Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte will always be known as the baluarte of the Marcoses. Nevertheless apart from its historical and architectural landmarks, the region can also fascinate  its natural wonders and sweeping coastlines – one of the best in the country.

Patapat Viaduct

Patapat viaduct was constructed under Marcos Administration. The bridge has 1.128 km long. The two lane winding bridge enfolds the slopes of the mountains as it connects Ilocos and Cagayan. According to the locals “PATAPAT” means “belt” in Ilokano. This bridge is said to be the fourth longest bridge in the Philippines.  Mabugabog Falls is also located along the road of Patapat Bridge. This falls serves as a mini-hydro power plant that can only operate with the substantial amount of rainfall.

Kabigan Falls

If you feel like seeing something different in the area, aside from its famed beaches, trekking to Kabigan Falls is pretty challenging. We trekked around 30-40 minutes to the falls with the help of local tourist guide. We passed by a total three river streams. While trekking, we experienced a rainfall in the forest. It seems that were in a twilight zone.

Trekking is not quite boring, because seeing spectacular view of farms, lush green of mountains, and shallow stream of river on our way to the falls. The sight and sound of the place is delightful. It lead us to the magnificent falls. We enjoyed our refreshing dip below the falls, and we were lucky because were only the people there.

Cape Bojeador also called a trespassed of sanctuary. Located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It is also considered as a national cultural treasure last 2005. It was established during the Spanish era, where it serve as a signal and guide to early galleons. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse marks the most northwestern point in Luzon; most northeastern rests the Cape Engaño Lighthouse located in Palaui Island of Santa Ana, Cagayan.

According to our tour guide, public is no longer allowed to enter the lighthouse. There are several vandals on walls in some parts of the site. I am lucky, the first time I went here last 2009, I was able to go upstairs with my friends, and I was fascinated on the view sea.

 

 

From the balcony, the blue water of the West Philippine Sea and the surrounding trees surrounds the lighthouse. It is so perfect. Apart from being astonished by the beauty of this parola, I was also eager to hear ghost stories from the lighthouse caretaker/s who had experienced seeing white ladies and other elements; however, i can’t find any caretaker at that time. Thanks to our tour guide, he also experienced those kind of ghost stories.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation: Located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. A beautiful peace of art. The creator is the nature. We have our options in order to reach the rock formation.

It is via horse back riding which costs about 100 pesos or walking which is free. Our group decided to had a horse back riding. Sadly, the horses were not that huge as compare to the horses in Baguio. The locals said that those horses are natives.

The immaculate of the rock formation out stand its form in the middle of the place.

Bangui Windmills: Located also in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. Tourists (Local and Foreign) are always impressed to the majestic giant windmills. I’ve been here several times, it always fascinates me.

This man made site is really awesome. So far, there are 15 wind turbines which were placed in a single row along the cost of Bangui Bay. It is 70 meters high and the blade is 41 meters in length.

This windpower project was developed to ease global warming by reducing emission of greenhouse gases and advance the rural electrification of the government.

This time, there are lot of windmills that are currently constructing there. According to our tour guide, most of the richest men in the country are also one of the various contributors who contribute in constructing those wind mills.

Paoay Church is situated in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. One of the early Baroque Churches in the country. It is considered as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE. It was build in 1593. According to our tour guide, that the structure is made of corals and stones. A piece of awesomeness, because I can’t imagine that I’m facing a century old church.

Marcos Museum: Basically this museum is all  about Ferdinand Marcos. From this childhood up to his death. The museum highlighted the infrastructure development projects during his administration. I was amazed for all his great works during his administration.

The Malacanang of the north used to be the official residence of former president Ferdinand Marcos and his family in Ilocos.

Set at the shores of the tranquil Paoay Lake and built in grand Spanish-colonial fashion, the Malacanang of the North certainly seemed like a fitting reflection of the lavish life of the Marcos family.

 

Today, the Malacanang of the North is one of the tourist attraction in Ilocos Norte.

Paoay Lake is the best view from Malacanang.