Top 10 Ilocos Norte Tourist Spots

Last updated on May 7th, 2024 at 07:49 pm

Ilocos Norte is likely to have something that will pique your interest, regardless of whether you are a solitagant, a cultural and history nerd, an art enthusiast, a gastronomical tourist, or a thrill seeker looking for some activities that will get your heart racing. You will be taken aback by the abundance of wonders that can be found in this province, which is located in the most northern portion of the Philippines. 

These Ilocos Norte tourist spots can take the form of either natural or man-made attractions. If you aren’t sure where to begin with it and you are planning a trip to Ilocos Norte in the near future, the following is a list of the most popular Ilocos Norte tourist spots in the area where you may have fun!

Here we listed the top spots for you to visit:

1. Solsona-Apayao Road

One of the most recent additions to the list of tourist spot in Ilocos Norte is the road that connects Solsona and Apayao. Ilocos Norte and Apayao are now connected by a brand modern highway that offers a stunning panorama of the Cordilleras. It is a destination where those who appreciate nature, particularly campers, would take pleasure in visiting. It would appear that the only approach to go there is by utilizing one’s very own vehicle. In order to visit this region, you will need to make arrangements with the PNP stationed before you begin your ascent of the hill.

When campers awoke in the morning, they were treated to a breathtaking view of a cloud blanketing the Cordilleras. Even in the middle of the day, the breeze in this part of Ilocos is mild and pleasant, in contrast to the typical sweltering heat of that region. Take note, though, that they won’t let overnight campers into the site; only day trippers will be permitted.

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2. Paoay Lake Water Park

Paoay Lake Waterpark is not only one of the newest water parks in the area, but it was also the first one. This Ilocos Norte tourist spot has a gigantic inflatable water park that is 4,200 square meters in size and floats on Paoay lake. Inside, there are over 30 fascinating obstacle courses. In addition, it is a wonderful place to take in the scenery of the setting sun while lounging on the coast in one of those stylish bean bags or umbrellas.

Take notice that these prices include not only admission to the lounge but also participation in other activities available at the water park, such as volleyball, frisbee, and kayaking. The resort is open from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, however the inflatable water park is only open from 6:00 PM till it closes for the day, and wearing a life jacket is required while you are there.

3. Badoc Island

Badoc Island is the greatest tourist spot in Ilocos Norte to see if you are interested in having some water-based fun and adventure. The island is more than simply a stretch of immaculate white sand beach; it also promises a teeming underwater life that may be explored most effectively through the practices of freediving and SCUBA diving. In addition to Pagudpud, one of the tourist destinations in Ilocos Norte where you can engage in the sport of surfing is Badoc Island. On the other hand, you should be aware that this desolate island does not have any surf or dive stores. If you want to go surfing or diving before you go, you should get in touch with the stores on the mainland in advance so that you can rent the necessary equipment and get guidance from an instructor. In addition, there are no convenience stores on the island, nor are there any comfort/bathroom facilities. Therefore, bring everything that you might need, with food and drink being of the utmost importance, but don’t forget to take your rubbish with you when you leave the island.

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If you are coming from Laoag City or Manila, taking a bus to Badoc, which is located in Ilocos Norte, is the best method to get there so that you can continue on to Badoc Island. After that, ride a tricycle to the La Virgen Milagrosa Chapel from the location where you were dropped off. The cost of the fare would be approximately Php 100.00 per ride. Finally, you might consider chartering a boat in order to get to the nice tourist spot in Ilocos Norte, Badoc Island. You may experience the natural beauty of this uninhabited island for the low cost of Php 1,200.00 (which includes the boat transfer to and from the island) and in around 15 to 20 minutes.

As of the month of May in 2022, the boat could only accommodate a maximum of four passengers (boatman included). The boatmen would also warn you that the waves have a tendency to become more turbulent in the afternoon. Therefore, you should make your way back to the mainland as soon as possible because their boats are not equipped to deal with the seas.

