himala and Mel Gibson’s Mad Max.
The best time to do this activity is in the morning when the sun isn’t as harsh yet or in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the colorful sunset. And don’t skip the sand boarding! It may look scary especially if you see people doing it standing up, but you can definitely do it sitting down. Just try to keep your mouth closed or you might get a taste of the sand. Haha!
You can book your Paoay Sand Dunes 4×4 adventure and sand boarding in advance online.
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Note that the schedule may change, so it’s best to coordinate with your chosen operator for updates.
Rates:
- 4 x 4 (1 hr): P2,500 (up to 5 pax)
- ATV (30 minutes): P1,000 (up to 2 pax)
Location: Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Malacañang of the North
This former Marcos residence turned museum is an attraction you can add to your itinerary. Overlooking Paoay Lake, the Malacañang of the North was built in 1977 by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority or TIEZA formerly known as the Philippine Tourism Authority. Featuring 19th-century Spanish colonial architecture, this two-story mansion features seven bedrooms.
Ilocanos refer to the mansion as Malacañang ti Amianan which is now a museum managed by the provincial government of Ilocos Norte. While most of the original structure remains, some of the rooms were converted into restrooms for visitors. What’s left for viewing are the four bedrooms, including three rooms that were once occupied by the Marcoses and the very spacious living room and dining room areas. The office of Ferdinand Marcos inside the mansion is also accessible to visitors including a gallery with photos during his administration. Guests can also wander around the Chinese garden located within the property.
Visit Malacañang of the North as part of your Laoag City Tour! For a convenient and hassle-free tour, you can book a private tour in advance online.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Monday, CLOSED
Entrance Fee: Adult, P70; Student & Senior Citizen, P50; PWD, Children 12 y.o. and below, FREE
Location: Barangay Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Kusina Valentin
Located right across Paoay Church is a quirky little restaurant called Kusina Valentin. Its facade will remind you of Filipino ancestral homes, but its menu takes a modern twist. Formerly known as Herencia de Paoay, their signature pinakbet pizza is a must try, if only to satisfy your curiosity.
At first glance, it might seem like a regular vegetable pizza using pinakbet veggies. However, this pizza comes with a side of bagoong. I know it sounds a bit odd! Trust me, I was a bit skeptical to try it, too. But those who are curious enough to try are in for a treat. The bagoong gives this pinakbet pizza a unique burst of flavor.
Aside from their pinakbet pizza, they also have longganisa pizza, and bagnet pizza. If you can’t decide which Ilocano-themed pizza to try, you can also order their sampler. Kusina Valentin also serves Ilocano dishes like poqui poqui, dinengdeng, and insarabasab, along with their all-Filipino menu.
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Note that the schedule may change, so it’s best to check the official Facebook page for updates.
Location: 14 McArthur Street, Barangay Sangladan, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Nagbacalan Loom Weaving
Abel Iloco or Inabel is a local innovation that Ilocanos take pride in. This hand-woven textile with intricate patterns traditionally comes to life using a weaving loom. Today, a few towns in the region retain weaving communities that continue this legacy. One of these towns is Nagbacalan, Paoay.
A visit to the Nagbacalan Loom Weavers Multi-purpose Cooperative allows you to step into history to see how Inabel gets crafted. According to our tour guide, Manang Arlene, the whole weaving process used to start with preparing the cotton to make threads. However, because of the lack of availability of raw cotton, threads used to make Inabel today are now purchased.
You can watch every step of this process and even try weaving in Nagbacalan. Spoiler alert, it’s not easy! But you’ll surely have a different appreciation for this traditional weaving process that is an art in itself afterward.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday, CLOSED. Note that the schedule may change, so it’s best to check the official Facebook page for updates.
Location: 22 Barangay Nagbacalan, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
La Paz Sand Dunes
Much like the Paoay Sand Dunes, the La Paz Sand Dunes have set the scene for different films. Among them, Fernando Poe Jr.’s Ang Panday features the sandy expanse!
And if you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity? Thrill-seekers can head here for an adventure-filled ride! This activity will have you riding on the back of a 4×4 truck as it drives through the bumpy sand dunes. When you reach a high portion of the dunes, you can go sand boarding. Using a board, you’ll go sliding down the sandy slope like it’s an outdoor slide. You can either do this sitting down or standing up if you’re brave enough.
