REGION 1

WHAT ARE THE PROVINCES

OF REGION 1?
Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN REGION 1
Pangasinan
Umbrella Rocks is situated in the town of
Agno, Pangasinan, Philippines.
The amazing rock formation is the top
tourist attractions and also one of the Agno’s
prided attractions.
The dazzling beauty of God's creation of
umbrella rocks is a work of the natural
elements through a number of geological
periods. The rock formations that resemble
gigantic umbrellas formed by the incessant
lapping of tidal waves against the shore
through the centuries. This picturesque view
of the umbrella rocks beside the beach and
mountain is the reason why the place is Umbrella Rock, Agno
loved by nature lovers and photographers. 16°08'05.8"N 119°46'34.3"E
Built by Filipino, American, and British engineers
in 1905, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is one of the five
major lighthouses in the Philippines and is the
second-highest of these five, bested only by Ilocos
Norte’s Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. Standing atop
Punta Piedra Point in Barangay Patar in Bolinao, it
guided ships cruising in the West Philippine Sea,
until its batteries gave out in 2004.
The lighthouse may not be working anymore, but it
still attracts many visitors, thanks to its unique
architecture and the picturesque views that it offers,
making it a perfect spot for picture-taking.
The illumination room and the 140-step spiral
staircase may be closed to visitors, but with the
lighthouse sitting atop a hill with a 72-m elevation,
even just standing at the base gives you scenic Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
views of lush greenery and the sparkling ocean. It’s
no wonder that this over-a-century old lighthouse Bolinao
has become one of Bolinao’s most enduring and 16°18'26.0"N 119°47'08.1"E
instantly recognizable icons.
Located in Barangay C. Lichauco in Tayug, the Tayug
Sunflower Eco Park is a haven for those who can’t get
enough of flowers. Like its name suggests, the park is
home to thousands of flowers, but they’re not all
sunflowers. Here, you can also find beds of marigold,
petunia, and celosia, as well as other ornamental plants.
There are also different kinds of vegetables in the park,
which you can pick and harvest on your own for a fee.
The main attraction in this park are the sunflowers, which
make for amazing photos. The 2-ha park is home to
thousands of sunflower blooms and several sunflower
mazes, which feature several photo stops, so you won’t
have to wait too long to get your turn to snap those
pictures.
Best of all, the sunflowers are continuously planted
throughout the year, so you can be sure that there will be
blooms no matter when you visit. You can even take part
of the experience home with you as the eco-park also
Sunflower Eco Park, Tayug
sells potted and bloomed flowers, including zinnias,
torenia, and of course, sunflowers. 15°58'32.9"N 120°44'40.3"E
The Enchanted Cave in Bolinao is a good place to
cool off if you’re visiting Pangasinan during the
summer months. Inside is a pool of clear natural
freshwater with an estimated maximum depth of 6ft,
making it ideal for a refreshing swim. It is located in
a park near Patar Beach.
It is deemed enchanted because locals believe that
millions of years ago, Bolinao was actually
underwater. This belief is supported by the presence
of coral rocks and fossilized clams in the
municipality, many of which you’ll see on your way
to the entrance to the cave. The fact that the
Enchanted Cave in Bolinao is made of coral
limestone also supports this theory. This history
makes the cave one-of-a-kind and is one of the
reasons why it has become a favorite stop amongst
Enchanted Cave,
tourists. Bolinao
Outside the cave, you can also swim in an outdoor 16°20'36.8"N 119°48'13.7"E
pool or enjoy the mini waterfalls inside the park.
Those who want to extend their stay can rent cabanas
in the park.
The Pangasinan Hundred Island National
Park in Alaminos is the top Pangasinan
destination for locals and international
travelers alike. The protected area boasts of
123 islets scattered across Lingayen Gulf.
Each islet is uniquely shaped and believed to
have been formed millions of years ago,
making the view of them even more special
and rare. Some of the islands have white
sand beaches, while some feature limestone
cliffs.
