ILOCOS is one of the places I always want to go back to. I can't just get enough of this beautiful northern province, plus it's near Manila. So when I was thinking of a place where I can bring my Mom and my sister for a treat, Ilocos immediately pop on my mind, and honestly, on my Facebook feed.
Patapat Viaduct, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
On Facebook, I saw Thorita Travel & Tours. This travel agency has a very affordable price for a 2-day 1-night tour which includes transfer from Manila-Ilocos-Manila, guides & entrance fees and a comfortable accommodation. So we joined their tour.
Cloe at Patapat Viaduct, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
I cannot say that traveling far via van from travel agency was the most comfortable ride, because it wasn't. If you are traveling with an adult and elderly, like my Mom, it would be very tiring for them — the van's leg room was not ideal for long rides. But it was bearable for teens and millennials like me and my sister. Budget-wise, it was worth it considering all the places you would be able to go to without the stress of commuting.
Hike to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
View from the lighthouse's terrace
Panoramic view of the lighthouse
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Another disadvantage of these kind of tours is you don't have control over the time of your stay in a certain place. You always rush, and some people like that. Well, I don't. I like to seize the moment, read the plaques and descriptions, watch the people, observe the architecture and its designs, and take so much pictures. I just love embracing the present. That's why whenever we need to go back to the van, our tour guide would call my attention because we're the only ones missing from the group, enjoying ourselves.
Kapupurawan Rock Formation, Burgos, Ilocos Norte
On the brighter side, all your anxieties from traveling would be washed away by Ilocos' beautiful heritage sites, rock formations, and beaches.
Famous windmills at Bangui Wind Farm, Bangui, Ilocos Norte
And for a budget trip, you'd see that Ilocos' beauty is priceless.
Side-by-side with a 4x4 at Paoay Sand Dunes
Princess-like feels at Malacañang of the North
View at Malacañang of the North, Paoay, Ilocos Norte
Our accommodation: Twin Island Beach House
Twin Island Beach House, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Surprisingly, our accommodation was very friendly, clean and comfortable with a bonus of a magnificent view. Plus they served us a breakfast buffet. Budget well spent it was.
The beach was nice with some fishes near the shore. The sand was white but not as white as some other beaches in the Philippines, and it was quite rocky with all the dead corals. They said that you can cross to the twin island during low tide.
Beach at Twin Island
Overall, our Ilocos experience was worth what we paid for. Would I recommend joining a tour from travel agency? Sure, as long as you take mental notes of the things to consider — van's leg room, tour time and patience with other joiners. There's no question that Ilocos was worth every tiring ride; I am sure to come back.
Here are the places we went to (some are not in the photos)
NORTE: Paoay Church, Malacañang of the North, Sand Dunes, Bangui Windmills, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Cape Bojeador, Patapat Viaduct
SUR: Quirino Bridge, Hidden Garden, Baluarte, Bantay Church & Bell Tower (View Ilocos Sur here)
This is not a sponsored post, but here's Thorita's FB page for your own checking:
THANK YOU FOR READING!
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