If you’re interested in adding this to your itinerary, here are some tips for you. Make sure to hold on tight when you’re riding the 4×4, as the waves of the sand dunes is not for the faint-hearted. Wear comfortable clothing especially if you plan on going sand boarding. And if you go sliding down the sandy slope, keep in mind that you’ll have to climb back up too. This part is actually more tiring, to be honest. With that, remember to bring a bottle of water with you.
Book your 4×4 adventure at La Paz Sand Dunes in advance. You can follow the link below to secure your spot.
Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Note that the schedule may change, so it’s best to coordinate with your chosen operator for updates.
Location: La Paz, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Sinking Bell Tower
The region has many historical structures that are more than a century old. One of them is the Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag. The bell tower is called such because it is said that the bell tower is slowly sinking over time. According to stories, back in the day, the tower entrance was high enough for a man-mounted horse. Today, one would probably have to crawl to be able to fit in. However, note that entering the bell tower is no longer allowed.
Although it is the sinking bell tower that mainly attracts the tourists, the church is worth a visit too Laoag Cathedral, formally called Saint William’s Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laoag. Established in 1580, wood and thatch made up the foundations of the first church. Meanwhile, the present structure, highlighting Italian Renaissance, came to be in 1612.
If you’re planning to do a Laoag City Tour, the Sinking Bell Tower is a usual stop. You can do a tricycle tour (P1000) that can accommodate up to 3 persons. If you’re a bigger group or you want a more comfortable ride, you can book a private Laoag City Tour like the option below.
Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM. The schedule may change, so please check the official Facebook page for updates and announcements.
Location: A. Bonifacio Street, Barangay 14 (Santo Tomas), Poblacion, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
La Preciosa
If you’re looking for a place to try Ilocano dishes in Laoag, consider La Preciosa. They serve Ilocano favorites along with other Filipino dishes. Among the dishes you can try are their crispy dinardaraan (an Ilocano version of dinuguan). Other Ilocano dishes you can order here are insarabasab, dinengdeng, sinanglao, warek-warek, higadu, and various bagnet dishes.
La Preciosa is also known for their cakes and pastries. We were told that this is where you can try the best carrot cake in the province. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to try it during our visit. If you dine at La Preciosa during your Ilocos trip, give it a taste and let us know if their carrot cake lives up to its reputation!
Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Note that the schedule may change, so it’s best to check the official Facebook page for updates.
Location: Arabella’s Event’s Place, F. Julian Street, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Batac Empanada
There are a lot of delicious Ilocano dishes, but you likely won’t be leaving Ilocos without a taste of empanada. Honestly, why would you even want to!?
In Ilocos Norte, a popular place to get them is the Batac Riverside Empanadaan. Here, there are numerous stalls selling empanadas. Even Glory’s Empanada, which was the catalyst of the local spin on the perfect afternoon snack, sits along this riverside.
Gloria Aduana Cocson or Glory has been making empanadas since she was 15 years old. Standing strong at 81 years old, Lola Glory thought of adding longganisa to the usual empanada that has vegetables and egg, eventually creating a unique product. Along with the empanada, Lola Glory has also become an icon in Ilocos Norte, taking home the Kalipi Award and Gameng Lifetime Achievement Award.
When you visit Batac, make sure to visit the riverside and try an empanada or two! It’s served with ketchup and vinegar, but different people have different preferences. So why not try both and see what you like best? And if you’re looking for a heavier meal, have your empanada with miki, a noodle soup dish that uses thick noodles, which is also available at the riverside.
Location: Batac Riverside Empanadaan, Barangay 1 S Valdez (Poblacion), Batac, Ilocos Norte
St. Andrew the Apostle Parish & Bell Tower and Bacarra Museum
Also known as the Bacarra Church, St. Andrew the Apostle Parish is a Roman Catholic Church under the Diocese of Laoag. It has a domeless bell tower located a few meters away from the church which is its key feature. The church is a National Historical Landmark as declared by the National Historical Comission of the Philippines. It was also declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in 1973.
