Attractions

LA PAZ SAND DUNE

-La Paz Sand Dunes is a unique attraction in the city of Laoag for being a sandy coastal desert with an
area of 85 square kilometers. 

- The sand dunes were formed by the interaction of the wind, sea and river that together cause erosion
and deposition. The height of the sand dunes ranges from 10-30 meters. Its pretty amazing to see this
from a horizon with the South China Sea.

- There are exciting activities that can be done here aside from trekking for an hour to traverse the
entire stretch of the beach, one can drive a rugged 4-wheel vehicle or the exciting all-terrain vehicle. 

PAGUDPUD BEACH

- Saud Beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte was listed among the 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World by
New York-based travel magazine Travel+Leisure.

- The inclusion of Saud Beach in the international travel site’s A-list is a first for the coastal area of
Pagudpud, also dubbed as the "Boracay of the North".

- If you’re looking for the best Pagudpud beach, Saud Beach must be on top of your list. This is
considered as the crown jewel of Pagudpud. This beach features a long stretch of creamy white sand
shore, teal waters, coconut trees, and thrilling waves. Saud Beach Resort is a hit because unlike others,
it’s not crowded.

- Pagudpud is a coastal town located at the northernmost tip of Ilocos Norte. It is known as the “Boracay
of the North”, but it has so much more to offer apart from its pristine coastline. 

PAOAY CHURCH

- The Saint Augustine Church, famously known as the Paoay Church, takes you back to the Philippine’s
Spanish colonial era with its charming baroque architecture. Being over three decades old, this
marvelous national cultural treasure truly stands the test of time.

-Built from 1694 to 1710, Paoay Church is the most outstanding example of earthquake baroque
architecture in the Philippines. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, Paoay Church is
nothing short of wonderful!

-The architecture of Paoay Church exudes attention to detail since the coral stone blocks and brick walls
are supported by 24 buttresses. East meets west as the church’s facade and walls showcase Javanese
architecture reminiscent of The Borobudur of Java.

- There are several points of interest around the church complex like the San Agustin Prayer Garden, the
Old Convent which is the perfect backdrop for special events and other functions, the Arte Luna Art
Gallery, and the Paseo de Paoay that has shops, restaurants, and exhibit halls.
BANGUI WINDMILLS

- Bangui Wind Farm is a wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The wind farm uses 20 units of
70-meter high Vestas V82 1.65 MW wind turbines, arranged in a single row stretching along a 9-
kilometer shoreline off Bangui Bay, facing the West Philippine Sea. Phase I of the NorthWind power
project in Bangui Bay consisted of 15 of those wind turbines, each with a maximum production capacity
of 1.65 MW of electric power, making a total of 24.75 MW. These 15 on-shore turbines are spaced 326
meters apart, each 70 meters high, with 41 meters long blades, with a rotor diameter of 82 meters and a
wind swept area of 5,281 square meters. Phase II was completed on August 2008, and added five more
of the same wind turbines, bringing the total maximum capacity to 33 MW. Ayala Corporation energy
platform AC Energy, which already holds the controlling shares in Bangui Wind Farm as of 2021, has
announced its intent to acquire 100% of the shares of NorthWind in order to boost their renewable
energy portfolio, pending approvals from oversight entities like the Philippine Competition Commission.

- Experiencing a sustainable form of tourism does not need to be expensive! Known as the first
windfarm in Southeast Asia, Ilocos Norte’s beautiful Bangui Windmill Farm is a must-see. With 26
turbines to date and counting, the Ilocos Region’s first and largest wind farm is a magnificent sight to
behold

- Started in 1996, each windmill stands in the hilly area 80m tall lines up across 9km of the black sand
beach in the Bangui Bay Shoreline. When combined, these windmills generate 40% of Ilocos Norte’s
electricity needs, this energy goes directly to NGCP Laoag. Harnessing the region’s natural topography to
create wind energy and being an iconic Ilocos Norte landmark? Talk about getting the best of both
worlds!

- Located 52km from the city of Laoag, the Bangui Windmill Farm is best viewed during the day.

Malacañang of the North

- The Malacañang of the North (or Malacañang ti Amianan in the Ilocano dialect) is a national park and
museum in Paoay, Ilocos Norte province. Built in 1977 by the Philippine Tourism Authority, it was
originally the official residence of President Ferdinand Marcos and family when visiting his home
province.

