Getting out of Laoag Airport

The Province of Ilocos, particularly Laoag City has no better way of welcoming tourists than providing a free shuttle from the airport.

Yes! A free shuttle in getting out of Laoag Airport direct to the city, door to door delivery to your preferred accommodation!

No more overpriced tricycles, pedicabs, motorcycles, etc.

First agenda for tonight is to deposit our luggage to our budget hotel – Texicano.

Where to Stay Cheap in Laoag?

Texicano Hotel, Laoag City
Address: J. P. Rizal Street, Laoag Ilocos Norte
Room Rate: Starts at 310 pesos for a single fan room
Contact Details: (6377) 7705776

After leaving our baggage behind, we’ve decided to head out for a night time view of the city.

What I like most about Texicano apart from the affordable rates, friendly staff, is it is well located in the heart of the city.

Few blocks not too far away we’ve taken a walk and found ourselves at the city tourist spots.

The following images are taken from various times of the day, during day and night time.

Start your walking tour in the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol. Near it you could also find the Museo de Ilocos.

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol

Aurora Park

Located in front of the Capitol building, the Aurora Park is where the statue of the maiden Pamulinawen – where the Tobacco Monopoly Monument was erected in 1882 – left of the park is the Laoag City Hall.

St. William’s Cathedral

Walking towards the street on the right side of the park will bring you to the St. William’s Cathedral – Built in 1612 by the Augustinian friars, it is well known for its Italian Renaissance architecture.

Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City

A few meters away from the cathedral, it is considered as one of the tallest bell towers in the Philippines at 45 meters high – Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City – It is said to be sinking because the tower is so heavy and was built on a sandy ground which makes it sink considerably unto the ground at a rate of 1-inch every year.

Stories mention that a person on horseback could enter the tower with ease back when it was built. Now, a person of normal height has to bend down just to enter the vaulted entrance.

City Fun Treats

Not far from the Aurora Park lies a night market. Probably it’s Christmas Season that’s why it’s here. We did not hesitate to wander through it, even found ourselves eating street foods, particularly their sumptuous empanada.

If in Davao you’ll find Kwek-kwek as their main staple street food, here they have their empanada.

Kalesa in Ilocos

And to complete a city tour in Laoag, you shouldn’t miss riding their calesa. Fare is only 11php, just the same with the trikes, and lesser gas = healthier environment!

So what are you waiting for? Hop on!

The above blog post is part of my Ilokandia Ultimate Adventure – Laoag – Pagudpud – Vigan tour series of posts in the Ilocos Region, Philippines that happened last November 28 – December 2, 2012. | Ilocos Adventure: Laoag Vigan Pagudpud Budget Itinerary | Laoag City Walking Tour: Places, Food, and Fun Treats | Ilocandia Sand Boarding and 4×4 Ride in La Paz Sand Dunes | Paoay Tour: Paoay Church, Malacanang of the North and the Paoay Lake