LAOAG.ILOCOS NORTE: Travel Guides, Tips, Cheap Hotels and More

LAOAG CITY is a third class city in Ilocos Norte and the province capital. It is fast becoming center of economic and commercial growth. It is the gateway to tourist destinations in Northern Luzon such as Vigan and Pagudpud and the only city with commercial and international airport connecting the Philippines to South Korea and China. Laoag City, also,  is a tourists haven itself offering different kind of adventure to thrill seekers and a whole new experience to cultural and spiritual explorers.

HOW TO GO THERE

1. By Air – From Manila, take a flight to Laoag City through Cebupac or PAL Express. Travel time takes 45 minutes to an hour. Flights are usually during evenings so it’s best to book yourself a hotel ahead of time to save yourselves the hassle of scooting through the city late at night looking for a place to stay.
2. By Land – From Manila take a bus GV Florida, Partas or any bus liner in Cubao to Laoag. Travel takes 8 to 10 hours and fare is at P800 to P900.

WHERE TO STAY 

• JAVA HOTEL
  Bacarra Road, Laoag City
  (6377) 770-5996
• RIO GRANDE DE LAOAG RESORT HOTEL & NATURE PARK
  Brgy. 30A, Suyo, Laoag City
  (6377) 676-1726; (6377) 676-1739; 0917-4836102
• HOTEL TIFFANY
  Gen. Segundo Avenue, Laoag City
  (6377) 770-3550
• HOTEL DEL NORTE
  Fonacier Street, Laoag City
  (6377) 772-1697
• TEXICANO HOTEL & RESTAURANT
  Rizal Str. Cor. Giron St., Laoag City
  (6377) 772-0606
• BALAY DE BLAS PENSION HOUSE
  Giron Street, Laoag City
  (6377) 607-0332

WHAT TO SEE IN SUNSHINE CITY

1.  In Laoag City

• St. William’s Cathedral – this has a 2-storey cream facade with baroque architectural design of Italian Renaissance.
• The Sinking Bell Tower – such a beautiful sight to behold during the night as it located in the heart of the city surrounded by modern infrastructures which made it stand out all the more.
• Laoag Market – this is where best buys are, from delicacies to any product Ilocos Norte has to offer.
• Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Casino – this luxurious hotel and casino is worth paying a visit as this, if I may say is the epitome of luxury and exuberance.

  2.  In Paoay

• Paoay Church – an old baroque church declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
• Paoay Lake – the mysterious lake which serves as the back drop for Malacanang of the North.
• Paoay Sand Dunes – where a different kind of thrill can be discovered
• Malacanang of the North – it was the former residence of late President Marcos.

  3.  In Batac

• Marcos Mausoleum and Museum – this houses the remains of the late President Fedinand Marcos and the line of photos which depicts the history of him from his humble beginnings to his rise to power.
• Batac Riverside Empanadahan – this is where you would taste that delectable empanada like no other right where it originated from.

  4. In Sarrat 

• Marcos Sarrat Ancestral House – it is an old house where late President Marcos was born.
• Sta. Monica Church – this church exudes magnificence and grace only those who have beheld it knows.

  5.  In Currimao | Badoc | Pasuquin | Bacarra

• Juan Luna Shrine – this is where the original and reconstructed ancestral home of the creator of the infamous Spolarium stands which houses a gallery of vintage photos to honor him.
• Sitio Remedios Heritage Village – this is a private village resort facing the South China Sea with villas made of vintage bricks and woods salvaged from old structures in Ilocos Norte.
• Bacarra Church & Bell Ruins – also known as the St. Andrew’s Parish, this has a beautiful brick facade and a spacious interior. The bell ruins is the result of an earthquake in the 1930’s that has caused it so much damage and the leaning posture hence the name Leaning Bell Tower of the North.
• Salt Making in Pasuquin – as a town facing the sea, it is normal for Pasuquin to be famous for salt. Here one can witness how salts are made.
• La Virgen Milagrosa Shrine – this houses the miraculous wooden structure of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus wrapped in her arms which is believed to have been 400 years old.

THINGS YOU OATH TO KNOW

1. If you don’t have a car when you get there and you prefer your tour to be inexpensive, you can opt to hire private car/van for a fee of P1000 to P1500.
2. The empanada is worth a try. Don’t leave the town without even having one. The best ones are found only in Batac.
3. Inexpensive buys are available in Laoag Market so best to pack yourself extra room for items you might be purchasing as I’m sure they are gonna be plenty especially if you’re into local delicacies.
4. While in Paoay, pay Herencia Cafe a visit. You will surely enjoy the “pinakbet pizza”.

Guess this is pretty much it. Don’t forget to leave me comments for anything I might be able to help you with. Share this post if you must. 🙂