- One of the 29 summer residences of the Marcoses, it was sequestered by the Philippine Government
when they were removed from dictatorial power in 1986 by the People Power Revolution.

- Malacañang of the North is located in Brgy. Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. 

- The Malacañang of the North and is a presidential museum in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It was
the residence of the family of Ferdinand Marcos when he was the President of the Philippines.

- This was a birthday gift from first lady, Imelda Marcos, to her husband on the occasion of his 60th
birthday. (It is named after the official residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines in
Manila - the Malacañang Palace.)
MARCOS MUSEUM

- The Marcos Museum and Mausoleum also known as The Ferdinand E. Marcos Presidential Center is
located in the city center of Batac, Ilocos Norte. The museum was built to pay homage to the late
President Ferdinand E. Marcos. 

-The museum used to be the ancestral home of the Marcoses. Its wooden flooring and staircase, huge
capiz windows and solid beams and posts speak of the structure’s once grandeur and elegance. The
museum paints the life story of Ferdinand Marcos during his early years, his journey to politics and
public service, from the time he was elected as representative of Ilocos Norte’s 2nd District until he
seated in the Senate before becoming President of the country.

- The Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, Ilocos Norte showcases memorabilia of the late
Philippines President Ferdinand E. Marcos and a large stately and gloomy tomb housing his embalmed
remains which are contained in a vacuum-sealed glass coffin. Within the property of the Marcos family is
a cluster of three houses and the hallowed grounds of the mausoleum. The Museum is the first structure
seen from the main street and is the one which follows the lines of a colonial wood-and-brick house,
with solid ground floor walls and an upper storey of wood decorated with floral motifs. The Mausoleum
is a cube of adobe blocks and is stepped towards the top of the structure. The dark interior is divided
into an entry foyer in which are exhibited old English standards and a bust of the former president.

FESTIVAL:

DAMILI FESTIVAL

- Damili Festival is the annual festival of the municipality which the main celebration is held from
December 26-30. The term “damili”  or earthenware is in recognition to the centuries old industry which
is the identity and source of pride and inspiration of its people and the municipality.

- In San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte December is a month of thanksgiving for all the gift got for the entire year
celebrated through merriments. The Damili Festival is a yearly occasion and a month long festivity of
moves, parades, shows, excellence event, prevalence challenge, agri-modern exchange reasonable and
displays, and sports rivalry.

- SAN NICOLAS, Ilocos Norte, Dec. 18 — Residents are paying tribute to their ancient craft of terra-cotta
pottery (or damili) through a month-long celebration of dances, exhibits, sports competitions and
showcase of talents.

- The Damili festival was institutionalized when the community saw the need to revive and preserve its
traditional occupation of pottery that dates back to the turn of the 19th century.

GARLIC FESTIVAL

- The Garlic Festival is held in Sinait, Ilocos Sur known as the Garlic Center of the North. It is held during
the 1st to 3rd of May. This festival aims to showcase the talent, ingenuity and hard work of the Ilocano
farmers. Aside from that, it also aims to encourage the farmers to mass high quality garlic using modern
technology.

- It is a unique festival whose primary objective is to give recognition to garlic farmers. Also, it aims to
form and educate visitors and local residents on the importance of the garlic industry to the Philippine
economy.

-Farmers from the northern side of the Philippines particularly in Sinait, Ilocos Sur major mass produce
was garlic, yes garlic tons of tons of garlic.

- Bawang is the Filipino word for garlic of which the town of Sinait known as the Garlic Center of the
Philippines. Competitions and exhibits include pinaka-Garlic bulb (e.g. biggest garlic), longest and most
creative twined garlic bulbs, and the Search for the Garlic Festival Queen.

- The Festival draws thousands of local and foreign tourist flock to Sinait, Ilocos Sur to watch the much-
awaited Sinait Garlic Festival during the 1st to 3rd of May that showcase the talent, ingenuity and hard
work trait of Ilocano Farmers in various competition form.

-An annual festival to promote the major product of the town garlic or “bawang”. Festivity includes:
street dancing competition in garlic inspired costumes, selection of Miss Garlic Festival, biggest garlic
contestand longest most creative twined garlic.

GULING- GULING FESTIVAL

- Guling-Guling is a traditional festival, implemented by Spanish monks at the beginning of the 16th
century. It is celebrated in Paoay, Ilocos Norte the Tuesday before the Ash Wednesday—the last day for
merrymaking before the start of the Lenten season. The celebration starts with a ritual called “Guling.”
This word can be translated as “mark” or “sign.” In the old days, the mayor of the town smeared
people’s foreheads with a white cross made of wet rice flour.

