Day 2 ~ LAOAG
Raymond our tour guide met us at the Paradores de Vigan lobby.
Our first stop before leaving Vigan is Bantay Church and Bell Tower. Our timing was perfect since it was a Sunday and we were just in time for mass (It was in Ilocano though, but it was okay).
Laoag is about 2 hours away from Vigan.
First stop was the Juan Luna Shrine.
TIP:
- They sell rosaries, chaplets, etc. inside the church. Buy one and have it blessed.
Lunch at Herencia Café located just across Paoay Church. The restaurant like Hidden Garden in Vigan serves local Ilocano dishes. It's specialty includes pinakbet pizza, but were were too scared to even try. We did settle for longanisa pizza.
We ordered 2 each of Herencia's Longaniza and Hawaiian Pizza; Sinigang na Malaga (must order) and the staple Longaniza and Poqui-Poqui.
TIPS:
- Given the location, there could be a queue of restaurant diners especially during peak hours. Our tour guide Raymond, suggested we get a number and pre-order our food before visiting Paoay Church.
- I have previously recommended on getting a local guide to help you in your tour. We hired Raymond who was really helpful in making the most of our trip to Ilocos Norte. You can contact him via mobile number 0926-2589397.
- Buy your "pasalubong" cornick from one of the stores just outside Herencia Restaurant. Three (3) medium sized packs priced at P100. Price is the same as in Vigan, but there seems to be more choices of flavors here.
From Paoay Church we went to the Marcos Museum, where the remains of Former President Marcos used to be located, until was transferred to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2016.
TIP:
- There is very little to see here. If you are time pressed, I think you may skip this one.
- Try the Ilocano local ice cream. Try the dragon fruit flavored ice cream. There are a number of ice cream vendors in the vicinity Marcos Museum.
- Check the nearby Riverside Empanadahan; Unfortunately we were still to full from our lunch at Herencia Restaurant, there is just no space for an empanada ~ no matter how delicious.
Not to be missed is the Paoay Sand Dunes. Don't ever think of leaving Ilocos Norte without riding Paoay's star attraction.
Cost per 4x4 vehicle, which can accommodate 5 pax is only P2500. You get a roughly 30 minutes 4x4 Sand Dunes extreme adventure and an unlimited Sand boarding experience.
As it was still early, we were able to squeeze in the Malacañang of the North into our itinerary. This is were the Marcoses stay whenever they are in Ilocos. The mansion is obviously grand, and must have been more grandiose during the Marcos reign! Just imagine a palatial mansion overlooking the panoramic Paoay lake.
Tired from our earlier extreme sand dune adventure, we had to wrap our tour of the Malacañang of the North early to check-in at Fort Ilocandia, our home for 2 nights while in Ilocos Norte (Clink here to check out my post on Fort Ilocandia Resort).
Day 2 Complete, Day 3 targets Pagudpod ~
Please follow our Tour of Ilocos Norte
If you missed our Day 1 in Ilocos ~ please follow the link below:
Check also our Day 3 touring Ilocos Province ~
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