Location: Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Travel Time: around 9-10 hours from Manila
Transportation: Florida Bus
Fare: 650 php ( Bus)

I've been dreaming to explore Ilocos for so long and finally, it happened. It's almsot 3am when we headed to the Bus Terminal of Florida in Kamias, Cubao. Unfortunately, there are no midnight trip in Florida Bus Terminal in Cubao. We were informed that the trip starts from 12pm and so we

proceeded to Florida Bus Terminal in Sampaloc (Lacson Ave. near UST). We paid 650 php per head for a one way ticket to Vigan.


 It was pleased with my experience during the trip. They have nice and comfortable seats and i didn't have to experience body pain. The aircon was superb, my blanket is not enough and i had to wear jacket. I was able to rest  well and when i woke we almost reached our travel destination.


Ilocos Sur is one of the most beautiful province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region. It is subdivided into 32 municipalities and 2 cities (Vigan and Candon City). We decided to stay and tour around Vigan City since it has plenty of tourist spots and history reflects that of the Philippine history in its entirety.


I visited different tourist spots in Vigan (which I will post soon) and I noticed that most of them caters old-fashioned houses, a perfect example of  Spanish colonial town in Asia.You'll see popular restaurants and brands but the establishments seem like it was reconstructed from old houses and only the interior was changed.  If you are into history or wants to take a glimpse of ancient times, you will surely love Vigan.

But before finishing your itineraries, let me give you some "MUST KNOW" , "MUST SEE" and "MUST BRING" ideas that I learned and seen in Vigan.


 Food

Experience dining in a lovely ancient ambiance since Vigan is known for it's old-fashioned house while enjoying it's specialties like Bagnet, Longanisa, Poque poque and Sinanglaw.





Sinanglaw



                                        Photo credits to http://pinakbetrepublic.blogspot.com



 Poque poque






 Transportation


When roaming around Vigan, you have an option to take a tricycle or Calesa. A one way ride via tricycle usually costs 20 php per person while a Calesa Ride costs 150 php per hour.



I was offered to ride a Calesa for 150 php for 1 hour and I was informed that the driver will take me to any tourist destination that I want. But no matter how long you're in an area, your time will continue to run. 






The climate in Ilocos Region is generally dry, that's why if you're planning to explore, it's very important to bring an umbrella, bottled water to keep you hydrated, face towel and do not forget to apply sunblock to protect your skin from
UVB.



Known for it's contribution in our history, you will be pleased with its famous and enchanting must-see tourist destination. If you have limited time, you can just visit their famous tourist destination,

•  Calle Crisologo
• Baluarte
• Bantay Church and Belfry
• Pagburnayan
• Hidden Garden
•  Vigan Cathedral
• Loom Weaving

I paid time to visit Vigan for 1 day and it was one of the most memorable trip I had. I was ecstatic the whole time and I learned so many things from this trip. I hope our government will continue to push  tourism in Ilocos. I am really proud on how they were able to preserve the culture and I am grateful to learn and somehow feel the vibes of our ancient history. An ecstatic applause for Ilocos Sur!