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Hidden Gems of Ilocos Province

Hidden Gems of Ilocos Province

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Ilocos is home to some of the Philippines most enchanting landscapes and historical wonders. 

They also offer mouthwatering cuisines that would make your heart flutter. 

Unravel the hidden gems that make Ilocos a true gem of the Philippines. Try these locations in and around Ilocos; you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their grandeur and amusement!

📍 Inflatable Island PH (Ilocos Branch)

The Inflatable Island in Paoay, Ilocos is a floating playground that offers a unique and challenging water park experience. It is located in Malacañang of the North, Barangay Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. 

Prepare for an exhilarating aquatic adventure at the Inflatable Island that is made up of over 30 whimsical inflatable obstacles, from thrilling slides and heart-pounding swings to daring launchers and wobbly bridges. 

Amidst this inflatable paradise lies a refreshing oasis—an inflatable pool that beckons you to unwind or join the thrilling obstacle course. So, whether you seek excitement or relaxation, this place will cater to you, as long you love water! 😁

The water park also has a food park that offers various comfort foods to recharge after a day of fun. There is also a Bali-inspired lounge where visitors can relax and enjoy the view of Paoay Lake.

The entrance to the Inflatable Island is P349 for two hours, P399 for half-day, and P499 for the whole day. Children under 2 years old are free.

The island is open daily from 8am to 7:30pm.

📍 Paoay Sand Dunes Adventures 

A good time with friends, you seek? You should go to the Paoay Sand Dunes.

The Paoay Sand Dunes were formed by the action of wind and waves. The wind constantly moves and shapes the sand, creating the dunes’ unique and ever-changing landscape.

The dry season, from November to April, is the ideal time of year to visit the Paoay Sand Dunes. The sand is dry and firm during this period, making it excellent for 4×4 Jeep drives and sandboarding.

There are several tour operators that offer 4×4 jeep rides and sandboarding at the Paoay Sand Dunes. The rides typically last for about an hour and take you to some of the most scenic spots in the dunes. Sandboarding is also a popular activity at the Paoay Sand Dunes. Boards can be rented from the tour operators or from local vendors.

In addition to 4×4 jeep rides and sandboarding, there are also several other things to do at the Paoay Sand Dunes. You can go for a walk or hike in the dunes, take photos, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

📍 Inapuyan Restaurateur & Grill

Looking for some delicious Ilocos cuisine? Inauyan Resto Grill is one of the best places to try out. 

Located in Candon City, this restaurant was established in 2011 by the owners of Bon Savour Catering Services. 

The old ancestral house where the restaurant is situated added a nice warm, cozy, vintage appeal to this place. Its interior is decorated with Ilocano artifacts and furniture, giving it a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Some of the food that you must devour here are their signature Ilocano dishes like bagnet, pinakbet, and laing. Their sinigang na lechon is also a crowd favorite. 

The restaurant is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It is especially busy during weekends and holidays. Reservations are recommended, especially if you are a large group.

The price range in Inapuyan Resto Grill is around ₱200 to ₱500 per person. 

📍 Cafe Leona

Another food stop in Ilocos that you must visit is Cafe Leona. 

Cafe Leona is located on Calle Crisologo, beside the Leona Florentino statue, in the heart of Vigan. The restaurant is housed in a lovely old Spanish colonial building that has been lovingly refurbished.

Its  interior is designed with Ilocano artifacts and furniture, creating a warm and friendly ambiance. They have a big dining space as well as a covered patio for al fresco eating.

Cafe Leona serves a wide variety of Ilocano dishes, including Bagnet, Sinanglao, Laing, Pinakbet, and Halo-halo. They also have a selection of Japanese and Italian dishes.

The food at Cafe Leona is known for being delicious and authentic and served fresh. The portions are generous for its price. The service is also excellent.

📍 Karmelina Beach Resort

Wish to unwind with the entire family? Karmelina Beach Resort, with its peaceful surroundings  and a tranquil sea, is one of the best choices in Ilocos Sur. 

Karmelina Beach Resort is a privately owned and operated beach resort located in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. 

There are 22 rooms in total, all of them are spacious and air-conditioned. The accommodations include balconies or patios, and some even have ocean views. 

The facilities include a swimming pool, a playground, a game room, and a restaurant.

Here, you can swim, sunbathe, and surf. Bask in the sun by the sea or in the gardens. Whether you’re up for some activities or you just want to lounge, this is a fantastic place to do just that. 

