Looking for Tourist Spots In Ilocos Norte? If you’re especially into culture-rich destinations or places awash with scenic landscapes, you might have to consider booking a vacation to the beautiful land of Ilocos Norte.
Situated about 400 km from the country’s capital, Manila, Ilocos Norte provides exciting destinations for tourists and locals alike. One can also consider it a vacation hotspot due to its marvelous terrains and breathtaking shorelines that merge easily well with historical structures that the province prides itself in.
You can always opt for an Ilocos tour package to get an expansive and closer feel with the place should you consider going there for vacation. Nonetheless, here are the top 10 tourist spots in Ilocos Norte that you surely won’t want to miss out on!
1. Paoay Church
Since 1710, the historic Paoay Church has been well-known for its unique architecture, further emphasized by the huge buttresses on the building’s back and side areas. Moreover, it was also considered a National Cultural Treasure in 1973 by the Philippine government, as well as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1993 classified under the Philippine Baroque Churches collective group.
2. Blue Lagoon
In Maira-ira Point at the northern part of Pagudpud, you’ll see a gorgeous cove called Maira-ira Beach. More popularly recognized as the Blue Lagoon, this beach is among the many scenic land spots Ilocos Norte offers. It contains a wide stretch of fine, white sands caressed by crystal clear blue waters.
3. The Sinking Bell Tower
The famous Sinking Bell Tower is located in St. William’s Cathedral and was constructed by the Augustinians back in 1612. Measuring up to 45 meters, this bell tower was once among the country’s tallest bell towers. The bell tower is described as “sinking” mainly because the structure is heavy and built on sandy land, prompting it to continuously sink into the ground.
4. Bangui Wind Farm
The first of its kind within Southeast Asia, the Bangui Windmill is also a stunning tourist spot where you can marvel at the huge windmills that are spread in an arc formation along the bay of Bangui. Each windmill contains 20 tri blades and extends up to 70 meters high. Furthermore, the wind farm also accounts for at least 40% of Ilocos Norte’s power supply, generating about 25 MW to power 108,000 different households.
5. Juan Luna Shrine
You can find the esteemed Juan Luna Shrine in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, which houses Juan Luna’s paintings, especially his masterpiece — the Solarium. Apart from that, the shrine also contains the Luna family’s memorabilia situated on the shrine’s ground floor.
6. Playa Tropical Resort
This haven is a Balinese-inspired beachside hotel where you can relax and enjoy breathtaking sunsets while soaking in the hum of the ocean and its gentle breeze. This is a great spot to unwind and take a break from all the stress, given that its suite rooms and amenities are designed to be comfortable, clean, and spacious enough to cater to tourists and locals.
7. Malacañang of the North
This place is constructed to serve as the late President Marcos’s official residence in Ilocos Norte. It consists of two stories, complete with a dining area, a kitchen, a spacious ballroom, an office, bedrooms, and even an Olympic-sized pool. It also has a huge terrace and a beautiful garden where you can see gorgeous views of the lake.
8. Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino
A first-class hotel in the province, this place is just 9 kilometers away from the city, which is convenient for wandering tourists. The exterior of the resort and casino was majorly inspired by Spanish architecture, with the building containing arcades, restaurants, and a casino for your entertainment.
9. Lapaz Sand Dunes
The Lapaz Sand Dunes are perfect for those who especially want to visit the Sahara Desert in Africa. The area makes for an equally good alternative due to its unique geological environment, with dune heights ranging from at least 10 to 30 meters. Here, you can try fun adventures like sand boarding or going on an ATV ride while you’re at it.
10. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
To get to Kapurpurawan Rock formation, you will have to go through a long road. It’s best to use a car since there’s no available public transportation that passes through the destination. Otherwise, you can also choose to walk to get there.
Its distinct white color is where the formation’s name is derived from since the word “puraw” basically means white. Once you get to the place, you will be delighted by the natural landscape caused by erosion due to the numerous years of constantly crashing ocean waves.