Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Laoag Hotel Guide
Ilocos Norte’s capital is Laoag. It is a fascinating city where tourists can stay in world class hotels. There are several sites and things you can do in Laoag and it is nice to rest and relax in some of Laoag’s best hotels.
1. Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel – This hotel is just ten minutes away from the main aiport. They have two hundred sixty seven rooms. The design of this hotel is inspired by the architecture during the Spanish colonization.Laoag is also known for this kind of architecture especially with the old mansions.The hotel has different gardens and fountains as well which gives you a view of the Hispanic culture of Laoag. There are also many furnishings that give you the same appeal. Every room has a nice balcony giving the guest a view of the sea of China. Staying here will feel like having a vacation in a Castilian European hotel.
2. Palazzo de Laoag – This is a modern hotel. It has four levels with huge panels made of glass. This is situated in Paterno Street. The ambiance in this hotel is very cozy yet very stylish. This hotel is also good as a venue for big celebrtions or events. It has its own restaurant, a pool,cafe, disco bar and courtyards. Palazzo also has a trellis and an azotea in some special sections. This hotel has been frequented by Ilocanos who came from abroad and want to splurge in the Palazzo’s amenities and good service.
3. Badoc Island Resort- This is a resort and a hotel rated first class. It has a very cozy lobby and large spaces. This hotel is situated on the northwestern coast of the region. This is an ideal getaway from the city. They have all the amenities you can find in a hotel. This hotel also offers their guests the chance to enjoy the seas with surfing or snorkeling. This is the best place to relax in a place anyone can consider paradise.
4.Java Hotel – This hotel is found in Bacarra Road. This hotel is designed from the inspiration of a traditional Ilocano life. They offer the guests with tasty dishes from Ilocos. This is a good alternative to hotels that are designed with modern architecture. The design of this hotel is very Ilocano and FIlipino. This hotel has many amenities as well. They offer pool, coffee shop, a spacious lobby, convenience store,souvenir store,health club and a tennis court.
5. Northview Hotel – This is a hotel near the Narbo Road. This is a lodge with a modern desing. This hotel has many facilities including different banquet rooms, restaurant and a big parking space. Many locals held their wedding reception in this hotel. This is a good alternative if you find the price in other hotels too expensive.
Laoag Transportation
Overview
The beautiful city of Laoag is a great place to visit because of the many tourist attractions in this northernmost province of the Philippines. Ilocos Norte is being recognized as the best tourist destination in the north and the efforts of the local government in making sure their history is preserved is paying off. Another reason why the capital of Laoag is a favorite tourist destination is because of the accessible Laoag transportation that even visitors will feel safe and comfortable taking.
Getting to Laoag
Traveling by land, although could take a couple of hours is the main mode of Laoag transportation available to those coming from the southern part of the Philippines including Metro Manila. This form of Laoag transportation is frequently used by those coming from the capital of the Philippines and Pampanga. Aside from being affordable, the bus ride although long, is comfortable with air conditioned buses making at least 2 trips everyday. Choose from big names such as Philippine Rabbit, RCJ Trans, Victory Liner and GV Florida to help one get to Laoag safely. The trip should take 15 hours at most.
One can also rent a private vehicle to get to Laoag or use one’s own car and although this is the most comfortable mode of Laoag transportation via land, prepare to spend a little over Php1000 in gasoline, maybe more for high end luxury cars. If traveling with a group though and everyone wants to make frequent stops along the way, this could be a fun adventure for everyone.
For those in a hurry to get to Laoag, one can also travel by air with Philippine Airlines and other domestic carries making the trip to Ilocos Norte’s capital at least once a day. The plane ride is less than an hour and if one is coming from abroad, it’s a matter of finding a flight that lands directly in Laoag.
Getting Around Laoag
The local government of Ilocos Norte has made sure that their progressive city provides ample modes of Laoag transportation to every individual regardless of whether such individual is a resident or a visitor. There is a wide range of Laoag transportation options available once in the city itself and it includes jeepneys, tricycles and mini vans. The most commonly used is the jeepney though and this has a fixed route. For shorter distances, a tricycle can be ridden or a mini-van for a more comfortable trip.
Laoag Restaurants
Laoag City in Ilocos Norte is one of the prides of the northern Philippines. It has a pretty rich culture coupled with a priceless historical value and a nice taste for good food. There are many local dishes that are served in Laoag restaurants that are famous in the whole province. Bagnet or fried pork rind is one of the most popular and it is best served with good company against the cozy ambience of the beautiful city. There’s also Pinakbet, which is a mix of vegetables like squash, eggplant, string beans, and bittermelon served in a tasty sauce. Higado is another favorite meat dish among Ilocanos and their visitors.
