Intayon Ilocos Sur! (Let’s go Ilocos Sur!; your guide to your trip to Ilocos Sur)

I consider Ilocos Sur as my third home (First: my own house duh. Second: UP Diliman). Not only because it’s my mom’s hometown, but also I can’t resist coming back for their delicacies and amazing beaches! Pero bago mo matikman yung food and maligo sa beaches, you have to find your way there, right? Malamang. So I’ll help you get ready for your trip to the Heritage Province of Ilocos Sur.

1. Where in Ilocos Sur are you planning to visit?

The most famous tourist destination in Ilocos Sur is Vigan. If you are into antique stuff, old houses, and Kalesa (a horse drawn carriage), then this is the place for you. I won’t emphasize on how beautiful Vigan is because it’s already the most visited place in Ilocos Sur. But you know what? There are other places you can visit! If you are into beaches, Pug-os beach resort in Cabugao Ilocos Sur is a must! With matching white sand pa! So don’t limit yourself in Vigan. I also suggest that you visit the different palengkes (markets) in each town. They all have their own specialties and their own market days! Like in Cabugao, every Tuesdays is there market day. Don’t like markets? Don’t worry! Their markets are totally different from markets here in the city. Actually, ako rin, I don’t go to the palengkes here in Manila (arte ko no?) but whenever we are in Ilocos, I enjoy going to their markets! It’s clean and you get to see different types of delicacies kaya its super okay! I also consider their markets a tourist spot actually.

2. How can I get there?

You can get there either by car ( kung mahilig ka sa long trips), bus, or plane. Over na siguro kung may by boat pa, Diyosko naman. You are just giving yourself a hard time. If it’s by car or bus, it will take you around 6-8 hours. The length of the trip also depends on what time of the year you are planning to visit. If it’s by plane, medyo hassle din. Because you will land in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, which is a 2-4 hour drive going to Ilocos Sur. If it’s by bus, I suggest you take Partas or Florida. If it’s Partas, the only disadvantage you have with this one is that you can’t reserve your seat in advance. So kailangan mo talaga pumila. Sobrang hassle swear! So I highly recommend that you ride with Florida. You can reserve your tickets in advance and every bus has its own bathroom!  Bus fare is around 500-900 depende if you are the type of person who is fine with the regular bus, then you just have to pay around 500 plus. But if you are the type who wants to be comfortable during trips with matching lazy boy type of chairs, then you have to pay around 800 plus for the deluxe bus. On your way home, you can ever wait for a bus along the road (not kidding with this one! People sometime just wait for the bus to pass by on the National Highway) or go to the terminal. The most accessible terminal is the Partas terminal in Vigan. It's just right in front of their palengke. Maraming ng type ng bus ngayon eh, may deluxe, regular, regular with no stops, super deluxe and others. Dati no aircon or with aircon lang yan eh. Hay. Maarte na talaga ang mga tao ngayon. Nonetheless, at least you have a lot of options to choose from right?

They have a bus terminal in Cubao and Manila

Pink Florida bus!

So guys, going to Ilocos Sur is easy as ABC! Kaya intayon (let’s go!) fellow lakwatseras and let’s visit the North!

PS watch out for my next blogs because they will be about the different food and delicacies that you MUST try in Ilocos Sur!