The opportunity of going to Vigan Ilocos Sur finally came when I had to go to Baguio City to attend a friend’s graduation, and so I thought of travelling all the way up north.
Most people will go to Laoag City first when touring Vigan Ilocos Sur and Pagudpud Ilocos Norte. BUT I GUESS I FOUND A BETTER ROUTE.
From Cebu, I took a Cebu Pacific early morning flight to Manila. But I’ve learned that a Cebu-Clark route would have been wiser since Clark is nearer Baguio. Anyway, from NAIA Terminal 3 in Manila, you can ride on the shuttle bus then take a jeepney OR if you want less hassle [like me] just hail a taxi, to take you to Victory Liner Pasay Terminal.
My friends and I were not able to get on board the Deluxe Bus [the one that offers blanket and snacks and has it's own CR] since it’s already full. But it was fine because the fare of a regular aircon bus is way cheaper than the Deluxe. Instead of paying PhP750, we only spent PhP455 for bus fare. It is a LONG RIDE, so better prepare yourself with some neck pillow, jacket/sweater, and some food and water too if you don’t like to buy at the bus stop stations.
After 6 long hours on the bus we finally arrived in Baguio! I won't be talking about it anymore here since I've written so much about the city in the other pages. So from Baguio, you may start your Ilocos tour and your first stop should be Vigan.
Take a Partas Bus bound for Laoag City Ilocos Norte. It will pass by Vigan City Ilocos Sur Bus Station. This is going to be another 5-hour ride. And the bus fare is around PhP360. The schedule of the last trip is 10pm while the first trip’s at 4am.
For me, there isn’t a lot to see in Vigan except the Heritage Village. It isn’t every day that we get to see antiques and century-old properties. I am not so much into antique items. I find the old houses especially the ones in Calle Crisologo amazing but scary too. If I was walking alone in the street, there might be some white lady and this ghost would suddenly interrupt my drama… this scene in my mind ended up with me realizing I was just stressed and I really needed rest asap. If you think about it, a 5-hour bus ride during your monthly period is not a lot of fun anymore.
Most people will go to Laoag City first when touring Vigan Ilocos Sur and Pagudpud Ilocos Norte. BUT I GUESS I FOUND A BETTER ROUTE.
From Cebu, I took a Cebu Pacific early morning flight to Manila. But I’ve learned that a Cebu-Clark route would have been wiser since Clark is nearer Baguio. Anyway, from NAIA Terminal 3 in Manila, you can ride on the shuttle bus then take a jeepney OR if you want less hassle [like me] just hail a taxi, to take you to Victory Liner Pasay Terminal.
My friends and I were not able to get on board the Deluxe Bus [the one that offers blanket and snacks and has it's own CR] since it’s already full. But it was fine because the fare of a regular aircon bus is way cheaper than the Deluxe. Instead of paying PhP750, we only spent PhP455 for bus fare. It is a LONG RIDE, so better prepare yourself with some neck pillow, jacket/sweater, and some food and water too if you don’t like to buy at the bus stop stations.
After 6 long hours on the bus we finally arrived in Baguio! I won't be talking about it anymore here since I've written so much about the city in the other pages. So from Baguio, you may start your Ilocos tour and your first stop should be Vigan.
Take a Partas Bus bound for Laoag City Ilocos Norte. It will pass by Vigan City Ilocos Sur Bus Station. This is going to be another 5-hour ride. And the bus fare is around PhP360. The schedule of the last trip is 10pm while the first trip’s at 4am.
For me, there isn’t a lot to see in Vigan except the Heritage Village. It isn’t every day that we get to see antiques and century-old properties. I am not so much into antique items. I find the old houses especially the ones in Calle Crisologo amazing but scary too. If I was walking alone in the street, there might be some white lady and this ghost would suddenly interrupt my drama… this scene in my mind ended up with me realizing I was just stressed and I really needed rest asap. If you think about it, a 5-hour bus ride during your monthly period is not a lot of fun anymore.
I decided to stay overnight in Cordillera Inn. The place is strategically located in Calle Crisologo, the main attraction of Vigan. Room rate’s at PhP1500 good for 2 persons.
There’s a lot of fastfoods and carenderia near Calle Crisologo but never leave Vigan without eating in these places. The food’s great, the ambiance good, plus there’s a lot of handsome attraction for a single lady like me!
But I really love the architectural design of their fastfood restaurants there. Check out this McDonalds Vigan branch:
I striked up a good deal with a tricycle driver to take me to other nice spots in Vigan for a reasonable Php150 per hour. I was so surprised when he handed me a list [wow, kuya hindi ka masyadong prepared, lol!]. It is also good to visit the other side of the city to appreciate and learn more about their people and culture. This is Vigan aside from the heritage village but honestly you don’t really need to go here but for the sake of sightseeing, go! This one’s owned by the infamous Governor Chavit Singson and entrance is free!
This Vigan Cruise for Php100 is not so impressive.
This is for me the Philippine version of Macau’s Ruins of St. Paul, only this is a bell tower. This site is nice to see.
Well, going to museums is also cool but too bad I don’t have good pictures indoor but I’ve got these 4 photos worth sharing: the hanging refrigerator, the pig system toilet, the wooden refrigerator, and the ambushed car of Governor Crisologo.
For reference, I recommend you contact this Manong tricycle driver in your future Vigan Tour just in case you want to roam around . His name is Rico Soriano and his mobile is 0906 395 5949. He is a very buotan (nice) old man, who can take good photos and knows the best angle. Too bad I didn’t have a camera, I just used my 2mp camera phone. I know, I know, I’m bringing a decent one on my next trip. Stay tuned!
Up next is my trip to Ilocos Norte. Read my next blog about the province.
Up next is my trip to Ilocos Norte. Read my next blog about the province.
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