The best way to enjoy the islands is to book Hundred Islands,
Hundred Islands island-hopping tours to take
you to some of the main islands, including Alaminos
three of the most popular: Quezon Island, 16°12'42.6"N 120°02'43.1"E
Governor Island, and Children’s Island.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN REGION 1
La Union
Adrenaline junkies looking for thrilling experience in La
Union will find it at PUGAD Pugo Resort, an adventure
park that offers fun activities with a zip lines, giant swing,
rappelling, paintball, wall climbing, ATV, and 10 swimming
pools. It also has 94 cottages for rent, and facilities for
overnight accommodations, along with air-conditioning,
cable TV with hot and cold bath.
The resort also has a mini zoo with exotic animals such as
various snake breeds, bearcats, exotic birds, and a tiger
named Nicole. It has 2 zip lines: the Superman zipline that
measures 450 from end to end, and a shorter one that is 250
meters in length that takes 10 seconds to ride. Both provide
a great view of the resort and of the surrounding landscape.
The giant swing is recommended for people who are not
afraid of heights because it involves hanging on the side of
a cliff with only a harness as support. Don’t forget to bring PUGAD Experience
your bathing suits - with 10 swimming pools to choose
from, you’ll never run out of fun activities to do while at Adventure, Pugo
PUGAD Resort and Adventure Park. 16°20'12.7"N 120°28'43.8"E
The Ma-Cho Temple’s architecture cuts a striking image
across the La Union skyline. Nestled on top of a hill at an
elevation of 70 above sea level along Quezon Avenue in San
Fernando, the highest point offers a panoramic view of the
West Philippine Sea and San Fernando harbor. It is the first
Taoist temple in the Philippines that was built in 1975 to
honor the Chinese sea-goddess Mazu.
The magnificent temple is an 11-tiered attraction with
interiors filled with Chinese decorations and Taiwanese art,
and its most popular attraction is the Spider Dome, a
structure that features 13 tiers of interlinking wooden
carvings of images of saints. Other colorful attractions to
visit include the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, Bamboo
Garden, Lian Thing Pagoda, and the Majestic Five Door
Gate. Other awe-inspiring structures such as two circular
pools and other beautifully designed edifices made up of
Chinse themes and motifs of lions, dragons, and deities.
The Taoist temple is a place of worship and welcomes
Ma-Cho Temple (Taoist
anyone regardless of religious affiliation, race or creed. Temple), San Fernando
Visitors are encouraged to meditate and find solace in this
magnificently designed place of worship.  16°37'16.5"N 120°19'03.0"E
Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan is known as the Surfing
Capital of Northern Philippines, with surfing seasons
typically falling July to October and November to March.
This area of La Union has a reputation for having the
country’s most consistent waves, and thriving surf culture
has flourished in recent years. Many places offer surfing
lessons for all levels, and numerous places of lodging can
also be found throughout the coastline. Surfboards are
available for rent throughout the area as well.
Beginners typically start having lessons in Bacnotan because
the waves in the area are not too big, which is perfect for
novice learners or anyone who have never tried surfing
before. The more advanced surfers usually go to Urbiztondo
and the neighboring town of Mona Lisa Point.
Restaurants offering local and international fare along with
shops selling local handicrafts and souvenir items are also
nearby. Urbiztondo has a great selection of restaurants, with Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan
cuisines ranging from Filipino delicacies, comfort food,
Mexican, Asian, and Italian food. With its laidback vibe and 16°39'30.5"N 120°19'17.2"E
artistic flair, local and foreign visitors have been coming
back to Urbiztondo every year to enjoy the beach life.
When tourists visit La Union, one of the first things that
typically comes to mind is the beach. Most visitors associate
the town with surfing, swimming under the heat of the sun,
and enjoying the tropical weather. But what most travelers
don't know is that La Union is also a top farm tour
destination in the Philippines. One of the top farms in La
Union is the Gapuz Grapes Farm.
Grape farm owner Danny Gapuz started planting 100
cuttings of a type of variety called White Malaga and Black
Ribier back in the 1980s in his hometown in Barangay
Urayong, Bauang, La Union. Although the farm has been
around since that time, it wasn’t until 2011 that tourists
started to know about it after the Gapuz Farm Facebook page
was set up.
Visitors intrigued by the novelty of picking grapes under the
heat of the tropical sun started posting their experiences over
social media. You could do that in the Philippines without
having to fly to Napa Valley or other places abroad. The farm
offers other fun experiences like “The Porch Life” where a Gapuz Grapes Farm, Bauang
group of 10 people could share a meal on a banana leaf
called “boodle fight”, while grape picking season is at its 16°39'30.5"N 120°19'17.2"E
peak from March to May.
