Laoag, Ilocos Norte

The city of Laoag in Ilocos Norte was originally supposed to be my jump off point to Pagudpud, the "Boracay" of the northern Philippines.  I did not want to take the 12 plus hour ride to Pagudpud so I decided to just fly (45 minutes only!) to the nearest airport in the Ilocos region, then take a less than 2 hour bus ride further north to Pagudpud.

But while researching Laoag, I learned that it offered also other nice tourist spots that are easily accessible.  I reckoned I would be able to explore Laoag City proper since my flight would be arriving early afternoon.  Then prior to heading out to Pagudpud the following day, I would still be able to explore the nearby towns such as Paoay. 

Laoag Airport also had this nice touch wherein there's a free shuttle ride from the airport to most hotels located in Laoag City proper.  Just let the driver know your hotel destination. This feature is not that common in most Philippines towns with the exception of the country's biggest and most touristy cities.

I did not make any advanced hotel reservations so I just chose on Google maps a small boutique hotel with decent TripAdvisor reviews (3+ above).  The hotel was also within walking distance of most of Laoag's tourist attractions.  It probably won't matter to travelers seeking genuine Ilocano cuisine, but the hotel is  less than a 5 minute walk from a Jollibee(north) and a Max's Restaurant (south)

Hotel Tiffany Twin Room

Please note however, that this hotel, which has  multiple floors, does not have elevators. I was ok with my 4th floor room, as I felt I needed the exercise in preparation for trekking and hiking mountains.  But for elderly, young kids and the young but not so fit, you may want to request a lower floor room.

Pinoy readers, spot the tabo in the hotel bathroom

It was also just a few blocks from the Provincial capitol building of Ilocos Norte.  This area is within easy walking distance of other Laoag tourist destinations, such as the Sinking Bell Tower and the Tobacco Monopoly Monument,

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol Building

Ilocos Norte has been historically a major Tobacco producing region especially during the Spanish era. Hence, just across the Provincial capitol, you will find a towering monument for the Tobacco Monopoly.

Tobacco Monopoly Monument

As with most Philippine towns, the main catholic church is located quite near the town's seat of power.

St William Cathedral of Laoag

While the Ilocos Norte region is known for having hundred year old Spanish churches, Laoag's pride is the unique church structure known as a Sinking Bell Tower.

Sinking Bell Tower

The photo below shows what used to be the main entrance of the Bell Tower. Nowadays, even a small child will find it difficult to enter given the the tower has sunk so many feet into the ground.

Bell Tower entrance now closed

The Spanish era bell  tower is also near a more recent SM Hypermart which you may visit in case you need go on a supply run.

The Old and the New

Laoag also makes it also easy to navigate to the other tourist towns of the Ilocos region.  The sign above is for the northern destinations while the photo below is for the southern destinations.

I have not visited most of the nearby attractions given my limited time, so I will most probably explore further this region if I get to visit the Philippines again.