With rich baroque architecture, abundant rocky coastlines, and the remarkable Cordillera Mountains, Ilocos Norte is a coastal province where history meets natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the charming Spanish heritage in Paoay Church, sliding down the sand dunes, gazing at the scenic row of windmills, or catching a perfect wave, you’re in for a fresh experience and a perfect new beginning in Ilocos Norte!

Intro to Ilocos Norte

A Lesson in Ilocano Cuisine

Ilocos Norte

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.

**What to expect**

Imagine seeing a row of windmills dotted along a majestic shoreline facing the West Philippine Sea. That is the exact picture you get when visiting the Bangui Windmill Farm! Dubbed as Ilocos Norte’s “giant electric fans”, these windmills face the sea to capture the strong northwesterly and southwesterly winds blowing inward the Ilocos Norte.

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!

If being both a clean and green tourist attraction isn’t enough, the best part is the free entrance fee to the wind farm!

**Where to experience it**

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

A drive to the farm begins at Laoag City which passes through the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26. You will pass by Cape Bojeador and the Burgos Wind Farm. Make a left turn a few kilometers after passing by the Burgos Wind Farm. Drive straight ahead until you reach Estrells Place Resort, then turn right.


Bangui Windmill Farm

![](https://www.datocms-assets.com/31284/1603969057-paoaychruch-paoay-ilocosnorte-philippines-panoramio.jpg)
*Credits to: Wikipedia*

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.

**What to expect**

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.

As a two-part wonder, there is also a three-storey coral stone bell tower that stands beside the Paoay Church. It is situated a few meters away from the church as a protection against damage during earthquakes.

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.

**Where to experience it**

Laoag is accessible from Metro Manila by land travel which takes 8 to 9 hours by car. It is linked by a first class national road located parallel to the coastline of the Ilocos Region.

For a quick trip, you may opt to take a direct flight from Manila to Laoag which takes approximately an hour. From the airport, there are public jeepneys and tricycles that can take you to the city proper.

It’s around 18 kilometers from Laoag to Paoay with an approximate travel time of 45 minutes.



Paoay Church

While the Philippines is world-famous for its white-sand beaches, Ilocos Norte puts a twist on the white-sand experience with its sprawling sand dunes. Spanning hundreds of square kilometers across Ilocos Norte, these sand dunes are a favorite of adventurous tourists who want to feel the rush!

**What to expect**

There are two popular destinations in Ilocos Norte for those looking for sand dune adventures. One is the La Paz Sand Dunes, which is located in the capital city of Laoag, while the other is the Paoay Sand Dunes in the nearby municipality of Paoay.

No matter which one you visit, you can expect a thrilling experience only Ilocos Norte could offer! Once you get to the sand dunes, you go onboard a 4x4 vehicle with a professional driver, the uneven terrain of the dunes being an amusement park for the vehicle. In the middle of the ride, many tourists also try their hand at sandboarding, which is exactly what you think it is–riding down the sandy cliffs like you would ride the ocean’s waves! 

When you visit Ilocos Norte, make sure you add these sand dunes to your itinerary. They provide a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else!

**Where to experience it**

The La Paz Sand Dunes are already within Laoag City, and you can get there within 10-15 minutes from the city proper. Meanwhile, the Paoay Sand Dunes are a half-hour trip if you’re coming from Laoag.


Sand Dunes

The Philippines is filled to the brim with natural masterpieces, and Ilocos Norte is no exception. Located at the north of the province is the Kapurpurawan Limestone Formation, a work of geological art that would leave every nature loving tourist speechless. With its distinctively white surface and unique shapes, the Kapurpurawan Limestone Formation is a must-see for anyone who wants to see the best of what Ilocos Norte’s environment has to offer.

**What to expect** 

When you arrive at the site, you will need to take a short hike to get to the actual formation. Don’t worry, your hike will take you through various picturesque landscapes, from lush greeneries to natural pools. 

Serving as the grand finale are the rock formations themselves, which are made of white limestones sculpted over thousands of years. They overlook both the sea and the nearby windmills, creating a picture-perfect scene. Walking through the towering structures will make you feel like you’re being embraced by nature! 

If you want to experience Ilocos Norte’s natural beauty, make sure you don’t miss the Kapurpurawan Limestone Formation!

**Where to experience it**

The Kapurpurawan Limestone Formation is located in the municipality of Burgos. If you’re coming from Laoag City, it will take you around an hour of land travel to get to the attraction.


Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation

As the provincial capital of Ilocos Norte, Laoag lives up to its name as “The Sunshine City” with its clear atmosphere and bright, blue skyline. Derived from the native Ilocano language of the Ilocos Region, Laoag means brightness or light which best describes your experience in visiting this refreshing place. Now’s the time to discover the endless ways that Laoag radiates its hidden provincial charm!

**What to expect when you’re there:**

Feel the dynamic pulse of the city of Laoag! Serving as the commercial, educational, and trading center of the province, Laoag is multi-faceted at its core. 

Truly where the old meets new, Laoag showcases its well-preserved colonial architecture along with contemporary infrastructure. 

The Malacañang of the North is a must-see situated on the edge of the Paoay Lake. Now converted into a museum, this two-storey mansion used to be the holiday residence of the late President Ferdinand Marcos and his family.

For your city stroll, marvel at the baroque architecture of the Paoay Church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In contrast, the equally beautiful Italian Renaissance style architecture of The St. William’s Cathedral or the Laoag Church is a sight to behold.

Make the most out of the beautiful Ilocos Norte coastline with a visit to the La Paz Sand Dunes! 

The desert-like landscape and sandy terrain makes this perfect for adrenaline junkies. Whether you decide to go sandboarding down the dunes or riding a 4X4 up and down the sandy hills, you are sure to have the thrill of your life.

On your way home, don’t forget to take home the best that Ilocos Norte has to offer!
You can find a diverse collection of items and food at the Laoag City Commercial Complex. The establishments here offer Ilocano products such as Inabel, Bagnet, Longganisa, Sukang Iloko and other Ilocano products.

From Laoag, explore the many possibilities to jump off to other local destinations!

Laoag is known as the gateway to the North Luzon Tourism Hub and Growth Quadrangle by air. The Laoag International Airport and The International Seaport are both very accessible from this city. Not to mention, you can get to other areas in the National Capital Region and other provinces from Laoag by land.

**How to get there:**

Getting to Laoag is the perfect excuse for a scenic road trip! 

Laoag is accessible from Metro Manila by land travel which takes 7 to 8 hours by car via TPLEX. It is linked by a first class national road located parallel to the coastline of the Ilocos Region.

For a quick trip, you may opt to take a direct flight from Manila to Laoag which takes approximately an hour. From the airport, there are public jeepneys and tricycles that can take you to the city proper.


Laoag

Dubbed as the “Boracay of the North”, there’s more to Pagudpud than its pristine, sandy coastline. As a coastal town situated at the northernmost tip of Ilocos Norte, Pagudpud may feel like the Ilocos Region’s final frontier. Discover a serene, coastal backdrop and find your oasis at Pagudpud!

**What to expect when you’re there:**

Beach lovers rejoice! Pagudpud offers a variety of beaches that suit your taste for serenity and adventure. Saud beach is ideal for swimming while Caparispisan and Blue Lagoon are best for water activities. Snorkelers can revel in the shallow beaches of Currimao, Saud & Balaoi which are dotted by extensive coral formations.

For your picture-perfect moments, try the grey, brown, and pebbled beaches of Pagudpud. Getting there is a breeze, quite literally! 

Stretching over 1.3 kilometers long around a mountain edge and facing the rocky Ilocos coastline, stop and take the view at the Patapat Viaduct (also known as the Patapat Bridge). Driving down the Patapat Viaduct is a moment in itself - roll the windows down and let your hair loose as you take in the majestic views of the West Philippine Sea.

Whether it’s relaxing on the beach or surfing a perfect wave, Pagudpud is a one of a kind destination.

**How to get there:**

Depending on the amount of time you have to spare, getting to Pagudpud can be as short as a plane ride away or as long as a scenic road trip. With a distance of 78 kilometers, getting to Laoag City from Pagudpud takes around 1 and a half hours.

If you opt to take in the majestic scenery and beautiful coastlines of Pagudpud via a road trip, getting to Pagudpud from Metro Manila can take 9 to 10 hours. 

For a quick trip, you may opt to take a direct flight from Manila to Laoag which takes approximately an hour. From Laoag airport, you can get to Pagudpud by riding a tricycle to the bus terminal. From there, you can take a bus and ask to be dropped off at Pagudpud.

Pagudpud

View Latest Advisory

Safety comes first, wherever you go. Check this section for the latest Philippine health regulations and travel advisories.

IATF Standardized Travel Protocols for Land, Sea, and Air 

Ilocos Norte Travel Advisory

Tourists from Luzon can use SafePass for free and secure contact tracing when visiting Ilocos Norte.

What Do the Community Quarantines Mean?

Ilocos Norte will remain under localized Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) until September 7, 2021 except for a few municipalities. Click to know more.

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