The price range at Karmelina Beach Resort is around ₱1,500 to ₱3,000 per night. This is for a standard room with two adults. Note that the price may vary depending on the season and the type of room you choose.

📍 Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Would you like to go horseback riding or trekking with your significant other and take photographs, lots of them? The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is an ideal spot for that. 

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation stands as a breathtaking masterpiece of nature in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, and is situated right next to another popular tourist attraction, Bangui Wind Farm.

The name “Kapurpurawan” comes from the Ilocano word “puraw”, which means “white”. Carved by centuries of wind and sea, these ivory-white limestone cliffs gracefully rise from the azure ocean, creating a surreal landscape. The unique formations, with their smooth, curvaceous shapes, resemble sculpted art crafted by the elements. 

The limestone was initially deposited on the ocean floor as silt. Over time, the sediment was compacted and cemented together to form limestone. The limestone was subsequently eroded by the wind and waves, resulting in the peculiar features of the rock formation.

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a stunning and one-of-a-kind natural beauty. Hiking, swimming, and photography are all popular activities here. The rock formation is also a seabird nesting site, so you might see some birds while you’re there.

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First Time Traveler to Southeast Asia? Read These Tips

First Time Traveler to Southeast Asia? Read These Tips

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Grab your sunnies, pack your adventurous spirit, and get ready to dive headfirst into a tantalizing paradise as we jet off to Southeast Asia. 🌞

Home to numerous ancient temples, spicy street food, and stunning landscapes, you’re in for a treat. 🛕🏝️

If you’re a first time traveler to SEA or traveling to a neighboring country, here are some tips for you: 

🌐 Check the visa situation

Visa requirements change from country to country. Some countries allow visa-free admission or visa on arrival, but others require you to apply for a visa ahead of time. Make sure you understand the visa requirements for every country you intend to visit as well as your place of origin. Also, make sure your passport has enough validity and space.

🌐 Be smart with your money

Southeast Asia is often a low-cost vacation, but you must still exercise caution and avoid frauds. Use ATMs rather than money changers, bargain before hiring a cab or tuk-tuk, and research prices before arranging trips or activities. Keep some cash in local currency on hand for emergencies or little expenditures.

🌐 Consider different methods of transportation

From buses and trains to flights and ferries, SEA has various transporation options. Depending on your time, budget, and comfort level, you can choose the best way to get around. Flights might save you time and stress across great distances, but for shorter trips, buses and trains can be less expensive and more scenic. You can also rent a motorcycle or bicycle to explore the surrounding countryside or city.

🌐 Pack your bags according to your itinerary 

Southeast Asia has a tropical climate that is hot and humid most of the year. However, depending on the season, some areas may become cooler or rainier. Pack light, loose cotton clothing that will allow you to be comfortable and respectful in a variety of contexts. A rain jacket or umbrella, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat may also come handy. also , don’t forget to pack any prescriptions or vaccines you may need.

🌐 Go with the flow

Prepare for a trip full of surprises and chances when traveling in SEA. Don’t stick to a rigid itinerary or expect everything to go smoothly. Be adaptable and open to new experiences and cultures. Delays, cancellations, language barriers, and cultural differences may occur, but don’t let them ruin your trip. Instead, embrace the challenges that may arise and make the most out of your trip!

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A Quick Trip to Tagaytay: Where to Go and Eat

A Quick Trip to Tagaytay: Where to Go and Eat

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Escape the chaos of Manila and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Tagaytay, a captivating city just a stone’s throw away. 

Tagaytay unveils a breathtaking panorama that embraces the majestic Taal Volcano and its glistening lake, offering a cool and refreshing climate to rejuvenate your senses.

So many activities and places to visit while in this wonderful city, but we’ve narrowed it down to just a few to help you get started with your quick getaway. 

Sky Ranch Tagaytay

A captivating wonderland that promises breathtaking vistas of the majestic Taal Volcano and its glistening companion, Lake Taal, Sky Ranch offers thrills and enchantment to visitors of all ages.

Among the crown jewels of this remarkable attraction, stand the magnificent Sky Eye, a Ferris wheel that proudly reaches unparalleled heights, granting you a bird’s-eye view of the entire nation. 

