Traveling further north from Vigan City? In just about 2 hours by land, you’ll reach Laoag, Ilocos Norte, gateway to the stunning white beaches of Pagudpud—often dubbed as the “Boracay of the North.”
Whether you’re flying, taking the bus, or hopping on a trusty tricycle, here’s your complete guide for a smooth and scenic northern journey.
Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage City, offers a stunning step back in time with its cobblestone streets, ancestral homes, and Spanish colonial charm. Located 8–9 hours from Metro Manila, getting there is part of the adventure!
Whether you're flying into Laoag or riding a night bus, here's a complete, easy-to-follow commuter’s guide to Vigan—plus insider travel tips and terminal info.
The Bantay Bell Tower, also known as Bantay Tower (meaning "to guard" in Ilocano), once stood as a watchtower against pirate attacks during the Spanish colonial era. Today, it’s an iconic spot for tourists and history lovers visiting Vigan.
📌 Fun Fact: It’s the first structure you’ll notice when entering the Bantay Church compound.
🕰️ Built: 1591 | Spanish
Colonial Era
📍 Hilltop beside Bantay Church, Ilocos Sur
 |
📍 Bantay, Ilocos Sur,
Philippines ✝️ Established: 1590 | Reconstructed: 1950 |
✨ A Must-See Historic Church Near Vigan
Bantay Church, officially known as St. Augustine Parish Church, is a treasured historical and religious site in Ilocos Sur. Just a stone’s throw away from Vigan City, it’s often the first stop on the popular Calesa Tour — and for good reason.
📸 Photography Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for stunning light on the church’s Neo-Gothic and Romanesque façade. Expect crowds, though! For a quieter experience, try early morning.
Just a short walk from Syquia Mansion is one of Vigan’s most intriguing heritage landmarks—the Crisologo Museum. This ancestral home was converted into a museum in honor of Congressman Floro S. Crisologo, a prominent Ilocos Sur politician whose life was tragically cut short.
According to historical accounts, Congressman Floro S. Crisologo was shot in the head inside St. Paul’s Cathedral—right in front of the altar—during a Sunday Mass. The murder remains officially unsolved, although there have been long-standing whispers that the family knows who ordered the assassination. Rather than pursue retribution, the Crisologo family chose to preserve his memory by turning their home into a museum—a decision that continues to spark both curiosity and respect among locals and tourists.
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