-During the Guling-guling celebration,  the paoayenos dance like there is no tomorrow.  They dance with
those whom they have had petty  squabbles as a means of forgiving them for these  past
misunderstandings. For the townsfolk, this is  a time to forgive and to have a good time with  everyone.

- The folk dances such as the Sabunganay, Poayena, Ariquen-quen, Curatsa, Amorosa, Pandanggo and La
Jota are lively and delightful. The intricate steps and hand movements (kumintang) depict the traits of
courtesy, gentleness, patience and perseverance.

Pamulinawen Festival

- The Pamulinawen Festival is held

every first week of the February. The

festival corresponds with the Feast

Day of Saint William the Hermit, which

is the city's Patron Saint. It started

from a simple celebration of the Feast

Day of Saint William, then it has grown

into more spectacular festival

featuring the culture and heritage of

the city through a variety of social-

civic activities, civic-military parade, a

parade of floats, and its centerpiece,

the Street Dancing Competition. It

includes the Dulang Food Festival,

Calesa Festival, and Miss Laoag

Pamulinawen Festival Beauty Pageant,

among others.

- The Pamulinawen is a Laoag’s way to commemorate its patron, Saint William. The locals celebrate this
event every first week of February. From a simple celebration, the Pamulinawen has evolved into a one-
of-a-kind celebration. As a result, it attracts both tourists and balikbayans alike into the province. Now,
the festival showcases the rich Ilokano culture. These are presented through various forms like
interpretative dances literary arts contests, among other things.

- The festivity was initially to honor the city’s patron, Saint William the Hermit. It held as a reminder of
how Christianity gives color to the lives of the Laoageños. This is along with their unwavering faith that
everything will get better, even on the darkest days. 

-Pamulinawen’s history comes from the infamous Ilokano folk song about courting a tough-hearted
woman with the same name. As the feast for Saint William became more extravagant and culturally
extravagant, it adopted the name Pamulinawen. Now, it is a celebration in the city of Laoag that is
beloved by its citizens at any age. 

DANCE PARADE IN BACARRA

- The Bac-Bacarra Festival commenced in 2004 through Municipal Resolution No. 2004-060 naming the
annual town fiesta of the municipality of Bacarra as “Bac-Bacarra Festival”.

- “Bac-Bacarra” connotes to a fish caught by a fisherman hence the name of the town originated from it.

-Highlighting the festival is the Bac-Bacarra Dance Parade accredited by the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
FARMER'S FESTIVAL

-The Baccara Farmers Festival is a celebration where farmers can show that they can also have a good
time. Festivities include street dancing, a float parade, and an agro-industrial trade fair. One of the
highly-anticipated events in this celebration is a farmer's contest for the biggest farm harvest and
livestock.

Batac Farmer’s Festival

- The month of May is the time of festival celebrations in the Philippines. Most towns and even the
barangays of the country celebrate its own fiesta. In Ilocos region alone, most festivals coincide with
each other.

-The City of Batac recently held its Farmer’s Festival to celebrate the contribution of the farmers to the
community. We know for a fact that the main occupation in the region is farming. There were many
livelihoods that a farmer is engaged into such as planting rice, garlic, corn, tobacco and others. The other
one is raising different types of animals from the carabao that they use in tilling the land to the cows,
pigs, chickens and many others that they sell or for their own consumption.

- had the chance to witness the different activities and games they set up for the celebration. Its so
enjoyable to really see these traditional games and events. These were the carabao race, catching the
piglet, catching the chicken, palo sebo, kadang kadang, carabao tug-of-war (pango) and the search for
the best decorated carabao.

- As the highlight of the event, I have seen the colorfully decorated carabaos. Some of the carabaos were
body painted, some were dressed up like queens and the other accessorized with wings. They sashayed
like models right before the audience and judges.

TOURIST DESTINATIONS:

NATURAL

Paoay Lake National Park

- Located in the northwestern part of Luzon, Paoay Lake is the largest lake in Ilocos Norte. Being the
largest natural lake in the area, it is also known as Dacquel a Danum among locals, which is the
vernacular for “big water.”