The Augustinians established this church in 1591, which makes it one of the oldest parishes in Ilocos Norte. Today, a key feature of this church is its coral-brick bell tower, which collapsed after multiple earthquakes from 1931 to 1971. A portion of the bell tower was kept after its collapse and can still be seen today.
Adjacent to the church is the Museo de Bacarra. The two-story Spanish-colonial-era structure used to serve as the church convent. Repurposed as a museum, it now hosts religious and cultural artifacts, old photos, and documents.
Museum Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The schedule may change without prior notice.
Museum Entrance Fee: Adult, P20; Child, P10; Senior Citizen & Students, P15; PWD, P10
Location: M. Castro Street, Barangay Santa Rita, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte
Santa Monica Parish Church
The Santa Monica Parish Church is another noteworthy historical structure you’ll find in Ilocos Norte. Originally called San Miguel Church, this Roman Catholic parish church was constructed in 1779 in the municipality of Sarrat. Meanwhile the locals usually refer to it as Sarrat Church. It was declared as an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum of the Philippines in 2009.
Built using red bricks, it is a striking structure with Neoclassical architecture and earthquake Baroque (a.k.a. seismic Baroque). Like most churches in the province, its bell tower is built a few meters away. Sarrat Church is also the biggest church in Ilocos Norte with the longest nave or isle.
Location: Barangay San Leandro (Poblacion), Sarrat, Ilocos Norte
Where to Stay in Laoag
For those who want to stay in the city, there are a number of hotels in Laoag City. You can use Laoag as your base to explore and visit the attractions in the region.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- FORT ILOCANDIA RESORT HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SARITA BED AND BREAKFAST
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - JAVA HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - VIVEN HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - HOTEL ASUNCION
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Booking.com
- SOLA HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - PLAZA DEL NORTE HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTER
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✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - V.F. RITON APARTELLE
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Related Article: Top 8 Things to Do in Laoag & Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Pagudpud, Bangui, Burgos & Adams
Kabigan Falls
Located in Barangay Baloi in Pagudpud, the 87-feet-high Kabigan Falls is a gorgeous natural wonder. It is about 1.8 kilometers from the national road so you’ll need to walk a bit to get here. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the falls, but no need to worry because it’s an easy trek. However, if you really prefer not to walk for whatever reason, you can also rent a vehicle to take you there.
The trek itself is already nice. With the trail lined up with trees, you don’t have to be under the sun so much. You’ll also get a picturesque view of the rice field and hills. But note that you’ll have to cross multiple streams to get to the falls so getting wet is unavoidable. Once you reach the falls, all that walking would be worth it when you see the beautiful cascade. You can also take a refreshing dip in the pool at the bottom of the falls.
Visiting Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule may change without prior notice.
Entrance Fee/Environmental Fee: P40 per person
Tour Guide Fee: P200
Address: Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Saud Beach
There are many beautiful beaches in Ilocos Norte and one of them is Saud Beach in Pagudpud. This long and wide stretch of sand has been named as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia by Travel & Leisure magazine. It may not have white sand, but it is laced with very fine sand that you can sink your feet into. Its crystal clear waters are so inviting that you’ll probably find yourself swimming before you know it.
The waves are mostly calm during the dry season, but you have to be mindful of the sudden drops in the water just a few meters from the shore. Saud Beach is also lined with multiple resorts so looking for a place to stay is not a problem. You can also just go on a day tour at one of the resorts if you don’t have plans of staying overnight.
Another great thing about Saud Beach is it is not crowded. Even during peak season, there’s not too many people on the beach. If you’re in need of a quiet and relaxing beach vacation, head to Pagudpud!
Book a Private Pagudpud Tour here:
Location: Barangay Saud, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Blue Lagoon
This is another beach destination to include in your itinerary if you’re traveling further north to Pagudpud. Blue Lagoon, also known as Maira-ira Point is another stunning beach on the tip of Ilocos Norte. Its stretch is covered with white pebbly sand and its waters are also stunning. When it’s not surf season, the water here can be very still and reflect the blue sky. The name “Blue Lagoon” likely takes after this imagery.
Along the beach, you will find a number of resorts and restaurants. There are also many water sports to try. Despite being a bit commercialized, its natural beauty still remains for visitors to bask in. If you can’t decide which Pagudpud beach to visit, you can also go beach hopping!