If you’re up for a more heart-pounding ride, get on the Super Viking, an audacious swinging ship that defies gravity by soaring up to an astounding 90-degree angle. You may also try the whirlwind ride on the Nessi Coaster, a mini roller coaster that playfully meanders around a dragon-shaped structure.

But the wonders of Sky Ranch Tagaytay do not end there. Nestled amidst its vibrant landscape, you’ll discover a myriad of delightful eateries where tantalizing aromas tempt your taste buds, offering a delightful respite for famished adventurers. 

Stroll through the charming souvenir shops, where treasures abound, allowing you to carry a piece of this enchanting experience home with you.

🗒️ 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, while on weekends and holidays

People’s Park in the Sky

Prepare to step into a world of intrigue and history at People’s Park in the Sky, an urban oasis nestled in Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines. 

Uncover the captivating tale of this park, once destined to host the prestigious visit of US President Ronald Reagan at the illustrious Palace in the Sky. However, fate intervened, and the mansion remained an enigmatic structure with its incomplete scaffolding, frozen in time.

Perched majestically atop Mount Sungay, the highest peak in Cavite, this extraordinary park treats visitors to awe-inspiring vistas that embrace the majestic Taal Volcano and its ethereal companion, Lake Taal. Behold the remarkable shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love, an emblem of devotion and strength, strategically placed on an indomitable rock that withstood the force of dynamite.

🗒️ Weekdays operating hours – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while on weekends and holidays, the gates open earlier at 7:00 AM

La Creperie 

A delectable journey awaits at La Creperie, a haven for crepe enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary culinary experience. Located in Twin Lakes Tagaytay, a vibrant shopping and dining complex along the scenic Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, La Creperie beckons with its tantalizing array of both savory and sweet crepes.

Indulge in a symphony of flavors as you savor crepes crafted from the finest wheat or buckwheat flour, tantalizing your taste buds with each delightful bite. 

Aside from crepes, the resto also offers salads, sandwiches, pasta, and burgers that promise to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Must-tries include the luscious Banana Nutella, the classic Crepe Suzette, and the heavenly Quatre Fromages. 

To accompany your gastronomic journey, an impressive selection of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and other beverages await, each sip a perfect complement to your meal.

As you savor your meal, let your gaze wander towards the captivating panorama of Taal Lake and Volcano, an ever-present backdrop to this epicurean sanctuary.

🗒️ Open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekends and holidays

Leslie’s Restaurant

Leslie’s Restaurant is one of the most famous places to dine in Tagaytay.  

Prepare to savor the essence of Filipino cuisine as Leslie’s Restaurant presents a captivating lineup of culinary delights, which of course include the rich and flavorful bulalo, a savory bone marrow soup that warms the soul. 

Aside from bulalo, they also have a timeless classic chicken and pork adobo, and the crispy pata that’s sinfully good. Their kare-kare is also a must try! You’d fall in love with its velvety peanut buttery sauce and tender meat. 

The food is not the only thing that makes dining at Leslie’s a sweet treat, but there’s the picturesque backdrop of Taal lake that elevates the dining experience to new heights. 

Let Leslie’s Restaurant be your gateway to an exceptional culinary voyage, where every bite carries the warmth of Filipino hospitality and the flavors of a nation’s heritage.

🗒️ Restaurant’s doors from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while weekends and holidays extend the festivities, welcoming you from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. 

Puzzle Mansion

Did you know that the Puzzle Mansion was certified by the Guinness World Record as the world’s largest collection of jigsaw puzzles? 

If that isn’t amazing enough, hear this, Georgina Gil-Lacuna, a visionary businesswoman and passionate puzzle connoisseur, was the one who painstakingly assembled every intricate masterpiece herself.

So, if you’re going to Tagaytay, make sure to drop by this world of puzzles and explore over 1,000 captivating sets, showcasing the artistry of 2D, 3D, and 4D creations. 

Be dazzled by a diverse range of themes that span art, culture, nature, and pop culture, each puzzle a testament to human imagination and ingenuity.

Three sets that stand out among the collection are the Wildlife, an awe-inspiring puzzle boasting a staggering 33,600 pieces, the Keith Haring, an intricate mosaic of 32,256 pieces, and the Life, an enthralling puzzle comprising an astonishing 24,000 pieces. 

The Puzzle Mansion offers not just a captivating museum experience, but also warm hospitality through its charming bed and breakfast accommodation. 

🗒️ Open to welcome visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

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