ILOCOS SUR TOURIST SPOTS

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Table of Contents

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Whenever I think of Ilocos Sur, I always feel excited. I am reminded of its rich historical background, of its nature-oriented attractions, of its beaches, and everything in it. Heading here in this Northern part of the country is also equally beautiful, for you will pass through scenic land formation as well as the view of the beach. Hence, this beautiful province has a lot to offer. In this article, I will be listing down all the exciting places which you may want to consider in your next trip.

List of Amazing Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Bantay Church

The historic Bantay Church, with an official name of Saint Augustine Parish Church, was established in 1590 and one of the oldest churches in the entire region of Ilocos. The church is also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity.

Baey Anito Falls

Ilocos Sur is gifted with waterfalls. One of which is the Baey Anito Falls located at Barangay Anaao in the town of Alilem. In going here, it will take about thirty up to an hour of trekking, depending on your speed. As you reach the waterfalls, you will be welcomed with the majestic view of the water, its basin, its lush green background, and the rock formations. Thus, it is no wonder that the place is called Baey Anito, which technically translates to “House of gods or spirits.”

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo

Situated in the City of Vigan, the Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo will allow you to see different species of animals – specifically those that are considered as exotic ones. They have Bengal tigers, camels, leopards, ostriches, white lions, zebras, and a lot more. Indeed, a trip here is like taking a trip to the African continent because of the rare animals that you could see.

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Bantay Bell Tower

The Bantay Bell Tower is located on a hill where you could see the view of the town. It is located in front of the St. Augustine Parish Church. So, finding it is not difficult. Stories about the place being the favorite dating spot of the Filipino couple heroes Diego and Gabriela Silang is known to the locals.

Govantes River

The Govantes River is known as the “face” of Vigan City, for it is the first thing that will welcome you as you enter the town. This vast river is currently being eyed as an additional tourist destination, which will allow visitors to do some boating while enjoying the calming vibe of the river.

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Aw-asen Falls

The Aw-asen Falls is situated in the town of Sigay, specifically in Sto. Rosario. If you are looking for a place while you can relax while enjoying the beauty of nature, then this place is suited for you. The total height of the falls is 143ft, allowing it to make a grand splash of water as it hits the basin at the bottom. The turquoise clear and cold water at the bottom part can be used as a bathing spot to relieve the heat of summer. The lush green environment, paired with the rock formations on both sides of the falls, gives the overall nature-focused vibe of the trip. In going here, you will have to pass through bumpy and unpaved roads, cross rivers, and hike terrains. Though it may be laborious, the view and the experience of seeing the Aw-asen Falls is priceless.

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Burnay Pottery Making

Be ready to get your hands dirty because, in this place, you will not only witness how these beautiful pots and jars called Burnay is made; you can also join and make your own! This very creative and educational activity is perfect for both adults as well as kids. This pottery is situated in Barangay Pagburnayan in Vigan City.

Cabugao Beach Resort

The Cabugao Beach Resort in Barangay Pug-os in the town of Cabugao is one of the top beach destinations in Ilocos Sur. It allows visitors to enjoy the clean and calming view of the ocean while resting on its delicate and powdery shore. More so, water activities, like diving and surfing, are available.

Address: Brgy. Pug-os, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, Cabugao, Lalawigan ng Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Calle Crisologo

Calle Crisologo is located right in the heart of Vigan City. In going to this place, you will see old houses built during the Spanish colonization. The beauty of antiquity of everything that you will see as you passed through the road will leave you speechless. Shops selling local goods as well as coffee shops are available. Indeed, this historic spot is a real head-turner.

Address: Crisologo, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Crisologo Museum

The building used to be the residence of the famous politician Floro Crisologo. It is now converted into a museum with memorabilia, pieces of antique furniture, photographs, and much more on display.

Address: A. Reyes St, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Dawara Falls

The Dawara Falls is situated in the town of Suyo. The heavenly drizzle of water from the high cliff down to the bottom paired with the rocky yet lush green environment creates a paradise-like feeling. Once you are here, you may choose to take some soaking moment at the basin, or you may also go for some photoshoot experience using the majestic rocks as your backdrop.

Address: Del Pilar-Sigay-Suyo Rd, Suyo, Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Tobacco Plantation

If you wish to see the plantation of tobacco, then Ilocos is the place to go. If you are traveling to most destinations, you will see some farms.

