Napintas! Explore Ilocos Norte through these must-visit places

2 weeks ago 7

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

Napintas! Explore Ilocos Norte through these must-visit places

LANDMARK. The Paoay Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo by Edmar delos Santos

The travel distance may just be all worth it when you see these breathtaking spots in Ilocos Norte!

ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – It takes an 8-hour bus ride from Manila or a 1-hour and 15-minute flight from Pasay to reach Ilocos Norte. However, despite the distance, the trip could offer you a rewarding experience through some unique tourist attractions.

Located in the northwest part of the country, facing the West Philippine Sea and part of the Cordillera Mountain Range in Ilocos Norte, the province has a lot to offer, from food and culture to fun activities.

Planning to visit the province? Here are the must-visited places that local tourists love to go, where you might just say napintas (beautiful)!

Museo nina Juan at Antonio Luna

Located at Barangay Garreta, Badoc, Ilocos Norte, this historic house — which is now a museum — is the birthplace of Filipino painter Juan Luna.

In 1861, the bahay na bato (stone house), was completely damaged by a fire after the Luna family had moved to Manila.

Over a century later, the house was restored by the National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines or NHCP) and the Department of Public Works and Highways in 1977.

The museum features replicas of the works of Juan Luna and the personal history of the Luna brothers. These include the life and career of Juan, his studio in Paris, the life and career of Antonio Luna, the Luna home in the 19th century, Antonio’s letter to Conchita Castillo, and trench warfare.

Outside the house, statues honoring the Luna brothers can also be seen. The museum is open to the public with free admission for all visitors; however, donations are also encouraged for the maintenance of the historical site.

Bangui Wind Farm

Ilocos Norte has three wind farms in these towns: Bangui, Burgos, and Pagudpud. However, it is a must-see to visit the first wind farm inaugurated in 2005 in Southeast Asia, located in Bangui Bay.

Known as the “Renewable Energy in Southeast Asia,” Ilocos Norte has over 100 wind turbines installed in the three towns in the province.

You might also want to take a photo of the towering wind turbines along the coast.

Mt. Lammin

If you’re fascinated by forests and mountains, you might want to consider visiting Mt. Lammin in Piddig, Ilocos Norte.

Breathe in the fresh air and take in the stunning scenery that Mt. Lammin has to offer. It is said to be home to the largest coffee plantation in Region I.

However, the Municipality of Piddig announced in January 2025 that entry to the mountain is currently restricted as a preventive measure against grass and forest fires during the El Niño phenomenon.

Once it reopens to the public, make sure to include Mt. Lammin in your travel list.

Paoay Church

Your visit to Ilocos Norte is not complete without seeing the San Agustin Church, also known as Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1993.

The parish was founded by Augustinian missionaries in 1593. However, the construction of the church began only in 1694 and was completed in 1710.

Do not forget to buy your pasalubong and try the local restaurants, local flavored ice creams, and a café right in front of the Paoay Church!

Laoag Sand Dunes

Aside from the famous Paoay Sand Dunes, Laoag also boasts an 85 square-kilometer stretch of beach and desert landscape. You may want to hop on a 4×4 car, ride an ATV, or go sandboarding to experience the dry white sands in the north.

The dunes are located at Barangay La Paz in Laoag City.

Batac City Riverside Empanadaan

Of course, you should not miss a visit to the Batac City Riverside Empanadaan. A favorite local snack spot, it is a perfect place to enjoy how crispy Ilocos empanadas are and witness how they are prepared by seasoned makers like Glory’s Empanada.

Aside from empanada, you may also want to try other local delicacies such as tinuno a pusit (grilled dried squid), Ilocos miki, local longganisa, ukoy, and more!

A mural celebrating the Empanada Festival of Batac can also be found in the riverside complex.

Getting ready to pack your things? Don’t overthink it, go! The travel distance is worth it as you check out some of Ilocos Norte’s great spots. Intayon! (Let’s go!) – Rappler.com