Dining along Laoag restaurants is like a trip to the richness of the city. You will not only get utmost gastronomic pleasure while doing so. You will also enjoy the casual ambience that is always perfect for wonderful conversations and pleasant companies.
Macy’s Diner – This Laoag restaurant combines the goodness of Filipino and American cuisine in such an exciting mix. Filipino favorites like Siopao and Palabok can be served alongside fries and tacos and club sandwiches. If you think the menu is interesting enough, wait until you see how the restaurant is designed. There are neon lights, black and white tiles, and leather seats all around. [Gen. Segundo Ave. cor. M.H. del Pilar, Laoag]
La Preciosa Restaurant – Fine dining is always welcome to any unknowing tourist who likes to feel at home with the city he visits. In this part of northern Philippines, fine dining is all about La Preciosa restaurant. It serves Filipino lifestyle with every plate. Make sure that you try the Bagnet, Pinakbet, Poqui-Poqui, and Pansit Molo because it will be a crime not to. La Preciosa is one of the finest Laoag restaurants that you should never leave out on your must-visit list. [Rizal Street, Laoag; (6377) 773 1162, (6377) 773 2159]
Max’s Restaurant – This popular chain serves familiar Filipino meals in an almost but not quite fastfood setting. The chicken is a must-try as well as the sumptuous food fare of Filipino favorites like Kare-Kare, Sinigang na Hipon, Crispy Pata, and Bicol Express. What’s more, eating at Max’s gives your money real good value. The food is reasonably priced and you do not have to chunk fortune for a gastronomic delight. [General Segundo Avenue, Laoag City; (6377) 607 0233]
Eagle’s Nest Br and Restaurant – There are not too many places to stay in Laoag. Fortunately, the few that are available made sure that they have an amazing eating facility on board. This food hub, located at the Java Hotel, is a pretty goo example. It houses a fusion of Japanese, American, and Filipino cuisines. [http://www.javahotel.com.ph; javahotel@gmail.com; Java Hotel, Bacarra Road, Brgy. 55-B Salet, Laoag; (6377) 770 5996 to 97]
Laoag Travel Guide
Known as one of the interesting tourist destinations in the northern region of the Philippines, Laoag City offers nice and attractive sightseeing views to everyone. For those who want to travel to this place, it is important that they refer to Laoag travel guides for these serve as tools that will help them have a wonderful and hassle-free stay in the city. Additionally, Laoag travel guides feature sections on hospitality service providers, restaurants, and tourist attractions in the place. In this way, people can be ensured of safe stay in Laoag City, Philippines.
Hotels in Laoag City, Philippines
One of the significant sections of Laoag travel guides is the accommodation section wherein most of the hospitality service providers in the place are featured. For those who are in search for hotels that will suit their budget there are two-star and four-star hotels in the place that offer standard amenities and affordable rates such as Hotel Tiffany, Texican Hotel, and Isabel Suites. Meanwhile, for people who like to feel the luxury of special amenities like swimming pool, they can always take a look at Laoag travel guides and make advance reservations at any of these hotels, Kapuluan Vista Resort, as well as Ramada Resort.
Tourist Attractions in Laoag City, Philippines
For those who like to have an enjoyable tour to Laoag City, Philippines, Laoag travel guides feature attractive hotels that they can visit. This city plays home to several beautiful and well-maintained religious man-made attractions like Saint William’s Cathedral, Sinking Bell Tower, and Paoay Church. On the other hand, for people who want to visit the historic destinations in Laoag City, Philippines, they can always go to Malacanang of the North, Tobacco Monopoly Monument, and Museo Ilocos Norte. Above all, most Laoag travel guides allot a section where they feature the famous Fort Ilocandia Resort, which has rooms that follow Spanish architecture and design.
Restaurants in Laoag City, Philippines
When it comes to eating, Laoag travel guides have special sections on restaurants in the city. For individuals who like to dine at relaxing dining places that serve seafood and grilled dishes, they can always visit Coco Lobster and Cailian Grill. Aside from these restaurants, there are also places that offer international cuisine such as Magic Bunny Foodhouse, Papa Dau’s, and Macy’s Diner. Finally, for those who prefer to dine in fast food restaurants, they can always check out the popular dining places Jollibee, as well as McDonald’s.
