Top 3 Tourist Destinations To See When In Ilocos Norte

Are you planning to go on a trip to visit Ilocos Norte? On the other hand, you may not have any other place in mind; why not visit the most magnificent northern coastal province of the Philippines? Ilocos Norte has a lot of fun places to go to. Whether you like to go site seeing or enjoying the history behind these sites, it’s all here.

If you plan to go there from Manila, the country’s capital, it’s about 400 kilometers north. You could either take the bus, a private vehicle or a plane ride. The province offers some of the most beautiful tourist places, local and foreign tourist alike can enjoy. 

Here are some of the places you may want to visit in Ilocos Norte:

THE SINKING BELL TOWER

This is the Philippine’s version of Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Sinking Bell Tower. This is one of the tallest bell towers in the country and is situated at the heart of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The tower is named so because it was built on sand and it’s incredibly heavy. Therefore, the mixture of the loose foundation and the massive weight causes it to sink to the ground considerably. Every year it sinks at a rate of an inch.

The tower is especially breathtaking when it’s all lit up at night.

PAOAY CHURCH

Paoay Church is a national treasure of the Ilocos Norte and awarded as a UNESCO world heritage site. Established during 1896 by the Augustinian Friars, they only used coral bricks that are evident from its massive walls. In addition, the church is also a prime example of a Baroque church. It belongs to a picture perfect view that is reminiscent of the Spanish era with the beautiful buttresses on the building.

BANGUI WINDMILL

The Bangui Windmills are not only the first among its kind in Southeast Asia, but it’s also here in Ilocos Norte. The windmill is built with 20 tri-blades that are 70 meters high, with them widely spread in an arc formation along the Bangui Bay. It is situated north of Laoag City and about a 45-minute ride.

These are just some of the magnificent sites found in Ilocos Norte. They host a lot of Philippine tourist attractions that’s worth visiting. It may take a longer article to explore them all and may take days to see most of them, but it’s worth the trip.

D’ Bone Collector Museum – The Latest Must-See Attraction of Davao

If you're a travel enthusiast, you shouldn't miss the most recent one-of-a kind attraction found only in the child-friendly city of Davao in the southern part of Mindanao island. Where in the Philippines can you find a collection of bones from a wide variety of animals. 

Of course, kids will surely love it here when they see the complete skeletons of dogs, reptiles, horses, ostriches, a tiger, dolphins, even a 41-ft sperm whale. This museum, fast becoming popular, is indeed one of the beautiful tourist places Davao could be proud of. 

An Eye-Opener For The Situation of Animals

It was founded by a son of American missionaries now living in Davao, as he has married a Filipina with whom he has two kids.

Darrell D. Blatchley, originally from Idaho, USA, is opening everyone's eyes to the plight of animals and their survival in this world. He is doing his best to help raise the public's awareness on the conservation and preservation. He isn't limiting it to just marine and airborne species, but for land-dwelling animals as well.

For example, studies show that most aquatic animals die from consuming plastics. People who visit the museum will be reminded of how often our negligent acts can have a devastating impact on the environment. This where Blatchley's education and awareness drive comes in helpful.

What To Expect

The museum is housed inside a  three-storey building located in Bucana, San Pedro Extension, Davao City. On the ground floor, you can see several preserved remains – bones, skulls, even whole skeletons – of various species.

Horses, a deer, bears, a lion, monkeys, birds, a dugong, dolphins, snakes, crocodiles, butterflies, armadillo, whales and insects are some of those. There's even a Cambodian python which is one of the longest snakes in the world.

You may wonder where in the world did all that stuff come from? Well, it's from Blatchley's extensive collection since he was a young boy.

At a tender age, he received  a set of mule antlers from an uncle and that spurred his interest in animals as well as their skeletal remains. Other remains in his collection have been donated by friends and various organizations around the world.

So, if you're around, drop by the place which is open from Mondays through Fridays during business hours. Also, don't forget to explore other great Philippine tourist attractions while touring around Davao.

3 Off-The-Grid Beach Destinations In Misamis Oriental

Misamis Oriental is a province located in Northern Mindanao, and is blessed with verdant farmlands, booming industries, and pristine natural wonders and attractions. This area serves as the perfect staging point for those who wish to explore Northern Mindanao, one of the main towns located in Laguindingan, a town that's only an hour away from the capital Cagayan de Oro City. If you're searching for great swimming and diving spots in this area, here's a peek at a few of the loveliest beach destinations in Misamis Oriental:   

Duka Bay

Located in the laid-back town of Medina, Duka Bay is one of the most beautifultourist places in the province. At Duka Bay resort, you can spend hours scuba diving or snorkeling, and explore Gingoog Bay's rich underwater life, where well-preserved coral reefs teem with lots of marine life. Guests can also board the resort's glass-bottomed boats, to see the rich marine life, without getting themselves wet.

The Duka Bay resort also has 9 well-appointed standard bedrooms and junior suites and villas. Each villa has its own balcony, thus enabling you to get a stunning view of the bay and nearby surroundings. And the hotel rooms also have hot showers, which is something you don't see in other resorts.

Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort

Located in Balingoan, the main jump-off point to Camiguin Island, the Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort gives expert divers easy access to more than a dozen well-preserved dive sites in the Misamis Oriental mainland, as well as in nearby Camiguin Island.

The resort has a well-stocked dive shop with lots of well-maintained equipment, and it also has professional instructors for those who need to further polish their diving skills. The resort also has a restaurant which serves tasty local and international treats.

Agutayan Island

If you've already been to stunning Camiguin Island, perhaps you'll say that the Agutayan Island looks like a smaller version of the famous white island. Agutayan Island is actually a marine sanctuary near the coast of the town of Jasaan. Visitors can hire boats which cost around P1,000, for the 20-minute ride to the sand bar.

Like most sand bars, Agutayan Island is devoid of trees and other vegetation, but there's a cottage there, for guests as well as the sanctuary's watchers. The perfect time to visit the island is early in the morning, so you'll avoid the harsh heat of the sun at noon time. 

The reefs here are truly amazing, and you'll be mesmerized at the sight of hundreds, if not thousands of jacks, clown fishes, and other colorful aquatic animals swimming in your direction! Next time you come to Misamis Oriental, drop by the most popular tourist destination in Jasaan, and enjoy seeing the rich marine life in the waters around the town!

Life In This Island Paradise

Feeling tired and weary from the hustle and bustle of city life? Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a quiet, relaxing holiday? Try this new resort tucked far down southeast of the island of Samal in Davao.

Island Garden Resort in Purok 4, Brgy. Pangubatan, Kaputian District may not yet be among the top ten beautiful tourist places in Davao but, said resort has been reaping good words from its clients from near and far.

Located a little bit far as  compared to the other resorts in the island, this family-run business which just opened to the public in 2013, is fast becoming the favorite of urban dwellers, business people hooked to the Internet 24/7, and adventurous travelers longing to soothe their fatigued spirits.

Couples who have been there and have experienced life in the island were quick to say that its remote location and rustic ambiance just fitted their romantic escapades perfectly.

Indeed, this hidden resort gem has passed the taste of those in search of a serene getaway with only the essential amenities available - enough to satisfy their simple vacation needs. There's a bar and restaurant, amenities for persons with disabilities, shuttle service for convenient transport, and more. 

Things To Do

Guests can enjoy indoor games in the designated area, get a rejuvenating massage by the beach, indulge in water sports or just relish the wonders of creation by the garden. You could even get lucky to catch sea turtles laying eggs on the beach or get a glimpse of the hatchlings.

The coastline in this part of Samal is unlike others – no fine powdery white sands rather, kind of the  grainy and crushed corals type. Yet, this isn't enough to daunt you as you're guaranteed to enjoy an overwhelming view of the ocean and nearby islets. Though a bit rocky but just the same, still picturesque.

This is a haven for divers and snorkelers as there's a nearby sanctuary and some other fantastic spots that any underwater lover will surely enjoy. With less Internet activity as the Wi-Fi is quite limited, you'll soon be grateful to experience life in this secluded paradise. Good food with reasonable price, approachable staff with their warm smiles plus, the exhilarating nature will make you forget the life you left behind.

 

Going to the most populartourist destination in Samal? Don't just dream. Make it real. . . NOW!

Feel Rich In Island Buenavista

Bet you've been dreaming of an unforgettable and most enjoyable holiday? If you want a brief respite and get away from the roaring voice of your inconsiderate boss, or just want to escape the hurried city life, head to the beach.

Luckily, people in and around Davao have access to these magnificent Philippine tourist attractions they can go visit in no time. However, if you're from out of the region, then, satisfy yourself with interesting blogs like this and feast your eyes on colorful photographs that look so real you'd want to jump right there in the blue waters. 

A Private Island Getaway

It wouldn't cost you anything to fantasize being in a secluded island paradise and have the place all to yourself, even for just a day. But, it would be more exciting if your significant other were around, especially when you're in a luxurious resort like Island Buenavista. 

Save for the trip and make it real. Yes, because renting an island as exotic and exhilarating as Buenavista (which can accommodate around 35 people) will certainly cause a small dent on your pocket. But, it will be all worth it. 

Things To Do In Island Buenavista

Imagine this – the crystal clear waters are not only perfect for leisure swimming. Rather, you can go kayaking, snorkeling, even diving all you want without limit.  Besides outdoor fun, you'll be pampered with mouth-watering buffet served at the Pavilion. 

Savor a wide array of great food from fresh seafood, to pork or chicken barbecue, grilled fish and other local delights. Quench your thirst with refreshing buko juice to complete your sumptuous meals. 

Then, when you get exhausted from all the day's frolic in the sea, sun and sand, enjoy total relaxation in the comfort of either the air-conditioned villas, open beach huts, and suites. Likewise, take time to dip in the kidney-shaped swimming pool. The villas having their own hot and cold showers will surely make you feel like you're living rich!

If you're a couple, the open air beach hut is perfect for a romantic evening interlude. In close proximity to the sea, you'll get a breathtaking view of the iconic islands nearby.

“Own” an island for just a day and commune with nature in one of the beautiful tourist places in Samal Island, Davao.