Ilocos Norte Tourist Spots In 1 Day

Ilocos Norte is not just a region, it is a home --- home of clever country leaders, extraordinary landmarks, rich culture, natural resources, well-preserved colonial structures, and the list goes on.

Check my Ilocos 1 Day itinerary below which is arranged in order of visit.

St. William's Cathedral

This is the first stop of our Laoag trip and that was great as we were able to drop some thanksgiving and petition for a safe trip.

Few walks from this church and we arrived in the Sinking Bell Tower.

Sinking Bell Tower

Its title was coined from the belief that this tower built by the Augustinians in 1612 is slowly sinking.

The entrance of this tower is believed to accommodate the entrance of a man riding a horse without bowing but currently, one should bend down to go in.

Fort Ilocandia

I was taken aback upon entering the lobby as the chandelier immediately caught my inquisitive eyes - flabbergasted. They allow tourists to steer around the area and the landscape renders speechless on my end.

This is obviously a luxurious destination I look forward staying into as this is not your typical tall-structured hotel.

This is the one and only 5-star hotel – golf and country club in northern Ilocos with a 2-kilometer sandy beach. 

For more information about Fort Ilocandia, please visit their website.

Paoay Lake

This is known as the mystic river of the north because of its linkage to an urban legend telling that it was once a village sunk in the water due to its inhabitant’s wickedness.

Despite of the gruesome story behind this lake, it gave me a sense of calmness. The story might be the reason why the lake has no bystanders despite of its beauty. 

Paoay Church

St. Augustine Church in Paoay must be one of the most popular landmarks of Ilocos Norte. 

Why? because of its distinctive huge buttresses on the side and back of the structure, needless to say of its grotesqueness, extravagance, complexity, and flamboyance.

Fronting the church is the famous Herencia Cafe that serves scrumptious “Pinakbet” Pizza.

Museo de Bacarra

Also known as Museo Ilocos Norte (50 pesos entrance fee). Tourists often neglect visiting this museum however, I personally recommend visiting museums because there you will start to know the culture and people of the city.

In as much as the people of Ilocos Norte are clannish and traditional, they always come back to the ancestral house. Whether of bamboo, wood, or brick, the house is a treasure chest of heirlooms and memories.

Marcos Mansion

This is one of the main properties of one of the most influential leaders in the World, Former President Ferdinand Marcos.

There we found some memorabilia of the Marcos family including some paintings, gowns of the former first lady Imelda Marcos and many more.

Adjacent to the mansion is the mausoleum of the late president’s remains. Picture taking is not allowed inside.

Malacanang Of The North

Also known as Malacanang ti Amianan where you will witness the not-so-distant past substantiation of the late president Marcos’ power (30 pesos entrance fee).

Lavish interior and splendid furniture can be seen inside the abode. It is fronting the mystical Paoay Lake which made it more a copious residence to live in.

Burgos Lighthouse

Also known as the Burgos lighthouse built on a Hill overlooking the picturesque Cape Bojeador where early galleons during the Spanish Colonization used to sail by.

This is one of my favourite places during the whole trip as it gives me off a sense of inscrutability that’s cunning. 

The breezy part up there overlooking lush greeneries and scenic blue waters on the other side was stunning.

Patapat Viaduct

Patapat viaduct is an impressive, well-designed bridge located on the side of a mountain overlooking West Philippines Sea.

Along the viaduct we saw waterfalls pouring its way to the sea, and a few more walks we found stores selling local products.

Bangui Windmills

Last but not the least of my 1 day Ilocos Norte tour is the Bangui Windmills, probably one of the most photographed scenes in Ilocos because of its gigantic wind turbines.

As for me, they are much more like giant Gods and Goddesses facing the sea. It was breezy and everything is just magnificent.

Conclusively, one day is not enough to explore everything Ilocos has to offer. I regret not being able to visit the Kaibigan Falls, Kapurpurawan rock formation, Saud beach, and many more. However, visiting those places mentioned above was more than enough. What else could I ask for with just 1 day?

For my complete itinerary for this 4-day Pagudpud-Laoag-Vigan-Baguio trip, please check these related links:

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Day 3 - Baguio Itinerary
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