-Covering a vast area of 340 hectares, Paoay lake is bounded by five barangays. Its border on the north is
Suba, in the northeast is Nanguyudan while in the east is Pasil. Bordering it in the south is Sungadan and
in the west is Nagbacalan, which is also near the city of Laoag. Unlike most lakes, Paoay Lake has no
tributaries. its source of water is from underground and surface runoff or the excess rain water that
flows from the hills around it. The nearby farming communities benefit from the lake’s fresh water
because it is the source of irrigation for their crops.
- This natural freshwater lake was declared a National Park in 1969 under Republic Act 5631.

Now it is known as Paoay Lake National Park, one of the most visited tourist spots in Ilocos

Norte.

TOBACCO MONOPOLY MONUMENT

- Tobacco Monopoly Monument: The Lifting of Tobacco Monopoly in the Philippines

- The Tobacco Monopoly Monument is one of the historical landmarks in Ilocos Norte. It was built at the
foot of the Marcos Bridge over the Laoag River. This monument commemorates the lifting of tobacco
monopoly in the Philippines in accordance to the royal decree of King Alfonso XIII on June 5, 1881. It was
constructed in gratefulness for the said king whom without his order, will not end the agonies of the
Ilocanos who are forced to plant tobacco.

-The tobacco monopoly was first established in 1782 by Governor Jose Basco y Vargas by virtue of the
royal decree of February 9, 1780. It aimed to bring in large profits for the government and make the
Philippines the leading tobacco producer of the world. Although it was abolished during the incumbency
of Governor Fernando Primo de Rivera in 1881, tobacco remains to be a major cash crop in the province.

CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE

- Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

An example of the rich abundance of cultural heritage structures in the Philippines, almost all coming
from the Spanish era (1521-1898). The Cape Bojeador Lighthouses is one of the many great attractions
that you can do in Ilocos Norte, namely around the popular town of Pagudpud. Burgos is a municipality
close nearby Pagudpud, and this is also where the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is located; one of the most
popular and frequently visited lighthouse in the Philippines. Located in the most northwestern of Luzon
island; Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is one of the more interesting historic, cultural, architectural, and
scenic viewpoints you could visit in the Ilocos Norte province.

-The highest elevated lighthouse in the Philippines from the Spanish era; The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, is one of the most frequently visited lighthouses in the Philippines...

- Originally designed by renowned engineer Magin Pers y Pers in 1887, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was
first lit on March 30, 1892. Nice then, it guided many Spanish galleons along Ilocos Norte's rocky
coastline. Over the years, it has undergone multiple renovations as well as several challenges, like the
major Luzon earthquake in 1990 that destroyed the lenses and other apparatuses. The Cape Bojeador
Lighthouse was both declared as a National Historic Landmark as well as a National Cultural Treasure by
the Philippine Government in 2004 and 2005.
- The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is the Philippines' highest lighthouse in elevation, from the Spanish
colonial era that is. Set high on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill, and overlooking the scenic coastline of Cape
Bojeador; the octagonal stone tower on top of the building is only 66 ft (20 m) tall. It's definitely the
most prominent structure in the area though, and can be seen from nearby towns like Bangui and
Pasuquin.

PATAPAT HIGHWAY

-The Patapat Viaduct is one of the longest bridges in the Philippines with a total length of 1,300 meters.
It is located in the municipality of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The bridge connects the Maharlika Highway in
Laoag, ilocos Norte to its neighboring province, Cagayan Valley. 

- Patapat Viaduct, which is is elevated 31 meters over sea level was constructed by Hanil Development
Co. Ltd. under the management of DPWH-PMO-PJHK and is maintained by the Department of Public
Works and Highways. The concrete bridge was completed and opened to the public in October 1986. 

- The Patapat Viaduct is an elevated road — over 30 meters above sea level. This 1.3 km long coastal
bridge can be found in the municipality of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte. Connecting the Maharlika Highway
in Laoag to the Cagayan Valley,  this is a busy street above the coastal areas of Pagudpud. The fourth
longest bridge in the country, this winding concrete beauty is said to be the northernmost roadway part
of Ilocos Norte

SINKING BELL TOWER

-The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower is one of Laoag City’s most famous landmarks in fact one of the top Ilocos
Norte tourist attractions.

- The structure is claimed to be the most solid and tallest bell tower in the Philippines. This massive 45-
meter (150 foot) bell tower was also built by the Augustinians in 1612.

