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| An itinerary guide for a 3 day tour in Ilocos which starts off with Vigan tour |
This is the memorable vacation I had this year, because not only I have with me my family, but together with my friends with their families also. This trip has been long been planned since last quarter of last year that every time we have a get together this Ilocos trip has been brought over our discussions as our next itinerary until we were able to finalize the date when everyone can join, and so the set date was last February 22 to February 25.
We were 3 families on the trip in two vehicle convoys and our departure time in Manila was around 12 midnight so we can get rid of traffic and to save time in travelling 10 hour road trip from Manila to our first destination -Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
We arrived around 8:00 a.m., from an 8 hour trip from Manila, we were able to lessen our supposed 10 hours travel because we took the night trip. When we arrived there were already early tourists around the plaza, taking a walk along this centuries old cobble stoned pathway and streets with few Calesa ready to tour you around this Spanish era setting.
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| The whole group in front of Ferdinand Marcos Museum lobby. |
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| Vast background mural of the Marcoses at Marcos Museum, Batac, Ilocos Norte |
Two hours away from Vigan, lies a former president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos remains at Marcos Museum and other mementos during his reign.
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| Paoay Church, Paoay, Ilocos Norte |
The astounding baroque style Paoay Church, which is still standing amidst strong winds and typhoons this building has withstand from the time it was built centuries ago, and up to now it is still beautiful and captivates tourists meticulous eyes. Paoay
is a neighboring town of Batac.
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| Paoay Sand Dunes, Paoay, Ilocos Norte |
The scorching heat never resists us from touring this adventure site for those who want to try sand boarding and race with 4 x 4 jeep overlooking Saud beach.
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| Malacanang of the North, Paoay, Ilocos Norte |
For a short period of time we felt how to live in a mansion in this grandiose house of the Marcoses which is open to the public and is managed by the Department of Tourism.
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| Cape Bojeador, Burgos, Ilocos Norte |
Right before its closing time for viewing at 5:00 p.m. before it gets dark, we were able to ascend this old lighthouse on top of a hill in Burgos, another cultural heritage structure of the Philippines.
Second day itinerary
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| Windmills, Bangui, Ilocos Norte |
We had our glimpse of these gigantic windmills beautifully lined-up along Bangui beach, the strong winds could almost stumble us down and made it difficult for us to reach the base of the windmill.
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| Casa Victoria Beach resort, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte |
After our struggle with the winds at Bangui before lunchtime, we headed to Pagudpud beach and settled there to relax, unwind and feel the warm kiss of the sun on our skins and enjoy the clear waters of the beach until late in the afternoon.
Third Day Itinerary
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| Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Burgos, Ilocos Norte |
The enthralling sight of a work of art Kapurpurawan rock formation is a must see panoramic view in Ilocos Norte, this is one of a kind nature's wonders that is unbelievable how this rock was made in its stature.
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| Baluarte, Vigan City |
Young and adults enjoyed the sights of different animals kept in this zoo, some animals can be touched and carried by tourists for photographs.
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| Calle Crisologo, Vigan City |
Our last glimpse of Vigan where we had our dinner, bought souvenirs and bid farewell to Ilocos for our wonderful experience before we head back for the long road trip back to Manila.
Ilocos Map
As you can see in this map that those places we've visited are located near sea side that is why most of the tourist spots in the pictures I have posted above have beaches because Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte is located at the Northwest of the Philippines facing the South China Sea.
Rent-a-van/ Vehicle for hire package tour:
For this trip we rented a vehicle - Grand Starex with a capacity of 14 so the trip would be easy and comfortable for the whole family. We were two families in the vehicle and mostly are kids, whose our main consideration so they could endure the long hours travel, hence, hiring a comfortable vehicle with a driver is much better. The package cost of 3-days are worth PHP 15,000.00 plus fuel and toll fees which costs PHP 12,000.00 that sums up to our total expense for transportation is PHP 27,000.00. It's all worth it because we were fetched from our houses and brought back to our houses safe and sound.
