08.23.2014

A two-day tour around the province of Ilocos Norte, jam-packed with different kinds of activities including church and museum visits, sand boarding, beach bumming and more!


Ilocos Norte is a Philippine province under the Ilocos Region. It is noted for being the birthplace of the former President Ferdinand Marcos. Aside from its history, the province is also known for its various tourist destinations.

Here are the places we've visited during the first day of our tour.

Church of Paoay


Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most famous Baroque Churches in the Philippines. The church, which was built in the early 1700s, is still standing strong and grand until today.

More than its distinct architecture, enormous buttresses and beautiful interiors, I was moved by the peace and serenity inside the church. The tranquility of its ambiance made me feel blessed and really thankful for the moment.

Paoay Sand Dunes


If you love adventures and outdoor activities, this is the one thing that you should not miss in Ilocos. The Paoay Sand Dunes Adventures offers a one-hour 4x4 ride and sand boarding in the vast and wild dunes (rate is 2,500 for 5 pax).

The 4x4 ride was so fun! The excitement we felt every time our ride accelerates, turns and slides into the wild and steep slopes was just one of a kind. We weren't able to hold ourselves back from screaming our lungs out. Wohoooo!

Apart from the amusing ride, we also tried sand boarding. Most of us lost balance and faltered through the sand but we didn't gave up. Going down the slope while standing on the board was very thrilling. It was like surfing in the sand!

Patapat Viaduct



Patapat Viaduct is a highway that was constructed along the coastal mountains located in the northern part of Ilocos Norte. We just had a quick stop at the bridge for some sight seeing and picture taking.


Aqua Grande Picnic Park

Agua Grande is located near the Patapat Viaduct. It is a picnic area with a very scenic view. There are nipa huts around the place where you can stay for a family/group picnic and enjoy watching the crystal clear running water from the mountains that leads to the sea.


Saud White Beach, Pagudpod

Our last stop for the day is the Saud White Beach. We booked a night at Tera Rika Dive Resort which is just a few steps away from the beach.


Saud Beach in Pagudpod is one of the famous beach destinations in the northern part of Luzon. Its tall coconut trees, clear and peaceful waters and long stretch of fine sand gives the beach a tropical and summery feeling. Going here is definitely the best way to end a very tiring day. We watched the bewitching sunset, strolled around, swam and enjoyed the beach until we called it a day, a very good day, I must say. :)


So here's the first day of our Ilocos trip. We really had so much fun!

Here is the second part of our trip around Ilocos Norte --> click here.


Pictures are from my friends, Jokko and Mars. Thanks!