- The Laoag Sinking Bell Tower is sinking as it is so heavy and was built on sandy foundations which are
too soft. 

- They say that a person was once able to once ride on horseback into the tower and now a person has
to stoop to get through the vaulted entrance.

- This 45-meter bell tower in Ilocos Norte was built by the Augustinians in 1612 and was once one of the
tallest bell tower in the Philippines back then. Although it belongs to St. Williams Cathedral, this
structure is 85 meters away from the church

- The bell tower was presumably built after the 1707 earthquake. It has withstood several minor
earthquakes since completion, thus earning membership to the “Earthquake Baroque” style label by
architecture scholars, along with several churches across the Philippines and Guatemala. It was locally
constructed by Ilocano artisans who used bricks joined by molasses and leaves from a local plant named
sablot. With a foundation of 295 feet and a height of nearly 150 feet, it was a solid structure that
towered over Ilocanos for centuries.

Juan Luna Shrine

- The Juan Luna Shrine is a reconstruction of the house in which the painter was born in 1857. (The
original house burned down in 1861.)  The museum displays antique furniture, vintage photographs and
personal memorabilia of the Luna family, and reproductions of Luna's artworks Spoliarium and El Pacto
de Sangre (Blood Compact). 

- The Juan Luna Shrine is a two-story house built using solid bricks as well as wood (molave). On the first
floor, random collections are on display. While on the second floor, the place is divided into different
quarters, the living room, bedroom, chapel, and the terrace. Of course, there are also bits of materials
associated with Juan Luna’s brother, Antonio Luna. There is a displayed sword, uniforms, and a letter he
wrote. Visitors would surely feel the different yet amusing vibe of the shrine as they visit.

- The Juan Luna Shrine is located in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. It is the birth place of Juan Luna, one of the
countries national hero and is famous for his painting, The Spoliarium. Juan is also the brother of Gen.
Antonio Luna who also fought for the Philippines independence against the americans.

Abang Falls

- The unique beauty of Abang Falls is located in the southwestern region of Barangay Lanao, along its
mountainous hills. The falls is a veil-like water cascading down through boulders and stones like the
Hinulugang Taktak in Rizal.

- This stunning falls is a plant sanctuary surrounded with wild ferns and a variety of air plants. It is the
best place to spend your very relaxing and pleasurable leisure time.

- Abang Falls, located in the south western region of Brgy. Lanao, features a veil-like water cascading
down through boulders and stones ideal for thrill-seeking adventurers and nature lovers. Also, the
majestic falls serves as sanctuary for wild and indigenous plant species like wild ferns and a variety of air
plants.

Products :

Longganisa - Savoury, garlicky, and juicy all at the same time, the Vigan longganisa suits the
quintessential Ilocano palate. Best paired with sukang Iloko, this viand is also a popular ingredient of the
Ilocos empanada.

Balikutsa - A popular melt-in-your-mouth candy among Ilocanos, balikutsa is basically molten sugarcane
curled into spirals. Many cafés in the North use this as a natural sweetener, but we sometimes also eat it
with hot rice. Personally, I prefer it with tutong!
Cornick - Also known as chichacorn, a portmanteau of chicharon and corn, cornick is a crunchy snack
made of deep-fried corn kernels. In Ilocos, you can find different flavours of this: cheese, barbecue, spicy
garlic, adobo, among others

Ilocos region

Ilocos is a region in the Philippines, encompassing the northwestern coast of Luzon island. It’s known for
its historic sites, beaches and the well-preserved Spanish colonial city of Vigan. Dating from the 16th
century, Vigan’s Mestizo district is characterized by cobblestone streets and mansions with wrought-iron
balconies. Farther north, Laoag City is a jumping-off point for the huge La Paz Sand Dunes

Ilocos Region, officially designated as Region I, is an administrative region in the Philippines occupying
the northwestern section of Luzon. It covers 4 provinces, namely, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union,
and Pangasinan. The regional center is the City of San Fernando.

Ilocos Region is bordered, clockwise from the Northeast, by the Cagayan Valley, Cordillera

Administrative Region, Central Luzon, and the South China Sea.

Ilocos Region has 4 provinces, 116 municipalities, and 9 cities. The total number of barangays in the
region is 3,267.

The cities that make up Ilocos Region are:

Batac City

Laoag City

Candon City

Vigan City

San Fernando City

Alaminos City

Dagupan City
San Carlos City

Urdaneta City