Located in the town of San Gabriel, La Union, Tangadan
Falls is a two-tier waterfall that flows into the Baroro
River, with the water coming in from the Cordillera
Mountain Ranges. The lower cascade of the falls has a
width of 100 feet and a 40 foot drop, with a natural catch
basin pool that is great for a quick dip on a hot summer’s
day.
The upper cascade has a shorter waterfall with a deeper
pool basin which is ideal for jumping off the side of the
cliff. Of the two, the lower cascade features a more
majestic and dramatic waterfall and is widely
photographed for its striking image. The cold spring
water is a refreshing respite from heat and a welcome
break after the scenic trek en route to the waterfall.
Wear sturdy walking shoes along with your swimsuit on
your visit to Tangadan Falls, because you’ll be doing
some light trekking along the way. There’s an option to Tangadan Falls, San Gabriel
go on a one hour trek and another one where you can be
dropped off at the trailhead of the falls in San Gabriel, a
16°38'37.0"N 120°26'55.7"E
relatively shorter 20 minute walk to the falls.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN REGION 1
Ilocos Sur
Calle Crisologo is Vigan’s most popular tourist attraction. The
grounds and pavements of this preserved street are made of
cobblestones, and both sides are lined with ancestral houses that
are reminiscent of old Spanish towns.
During the daytime, the street is a busy commercial district, with
most shops selling quality antiques, furniture, and jewelry pieces.
You can indulge yourself in souvenir shopping, including native
food products and delicacies, or snag world-class hand-woven
clothing, blankets, and other accessories at Rowilda’s Weaving.
You can ride a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage), which is the only
vehicle plying Calle Crisologo.
A kalesa ride is good for an hour and can take you around Calle
Crisologo and the rest of the Vigan Heritage Village, including
the Vigan Cathedral and Plaza Burgos.
It’s a totally different scene at night, as Calle Crisologo
transforms into a dining strip where loads of people eat alfresco
and enjoy drinks to cap the night off.
There are a lot of Calle Crisologo tours to try from, make sure to Calle Crisologo, Vigan
choose the one that fits your budget, schedule, and type of
experience. 17°34'11.6"N 120°23'18.0"E
Nothing else can give you the best view of Vigan
than the Bantay Church Bell Tower. The belfry is
situated on a hill overlooking the Bantay district in
northeast Vigan.
You’ll need to climb a winding staircase to get to the
top of the brick structure, where you’ll find an
enormous bell hanging right in the middle of the
tower.
The watchtower served as a good vantage point for
the natives of Ilocos to see approaching enemies
during the Spanish reign and World War II.
Today, people honor the memory of the tower by
taking pictures at the foot of the hill, making it look
as if they’re holding it dearly on the palm of their
hands or forming a heart shape with their arms
extended over the tower. Bantay Church Bell Tower, Vigan
Joining a day trip to Vigan is a good idea if you want 17°34'55.9"N 120°23'29.7"E
to explore other tourist spots as well.
Looking for a tourist spot in Vigan City that
kids would love? You’ll never go wrong
with Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo. Just 10
minutes away from Calle Crisologo,
Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo lets you get
close to nature’s wonderful creatures from
cute little birds to big cats a.k.a. tigers. This
Vigan Ilocos tourist spot is also dubbed as
the “Home of the Big Cats in Vigan,” as it
shelters Bengal tigers, white lions, and
leopards.
1. Close encounter with the animals
2. Perfect for families with kids Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo, Vigan
• Entrance fee: Free; PHP 50 per person for
an e-cab tour 17°33'04.7"N 120°22'37.9"E
When someone gives you a jar from
Vigan City, know that it’s of good
quality. Among the most famous jar
factories in the province is the
Pagburnayan Jar Factory. Here they
make the jars from a grade-A clay which
is abundant in the area.
Because of this, people say that burnay
jars are harder and durable compared to
terra cotta. The art and technology of
making burnays were brought to Vigan
by Chinese artisans. For which, the art of
making burnays existed in the area of Pagburnayan Jar Factory, Vigan
Vigan right before the Spaniards came in 17°34'16.6"N 120°22'57.2"E
1572.
