ILOCOS: FROM NORTE TO SUR (DAY 3 - VIGAN)
8/25/2016 06:38:00 AM
We're on our last day for this trip and we visited one of the New 7 Wonders Cities of the world, Vigan. Join me as I stroll you back and feel the Spanish-era atmosphere of Calle Crisologo.
Before anything else, it's great to start up your day with a breakfast. Our hotel accommodation goes with breakfast; a little cost saving for this trip. They have a restaurant on site and an outdoor pool (you have to pay P200/head for the pool though). Please check ILOCOS: FROM NORTE TO SUR (DAY 1 - PAGUDPUD) to know where we stayed at.
To imbibe the 16th century Spanish era feels, you may choose to ride a 'kalesa' (horse carriage) to go around one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. I wanted to try it but I pity the horses. They seemed not treated very well after working the whole day in the concrete and grass-less attraction.
It's great to visit the place during the day time because of the souvenir stores and plenty of restaurants to choose from. But I wish to go there and experience its magical beauty at night. I guess it's perfect for a romantic set-up accentuated by the lamp-lit street and the shadows it creates.
Every house and every store is a perfect background that's Instagram-worthy. We thought we'll just spend less than an hour traversing Calle Crisologo but we already consumed more than 2 hours checking each store and photographing ourselves in the street. We also had our lunch at Cafe Leona situated at the entrance of Calle Crisologo and they serve good food.
This group photo took us several tries since we just set the camera on a timer and a lot of tourists were passing by together with the 'kalesas'.
After lunch, we then go straight to Bantay Church to check out the Bantay Bell Tower. We were supposed to go and climb the tower but opted not to because it was noon time and the sun was so unforgiving.
To get inside, you'll just have to donate and proceeds go to its maintenance. For Catholics, you'll have the chance to visit the cathedral and I believe they would usually make a wish if it was the first time they visited a church.
I wanted to photograph the bell tower alone but this couple gave it a more romantic theme as if they are going to commit their vows to each other.
And of course, I don't let go opportunities like this and have myself photographed with this beautiful background. After this, everyone was so tired and missing their homes and the comfort of their beds. The travel back home was filled with snores as everyone was able to find a way to rest their heads and take a nap.
I was able to take some snaps as we passed by the Abra River. The travel was a torture to your butt but it's all worth it. Ilocos is indeed full of the best culture and nature.
We also included Baluarte in this tour but we did not have ourselves photographed with the animals. I just think the place is not well-maintained and the animals don't look healthy and well taken care of.
Vigan Itinerary
Heritage Village (St. Paul Cathedral, Plaza Vurgos, Plaza Salcedo, & Calle Crisologo)
Baluarte
Bantay Bell Tower
Lunch on Pax Account
2:00pm Departure to Manila
This trip was sponsored by the company but we also shelled out a few for some activities not covered by the tour package. Most attractions don't have entrance fees.
Budget provided by the company P33,600
Tour Package (for 12 pax) - P32,388
Tour Package includes:
- roundtrip van transfer from MNL-ILOCOS-MNL
- Day 1 Pagudpud Tour
- Day 2 Laoag Tour
- Day 3 Vigan Tour
- Hotel Accommodation
- Breakfast for 2 days
Other expenses outside the package
- 4x4 ride - P625 each
- lunch and dinner
- and pasalubong
Individually, we spent more or less P1,000 for this trip.
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