If you plan on staying in a different part of Ilocos Norte, you can just book a Pagudpud Tour. You can book a private tour in advance via Klook.
Location: Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Patapat Viaduct
Located in Pagudpud, the Patapat Viaduct connects the Maharlika Highway in Laoag to Cagayan Valley. Measuring 1.3km, it is the fifth longest bridge in the Philippines. This elevated, winding bridge hovers over 30 meters above sea level. Because of this, the bridge provides a scenic view of the sea and the coastal mountains.
Aside from the stunning views from the bridge, Patapat Viaduct is also an architectural marvel. Since its completion in 1986, it has solved the problem of landslides that used to cause vehicular accidents. You can make a stop at the viaduct if you’re making a trip to the beaches in Pagudpud.
Klook has a Private Pagudpud Tour that you can book that makes a stop here. This is great if you’re traveling with a group or if you just prefer a more comfortable journey. The tour itinerary includes a few other attractions in Ilocos Norte, too!
Location: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Bangui Windmills
Bangui Windmills serve as both a tourist attraction and source of renewable energy in the region. These gigantic wind turbines stand along the shore of Bangui Bay making it a postcard-worthy attraction. Being one of the three wind farms in the province, Bangui Windmills take pride in being the first. It was developed by Northwind Power Development Corp with its Phase I being inaugurated in 2005. Today, the wind farm is mostly owned by the Ayala Corporation through AC Energy, but it is still operated by Northwind.
The area is also an ideal spot to watch the sunset so it would be best to time your visit to the sundown. Just make sure to hold on to any loose items because it can get really windy here!
Bangui Windmills is a part of the Private Pagudpud Tour offered by Klook. This tour will also take you to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Kabigan Falls, Saud Beach, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and more.
Location: Bangui, Ilocos Norte
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
This stunning rock formation in Burgos is one of the most recognizable attractions in the region. Named after the Ilocano word puraw, which means white, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation got its name from its white limestone formations. These formations took eons of constant pummeling of waves into the shore to be formed. It’s located very close to the Burgos EDC Wind Farm and Bangui Windmills, so aside from the picturesque formations, you can also see a few windmills from here.
From the jump-off point, there’s a 10-minute walk to reach the rock formations. Alternatively, you can ride a horse for P100 for a roundtrip ride. The trail involves going down a flight of stairs, but the rest of the way is flat. However, there are portions of the trail with small rocks so it’s still best to wear comfortable footwear. And if you visit around early afternoon, expect the scorching heat of the sun. You will find refreshments being sold at the jump-off point so you can grab a cold drink there if you don’t have a bottle of water with you.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a part of the Private Pagudpud Tour offered by Klook. This tour will also take you to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Bangui Windmills, Kabigan Falls, Saud Beach, and more.
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The schedule may change depending on the weather and other conditions.
Entrance Fee: Adult, P30; Senior Citizen & Students, P20; Child, PWD, FREE
Location: Burgos, Ilocos Norte
EDC Burgos Wind Farm
Yes, there’s more than one wind farm in Ilocos Norte and one of them is in Burgos.
The EDC Burgos Wind Farm is the second wind farm built in the province and the largest one in the Philippines. Owned and operated by Energy Development Corporation or EDC, the project occupies a 600-hectare site with a total of 50 wind turbines. It covers barangays Saoit, Poblacion, and Nagsurot.
Located on higher ground, a portion of the wind farm is a cliff that serves as a viewpoint of the wind turbines. Paired with this is a stunning view of the ocean. And if you look a bit further, you can get a glimpse of the first wind farm in Ilocos Norte, Bangui Wind Mills, as well as the Pagudpud Wind Farm from a distance.
If you can, visit Burgos Wind Farm during the late afternoon so you can watch the breathtaking sunset over the spinning turbines. It’s also a great spot to take photos. Just be careful not to get too close to the cliff edge for your safety!
Note: Burgos Wind Farm does not allow tourists on the viewing deck when the wind is too strong. Unfortunately, you will find out if that’s the case at the gate when you visit.
