After years of dreaming about visiting Ilocos Norte, I finally made it—and it did not disappoint. Compared to its southern neighbor, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte offers a wilder, more rugged charm. It's a place where dramatic coastlines meet historic churches, where the wind dances with towering turbines, and where every corner holds a piece of history. Whether you’re a fan of offbeat adventures, cultural deep-dives, or simply in search of breathtaking landscapes, this northern gem will capture your heart.
Below are some of the unforgettable places I explored—complete with personal notes, tips, and local insights to help you plan your own Ilocano adventure.
🌊 Paoay Lake
⏳ A place where legends still
whisper on the water
Locally called “dakkel danum” (big water), this serene lake isn’t just a
peaceful sight—it’s steeped in Ilocano legend. Some say an entire town was
swallowed here for its wickedness. Whether you believe the stories or not,
there’s no denying the quiet magic of this place.
📌 Tip: Visit during sunrise or sunset for a surreal, mirror-like reflection of the skies.
👉 [Read more »]
🛎️ The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag
🕰️ Where time stands
tall… and slowly sinks
You can’t miss this 45-meter structure looming over Laoag’s town proper. It’s
said to be sinking about an inch every year due to its weight and sandy
foundation. Seeing it up close, you’ll appreciate not just its scale, but the
mystery that surrounds it.
📌 Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and get clean photos of its facade.
👉 [Read more »]
⛪ Laoag Cathedral (Saint William Metropolitan Cathedral)
✨ A sacred space with Spanish
grandeur
Standing right beside the bell tower, this massive cathedral invites you in
with its calm, regal air. It’s one of the oldest in the country, and honestly,
one of my personal favorites to revisit.
📌 Tip: Don’t skip the back garden—it’s quiet, peaceful, and often overlooked.
👉 [Read more »]
🏠 Malacañang of the North
👑 Where power once
stayed, now a peaceful museum
I was blown away by how grand this two-storey mansion is—especially the terrace
with its sweeping view of Paoay Lake. It’s like stepping into a 1970s time
capsule of presidential luxury.
📌 Tip: Visit this and Paoay Church on the same trip—they're close together.
👉 [Read more »]
🏛️ Paoay Church (St. Augustine Parish Church)
🪨 A UNESCO site built
to withstand centuries
You can’t help but stop and stare at this fortress-like beauty. The buttresses
are massive, and its resilience is as inspiring as its beauty. A must-see, no
question.
📌 Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens—it’s the only way to capture its full majesty.
👉 [Read more »]
⛪ Batac Church (Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church)
📖 Birthplace of
revolution and reflection
Located in the birthplace of former President Ferdinand Marcos, Batac Church is
not just historical but spiritually significant. There’s a certain stillness
here that makes you pause.
📌 Tip: Pair this visit with the nearby Marcos Museum.
👉 [Read more »]
🏛️ Marcos Museum & Mausoleum
📚 A deep dive into
controversial history
Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, this museum offers a
comprehensive look into Marcos’ life. It’s part legacy, part memorial, and
leaves you thinking.
📌 Tip: Cameras aren’t allowed inside the mausoleum, so just take in the moment.
👉 [Read more »]
🏜️ Paoay Sand Dunes
🚙 Ilocos' mini Sahara
with an adrenaline kick
This was hands-down one of my favorite stops! We hopped on a 4x4 and held on
for dear life. It was both terrifying and thrilling. Even if you're not into
extreme rides, the desert-like views are worth the visit.
📌 Tip: Wear sunglasses—sand gets everywhere!
👉 [Read more »]
⛪ Sarrat Church (Santa Monica Parish Church)
🔔 A giant of a church
with rustic charm
This red-bricked beauty is the largest in Ilocos Norte. I was fascinated not
just by its size, but also by its bell tower, which you can view closely from
the churchyard.
📌 Tip: Ask locals for a mini walking tour—they love sharing stories.
👉 [Read more »]
🗼 Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
🌅 A light that’s
guided ships since the 1800s
Climbing this lighthouse gave me goosebumps. The views of the West Philippine
Sea are stunning. It may not be the tallest, but it’s the most romantic in my
opinion.
📌 Tip: Bring water. The climb can be sweaty, but rewarding.
👉 [Read more »]
🪨 Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
🌊 Nature's sculpture
gallery by the sea
This otherworldly landscape is shaped by time and waves. It felt like walking
on a different planet. Just wear sturdy shoes—the limestone can be slippery.
📌 Tip: Visit early to beat the sun and crowds.
👉 [Read more »]
🌬️ Bangui Wind Farm
💨 Where giants meet
the sea breeze
Nothing prepares you for how massive these windmills are until you’re standing
beneath one. It’s poetic—how they harness wind to power the province.
📌 Tip: Come around golden hour for the best light.
👉 [https://www.lakwatserangligaw.com/2013/04/bangui-windmills-ilocos-norte-travel-guide.html]
🛣️ Patapat Viaduct
🌉 A scenic drive
carved between mountain and sea
Driving on this winding road was a highlight. It’s like a snake slithering
between the cliffs and the sea, and it’s just mesmerizing.
📌 Tip: Stop at designated view decks for photo ops.
👉 [Read more »]
🏖️ Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud
🌴 Turquoise dreams, if
you time it right
We only had a quick visit, but I wish we stayed longer. Just don’t go during
Holy Week—it turns into a sea of people!
📌 Tip: Travel off-season to truly enjoy the calm, blue water.
👉 [Read more »]
🔔 Ready to explore the northern wonders of the Philippines? ✨
Whether you’re chasing legends, snapping photos of windmills, or walking barefoot on white sand, Ilocos Norte welcomes you with open arms and epic landscapes.
📩 Got questions or travel tips to share? Drop a comment below!
📸 Tag your Ilocos photos with #IlocosAdventures2025 and I’ll feature you in my next blog!
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