17 Awesome Laoag Tourist Spots And Things to do in Laoag

Malacanang Ti Amianan, or also commonly called as Malacañang of the North, is a presidential museum in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It was the residence of the family of Ferdinand Marcos when he was the President of the Philippines. It is a two-story mansion overlooking the Paoay Lake, and consists of seven (supposedly a lucky number for Marcos) rooms, with each room having a theme of historical events from the Marcos era: Study, Agriculture, Diplomacy, OFW (overseas Filipino workers), Culture, Nation Building and Family. The entrance is 20 PHP and it is open from 9am to 5pm daily.

5. Paoay Lake National Park

Paoay Lake, locally known as Dacquel a Danum, is a lake in the municipality of Paoay in northwestern Luzon in the Philippines. It is the largest lake in the province of Ilocos Norte and one of the largest natural lakes in the area.

6. Santa Monica Church

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, commonly known as the Santa Maria Church is the Parish church of Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur province, Philippines.

7. Paoay Church (San Agustin Church)

The Saint Augustine Church, commonly known as the Paoay Church, is the Roman Catholic church of the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building.

8. Rizal Amusement Park

Rizal Amusement Park is where the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal’s status was erected in 1957 by the Ilocos Norte Teachers Club and the citizens of Ilocos Norte. The park was also later restored and renovated and a playground, swimming pool, picnic area and a mini zoo were added. Because of it, it has become one of the most well known Laoag tourist spots in this list.

9. Visit Burgos Lighthouse

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse, is a cultural heritage structure in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines. The lighthouse of Cape Bojeador serves shipping heading towards the Pacific Coast heading towards the Babuyan Channel, also serves ships heading towards the ports of Salomangue and Curmimao. The entrance fee is 20 PHP.

More Things to do in Laoag And Laoag Tourist Spots

10. Try Empanadas

Ilocos Norte has the best tasting empanadas. If you are in Laoag, you can go to Batac which was about 30 minutes away to buy empanadas. Batac is like the empanada capital in Ilocos Norte. They even have Empanada Festival on the City Charter Day each 23rd of June.

11. Patapat Viaduct

The Patapat Viaduct is a viaduct at the municipality of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, a coastal resort town on the northernmost tip of Luzon Island in the Philippines. The bridge is elevated 31 meters over sea level.

12. Bangui Windmills

Bangui Wind Farm is a wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The wind farm uses 20 units of 70-meter (230 ft) high VestasV82 1.65 MW wind turbines, arranged on a single row stretching along a nine-kilometer shoreline off Bangui Bay, facing the West Philippine Sea. The wind farm is created to supply electricity to the province. Thus, the windmills are not only beautiful to look at; they are also useful and environmental tools used to supply electricity. It’s a perfect place to take pictures and enjoy. If you go first things in the morning you will avoid the crowd.

13. Taoid Museum

Taois Museum is an intimate museum showcasing exhibits on the life of the Cordillera tribes, with relics & artwork. If you want to have a deeper understanding of the Cordilleran culture and their way of life, you can visit the “Taoid” Museum in La Tabacalera Lifestyle Center in Laoag City.

14. Aurora Park

Aurora Park, located in National Highway, Brgy. 14, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, is where the statue of the maiden Pamulinawen can be seen at the top of a fountain. This is also the same place where the Tobacco Monopoly monument is standing since 1882.

15. Day Trip to Pagudpud

Since Pagudpud is just less than two hours away from Laoag, you can opt for a day trip in Pagudpud while in Laoag. You can rent a motorbike for 400-500 PHP per day for a day tour in Pagudpud. You can also rent tricycles for a day tour 2-3 people maximum. Prices for a day tour in Pagudpud on the North are 600 PHP and 900 PHP for the South. If you do both day tours in the same day it costs 1300 PHP.

16. BLUE LAGOON

Maira-ira beach is a stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters stretching out to the West Philippine Sea. Dubbed as the Blue Lagoon, this is one of the most well known destinations in Pagudpud. A number of resorts, luxury and budget, are along the way so tourists can surely enjoy the view and the activities such as swimming and other water sports longer. The water is so clear and you can even get there with the zipline!

17. KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATIONS

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a natural rock formation created through the years by the natural forces of the ocean on the rocky coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, just a few minutes from the Cape Bojeador. Kapurpurawan comes from an Ilocano word “puraw” which means white. Since most of the rock formations in that area are white, local folks called it “Kapurpurawan”.

Where to stay Laoag

Casa Felipa

Casa Felipa provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Laoag. The property has a garden, as well as a terrace. The property has a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available. Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area. All rooms feature a desk. Room rate starts at 1090 PHP a night. Click here to check their rates and availability!

Pamulinawen Hotel

Pamulinawen Hotel is located in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. Providing free Wi-Fi in public areas, it also has an outdoor pool and free parking. The front desk operates 24 hours. Air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and fridge. Suites come with a separate living room. Private bathrooms have either a bathtub or shower facilities. Room rate starts at 3600 PHP a night. Click here to check their rate and availability!

Universal Suite

Located in Laoag, Universal Suite provides accommodations within 14.5 km of Paoay Sand Dunes. Complimentary WiFi is featured. All units feature air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. There’s a fully equipped private bathroom with bidet and free toiletries. A continental breakfast is served at the property. The in-house restaurant specializes in International cuisine. A car rental service is available at the bed and breakfast. Room rate starts at 1100 PHP a night. Click here to check their rates and availability!

Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center

This hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool. Local and international dishes are served at Ayuyang Restaurant. Rooms with tiled flooring and a balcony are equipped with cable TV, mini refrigerator and private bathroom with shower. Select rooms offer a bath. Relaxation options at Plaza del Norte Hotel and Convention Center include massage and spa therapies. Other facilities include a 24-hour front desk and chapel. An airport transfer service is available at a charge. Laoag International Airport is a 15-minute drive away. Room can costs up to 3200 PHP a night. Click here to check their rates and availability!

Food to try in Laoag

Bagnet

Bagnet is the double-fried crispy pork specialty of Ilocos. It’s a cross between chicharon and lechon kawali where the lean meat is crispy but not dry and the pork skin is fried to a crisp. You’ll taste the natural taste oh so yummy taste of the pork!

Longganisa

Ilocano Longganisa might be famous, but it is said that the ones from Laoag, specifically in San Nicolas Public Market are jucier because it contains more fat, making it also more lethal. Unlike the Vigan longganisa, Laoag has minimal vinegar or contains none at all.

Pinakbet

Pinakbet is a popular Ilocano vegetable dish. t is a vegetable stew made with tomatoes, eggplant, string beans, okra, and bitter gourd. The dish might have different version all over the country but the Ilocano pinakbet uses a much loved fermented fish sauce called bagoong isda to season the dish, so it is really a must try!

Festivals in Laoag

Pamulinawen Festival

The festival is in honor of the Feast day of St. William the Hermit, the patron Saint of Laoag City which is being celebrated every February 10. Celebrated for a whole week, the Pamulinawen Festival is something that the locals prepare for with plays, dances, parades and other merry making activities. There is even a food festival during the Pamulinawen Festival which draws people from all over the region to participate. All government and non-government organizations prepare for this Laoag festival and even corporations actively participate in it.

Dulang Food Festival

The Dulang Food Festival is a Laoag festival where one can taste test the local favorites of Ilocos and those who join this event come from all areas of the region. The dishes that one can taste during the Dulang Food Festival are prepared with one-of-a-kind utensils that one will not find in any store and they also have unique names. During the first few times that the Dulang Food Festival was celebrated, every single household in Laoag would prepare their favorite dish and invite guests over for merry making. There are more places to visit in the Philippines and around Laoag. You can go to Pagudpud and Vigan in Ilocos Province. Hope you liked it our Laoag travel guide and Laoag tourist spots. And let us know in the comments below your favorite things to do in Laoag. Feel free to use our links for discounts. Using our links will help us to continue with the maintenance of the website and it will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys Happy Travels!