We never took a long time in Venice Grand Canal, shortly after we eat and wander the mall we went back to Cubao wherein buses heading for Laoag City is located. A regular air-conditioned bus without comfort room will cost you P797.00 per head. They also have student and PWD discount, just present your ID.
Heading to Laoag City
We are very lucky when we arrived in Partas Terminal because there was a bus ready to go to Laoag City at 5:00 pm. Unfortunately, we have to re-book our trip from 8:00 pm trip to 5:00 pm and we have to pay the re-booking fee for P89.00 each ticket.
The travel time to Laoag may take 9-10 hours if traveling during night time and may take within 11-12 hours if traveling daytime due to traffic. The advantage in traveling during daytime is that you can enjoy the scenic views while you are on your trip.
We arrive in the Laoag City at 4:00 am. We met Kuya James, a tricycle driver in the Partas Terminal, he brings us to Viewport where we stay for a night. We also agreed to hire James as our driver for the day and bring us to the tourist spots in Laoag City. It cost us P1000.00 for 4 pax, actually it was only P900.00 but since he's kind then we have added something to the fee.
Where to Stay in Laoag City?
There were heaps of hotels and travel inns where you can stay during your visit in the province. If you are not tight of budget then you can go to a deluxe hotel but if you are a poor traveler like us then you can stay in a cheap travelers inn but of course, you need to consider its safeness and cleanliness.
During our visit, we stay in Viewport, there is no specific check-in time, your check out time will depend on what your check-in time is. 1 room will just cost you P450.00 good for 2 pax and P50.00 per additional person. The room is clean enough, air-conditioned and with hot shower.
We started our City Tour as early as we can since we have to go to Vigan City after the City tour. I would highly suggest setting sand dunes as your last stop so that you are still fresh when you go to other places. Click here to see the 10 Must-see Tourist Spots in Ilocos Norte. And click here for the DIY itinerary.
Some of the Splendid Places in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
1. The Sinking Bell Tower
Laoag City very own version of Sinking Belltower is located in the heart of City. The tower is known to have a massive in terms of weight and it was built on the sandy ground. Because of its base or because of its ground the tower sinking every now and then and it recorded to sink an inch every year.
2. Lapaz Sand Dunes
Have you ever wondering to visit the desert in Africa? Africa no more because in Lapaz Sand dunes, you can have a great experience in their unique geological dessert environment found only in Ilocos Norte.
Lapaz Sand dunes can be accessible for both tricycle or by private car. It is just 15 minutes away from the City proper. Due to its desert environment, it is a popular location for shooting films. It was used as a location for the Philippine movies Himala and Panday and for segments of the Hollywood films Mad Max and Born on the Fourth of July. The height of the dunes ranges from 10 to 30 meters. The dunes themselves are scenic but a panoramic view of the South China Sea can also be seen from them.
You can have a great experience and enjoy their 4x4 adventure car just for 2500.00 for 4 persons.
3. Malacañang of the North
Malacañang of the North was built as the official residence of the late President Marcos in Ilocos Norte. It is a two-story building located near the legendary Paoay Lake. The residence is complete with bedrooms, a dining area, a kitchen, an office, a spacious ballroom on the second floor, and even had an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Also, it has an expansive terrace and a beautiful garden with magnificent panoramic views of the lake.
Currently, it operates as the Marcos Memorabilia Museum, which is open to the public with an entrance fee of P20.00.
4. Paoay Church
The Saint Augustine Church, commonly known as the Paoay Church, is the Roman Catholic church of the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. The church was completed in the year 1710 and is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building. It is declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.
Right in front of the church is a spacious space in which perfect for family bonding or picnic.
5. Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino
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The Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino is a first class hotel in Ilocos Norte, located in Brgy. Calayab, Laoag City — just 9km away from the city proper. A 77 hectare of pleasure and adventure providing top-notch suites for local and international travelers. We are located in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte in the midst of sand dunes along a 2-kilometer shoreline facing the South China Sea.
If you are planning to do DIY and just hire a tricycle as your means of transportation, it may save money since the driver can be your guide as well and will be your photographer. You may also contact James thru his mobile at +63 948 140 3133.
If you are in doubt or don't know the way going there, here is the key "wag mahihiyang magtanong".
This DIY Travel includes, Laoag City Tour, Vigan City, Pagudpud and baguio City. We made our own itirenary and posted our expenses and all the details in the table. To see the detailed itirenary and expenses, click here.
Surely, there are no laws that would prevent you from doing something or fun activity as long as you do not disturb others or hurt nature and environment, Yes?
Enjoy your tip and let your worries go away even for just a day! Always remember this, leave nothing but foot prints, take nothing but picture, kill nothing but time.
Cheers!
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