There are so many exciting things to do and visit in Ilocos Sur. You can start with Vigan followed by the Crisologo Museum, Vigan Park how about a little bit of strolling in the City to enjoy the famous empanada, okoy and other delectable Ilocos goodies.

1. Vigan City

Found in the province is the historic town of Vigan, which was inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in November 1999. Established in the 16th century, Vigan is the best preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines and from China with those from Europe to create a unique culture and townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia. Its Kamestizoan District is replete with ancestral houses with ancient tiled roofs, massive hardwood floorings, ballustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish-Mexican-Chinese architectural styles.

2. Sta Maria Church

Centuries-old Sta. Maria Church, declared a National Landmark, was used as a fortress during the Philippine Revolution of 1896. Tirad Pass, declared a National Shrine, had been the last stand of the Filipino Revolutionary Forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo during the same period. Bessang Pass served as the backdoor to General Yamashita’s last ditch defense during the last stage of World War II.

3. Burnay (Jar) makers

Burnay, are the big jars where the delicious bagoong(shrimp paste) are usually kept in Ilocos. You can drop by and watch them make them and help preserve this legacy.

4. Crisologo Museum

A family museum of the famous Crisologo family of Ilocos. Marvel at their car collections and other historical related artifacts.

5. Vigan’s Baluarte

One of Vigan’s newer attractions is the Baluarte Zoo which is owned by then Ilocos Sur Governor, Chavit Singson. The zoo houses a wide array of animals like pythons, tigers, snakes, birds, ponies and a whole lot more. Kids and kids at heart will surely love this place!

OUR TOP MUST SEE PLACES

The beautiful Coron

1. Coron, Palawan (Snorkeling & Diving)

A municipality in Palawan famous for its wreck diving and aquatic views. No doubt this place has been listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best diving sites in the world.

2. Donsol, Sorsogon (Encounter with the Whale Shark)

Donsol is a popular destination for tourists who wanted to see, meet and swim with the Butanding or the whale sharks. In 2004 the Time Magazine featured this place as one of the Best Animal Encounter in Asia.

3. Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue Rice Terraces are 2000 year old terraces built and carved in the mountains of Ifugao. The terraces are located approximately 1500 meters (5000 ft) above sea level and cover 10,360 square kilometers (about 4000 square miles) of mountainside. They are fed by an ancient irrigation system from the rainforests above the terraces. It is said that if the steps are put end to end it would encircle half the globe.

4. Boracay

Boracay is one of the most popular island in the Philippines located in the northwest tip of the Island of Panay popular for its sugarlike sand and pristine water. The island is consist of three baranggays; Manok Manok , Balabag and Yapac.

5. El Nido, Palawan

El Nido is a municipality in Palawan popular for diving and snorkelling. The island boasts of its towering marble cliffs, beautiful beaches and rich marine life. It is located about 432 kilometers southwest of Manila and about 238 kilometers from Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan

6. Ilocos

The Ilocos region is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines if you are in to culture and history.  Vigan in the South and the famous Malacanang of the north in Ilocos Norte are few of these places to mention.  The region of Ilocos is not only rich in history but a beautiful beaches like Pagudpud and delicious cuisine.