Last week of 2012 when I decided to embark a solo backpacking trip to the northern provinces of Luzon: Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. My original plan for my Ilocandia trip was only for 3 days but since my schedule was flexible, the trip lasted for 4 days. Here is my documented and detailed Ilocos do-it-yourself itinerary.

10 THINGS TO DO IN ILOCANDIA

1. Visit Hidden Garden in Vigan
2. Try to compare the Vigan and Batac Empanada
3. Wait for the sunset in Calle Crisologo
4. Check the remains of late President Marcos
5. Visit the UNESCO site of Paoay Church
6. Check the Laoag Sinking Tower and Cathedral
7. Lay down on Patapat Viaduct
8. Overnight tent stay by the beach in Saud
9. Know the legend of the rock formations in Pagudpud
10. Try the Crispy Dinuguan and Baraniw Iced Tea in Johnny Moon’s Café

ILOCOS DIY ITINERARY

* Highlight/s of the day.

SAMPLE EXPENSES

Traveling on a limited budget is a challenge for every solo traveler especially for those who are first timers like me. Here are my expenses for my 4D3N tour in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte last December 27-30, 2012.

Note: Fares to and from Ilocos are not included.

ACCOMMODATION

Book your stay in Ilocos on the search box below.

ARCELLANA’S LODGING HOUSE
San Julian Sur, Vigan City
Contact No. +639178522547, +639178211119
Solo Fan Room with CR – 200/night

TEXICANO HOTEL
Rizal Street, Laoag City
Tel No. (077) 772-0290/7705778
Website: www.wix.com.ph/texicanohotel/ph
Solo Fan Room w/o CR – 250/night

Overnight Tent Stay in Saud Beach
Find Mr. Bernard Aguirre

HOW TO GET THERE

By Land
Manila to Vigan – Partas Bus, Dominion, Aniceto and Viron Transit ply the Manila-Vigan route regularly. Fare is around Php750 and travel time is 8-9hrs.
Vigan to Batac – Take a mini bus going to Laoag City and tell the bus conductor to drop you in Batac. Fare is Php80 and travel time is 2hrs.
Batac to Paoay – Go to Pick A Bun and wait for the jeepneys going to Paoay. Fare is Php10 and travel time is about 30 minutes.
Paoay to Laoag – Near Paoay Church is a jeepney terminal going to Laoag. Fare is Php36 and travel time is 1hr.
Laoag to Pagudpud – At the back of Ilocos Norte Capitol is a bus terminal going to Pagudpud. Fare is Php60 and travel time is 1.5hr.

By Air
Manila to Laoag – Take a Manila to Laoag direct flight via Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines or Airphil Express. Travel time is about an hour.

TOURISM OFFICES

VIGAN TOURISM OFFICE
Tel. No. (077) 722-8771 to 76
www.vigancity.gov.ph
admin@vigancity.gov.ph

ILOCOS NORTE TOURISM OFFICE
Provincial Capitol
Tel. No. (077) 772-1211 loc. 119/770-4242
www.ilocosnorte.gov.ph
ilocosnortetourism@yahoo.com