Hidden Gems of Ilocos Province

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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