Laoag Beach Guide
Laoag is the vibrant capital of Ilocos Norte.It is a beautiful city that attracts more tourists each year. It also has some of the best beaches in the Philippines.
1. Pannzian Beach – This is a beach considered the seaside jewel. This is a beach in Pagudpod. It is a town near the sea which is very famous for having clear beaches covered with whaite sand. Pannzian is nine kilometers in length. This is top resort with two hundred sixty seven rooms in all. The rooms have a good view of the wide sea because each one has a balcony. They also have a course for golf fans. The golf also has a good view of the Paoay Lake.
2. Nipa Beach – This is beach filled with good sceneries. The sand in this beach seems to be rolling downwards as you get close to the shore. This resort has classy nipa huts with roofs that are pointed. This beach is famous for the clean and blue water. The beach is part of the great China Sea. The whole beach also has tall trees providing good shade while you are enjoying your time in the sand.
3. Pagudpud Beach – This is a beach near the bay of Bangui. This is called Boracay of the north by many people because the sand is just as fine. Pagudpod is even favored by more beach goers because you can do any sports you can do in the water. Pagudpod is a good venue for boating, snorkeling, parasailing and surfing.Many picknickers also go here to spend time with their family.
4. Calayab Beach – This is a beach in the town of Calayab. There are many hotels and resorts in this beach including Fort Ilocandia. Fort Ilocandia is a hotel with its own casino.
5. Terra Rika Beach – This another Laoag beach located in Pagudpod. You can enjoy the sceneries in this beach as the sun rises and when the sun sets. The place is more peaceful than other beaches which provide a good place to meditate and relax. They have a resort with twenty five rooms that are complete with all the amenities. They also have a diving facility where divers can enjoy.
6. Saud Beach – This is a beach in Pagudpod. One of the best things you can do is kayaking.The waves in this beach is good for kayaking and even paragliding. One of the well known resorts in this beach is Vista del Mar. The windmills of Bangui are landmarks in this beach.
Laoag Sightseeing Guide
This Laoag sightseeing guide will showcase the natural and manmade wonders of the capital of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Being nestled in between one of the largest mountain ranges in the Philippines and the South China Sea, Laoag City presents scenic views and great tropical delights for its visitors.
For the initial part of our Laoag sightseeing guide, we’ll go over some of the scenic natural attractions you should expect to find.
La Paz Beach is the closest beach in Laoag, which is a lovely pebble beach with extensive sand dunes. However, if you’re looking for some of the best beaches in the Philippines, you better drive up an hour to Pagudpud to find something at par with the world’s best.
The La Paz Sand Dunes is a favorite movie location here in the Philippines. Filipino-style western movies have chosen this among several locations. It is interesting to note that two international film, Born on the Fourth of July and Mad Max, also filmed here.
The next part of our Laoag sightseeing guide will feature some of the historic attractions you can check out. The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was built in 1892 and is the highest lighthouse in the Philippines, which still functions today.
Saint William’s Cathedral was built in 1612 and is a fine piece of Italian Renaissance architecture. It has a two-story facade that is held in place using coupled columns. The Santa Monica Church on the other hand is a century old church that is a great mix of baroque and neo-classical design.
No Laoag sightseeing guide will be complete without the Sinking Bell Tower. The name comes from the fact that the tower sinks about a few centimeters each year. The tower was built on sand and its weight drags the entire structure down. One of its doors that was once able to let a man on a horse through is now halfway sunk to the ground.
The next segment of our Laoag sightseeing guide will feature some of the cultural highlights here starting with Fort Ilocandia. Fort Ilocandia is a hotel that sports many Spanish-Moroccan trends in design and infrastructure. Its more than 200 rooms give a spectacular view of the beach area. The hotel is primarily designed to attract foreign tourists and guests but it also brings in locals from all over the Philippines as well. Other than the magnificent view and great facilities, Fort Ilocandia is also famous for its casinos and golf course.
One of the must see places here is the Marcos Mausoleum, which has a display of the 20-year term president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos. You’ll get a chance to glimpse at his wax replica but no pictures are allowed. However, you may take pictures while you’re at the Marcos Museum that displays the man’s personal effects and features his personal career and family line.
Our Laoag sightseeing guide features some of the highlights to see in this city. Visitors will grow to appreciate unique beauty Ilocos Norte and Laoag City has to offer.
