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Plan Your Ilocos Itinerary at These Ilocos Norte Tourist Spots That Are So Worth Your Time
These Ilocos Norte tourist spots will excite you about being a tourist!
By: Kriszel T. Rago | June 09, 2023
Bangui Windmills and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse are some places you should add to your Ilocos Norte itinerary.
Images: Donnalyn Pacete (L); Dollyn Surban (R)
One of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations in the north is the Ilocos region, specifically Ilocos Norte. The province of Ilocos Norte has everything from well-preserved historical sites and churches to distinctive geography and culture, plus scenic views and bodies of water. If you plan on going to the north this year, plot your Ilocos Norte. itinerary ahead with this list of Ilocos Norte tourist spots.
Ilocos Norte’s well-preserved historical sites and churches
Explore Ilocos Norte’s rich history and culture at these tourist destinations:
1. Paoay Church
Location: Marcos Ave., Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Be amazed at the Baroque-styled exterior and interior of Ilocos Norte’s iconic Paoay church.
Images: JinJin Bangquiad Natividad
The San Augustine Church, commonly known as Paoay Church, is at the top of the Ilocos Norte tourist spots list. Its rich history and impressive architecture make it no wonder it is hailed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tourist destination in Ilocos Norte is one of the few Baroque churches in the country, which holds a lot of stories as it was built during the Spanish colonial era. Feel like you’re traveling back in time as you take photos at Paoay Church’s magnificent facade and iconic bell tower.
Paoay Church is a 21-minute drive away from Laoag City.
2. Sinking Belltower
Location: Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
The Sinking Belltower is a sight to behold at the city’s center with its astonishing structure.
Images: Rege Vergara (L); Patricia Ong (R)
If you’re familiar with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, Ilocos Norte has its iconic belltower, too, the Sinking Belltower. Presumably built after the 1707 earthquake, the Sinking Belltower is famous for its Baroque-style structure that withstands several minor earthquakes. It is made with locally manufactured bricks joined by molasses and juice of sablot leaves mixed with lime and sand. The Sinking Belltower is believed to sink at a rate of an inch every year, so take your chance now and add this to your Ilocos Norte itinerary.
The Sinking Belltower is located in the middle of Laoag City.
Ilocos Norte’s adventure-filled destinations
Play with the sand or take majestic photos with rock formations at these Ilocos Norte tourist spots.
3. Paoay Sand Dunes
Location: Barangay Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Riding a 4x4 jeepney is some of the many ways to enjoy Paoay Sand Dunes
Images: Sand Dunes of Ilocos Norte - Suba Sand Dunes, Paoay Facebook page
Suppose you’re craving an adventure at Ilocos Norte; Paoay Sand Dunes is the perfect place. This tourist destination in Ilocos Norte lets you get dirty at its 88 square kilometers of sand-filled attraction. You can go sandboarding, sand surfing, or ride a 4x4 jeepney.
Paoay Church is a 21-minute drive away from Laoag City.
4. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Location: Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Take Instagram-worthy shots at the different rock formations in Kapurpurawan Rock Formation.
Images: Wally Renz Rey
Known for its breathtaking white rocks created by thousands of years of limestone sedimentation, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation deserves a spot in your Ilocos Norte itinerary. This tourist destination in Ilocos Norte lets you take Instagram-worthy photos of its massive creamy white rock formations, from which its name is derived. Guests can either hike or take a horse and ride around from the starting point.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a one-hour drive away from Laoag City.
Ilocos Norte’s scenic views and bodies of water
Take Instagram-worthy photos while you soak yourself in the sun, sand, and water at these natural wonders and tourist destinations in Ilocos Norte.
5. Bangui Windmills
Location: Bangui, Ilocos Norte
Be amazed at how these windmills turn wind energy into electricity.
Images: Donnalyn Pacete
You can’t say you went to Ilocos Norte without being at Bangui Windmills. At this tourist destination in Ilocos Norte, you’ll see 26 units of 70-meter-high wind turbines lined across the 9-kilometer shoreline of Bangui Bay. This iconic Ilocos Norte tourist spot is the most popular wind farm in the country, as it provides 40% of the province’s electricity and has a scenic view of the West Philippine Sea.
Bangui Windmills is a one-hour, 16-minute drive away from Laoag City.
6. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Location: Burgos, Ilocos Norte
limbing the many stairs will be worth it when you see the view of the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
Images: Dollyn Surban (L); Zianna Victoria (R)
One of the most famous lighthouses in the country, this tourist destination in Ilocos Norte has more to offer than its history and architecture. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, first lit in 1892, has a scenic view of the rocky Ilocos Norte coastline. It is located at the top of Vigia de Nagpartian Hill, so you have to climb a decent amount of stairs to reach the place. Your climb will be worth it, though, as you’ll see a museum, the old room of the lighthouse keeper that has been preserved, and a stunning view of the area.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is a 53-minute drive away from Laoag City.
7. Saud Beach
Location: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
After exploring Ilocos Norte’s tourist spots, relax at the Boracay of the North, Saud Beach.
Images: Yumi Camac
After hiking and soaking in the sun, why not dip at Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte’s uncrowded tropical beach? This tourist spot deserves a spot in your Ilocos Norte itinerary, as it is dubbed the “Boracay of the North” with its white sands and delightful blue waters.
Saud Beach is a one-hour, 36-minute drive away from Laoag City.
Ilocos Norte has much to offer, so if you plan on traveling north this year, this province is worth it. Explore the area without hassle when you plan your Ilocos Norte itinerary with this list of tourist spots.
Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more exciting Ilocos and Northern Luzon travel destinations!
Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions. For now, keep safe!
About Kriszel T. Rago
Kriszel is a writer, an aspiring multimedia journalist, and a strong-willed, pierced & inked modern-day kikay tita. As a former iskolar ng bayan–still one at heart, Kriszel is passionate about social issues and everything under the sun. She loves to read, watch documentaries, thriller-mystery series, and anime, cook for her loved ones, and play Valorant & Mobile Legends with friends. Kriszel dreams of being a multiple degree holder and traveling to every province in the Philippines.
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