COVID-19 Consumer News

5 Glorious Spots in Ilocos You Should Revisit After the Pandemic

Revisit these beautiful spots and historical places!

By: Antonette Louise Guiao | April 01, 2021
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Due to changing quarantine measures, the destination/s, store/s, establishment/s featured in this article might be temporarily closed under the latest government policies. LGUs might also implement health protocols and travel requirements. Please contact the establishment/s before visiting. Stay safe!


tourist spots in Ilocos

Ilocos is truly rich in history and culture.

Image: @aeranir

When it comes to tourist spots that offer both scenery and history, Ilocos is the best place to visit. The region offers not only cultural landmarks and historical places for you to explore, but it also boasts mouth-watering delicacies that can only be found within it. With offerings like these, tourist spots in Ilocos are indeed worth visiting anytime.

However, due to the recent pandemic, tourist spots in Ilocos and all over the country had to close. But just because they are currently closed doesn’t mean you can’t look forward to visiting them once they reopen! Whether or not you’ve been to the place before, going on a trip to the home of cultural heritages will always be a wonderful idea. Curious about what to add to your Ilocos itinerary once the quarantine is lifted? Read on to find out the best place to visit and how to safely tour around!


1. Bangui Windmills

Location: Bangui Bay, Bangui, Ilocos Norte


best place to visit

The beautiful sight and strong breeze of the windmills are enough to blow you away!

Image: @jessonmorata

One of the most well-known tourist spots in Ilocos Norte is the Bangui Windmills. These windmills do not only make a great attraction, but they also promote sustainable living. The windmills provide 33 megawatts or 50% of Ilocos Norte’s electricity, and this is also the perfect destination if you ever want to explore the northern part of Ilocos. Be prepared for the incredibly strong winds when you visit!



When touring the Bangui Windmills, make sure to always keep your face masks and other protective gears on the entire time. COVID-19 can be transmitted through cough and sneeze droplets, and these droplets can remain suspended in the air. Since the area is a very windy place, infected droplets may easily travel anywhere, so keep your eyes, nose, and mouth protected at all times. Before leaving, sanitize your hands before touching anything else first.


2. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Location: Burgos, Ilocos Norte


historical places

Don’t miss this jewel when you visit Ilocos Norte!

Image: @aiyreen

Located on the rocky coast of Burgos, the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is another one of Ilocos’ must-see attractions. The name “Kapurpurawan” came from the Ilocano word ”puraw” which means white. Naturally sculpted by the process of sedimentation with the aid of sea water and air, the rock formation boasts a beautiful white surface that is undoubtedly picture-perfect. Guests must trek in order to reach the rock formation. Along the way, a statue of “Biag ni Lam-ang* (Life of Lam-ang)”, an Ilocano epic can be seen.

Trekking is a great physical activity to strengthen your immune system. When going trekking with other tourists, always observe social distancing and stay 2 meters away from the person in front of you. Avoid areas with large crowds to minimize physical interaction. The disinfection of natural sculptures like rock formations may be challenging, for these can cause the formation to break. In order to stay safe, avoid touching the rock formation instead.



3. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Location: Burgos, Ilocos Norte


pandemic

The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is a well-known cultural heritage in Ilocos Norte.

Image: @kaye.kaye.lm

Burgos is also home to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, a popular attraction in Ilocos Norte which was declared as a National Historical Landmark and National Cultural Treasure in 2004 and 2005. Before becoming a tourist spot, the lighthouse used to serve as a guide for cargo vessels, ships, and local fishermen against the waves and rocks of the coastline. The 60-foot stone tower is nestled on a small hill called Vigia de Nagparitan. It was also built with a pavilion which was turned into a museum where old apparatus such as light pressure vessels and locally-made bricks are displayed. Out of all these, the most eye-catching thing about the lighthouse is its tower which holds the lantern and bronze cupola.

Inside the lighthouse is a flight of stairs that can lead guests straight to the lantern room. When using the stairs, try to minimize touching the handrails as these are commonly touched. After touching it, disinfect your hands thoroughly with alcohol or hand sanitizer.


4. Vigan Heritage Village

Location: Crisologo, Vigan City, Ilocos Sure


quarantine

Travel back in time at the Vigan Heritage Village!

Image: @lorenzo_wayfaring

Visiting Ilocos wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the iconic Calle Crisologo at the Vigan Heritage Village! The heritage village is a favorite among tourists because of its old Spanish theme that can take you back in time. Its cobblestone streets and unique architecture inspired by Spanish colonial houses look like they’re straight out of a history book and can give you a glimpse of the country’s glorious past.



Calle Crisologo is often crowded, which means social distancing may be hard to attain. When visiting the heritage village, stay away from crowded areas. Always wear face masks and other protective equipment, and remember to disinfect your hands after touching anything. Should you find the need to use restrooms in the village, always remember to close the lids of the toilet bowl after use and wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.


5. Bantay Bell Tower

Location: Bantay, Ilocos Sur


tourist spots in Ilocos

If its walls could talk, the Bantay Bell Tower would have so many wonderful stories to tell.

Image: @aljerjoseph

Also known as Diego and Gabriela Silang’s favorite dating spot back in the 17th century, the Bantay Bell Tower has looked over the town of Vigan and Bantay against enemies since 1591. The bell tower was turned into a church in 1857 and is now one of the most popular symbols of Vigan. It also served as a belfry of the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Caridad, St. Augustine Parish. What made this place more iconic is that the famous Filipino film “Panday” was shot within and around it. The admission to the tower is free, but guests have to register first before entering.

The bell tower has lots of open areas where you can go so social distancing is easily attainable. Continue practicing social distancing by keeping a safe distance of 2 meters from other guests. When entering the tower, make sure to enter with the same people in your household. Always carry alcohol or hand sanitizer with you for disinfection.



While Ilocos can offer you historically rich memories and a culture-filled adventure, remember to always put your safety first before anything else. The best way to do so is by continuously practicing safety measures even after the quarantine. Stay safe!


Go to Yoorekka to discover more wonderful spots you might want to visit when it's safe.


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About Antonette Louise Guiao
Antonette is a writer, a night owl, an extrovert, and a BTS ARMY. Her spare time is consumed by drawing digital vector art, sleeping, binge-watching Netflix series, and learning how to cook. An adventurer by heart, she aspires to travel the world with her family, try extreme outdoor activities, and taste all sorts of food in different countries.
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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
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