4. La Milagrosa Cove and Chapel

You can keep yourself entertained at the La Milagrosa Cove and perhaps pay a visit to the La Virgen Milagrosa shrine while you wait for the boat to take you to Badoc island. The locals gave this nook its name in remembrance of the day, many years ago, when Ilocano fishermen discovered a box drifting in the water and were subsequently brought here. The aforementioned box holds representations of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding Jesus as an infant as well as the Black Cristo Milagroso. The image of the Virgin Mary was left at Badoc, while the other image was transported to Sinait.

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The picturesque cove is distinguished by a sandy and rocky shore, and the renowned church can be found just a few feet from the water’s edge. If you want to spend the day at the beach but don’t want to bring your own accommodations, there are floating cabins on the right side of the chapel that you may rent.

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5. Luna Shrine

This officially recognized National Shrine is one of the tourist spots in Ilocos Norte that you shouldn’t miss, especially if you’re going to be in the town of Badoc during your trip. The aforementioned municipality is the birthplace of Juan Luna, one of the national heroes of the Philippines. Juan Luna is most well-known for his masterpiece Spolarium. The fire that destroyed this home in 1861 led to its subsequent reconstruction as a building with two levels. The shrine preserves Juan Luna’s legacy by displaying artifacts and reproductions of his paintings.

6. Paoay Church

One of the few examples of baroque architecture seen in Philippine churches is the Saint Augustine Church, also known as the Paoay Church. It wasn’t until over three centuries later that it was recognized as a National Cultural Treasure, but it was built in the 1700s. The UNESCO World Heritage site designation was bestowed upon it in the year 1993. This baroque church is a one of a kind tourist spot in Ilocos Norte since it has twenty-four enormous buttresses and a separate bell tower that doubled as a watch tower during revolutions against two of the most powerful colonizers in the country a very long time ago.

7. Paoay Sand Dunes

Paoay Sand Dunes is one of the most popular destinations for vacationers in the province of Ilocos Norte. Snowboarding and intense 4×4 rides can be had on the lumpy yet simply sandy terrain of this location, making it an ideal destination for those who are addicted to the rush of adrenaline.

The activities in and of themselves are not the only ones that visitors to the Paoay Sand dunes can enjoy. You can also entertain yourself with the many different art installations that are located in this space. As a result of the Himala sa Buhangin Music and Arts Festival, the world-famous Paoay Sand Dunes have become a center for numerous art installations. The Stacked Stones and the Mirror Installation are two of the most recent ones that have been created.

8. Malacañang of the North

This particular tourist spot in Ilocos Norte is an official mansion of the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and his family, Malacañang of the North (Malacañang ti Amianan) was constructed in 1976. It is also known as Malacañang of the North. The palatial residence that sits atop the hill overlooking the fabled Paoay lake has been converted into a museum.

9. Macagutogot (Makagutogot) Cove

The Makagutogot Cove is another path that is less trafficked yet is considered to be one of the top tourist spots in Ilocos Norte. From the barangay of Pasaleng in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, one can take a boat ride to go to this cove, which features a stretch of rocky beach with enormous and breathtaking rock formations that are bordered by blue waters that are crystal clear.

10. Kabigan Falls

When you travel to the municipality of Pagudpud, you won’t just be able to look forward to enjoying the beaches there. There is a waterfall that is well hidden, but is just about 13 kilometers away from the national highway. This waterfall is stunningly gorgeous in its natural state. This lovely waterfall can be found buried away in the thick bush of Brgy. The waters of Balaoi drop into the basin from a height of around 87 feet (26.5 meters) above them. After that lengthy hike, the water’s temperature will almost certainly make you want to take a refreshing dip in it.

Ilocos Norte is a stunning province that many visitors to the Philippines tend to take for granted, despite the fact that it is home to a wealth of attractions and activities. In the province of Ilocos Norte, it doesn’t matter if you’re the adventurous or pilgrim kind, a history nerd, or a food connoisseur; you’ll always fit right in. 

Which of these top tourist destinations in Ilocos Norte would you choose to visit in person first thing tomorrow morning if you had the chance?