NORTHWESTERN LUZON
ILOCOS NORTE
Local Cuisines
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Bagnet: Crispy, deep-fried pork belly, a local favorite.
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Empanada: Ilocos empanada is a savory pastry filled with meat, vegetables, and egg.
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Pinakbet: A vegetable dish made with local produce, flavored with bagoong (fermented fish sauce).
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Longganisa: Local sausage that’s often sweet and garlicky, different from the versions found in other regions.
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Vigan Longganisa: A distinct type of longganisa known for its unique flavor profile.
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Royal Bibingka: A type of rice cake often served during festivals.
Sand Dunes Adventure
Visit the Bangui Windmills
Heritage Tours
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Beach Hopping
Cultural Experiences
Best time to Travel
November to February: This period offers cooler temperatures and less humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Transportation
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Public Buses: Buses like Partas and Viron Transit operate routes from Manila to Ilocos Norte.
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Tricycles: Commonly used for short distances and local travel.
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Car Rentals: Renting a car or van provides flexibility for exploring the region.
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Motorbike Rentals: A fun option for those who want to explore at their own pace.
Festivals
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Pamulinawen Festival: Celebrated in Laoag every February, honoring St. William the Hermit with parades and street dancing.
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Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts: Held in Vigan in early May, showcasing local culture and arts.
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Kapurpurawan Festival: A celebration in Burgos highlighting local heritage and environmental awareness.
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Tobacco Festival: Celebrated in Laoag City in October, promoting the local tobacco industry.
ILOCOS SUR
Local Cuisines
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Vigan Longganisa: A sweet and garlicky local sausage, often enjoyed with rice and vinegar.
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Bagnet: Crispy deep-fried pork belly, a beloved dish in the region.
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Empanada: Vigan’s version includes a crispy shell filled with meat, egg, and vegetables.
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Pinakbet: A mixed vegetable dish flavored with bagoong (fermented fish sauce), showcasing local produce.
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Royal Bibingka: A rice cake often served during festivals, known for its unique flavor and texture.
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Tawid Rice: A local variety of rice that's often served with meals.
Sand Dunes Adventure
Heritage Sites
Pagburnayan
Local Arts & Crafts
Baluarte Zoo
Explore Vigan City
Best time to Travel
November to February: This period has cooler temperatures and less humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Transportation
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Public Buses: Companies like Partas and Viron Transit provide bus services from Manila and other regions.
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Tricycles and Jeepneys: Common for short distances and local travel within towns.
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Car Rentals: Renting a car or van is convenient for exploring at your own pace.
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Motorbike Rentals: An adventurous option for those wanting to navigate the area independently.
Festivals
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Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts: Held in early May, this festival celebrates Vigan’s cultural heritage with street dancing, arts and crafts, and local food.
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Kannawidan Ylocos Festival: Celebrated in January, this festival showcases Ilocos Sur's culture, heritage, and local products.
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Riverside Festival: This event features various activities along the river, including cultural presentations and contests.
LA UNION
Local Cuisines
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Bagnet: Crispy fried pork belly, a local favorite often served with rice and vinegar.
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Pinakbet: A vegetable dish made with local produce and flavored with bagoong (fermented fish sauce).
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Empanada: A savory pastry filled with meat, vegetables, and egg, popular in the region.
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Vigan Longganisa: A sweet and garlicky sausage that’s a staple in local dishes.
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Pancit Puttong: A unique noodle dish that incorporates local flavors and ingredients.
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Sungay: A traditional rice cake, often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
Surfing
La Union Botanical Garden
Beach Hopping
Waterfalls
Explore Poro Point
Cultural Sites
Best time to Travel
November to April: This dry season offers the best weather for beach activities and outdoor exploration, with cooler temperatures.
Transportation
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Public Buses: Various bus companies (e.g., Partas, Genesis) operate routes from Manila to La Union.
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Tricycles: Commonly used for local travel and short distances within towns.
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Car Rentals: Renting a car or van gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
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Motorbike Rentals: A popular option for adventurous travelers wanting to navigate the coastal roads.
Festivals
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Surfing Break: Typically held in October, this festival celebrates the surf culture with competitions, music, and food.
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La Union Agri-Tourism Festival: Usually held in July, this festival promotes local agriculture, products, and cultural heritage through various activities.
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Tobacco Festival: Celebrated in San Fernando City, showcasing the local tobacco industry with street dances and exhibits.
PANGASINAN
Local Cuisines
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Bangus: The famous milkfish, often grilled or served in various dishes.
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Pigar-Pigar: A local dish made of beef and vegetables, typically served with rice.
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Sinigang na Baboy: A savory pork sour soup made with tamarind and local vegetables.
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Patis: Fish sauce used as a condiment or ingredient in many dishes.
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Binungor: A traditional Pangasinense dish made of grilled fish, usually bangus, mixed with various spices.
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Kakanin: A variety of local rice cakes and desserts, often made with coconut and sugar.
Beach Hopping
Lingayen Gulf
Island Hopping
Bolo Beach
Patar Beach
Cultural Tours
Best time to Travel
November to April: This dry season offers pleasant weather, ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
Transportation
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Public Buses: Companies like Victory Liner and Five Star provide regular bus services from Manila to Pangasinan.
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Tricycles: Common for local travel and short distances within towns.
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Car Rentals: Renting a car or van is convenient for exploring the region at your own pace.
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Motorbike Rentals: An adventurous option for navigating the scenic coastal roads.
Festivals
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Pangasinan Pangtawag Festival: Held in January, this festival celebrates the local culture with street dancing and showcases the region’s agricultural products.
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Hundred Islands Festival: Celebrated in April, this festival promotes tourism in the Hundred Islands, featuring various activities and events.
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Bangus Festival: Celebrated in Dagupan City in April, this festival honors the city’s famous milkfish (bangus) with food fairs and parades.