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Philippines travel destination – City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur
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Published by mbarrientos0911
On the night of April 27, 2012 we went to Pagudpud for 13 hours ride, another 2 hours to Laoag and 2 hours to Vigan. I’ll definitely go back to that place. 2 days and 1 night is not enough to see the beauty of Ilocos. But still, those 2 days made my eyes full, too many beautiful places and experience and delicious foods.
Destination:
Pagudpud:
Saud Beach
Kabigan Waterfalls
Patapat Viaduct
Agua Grande
Paraiso ni Anton,Timmangtang Rock, Bantay Abot Cave, Dos Hermanos Islands and Blue Lagoon
Laoag:
La Paz Sand Dunes
Vigan:
Calle Crisologo
Bell Tower
Padre Burgos Mansion
Pagburnayan Pot Making
Hidden Garden
Baluarte
Cristy’s Loom Weaving
Wanna Visit Ilocos Norte? Check Out this cool Ilocos Norte Packages.
Published on Jul 2, 2012 by Tripsiders
The Saud White Beach is a popular vacation destination that caters to thousands of visitors every year. However, it can still provide a relaxing and stress-free stay because it is not as crowded as the most popular beaches in the country.
Wanna Visit Ilocos Norte? Check Out this cool Ilocos Norte Packages.
Ilocos Norte is a province of the Philippines. It is situated in the northern part of the country (Ilocos Region), which is around 440 kilometers away from the main capital town of the Philippines, Manila.
Not many are aware that this province is a good alternative tourist getaway. To many, tourism in the country is more associated with widely known tourist places like Boracay, Banaue Rice Terraces, Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, and more. Ilocos Norte, however has its own special tourism package to offer.
Here are two justifications why visiting the place is worth all the travel time and effort.
1) Presence of historical places
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Ilocos Norte is a historical place. Did you know that it was colonized by the Spaniards? The remnants of the Spanish colony are very evident in the area. You can see old structures like churches constructed in 1593 but still standing at present. Among the popular churches are located in Bacarra, Laoag City, Paoay and San Nicolas. Another ancient structure way back 1612 is the Sinking Tower of Laoag. The tower has been dubbed as a sinking tower because it has consistently sunk into the ground as time passes by. Indeed the tower used to easily let a person on horseback to enter the tower. Now, one has to kneel down just to get in the entrance.
2) Presence of good beaches
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The town of Pagudpud is notable for its white sand beaches consisting of the beaches of Pansian, Maira-ira and Saud. This area is often called “Boracay of the North” because of its close similarity with the famous Boracay of the Philippines. Coconut palm-planted Saud beach is where the resorts are located. Maira-Ira, otherwise known as Blue Lagoon, is in the eastern part. Deserted Pansian beach is located away farther, close to the skirt of Cagayan province. If you like to stay by the beach in the southern part of Ilocos Norte, you can try Gaang Beach Cove in Currimao with its wide area of clean beaches and calm waters which is a common feedback of picnickers and beach lovers.
[Related Article: Places to visit in the Philippines]
For your future travel expedition, try Ilocos Norte. Visiting the province means learning history. A visit to the place also implies a chance to relax from a monotonous life with the atmosphere and serenity of its fine beaches.
Originally published at http://EzineArticles.com By Onofre Francisco / August 21, 2010
One of the notable travel destinations in northern Philippines is Laoag City. This third-class city, which is the capital of Ilocos Norte, is home to a wide array of scenic spots and premier attractions that keep tourists from coming back. It has also a wide array of resorts and vacation homes offering the best accommodations while you are away from home. Covering an area of 101.88 square kilometers, Laoag is also called as the “Sparkling Gem of Ilocandia.”
Laoag is located 488 kilometers north of Manila and can be reached by bus or plane. It is an hour drive to Vigan, which is famous for its Hispanic houses standing on cobblestone streets. Up north, Laoag is six hours away from Baguio, the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.”
There are plenty of reasons to love Laoag. Here is a travel guide to this beautiful city.
La Paz Sand Dunes
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Leading the list of attractions in Laoag is the so-called “Desert of the North.” La Paz Sand Dunes covers an area of 85 square kilometers of sand and beach. This protected area is located just on the outskirts of the city, making it accessible to tourists. The internationally acclaimed movie “Himala” starring Nora Aunor was shot here. Even Hollywood directors fell in love with La Paz Sand Dunes. Tom Cruise’s “Born on the Fourth of July” and Mel Gibson’s “Mad Max” were filmed in part in this area.
Sinking Bell Tower
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One of the first things you might notice upon entering Laoag is the Sinking Bell Tower. This 45-meter-high landmark is one of the tallest bell towers in the Philippines. It was built by Augustinian priests in 1612. Because it is so heavy and was built on sandy foundations, the tower is continuously sinking at an alleged rate of an inch a year. It is believed that people can pass through the belfry’s door years ago. But due to its present condition, one must stoop to enter the tower.
St. William’s Cathedral
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Another popular travel stop in Laoag is St. William’s Cathedral. It is one of the oldest and largest churches in Asia. The cathedral, which is located across the street from the Sinking Bell Tower, was built by Augustinian friars in 1612. It has an Italian Renaissance architecture.
[Related Article: Places to visit in the Philippines]
Tobacco Monopoly Monument
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Standing beside St William’s Cathedral is the Tobacco Monopoly Monument. This was constructed in 1882 for then Spanish King Alfonso XIII, who ordered the end of the tobacco monopoly in Ilocos Norte. From 1782 to 1881, people in the province were forced to cultivate no other crops except tobacco.
Museo Ilokos Norte
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Sightseeing in Laoag will never be complete without a visit to the Museo Ilokos Norte. Housed in the old Tabacalera Warehouse, the museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ilocanos. Old tools used by local farmers, rattan-woven handicrafts, traditional Ilocano clothing, and artifacts across the province are some of the best finds at the museum. A souvenir shop for everything Ilocano is located inside the compound.
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This article was originally published at http://EzineArticles.com By Allan Merin / June 29, 2010
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Pagudpud, Laoag, and Vigan Tour Package 