Laoag Travel Agents
The Best in the North
Laoag City is considered as the industrial, commercial and political hub of the Ilocos Norte. As the capital city if Ilocos Norte, Laoag City has been the center of the fast progressing North Luzon Economic Triangle among noted neighboring cities. The ‘Laoag Ecozone’ has bolstered the commercial status of the city thus becoming one of the first-class cities in the Philippines. Laoag City’s accessibility has been one of the major factors that led to its economic progress because it opened opportunities for investors to establish their business ventures, which generated jobs for the locals of Laoag City. Thus, Laoag City has been a symbol of economic progress and immovability in the northern part of the Philippines for which, it opened an avenue for neighboring municipalities and towns to be competitive and assertive in terms of improvement.
Laoag City and Tourism
It is undeniable that tourism played a major role in the growth of the city of Laoag. For this reason, Laoag International Airport has been operational to keep up with the pace of the growth of tourism. Tourism has been the economic driver of the city as it paved way for the transportation improvement and commercial ventures. Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort is the only five-star hotel in the northern part of the Philippines. Heritage sites is flourishing around the city’s vicinity featuring Spanish colonial edifices, Philippine-rococo (baroque) churches, the mansions during the Marcos regime and of course, who would ever resist the white-sand beaches of Pagudpud. Due to the remarkable and impressive increase in tourist influx, some foreigners established consulate to oversee their citizens residing and staying at Laoag City.
Hotlines for Tourists
The influx of tourists prompted the local government of Laoag to push further beyond what is expected of them. City improvements everywhere have been prevalent to maintain its tourism edge. To provide this type of quality service, travel agencies offer package for tourists and visitors alike to help them enjoy the wonderful city of Laoag. One of the noted travel agency is the Aboex Travel and Tours which has an office in Manila and especially in Laoag City. They offer passport processing down to document legalization, authentication and translation. Talking about complete package, they have it all. Having this kind of travel agency would definitely encourage visitors and especially foreign tourists to have a hassle-free stay and would most likely stay longer and put up a business, and then again, generate jobs for the growth of this city.
Laoag Sightseeing and Activities
Laoag City in Ilocos Norte has many destinations for sightseeing and other activities. This city has many attractions for sightseeing such as historical sites, natural wonders, cultural locations and religious shrines. Other destinations in and around the city offer activities such as spelunking, trekking, kayaking, sand dunes riding and swimming.
Laoag City, being a historic town, has many destinations for the sightseeing tourists. Visiting Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Juan Luna Shrine in Badoc, Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, Tobacco Monopoly Monument, General Ricarte National Shrine and Aglipay Shrine will give tourists a chance to know and appreciate the rich historic heritage of Laoag City.
For those sightseeing tourists who want to see the rich culture of Laoag, various places are found in and around the city. Malacanang of the North can be found in Paoay. Also, one can appreciate Paoay by visiting its shops to know the rich heritage of the town on loom weaving. For those who are interested to know the religious aspect of Ilocos Norte, going to Paoay Church, Saint Williams Cathedral and Santa Monica Church are the places to visit.
Laoag is also abundant in natural resources. Nature tripping and sightseeing are some of the popular activities for tourists visiting the place. Waterfalls such as Anuplig Waterfall in Adams and Abang Falls offer activities such as hiking and swimming. Sightseeing tourist will also enjoy visiting the Paoay Lake National Park. Inside this national park, one can enjoy seeing the lush vegetation and soothing waters of Paoay Lake. The Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes gives a chance for tourists to explore the sand dunes atop a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Bagui-Pagudpud Beach is a popular destination among tourists. Its clear waters and fine sand offers a chance for tourist to relax by swimming or just lounging on the beach.
For those seeking thrill and adventure, destinations in and around Laoag City offer tourists to experience adrenalin-pumping activities. The magnificent cavern formations in Pasuquin Cave are the attractions why the place is frequented by spelunkers. Bulu River’s clear cool waters and lush vegetation along its banks are the reason the site is popular for kayaking and white water rafting.
Other places of interest to visit are the Sinking Bell Tower near Saint Williams Cathedral and the Bangui Wind Farm. The Sinking Bell Tower is Laoag’s version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. On the other hand, Bangui Wind Farm’s wind turbines are so picturesque that they are a photographer’s dream.
Laoag Festivals and Events
Overview
Colorful traditions are expressed in the grandest way during Laoag festivals and there is no better way to learn about them than to join or at least watch one. Laoag festivals are enchanting and the Ilocanos do such a good job of making sure that each year, their events are livelier and celebrated with a bigger bang.
