Part 1 : Awesome Ilocos Norte!

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One of my personal favorite trip is exploring Ilocos Norte, I got  mesmerized by its architecture, its rich culture,nature's beauty, simplicity of life in this paradise, food and not to forget how clean and disciplined the Ilocanos are.

Now, let me give you summary of how was my encounter and experience to this proud province.
We left Manila 9:30 p.m and arrived at Laoag Bus Terminal at approximately 8:30 a.m. following day. It was a long trip and when we arrived we were fetched by a local tricycle driver which happened to be our local tour guide. We decided to get started right away with our long list itinerary, but first we left our stuff in our rented resort. 

Here are the scenic spots that we've been in Ilocos Norte.

1. Bangui Wind Mills - We were running like little children running just to get closer with this humongous and famous windmills. The sun's position is at 11 and the sand was burning in heat but those were ignored. I counted 20 windmills standing firmly facing an open sea. (No entrance fee)


Under a windmill
   
2.Kabigan Falls - What so fascinating about this falls is that you have to walk about 2 kilometers just to see and experience its pristine waters. Their will be a guide that will walk you thru and knows the place very well. As we trek all you will see is green and lush greens, free flowing waters,  I came across with something I love to talk about "TREES" hahaha, I figure out that "Dungon" is a local name for Narra, Our Ilocano guide "Kuya Val" said narra in Ilocano is "Dungon", We also came across with an old Balete tree that claims to be more than 200 years old. Kuya Val also told us some of their great practices they have been doing just to keep Kabigan falls clean and protected,they don't allow guest to bring plastics and foods near the falls and No Cigarettes allowed!
(Registration fee is P20 only).



3. Blue Lagoon - Now, this spot is simply for beach lovers, if you love fine sand and aquamarine blue waters then it's the perfect haven for you. Couple of beach resorts sprawl in this side of Ilocos Norte, One of the well known resort is Hannah's Beach resort which offers a very long zipline which cost P600, reasonable enough because the starting point is quite to. distant from a mountain and to the beach.



4. Paoay Church - A UNESCO World Heritage site. A Spanish era built church, each of its brick walls are made of stones. 




Interior of Paoay Church

5. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation - a very well visited tourist spot because of  its massive white rock formation  and where tides and waves are prevalent. (entrance fee is P30).




An interpretation of an epic Biag ni Lam-ang



6. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse - one word to describe it "Classic". (No entrance fee)



 




I almost forgot  the Bus fare from Manila to Laoag cost only P700 and for the tour guide plus the tricycle it's only P1000.


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