Kayapa Falls

A waterfall with two cascading water with two different basins that is what the Kayapa Falls is all about. Such unique and scenic natural wonder is a sight to behold. The diversity of water species, as well as animals amid the forest, will also take you to a different level of fun and enjoyment. In heading here, you will have to trek for a couple of hours.

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Bagnet

Apart from longanisa, another original Ilocos cuisine that you must try when visiting the province is the bagnet. It is crispier, and you will surely crave for more.

Ken Ngilawen Burial Cave

Caves were used by our ancestors as a resting place for the departed loved ones. In the Ken Ngilawen Burial Cave located at Barangay Apaya in Alilem town, you will see the pile of log coffins which serves as the burial spot. There are also sculptures in some coffins that are made up of stones that resemble cow, lizard, and serpent. To reach Ken Ngilawen Burial Cave, there will be a need for you to have fifteen to twenty minutes of trekking.

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls

Located at the town of Suyo in Barangay Patoc-ao, the Sangbay ni Ragsak waterfalls offer an astonishing view of cascading water. The flow of water from the top as it cascades to its rocky path and finally hitting the equally bumpy and rocky basin at the bottom is a must-see view. With its beauty, it is no wonder that it is also called as the “Falls of Happiness.”

Address: Suyo, Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Syquia Mansion Museum

The mansion holds a vast collection of furniture, paintings, and relics. This place functioned as the house of the wealthy locals in the past who were very active during the Galleon Trade. One of the relics here is a gift from the emperor of China during the time of the Ming Dynasty.

Tirad Peak

Tirad Peak is the highest point of the historical spot of Tirad Pass, the place where General Gregorio Del Pilar, along with his 60 men, had their last stand against the American forces. Heading to the peak will give you the view of Abra, Benguet, La Union, and a lot more! If you are lucky, you may also catch the sea of clouds.

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Vigan Cathedral

The Vigan Cathedral or also called as Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Paul, the Apostle, is also a must-see spot in Ilocos Sur. Visiting here and resting for a bit while spending some time of reflection after your trip to the nearby Calle Crisologo is a total complete activity.

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do | Photo from the resort’s FB Page

Vitalis Villas

Known as the “Santorini of the North,” the Vitalis Villas is situated in Sabangan, Santiago. This villa will allow you to enjoy the view of the beach while resting on your nook located in the hilly part of the resort. Everything is painted in white and blue – making it all the more look like those from Greece. They also have the infinity pool where you could relax while enjoying the majestic view of the resort and the nearby bodies of water.

Address: Vitalis Villas, Sabangan Bridge, Santiago, Ilocos Sur

Yamashita Cave

Heading to the Yamashita cave in the town of Cervantes may take some walking and even hiking. As you journey, you will pass through scenic grasslands, high meadows, and different species of flowers. As you reach the cave, it is as if being part of history. Why? This cave functioned as the barrack of General Yamashita and was used as a hiding place for golds and other treasured during the peak of World War II.

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Onion and Garlic Plantations

Another great produce of Ilocos is garlic and onions. While many farmers are now struggling due to the influx of imported produce, you will still see a lot of farmers selling these vegetables along the highway.

Mira Hills Park | Vigan Fil-Hispanic Park

The Mira Hills Park is the highest point in Vigan, and it is the only remaining eco-park in the town. It allows visitors to see the view of the city while enjoying amenities like a museum, swimming pools, amphitheater, and other fun outdoor activities – both for adults and kids.

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

Vigan’s Dancing Fountain

Another must-see attraction in Ilocos Sur is the Vigan or Plaza Salcedo’s Dancing Fountain. The show started at 7 in the evening.

Padre Burgos House

Padre Burgos, one of the three known GomBurZa priests who were killed during the Spanish colonization, used this house as his dwelling place. Thus, this place is maintained and reserve as a remembrance and, at the same time, as a way of honoring the heroism of Padre Burgos.

Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots and Things To Do

The Hidden Garden

As I have mentioned earlier, Ilocos Sur is a total package. May it be beaches, history, or nature that you are after, this beautiful northern province will never fail to mesmerize you. I hope that you get the opportunity to visit this list of places, for you will indeed have a fantastic journey.

Pikkang Falls

Pikkang Falls, located in the town of San Juan, specifically in Barangay Malamin, is composed of several cascading water. It is as if a curtain of waterfalls hitting the rocky basin at the bottom. Since it is a bit isolated, coming here will entail half to an hour of trekking.

Vigan Tourist Spots + Travel guide