Pamulinawen Festival
Named after a legendary bird the Pamulinawen Festival is a religious Laoag festival to commemorate St. William, the province’s patron saint. The inhabitants of Laoag believe that St. William has spared Laoag from several natural disasters and helped make it the thriving city it is today. Celebrated for a whole week, the Pamulinawen Festival is something that the locals prepare for with plays, dances, parades and other merry making activities. There is even a food festival during the Pamulinawen Festival which draws people from all over the region to participate. All government and non-government organizations prepare for this Laoag festival and even corporations actively participate in it. Some believe that this Laoag festival because it’s celebrated in February is the Ilocano’s way of extending the merry making of the Christmas season. The history of the Pamulinawen Festival dates back to the times of the Spanish occupation of the country when the feast day of saints was celebrated marking the conversion of the Ilocanos to Christianity. The Pamulinawen Festival starts off with a military parade and among the highlights are the Ms. Laoag beauty pageant, floral parade and the magnificent fireworks show on the last day.
Dulang Food Festival
The Filipinos love to eat and having said that, the Ilocanos are no different and admittedly, they prepare delicious and unique dishes that more than just satisfy hunger. The Dulang Food Festival is a Laoag festival where one can taste test the local favorites of Ilocos and those who join this event come from all areas of the region. The dishes that one can taste during the Dulang Food Festival are prepared with one-of-a-kind utensils that one will not find in any store and they also have unique names. During the first few times that the Dulang Food Festival was celebrated, every single household in Laoag would prepare their favorite dish and invite guests over for merry making. Every household is jam packed with family members and friends who dine and reminisce together during this Laoag festival. Among the dishes prepared during the Dulang Food Festival are Dinuguan (pork stew cooked in its own blood), Dinakdakan (a delicacy the primary ingredient of which is pig’s brain) and Pinakbet (mixed vegetables stir fried in shrimp paste). The Dulang Food Festival promotes camaraderie among neighbors because anyone can drop by and eat as much as they want.
Laoag Government Sites
The Gleaming Gem of Ilocos Region
Laoag City, a lively and energetic development core in the northern part of the Philippines, is definitely a one of kind destination or spot that offers delightful surprises, panoramic sand mounds, flourishing plant life, picturesque beaches, cultural and historical sites. The place is certainly a must for tourists and visitors a like. The industry of tourism in Laoag City has been recognized and awarded several times for obvious reasons.
Location and Best Spots
Laoag City is more or less 500 kilometers away north of Metro Manila and six (6) hours away from the Philippines’ Summer Capital, Baguio City. One of the noted landmarks of Laoag City is the Saint William Cathedral’s bell tower which is also known as the Sinking Bell Tower. The Tobacco Monopoly Monument and the Iloko Museo are spots that should not be missed as well. Laoag City’s location is very strategic to tourism because of its surrounding area.
These sites are must-see for visitors and tourists alike. Tourist sites Karinking Falls of Solsona, Badoc Island, Kaangriyan Falls of Burgos, Patapat Viaduct and Kaibigan Falls, Maira-ira Cove, Coral Formations of Currimao, Paoay Coral Cliffs and Paoay Lake National Park, Santa Monica Church, Bacarra Belfry, Burgos Lighthouse, San Agustin Church and the Suba Sand Dunes never fail to amaze tourists who love nature and value cultural heritage. As for information, the city of Laoag is the gateway of tourism to the North Luzon Tourism Hub and Growth Quadrangle.
The Center of Trade and Commerce of the Ilocos Norte
Laoag City Commercial Complex is one of the business monument of Laoag City that showcases Ilocano trade and products like Sukang Iloko, Longanisa, Bagnet, Inabel and various local products. As the trading capital of Ilocos Norte, business related establishments are thriving and flourishing in the city.
Moving Forward to the Future
The progress of economic stability and the industry of tourism of the city of Laoag have been made ‘accessible’ by just doing some few clicks browsing the internet. The local government of Ilocos Norte, particularly of the Laoag City made use of the power of networking through the internet. Laoag City official website (http://www.laoagcity.gov.ph/) is filled with noteworthy historical and cultural write ups and real-time or updated information regarding the city.
Checking the site as a tourist or an entrepreneur, checking the website is definitely the best thing to do or consider. Through the World Wide Web or the internet, the Sparkling Gem of Ilocandia is just a few clicks away.