Entrance Fee: P20
Location: Kapurpurawan Rock Formation Access Road, Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
This historical attraction is a Spanish colonial epoch relic. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also referred to as Burgos Lighthouse stands in the town of Burgos. Perched on top of Vigia de Nagpartian hill, it stands at 160 meters above sea level and marks the northwesternmost point of Luzon.
Despite its age, the original structure remains and the lighthouse still beams a light for those sailing through the area. Although its light now comes from an electric lamp, you can see the original apparatus displayed in the main pavilion. This room and three other rooms used to be offices and living quarters. Now, they serve as galleries where you can see Cape Bojeador’s history.
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in Ilocos Norte, you can go to Cape Bojeador as part of your Pagudpud Tour. You can book a Private Pagudpud tour in advance via Klook. This option is perfect for those who want a convenient trip or are traveling with a big group.
Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The schedule may change without prior notice.
Entrance Fee: Adult, P50; Senior Citizen & Students, P40; Child & PWD, FREE
Location: Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Road, Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Anuplig Falls
There are multiple waterfalls scattered all over Ilocos Norte and one of them is Anuplig Falls in Adams. Located in the northern part of the province, Adams is a small municipality composed of only one barangay and a population of just over two thousand people. But don’t underestimate this small but mighty collection of natural attractions.
Anuplig Falls is one of the attractions that the town takes pride in. Getting there entails trekking for 45 minutes to an hour. The trail is generally easy with a few steep spots, but it’s nothing a beginner wouldn’t be able to handle, even if you’re not the most active person in the room. However, the path is just big enough for one person to walk on and it’s very close to the edge so you have to be careful.
After about an hour of trekking, you’ll be greeted by the wonderful view of the waterfall and the rushing sound of the cascade. When we visited, no one in our group planned to take a dip, but the cold water was so inviting we couldn’t resist it! After all, we did brave the trek to get there! It would be a shame not to experience a refreshing dip in the water.
If you plan to visit, having a nature guide is a must. You can get a guide at the tourist center located across the municipal hall. This is mandatory upon entering Adams. The guide fee is around P150-200 and one guide is good for a group of up to 5 persons. Aside from Anuplig Falls, your guide can also take you to other attractions in Adams, so it’s best to start early in the morning. It is also best to wear comfortable footwear with ample grip to make your trek easier.
If you are coming from Laoag, check out this Adams Day Tour with Pagudpud Sidetrip for a hassle-free trip.
Visiting Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule may change without prior notice.
Guide Fee: P150-200, good for 5 pax
Location: Adams, Ilocos Norte
Cardom’s Winery
It’s not just good food that you can find in Ilocos Norte, they have drinks you can pair with it too. You can find local wines in many shops around the province, but if you want to try it straight from the source, go to Adams. There are multiple wineries you can visit here, but one of the most popular ones is Cardom’s Winery.
Their place is very unassuming. From the outside, it’s just a bare house with nothing but an old tarpaulin as a signage. To be honest, it felt a little bit odd entering here because the place is also very dim. But it’s not really the aesthetics you’re going here for, it’s their wines. Their signature is the bugnay wine, but they have over a dozen more flavors to choose from. You can taste each flavor if you wish because Cardom’s offer unlimited wine tasting.
We tried a few of their flavors during our visit. First, we tried the bugnay, then the tapuey (rice wine) which our tour guide recommended for us to try. Then, we picked various flavors that piqued our curiosity. We had a taste of the lemon, calamansi, roselle, and sampaloc among others. Out of all the ones we tried, our group had a consensus that the roselle is the best of them.
Of course, you can take home bottles of wine after trying them. They sell it in various sizes and even have an option between cork sealed and cap sealed for their biggest size. It makes for a great pasalubong for your family or even yourself! Their wines range from P50-P350.
Location: Poblacion 1, Adams, Ilocos Norte
Inuwayan Farms
Inuwayan Farms will give you a farm-to-table experience here in Ilocos Norte. They grow, make, and serve many of the items they offer here. When you enter, you’ll first pass through their shop where you can see all their products like cacao wine, chocolate, and more. And once you exit the shop, you’ll see a garden surrounded by multiple cacao and bugnay trees leading to the restaurant. Here, you can dine right under a cacao tree.
