Introduction

Ilocos Sur is always on the list of most Filipinos because it’s a home of a well-known
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan City who’s always listed in many articles as one of the best
tourist spots in the Philippines due to its Spanish colonial heritage houses, cobblestone streets,
and kalesas. A historic city that became one of the living evidences of our history. But traveling
to Vigan City alone could only miss your opportunities to experience a once in a while
adventures of the other tourist spots within the province. From museums, beaches, factories,
recreational activities and up to religious sites, Ilocos Sur is undoubtedly fascinating with its own
rich culture, cuisine and history found all in one place ideal for those tourists who seeks for
different experiences, tourist spots that are close or proximal to each other and highly considers
time and budget before and during the travel.

The must visit places in Vigan, Ilocos Sur:

RUBY JAY JAR FACTORY

Have you ever wondered how jars and

potteries are made? Would you like to make your
own jar and look for antiques that is not just a
thing for planting and cooking but also for
decorations? RJ Jar Factory was inherited the
name of Pagburnayan (steel jar) because the
sound and hardness of the jars produced are the
same when hit similar to metal. It is one of the
Source: Shutterstock
few authentic jar makers in the city established
in 1922 owned by Fidel Antiporda Go, recognized as a National Folk Artist, the factory is now a
99-year-old and continues to nurture the crafts up to this present time.
The manufacturing process are simple, the water, clay and marine sand are collected after 4
hours of mixing which is sculpted to a desired shape and left for a week in a fresh air, away from
the sun. The raw pots are baked in a 50 m long oven for one day before it can be harvested and
ready to sell. If you ever been fascinated by traditions and arts, you will definitely appreciate that
pottery is an art form and has historical importance passed down from generations to
generations and become the everyday living of the people. The arts or decorations imprinted
give symbols and insights about the past.
 You are given an opportunity to make your own pots, just keep in mind that you should wait
for at least a week before you can claim your souvenir. Snack, refreshment and souvenir shops
are also within the premise of the factory and remember to be generous enough and leave
some tips for the maintenance and workers.

ILOCOS SUR ADVENTURE ZONE

Traveling is not just about exploring new places,

culture and cuisines, it's also about trying activities
within the destination that you should not miss before
you leave. Leave your comfort zone and try new
things! Experience breathtaking scenery and great
adventure in Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone!

Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone is an adventure center

owned and operated by the provincial government
located at the boundary of the towns of Bantay and
Photo by: BENJAMIN “BENJIE” Santa. It
LAYUG offers rock
climbing and rappelling walls, kayak center, zorb
balls, giant swing and its 400 m. long zip line that crosses the Abra River. It is a great way to
spend your time with your family and friends away from stress as well as improving your
physical and mental well-being. Capture the picturesque view of the bridge with Abra Mountain
to immortalize your memories.

This tourist spot is also home of an important landmark of Ilocandia, Banaoang Bridge also
known as Quirino Bridge in honor of the highly praise architectural design the late president of
the Philippines Elpidio Quirino. It is also near to a famous tourist destination, Vigan City which is
only a 15-minute drive away. It’s a perfect destination for those tourists who seeks for
adventures and want a bit more aside than visiting historical sites and other tourist attractions.

VIGAN CATHEDRAL

Vigan will not be Vigan—the Spanish colonial town if there’s no old church in the place. One
of the amazing historical sites in Vigan is the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, popularly
known as Vigan Cathedral, is an old church in Ilocos region located at the front of Plaza
Salcedo and beside Plaza Burgos.
 Saint Paul Cathedral is one of the landmarks of Philippine Catholicism and a pride of
Northern Luzon. Its interior is admired by many visitors. It was originally made of wood and
thatch. It features neo-gothic and pseudo-
Romanesque motifs. It was re-constructed in
1641 and completed its present baroque-style
building in 1800. It has a main altar with silver-
beaten panels. The facade features Chinese
lion dog ornaments and above the main
doorway is an alcove depicting the conversion
of St. Paul. The Fu dogs design carved above
its outermost doors is a testament to Vigan's
strong Chinese heritage.
Photocredits:Fitri.agung/flickr.com

CRISOLOGO MUSEUM

The Notable Landmark in Vigan, Crisologo Museum. Crisologo Museum is one of the
notable landmarks in Vigan City, consisting of the preserved ancestral home of statesman Floro
S. Crisologo. It features the family’s memorabilia and private collection of religious figures as
well as some permanent exhibits that have to do with Northern Luzon’s history, ethnography,
archeology, and natural history. It is continuously managed by the Crisologo family, a political
clan, along with the National Historical Institute under the auspices of the National Museum of
the Philippines. There is feature in this museum that will surely catch your attention. The
highlight of the museum focuses on the patriarch’s 1970 assassination including the
unwashed pants and shoes that Crisologo had been wearing when he was shot, with his
bloodstains still visible. Black-and-white photographs of the incident are displayed above the
clothes.

