Discover Ilocos Norte: Coastal Landscapes, Cultural Heritage and Regional Cuisine

Ilocos Norte offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip: coastal landscapes, historic buildings and regional cuisine. If you’re looking for hotels in Ilocos Norte, you can start by considering which of these interests you’d like to shape your stay. The places mentioned provide specific points of reference—from a protected area near Paoay to a UNESCO World Heritage church and a historic lighthouse.

Landscapes and Coastal Locations

Paoay Lake Protected Landscape is a protected area in the municipality of Paoay in Ilocos Norte; its protected-area classification is established by Republic Act No. 12230. La Paz Sand Dunes are also known as the “Desert of the North” and locally as Bantay Bimmaboy. The coastal dune area was declared a National Geological Monument in 1993. The two places represent different kinds of landscape recognition: a protected area near Paoay and a geological monument among the dunes.

In Burgos, the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation rises from the sea as a massive, brilliant-white rock formation. At Bangui Wind Farm, you can stop for photos, watch sunsets and enjoy leisurely walks along the shore of Bangui Bay. If you’d like to plan a walk by the water or a photo stop, these are specific activities associated with Bangui Wind Farm. The coast therefore offers not only striking landforms to explore, but also specific ways to spend time outdoors.

Architecture, History and Religious Use

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos is classified as a Level I National Historical Landmark. St. Augustine (Paoay) Church offers a different architectural focus: the Baroque church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its Earthquake Baroque design and massive stone pillars. Visitors can walk around the historic grounds of Paoay Church and attend religious services and devotional activities. Both architecture and religious use are part of the visitor experience here. If you’d like to attend a service, check the schedule in advance.

Regional Cuisine in Batac

Batac Empanada is a fried meat pastry filled with mung beans, Iloco-style longganisa and egg, wrapped in orange-colored dough. It is offered at Riverside Empanadahan in Batac City. If regional cuisine is one of your travel interests, you can plan to make this specific specialty a focus alongside landscapes and cultural heritage. This gives the culinary side of your trip a particular dish and place to center on.

The Wider Ilocos Destination

The wider Ilocos destination brings together history, nature and the sea. Vigan is the best-preserved example in Asia of a planned Spanish colonial town. In Santa Maria, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Baroque Churches of the Philippines. The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan is a pilgrimage site visited by devotees throughout the year. These examples are part of the wider Ilocos destination.

Another example in the wider Ilocos destination is the Arosip Ecotrail in the highland barangay of Bacnotan. The downhill trekking route is described as 6.5 kilometers, or 45 minutes; along the route are Zim-sim-ug Twin Falls, Padtok Falls and Tekdag-Aso Falls. Visitors must register at the Barangay Hall and are accompanied along the Ecotrail by locals or tour guides. Check this local guidance again before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Laoag City, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan.

Go to the wider travel overview: Ilocos.