Thursday, August 23, 2012

Solo Backpack: Ilocos Sur Part I

Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Here is my Itinerary


   Day VI:Ilocos Norte: Laoag

Capital: Vigan City


Day III (Aug 23,2012) : Vigan- Bantay- Baluarte Tour


Woke up by 7 AM, Im now heading to Vigan.Checked out at Texicano and left my other stuffs because I’ll return the following day. I just brought my DayPack Backpack,Tripod and Sling Bag for my cam.According to Texicano’s friendly staff the Mini-Bus Terminals (to Vigan) is just 2 blocks away from the hotel. Indeed True!. No Breakfast yet, I bought  food from the nearby and popular convenience store in Ilocos, IlocosStop.Around 830-900 the mini-nonaircon bus(Fare=P60.00) departed even if it’s half empty,that’s the disadvantage of riding these mini-buses because along the way they will pick up passengers and it is time consuming and they did cut their trip at the last town of Ilocos Norte which is Badoc and return my P30.00 because I’m the only passenger who is heading to Vigan. Better ride (Partas,Farinas and Florida BusLines).So I hopped and push my luck again to another mini-bus to Vigan, and after  an Hour and half. I arrived at the Heritage City of Vigan around 1130am.
Now Looking for a Lodge
 I have two options both got from Marcos's blog..
-Vigan Hotel –located at the back of Vigan Cathedral (near Plaza Burgos and Crisologo St)
-Socio Pastoral Council-located at the Archbishop Palace,a retreat house, caters  tourists and those who will attend seminars (near Plaza Salcedo and Vigan Cathedral)
I  settled and checked in at Socio Pastoral for an Overnight Stay(  Fan Room worth P300.00,Shared CR,2 Beds)Has Curfew by 9pm.

 
Started  my Vigan Walking Tour (a Must see when your visiting Vigan)
How to get to Crisologo?: Walk
1st Stop: Crisologo Street (Home of the Ancestral Houses)
Crisologo+Street+Vigan.jpg



Crisologo+Street+Vigan.jpg


Calesa+Crisologo+Street+Vigan.jpg
Calesa for Hire. I'm not sure How Much? In Laoag it's P60.00(Solo)


Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Solo Backpack Ilocos Norte:Southbound Tour


continuation of Day II : Southbound Tour ( Bangui Wind Mill, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse)

Here is my Itinerary


   Day VI:Ilocos Norte: Laoag


...from our last stop which is Pagudpud, Blue Lagoon to be exact, now we're heading Southbound for the continuation of my tour. But it was already lunch time, so I asked Manong Joseph where can we dine and eat? After 15-20 mins, he parked to a carinderia along the Highway in Bangui.Of course we ordered the Ilocano's Favorite, Pinakbet and Bagnet. After 30 mins,Solve! Burp! Back to Tour Proper


1st Stop: Bangui Wind Mills, Bangui Ilocos Norte 
Info: 20 Wind Mills, No Entrance fee, a lot of Souvenir Shops and Sari-Sari stores
            
Bangui+WindMills.jpg
East Side (if you're facing the sea)

 
 



Bangui+WindMills.jpg
West Side


Bangui+WindMill.jpg
Souvenirs (Alin-alin ang naiba?)Haggling is the Best Policy




Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Solo Backpack Ilocos Norte: Northbound Tour

Ilocos Norte,Philippines

Capital: Laoag

5th Solo Backpacking: Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur


Solo Backpacking Ilocos Norte: Northbound Tour (Saud Beach, Kabigan Falls, Patapat Viaduct, Timmangtang Rock Formation,Bantay-Abot Cave, Blue Lagoon, Maira-ira Beach)
 Day I (Aug 21,2012) Travel Time

-NAIA Terminal 3-Laoag International Airport (1-Hour 5J Ride)
-Free Shuttle Ride to Downtown Laoag
- 2 Hour Bus Ride to Pagudpud (Php60.00)
-Tricycle Ride to Saud Beach (Php.50.00)
-Look for a Lodge (Rlynn’s HomeStay, Brgy.Saud.Contact #09185698886 (Php 300)
-Dinner at Tartarugas Restaurant (a little pricey,but has WIFI)
-Sleep (No Data)
Duration 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM



Day II (Aug 22,2012) My Pagudpud Tour  

-Woke up 6 AM for my Saud Beach Photo Op and Etc... 
Saud+Beach+Pagudpud.jpg


Saud+Beach+Pagudpud.jpg
Very Inviting Waves...Welcome to Pagudpud!!!

Start of my Pagudpud Tour Proper (a.k.a Northbound Tour)

Transportation:  Hired Trike for my North and South Tour (Kuya Joseph Tango- 09196058371). Sometimes He is my Photographer.

Where did i go?: North Tour (Kabigan Falls-Patapat Viaduct-Timmangtang Rock Formation-Bantay Abot Cave-Blue Lagoon and Maira-ira Beach)