The museum contains a collection of

heirloom furnishings of the type that are
typically found in Vigan ancestral homes,
including the desk used by Crisologo during
his term as congressman. It also houses
Governor Carmeling Crisologo’s collection of
different saints or “santos”. The memorabilia of
the family patriarch, Floro Crisologo, can be
Photo credits: Majil/Flickr.com
found in the museum as well. There are also scrapbooks of clippings about the members of the
Crisologo Family starting from the 1950s.

MINDORO BEACH OF VIGAN

Photo credits to Dan Lundberg / Flickr

Who says Vigan City tourist attractions are limited to historical sites? The residents are also
proud of Mindoro Beach, which has a front-row view of the West Philippine Sea and the sand
is black, fine, and powdery smooth.

Mindoro Beach isn't really a tropical haven. Tourists would most likely choose to visit
Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, which has more famous white beaches. The sand is black (due to
magnetite), the sea is unpredictable, and the waves can be frightening. In reality, the resort
building is raised to shield it from the high waves, and the shore is lined with Xbloc breakwater
armors. Despite this, Mindoro Beach compensates for its shortcomings with breathtaking
scenery, soothing beach noises, and pleasant locals. Some also say that if you volunteer to
assist fishermen in hauling their catch to the sea, they will give you some of their catch for free!

If you plan to stay at the resort, go for a walk along the beach first thing in the morning. In
order to see the full moon still bright against the pastel sky in the horizon which was truly a
priceless sight to behold!
SYQUIA MANSION MUSEUM

Photo credits to Zenrooms

The Syquia Mansion is an excellent example of bahay na bato architecture, which was
common in the late Spanish Colonial era. The traditional construction consisted of a stone or
brick and mortar ground floor and timber upper floors. There isn't any asphalt, hollow bricks, or
steel bars. There are no blueprints either. This mansion was constructed with the help of a
craftsman and traditional construction materials.

Moreover, the original construction was designed in 1830 by the Ang Co family and given as
a dowry to Gregorio Syquia in 1875 by Justo Angco's daughter Estefania. Gregorio and
Estefania, as well as their heirs, contributed to and altered the mansion over time to
accommodate their growing family.

Currently, the Syquia Mansion now serves as a museum, showing the architecture as well as
important family heirlooms and artifacts as evidence of the family's affluence during the
Spanish colonial period in the Philippines in the nineteenth century. The government designated
the heritage home as one of the city's oldest bahay na bato, a UNESCO World Heritage site
in Vigan.

BALUARTE RESORT AND MINI

ZOO
 One attraction that should make its cut to Vigan travel list is a safari adventure in Baluarte
Resort which is just 10 minutes away from Calle Crisologo. It is a must-visit spot in the province
because it has many exciting activities to offer that people of all ages will surely enjoy. It is a
hundred-hectare zoological park and resort complex that is owned by the former Ilocos governor
Luis “Chavit” Singson.

The main attractions of Baluarte Zoo are the white lions, tigers, and leopards the reason why
it is dubbed as Home of The Big Cats in Vigan. They take pride in their 8 Bengal Tigers, 6
White Lions, 2 Leopards, among other
kinds of animals, even those that are
Photo credits to MERLMD/
Pinterest.ph

endemic to the Philippines. Moreover,

animals like ostrich, spotted deer, and
donkeys roam freely in an open area
where visitors can interact with them
closely. There are also cages housing
other animals like camels, zebras, and
reptiles. In Baluarte, tourists are allowed to Photo credits to Robby M.
get close to them and have a memorable Alugar/iNews. Ph
moment captured in a photo and there is no need to worry about getting bitten because these
big cats are tamed by animal caretakers. There are also a scheduled animal shows for tigers,
lions, and reptiles four times daily to entertain the visitors who is arriving to this destination.

Aside from the animals, another attraction inside Baluarte Zoo is the Safari Gallery, which
features a wide display of Singson’s collection and memorabilia of his hobby as a hunter. It
houses various display of preserved wild animals Singson got from his hunting activities in
foreign countries. If you are not a fan of animal hunting, you may choose not to enter the gallery.
There is also a Baluarte signage while being surrounded by the towering dinosaur figures where
visitors can take pictures. Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo is a perfect getaway where tourist can
visit around the city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. There is no entrance fee to wander at this amazing
animal sanctuary. Visitors can also even have a family picnic on the green landscape or dine at
Baluarte’s in-house cafeteria and enjoy this amazing place.

CALLE CRISOLOGO
 Calle Crisologo is a street of old
Spanish structures which mostly
houses of wealthy families and Filipino-
Chinese traders. It was also called
“Kasanglayan” which means place of
the Chinese that was the business center
of the foreign migratory traders including
Chinese, Spanish, Mexican, Japanese
and other European businessmen. This
is a place where famous cobblestone
Photo credits to Ray in Manila/
flickr.com streets that represent Vigan’s image
located however, it is more than just a
cobblestone street as it has a rich history people should know about.