Most of the famous tourist spots in Ilocos Sur
comprises old churches that are definitely worth
visiting. Among the notable ones is the Sta.
Maria Church. This Santa Maria Ilocos Sur
tourist spot is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site as
part of the baroque churches in the country. The
Augustinians had this built in the 1760s. This
destination is a historical piece that tells a story
about the country’s past. You’ll also see its bell
tower several meters away from the church
which is a layout that is unique to its time.
One of the four baroque churches in the country
is the Santa Maria Church that was built by the
Augustinian friars as a chapel for the town of
Narvacan back in 1769. 40 years later, the bell
tower beside the church was built in 1810, as a Sta. Maria Church, Sta. Maria
home for missionaries going to Abra.
17°22'00.7"N 120°28'58.7"E
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN REGION 1
Ilocos Norte
• The Bangui Windmills are a long line of 70m-high
wind turbines lined up over a 9km stretch of the Bangui
Bay shoreline.
• Standing tall over the black sand beach, the windmills
make up the first wind farm in the country and generate
enough electricity to support 40% of the power
requirements of Ilocos Norte.
• You can clearly see the windmills on the road leading to
the bay. There’s little to no signs to tell you where to
turn, though, so it’s best to book a day tour in Ilocos so
you don’t miss the turn going down the beach.
• There is no entrance fee to the Bangui Windmills. There
are a few souvenir stalls in the area, so you might want
to consider getting a little wooden replica of a wind
turbine as a souvenir.
• There are also a few establishments dotting the 9km
stretch of the wind farm, where you can sit and chill Windmills, Bangui
with a bottle of cold beer while looking out into the
West Philippine Sea. 18°31'42.8"N 120°43'05.2"E
Hannah's Beach Resort Pagudpud is an excellent
choice for travelers visiting Pagudpud, offering a
family-friendly environment alongside many
helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay.
Hannah's Beach Resort Pagudpud is a family-
friendly small hotel offering air conditioning in
the rooms.
Plus, guests can enjoy a pool and a lounge,
which have made this a popular choice among
travelers visiting Pagudpud. For guests with a
vehicle, free parking is available.
While staying in Pagudpud, you can check out a
popular Asian restaurant like Kapuluan Vista
Resort Restaurant, which is serving up some Hannah’s Resort, Pagudpud
great dishes.
18°37'30.0"N 120°51'26.0"E
The Patapat Viaduct, also known as
Patapat Bridge, is a viaduct at the
municipality of Pagudpud, Ilocos
Norte, a coastal resort town on the
northernmost tip of Luzon Island in the
Philippines. The bridge is elevated 1.3
km (1,400 yd) long and 31 meters (102
ft) over sea level. It is the 4th longest
bridge in the Philippines.
It was built for the purpose of
preventing the problem of landslides in Patapat Viaduct, Pagudpud
the area which caused vehicular 18°37'30.0"N 120°51'26.0"E
accidents in the past.
This two-story-mansion-turned-museum
was the former holiday residence of the
Marcos family. The home is done in
Spanish colonial style, with a large
spacious living room area, a grand
staircase, and wide hallways.
The museum displays memorabilia and
some personal effects of the Marcos
family. It’s open Tuesdays to Sundays from
9:00 A.M. to 12:00 N.N. and 1:00 P.M. to
4:00 P.M. Entrance fee is PHP 30.00 per
person. Halls of Malacañang of the North,
It’s a popular tourist spot included in tour Paoay
packages such as a day trip in Laoag and 18°07'41.2"N 120°32'23.7"E
Vigan.
Standing beautifully in the coast of the town
of Burgos, fronting the roaring waves of
Bangui Bay, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
was formed thousands (or even millions) of
years ago by accumulation of particles
deposited to the shore by the forces of sea
waves and wind, with the aid of gravity and
time.
The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is an art
of nature featuring a landscape of smooth
ivory limestone produced by the natural
process of sedimentation. It's name's root Kapurpurawan Rock Formation,
word, “puraw”, is an Ilocano word which
translates to “white” because of the alabaster Burgos
rock formations that the tourists would love 18°32'18.9"N 120°39'12.5"E
to see.
 THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING!
By Shawn Fernandez & Marson Madera