We stopped by Inuwayan Farms for our breakfast and taste their locally made chocolate products. We were served with bread and their chocopeanut spead which was paired with their version of an instant hot chocolate. It’s similar to tablea, but unlike the traditional ones, you only have to stir this in hot water or milk. Little did we know, this was just our appetizer and we were served with rice, kardis (pigeon peas) soup, and vegetables.
Apart from the farm-to-table experience, another notable thing about Inuwayan is how they help the locals in their community. The owner, Dra. Bielmaju Waley helps IP farmers who grow cacao. Inuwayan also helps provide jobs to the locals with their small chocolate factory.
Opening Hours: Contact the management for reservation and other queries.
Location: Poblacion 3, Adams, Ilocos Norte
Where to Stay in Pagudpud
Ilocos Norte is a developed tourist destination where there are several accommodations for all kinds of budgets. If you want to stay near the beach, there are resorts in Pagudpud near Blue Lagoon and Saud Beach.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- IKANI SURF RESORT
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- ALTA VISTA ILOCANDIA INC.
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Related Article: Top 5 Things to Do in Pagudpud & Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Southern Ilocos Norte
La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc
The Shrine of La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc, also known as Saint John the Baptist Basilica or simply Badoc Basilica sits in the town of Badoc. It houses the statue of the Virgen Milagrosa of Virgin Mary and is dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
Locals will tell you that the Virgen Milargrosa washed up on shore along with the statue of Christ of the Black Nazarene. Fishermen supposedly found both statutes, encased in wooden boxes, on the border of Sinai and Badoc. Stories claim that people from Badoc tried to pick up the Black Nazarene Sinai locals tried getting the Virgen Milagrosa. However, both religious images were too heavy for them to lift no matter how hard they tried. Eventually, they decided to switch and the people were able to pick the statues up without breaking a sweat. The belief that both the Virgen Milagrosa and the Black Nazarene chose their own homes stems from this story.
Visiting Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Soriano Street, Poblacion, Badoc, Ilocos Norte
Museo nina Juan at Antonio Luna
Badoc is a relatively quiet town. It doesn’t attract as many tourists as other towns in Ilocos Norte, but it has its fair share of history. One of the greatest points of pride for Badoc is the artist Juan Luna Juan Luna. For those who may not be familar with Luna, his proverbial resume spans quite a few roles, as he was a painter, sculptor, and a political activist in the Philippine Revolution during the 19th century.
Housed in what used to be the Luna home in Badoc, the Museum of Juan and Antonio Luna is just a few meters away from Badoc Basilica. Displayed here are reproductions of Juan Luna’s paintings and belongings of his brother, General Antonio Luna. Additionally, antique furniture on the second floor of the museum give visitors a glimpse of what the house looked like in the past, including the bedroom, chapel, and azotea. Even the house itself is a historical artifact: despite being restored, portion of its walls were preserved from the original structure.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Monday, CLOSED. Note that the schedule may change, so it’s best to check the official Facebook page for updates.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Location: Jose Rizal Street corner Juan Luna Street, Barangay Garreta, Badoc, Ilocos Norte
Pinili Inabel Center
Art and culture enthusiasts will surely love a visit to Pinili Inabel Center. It was built in honor of Magdalena Gamayo who is a National Living Treasure awardee. The center was inaugurated in August 2023 in time for Nana Magdalena’s 99th birthday. It was put up with the goal to inspire the younger generation to continue the art and tradition of weaving inabel and serve as a tourist attraction as well. The weaving center also gave job opportunities to women in Pinili and its nearby towns.
Located in Barangay Lumbaan, the center stands on a portion of land that Nana Magdalena donated to the government for this project. When you visit, you can see how they weave these Inabel fabrics with different designs. On another area is a gallery where you can see the different Inabel designs they weave here. We were lucky to see Nana Magdalena herself when we visited, doing what she does best — weave inabel! At almost 100 years old, she continues to weave these fabrics that are a huge part of the Ilocano culture. You can also purchase Inabel here with prices ranging from P400-600 per yard.
Opening Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM. The schedule may change without prior notice.
Location: Barangay Lumbaan-Bicbica, Pinili, Ilocos Norte
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Updates Log
2024.04.06 – First uploaded
Written by: Mariah Cruz
Additional Writing by: Joshua Berida
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