Visiting this street with scenes of old times which is the Spanish era will not make tourist
regret. Since this place is closed to traffic, a romantic walk or a ride in calesas or horse-drawn
carriages will complete the day touring around the place. The “calesa” is the major mode of
transportation during the Spanish time and this destination make it possible to see the same
during this modern time. During daytime, tourist can also enjoy buying Vigan’s products which
are lined up in the ground floors of some of the houses. Woven products, vinegar, chichacorn,
hats and other wood crafts can be bought here. While at night, the scene turns into something
romantic and mysteriously quiet place. The stillness and the matching charm of the lamps lit in
the street makes the place more admirable which definitely makes the tourist have a wonderful
evening.

Being surrounded by old houses,

Calle Crisologo is known as “The
Heritage Village” and it was considered
a UNESCO Heritage Site in order to
save the cultural past of the Ilocos
region. Famous in its cobblestone
streets, old houses and calesas, Calle
Crisologo is indeed a place of old times.
Some of the houses surrounding the
village or the street, were converted into

Photo credits to Phillippe primer/

Pinterest.ph
inns or a place to stay overnight therefore, visitors can really enjoy living in the house of our
ancestor way back from the Spanish time.

BANTAY CHURCH BELL TOWER

Photo by: Christian Lucas Sangoyo/LAKADPILIPINAS.COM

Feeling down and wants to get away with the busy buzz of the streets? In just 10 minutes
away from the town of Vigan, Bantay Bell Tower is a perfect place to get away with. One of
Vigan’s most iconic symbols as it gives a glimpse of Ilocos Sur’s colorful history, as the
tower was built since 1591. It serves as a lasting symbol of how the area has remained
steadfast in the face of various threats, protecting both areas from pirates and other enemies.
Moreover, Bantay Bell Tower previously served as a watchtower for the town and for the nearby
capital city of Vigan during the Spanish colonial period. The bell tower is situated on a hill,
making it the best bird-eye point for those who were feeling down and want to watch over the
busy buzz of the towns. Going to the top of the bell tower is not as hard as you may think, you
just need to sign a guestbook just before the entrance to the location of Bantay Bell tower and
go up several sets of stairs for the full experience. This will bring you a unique perspective of the
municipality of Bantay and the city of Vigan. However, you must not forget to bring your camera
and save battery on your phone as you don’t want to miss a snap of the panoramic landscape
that it serves!

PLAZA SALCEDO
 Photo by: AvianQuests.com

A place that you can’t miss when visiting Saint Paul Cathedral as this is located right in front
of the Saint Paul Cathedral is the Plaza Salcedo. It was named after the Spanish conqueror,
Juan de Salcedo. A little trivia about the history of this plaza holds, Plaza Salcedo was the site
of the execution of Gabriela Silang in September of 1763. The first woman leader of the
Philippine revolution was publicly hanged there to serve as a warning to the restive populace.
Moving forward, visitors will find the Salcedo Obelisk which was placed in the elevated plaza
during the 17th century as the plaza’s centrepiece. Making it the focal point of the city’s Spanish
urban design. If you are a fan of famous world’s attractions, you can also find in Plaza Salcedo
a garden where you will see a diorama of the world’s man-made wonders like London’s Big Ben,
Moscow’s St. Basil Basilica and Paris’ Eiffel Tower. Starting your day at Plaza Salcedo to fully
enjoy the quieter atmosphere while ending the day witnessing the light and sound fountain
display or more likely a dancing fountain which was held every seven in the evening at Plaza
Salcedo. Now, keep this in your notes if you would not want to miss the Dancing Fountain right
at the center of Plaza Salcedo in Vigan.

Conclusion

From the ancestors, heroes, and presidents, Ilocos Sur is the home of some significant and
notable personalities that serves the country and brings changes we adore today. Vigan offers
wide variety of experience to tourists. They have unique foods and historical attractions that
makes them to be one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. No wonder why Ilocos is one of the
best tourist destinations in the Philippines, its beauty makes the tourist considers the province
as one of their travel bucket lists as activities and attraction are packed all in one place which
significant in budgeting your time and money. As you go through these destinations, you will not
only enjoy what place has to offer but you can also dig deeper to the culture of the place.
Experience is the pillars of our personalities and through traveling is we become more educated
and aware from the past and present times which we absorb and reflect the wisdom in our daily
living. Traveling in Ilocos Sur is a great conductor of good travel experience, memories, and a
remedy for stress.

Now, you have a glimpse on why it becomes the Spanish colonial town and why they
preserved it. All the attractions listed above will give you insights and the answer on why they
became the country’s well-preserved Spanish Colonial town. Cathedrals, Mansions, Museums
and even beach, they are all in Vigan City! So, what are you waiting for? Add up this incredible
historical destination and start discovering the beauty that can only be found in the city of Vigan.