My friends and I planned about travelling in Ilocos Region last 2016 of March.
A 10-hour drive from Manila or 45- minute travel via plane!
Ilocos Norte has been my dad’s home town and my 2nd home too!
It is well known for great leaders, structures, beaches and food.
But not all people in my country knows how wonderful Ilocos Region is!
So let me tour you to my 2nd home! The so called “ BORACAY of the North”.
Used my SJ400 action camera.
Welcome to Ilocos Norte
The obligatory post, for we’ve traveled a long drive journey.
Our First Stop, was the must see Paoay Church,known as oldest church in the Philippines built in 1694 by the Augustinian Friars. Built of coral blocks and stucco-plastered bricks and known as earthquake baroque.
After church tour,we went to a store nearby where we bought souvenirs and produced agricultural products of the region.
Like Cornicks, Taro Chips, Banana Chips and more.
2nd Stop is the Paoay Sand Dunes. Where you can hire a 4x4 rough riding vehicle called as “The Thrilling ride” for only 1500ph for 5 person within 30mins.
With the number 1 rule: All passengers must stay at the back with no helmets, safety gears and no seat belts. Just your grip to save you from falling! Hey! this is like drifting car that flies in a dessert mountain.
Oh yes we survived! I could say I will never ever forget this experienced.
If you are asking for more adventures after that rough ride. I suggest you to try the sand boarding , where you climb a dessert mountain with a height of 2nd to 3rd floor building.
Time to face my fear of heights.
Our Third stop was Bangui Wind Mill, 1 hour drive from Paoay proper.
Just one thing to remember be careful not to go near the waters. Waves our big and wind our so strong.
Noticed the strong current of water in the picture? Be guided that swimming and fishing is not allowed in this area.
After our tour in Bangui we had a little stop over for lunch in a small native eatery.
Spent 1USD to 2USD per meal with a drink.
Our Fourth Stop: " Pagudpud' well known for great beaches.
White fine sands everywhere.
With an entrance fee of 1USD per person
Then we went back to Batac Ilocos Norte for dinner @ SIKATUNA , an eat all you can resto bar. With an affordable price of 200ph or 4USD per person.
The night was still young, so we decided to go to plaza for more snacks.
Yes we went to eat the famous empanada in town. That cost less than a dollar per empanada.
Selling of empanada starts @9am to 12 midnight
After eating empanada we went to my Dad's ancestral house to rest and sleep, so we could prepare for our morning activity.
Our Fifth stop: Currimao beach resorts, a 15-minute drive from my dad's place in Batac.
This is a no- entrance fee resorts unless you checked-in to the near hotels!
But because it was peak season that time, we paid 20ph or less than a dollar for each person as an entrance fee and 20ph for the bathroom to shower.
You can also rent cottages outside for only 500ph or 10USD for whole day.
Welcoming the morning with the serenity and beauty of this place.
Still my favorite place in Ilocos Norte!
Glad I made new happy memories with friends.
Then after going to the beach as early as 6am. We went straight back to my dad's place for brunch before heading Manila.
Great eats !Oh yes! My all time favorite food prepared by my cousin Emelie for free.
Thank God I had families that are so generous and great hospitality.
Indeed it was a very memorable travel of my life.
Making new great memories with family and friends is priceless.
Work hard!travel more! Share lives! Be happy!
Total Cost each person was 3000ph or 60USD for 10pax including the van rental.