NORTE

My college friends and I went road tripping. From Mall of Asia (our meeting place) to Imus Cavite, then back to MOA. Went north. Caba, La Union, Vigan, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

Date: Night of Nov. 26th to Morning of Nov. 30th 2015.
It was a fun-filled ride. Talks. Laughters. Stories. Songs. Picture takings. Food. Chikas.

One of my friends drove the entire trip. It was hard, I know, but for us he did. That's why we're very thankful. Less expenses too. I bet it would be better if two of my friends have their licenses with them but unfortunately, they haven't.

What I brought:
-My baby sling bag (for my valuables and kikays)
-one big shoulder bag for my clothes
-sunblock
-sunglasses
-swimwear
-rashguard
-hygiene kit
-towel
-power bank with charger
-monopod
-pocket money (for souvenirs, food and activities)

Day 1:
Caba, La Union
San Juan, La Union
Vigan

We arrived at my friend's rest house in Caba, La Union at around 5 in the morning. We just fixed our stuff and went directly to San Juan, La Union. (Yes, we didn't shower haha) We were supposed to surf but the waves were enormous so we decided to go to Vigan.

Surf rate:
San Juan La Union Beach
-surf: 400 per head / 1hour with a trainer
-use of shower rooms
-You can stay in their restobar (tambay, no rooms)
-it's okay to drink and smoke
-nice view
-friendly people
-big waves

400 per head / 1hour with a trainer

BIG WAVES

We had our late lunch at one of the famous restos in Vigan. The Cafe Leona. They serve authentic Ilocano dishes. We ordered bagnet, Vigan longanisa, bangus, morcon etc. The food was really delicious and affordable too. I just love how crunchy their bagnet is. 

In front of "Cafe Leona"

Price: (Cafe Leona)
Bagnet: 220 pesos (good for 2-3 peeps)
Vigan longganisa: 130 pesos (6-7 pieces)

We didn't book a hotel in advance. So, we had to drop by the Ilocos Sur Provincial Tourism Office to check the hotel rates. (It's located beside Cafe Leona)

Ilocos Sur Provincial Tourism Office

We chose Vigan Heritage Mansion. Along Calle Crisologo.

-room, good for 6-7 peeps

-4 beds

-air conditioned 

-bathroom (with heater)

-free breakfast (Vigan longganisa, egg, sinangag/plain rice and coffee)

-can drink and smoke 

-accommodating staff

-a very relaxing and peaceful place

Rate: 4,500 pesos per night (a bit pricey, Yes!. You can still look for the cheaper one. We're just too tired so we got the deal.)

We were supposed to watch the Dancing fountain in the Plaza at 7:20pm but we overslept. They present once every weekday and twice on weekend. (So sad we didn't make it.)

The "post- dancing fountain show" photo.

We went shopping instead.

You can buy:
-keychains (forever collection)
-clothes with Vigan print
-toys (sungka etc.)
-souvenirs (wind chimes, magnets, wallets, bags etc.)
-bagnet (380pesos/ kg)
-Vigan longganisa
-and a lot more
*They are very affordable.*

Since we're too tired, we just bought some drinks and decided to stay in our place.
*Plus, we couldn't find a party place there. Just a steady, chillax restobars. (Aside from that, drinking wasn't our priority. WOW for our maturity lol)

Side trips:

Quirino Bridge

ZIPLINE (Quirino Bridge)

Rate: 
300 pesos "Superman" (one way) *I recommend you try this one*
250 pesos (normal sitting position, one way)

They have a service waiting on the other end to drive you back.
The view was really beautiful. It's safe too. I assure you cause I'm a living proof. :) You can take wonderful photos of the new bridge in Ilocos Sur as well.

Day 2
Ilocos Norte
Culili Point, Paoway Sand Dunes

We planned to go to Ilocos Norte and try the famous 4x4 ride in Culili Point Paoway, Sand dunes, in the morning. However, we overslept and left the hotel after lunch. We had some trouble on our way too so we arrived there at around 5pm.

Sand boarding
(View from the top)

Unlimited sand boarding for FREE
(You can sit or stand. It's all up to you.)

4x4 ride Sand dunes

Rates:
4x4 ride= 2,500 pesos (6pax)
[FREE] unlimited sand boarding (You just have to fall in line)

**I recommend that you go there in the afternoon around 4 or 5. The weather is just totally fine + the sunset. We stayed there until 7pm and went back to Caba, La Union. (Where my friend's rest house's located)

We drank some beer at night and slept all day in the morning. It was a productive day indeed. Everything was really amazing.

Day 3
Caba, La Union


We went back to Caba, La Union to spend the last day of our vacation. We went swimming, skim boarding and made a bonfire at night and star gazed. We left the place at around 2AM, November 30th.

SUNSET

The beach is just in front of our place.
(Us crossing the street.)

Us by the beach.

The rest house is there, behind us. Cool, isn't it?!

Morning view from the room
(Friend's rest house)

Bonfire

We spent the whole night relaxing and had great talks. It was a wonderful trip. We made sure that each day would be a productive day. We had our own schedule, itinerary, impromptu activities and such. 

This should have been my Sagada trip (Nov. 26-30, 2015) with other friends and the gang but it was cancelled. I am too grateful that Alphadogs (college friends) are always there to the rescue.

No regrets! 

Though, I still want to go to Sagada. :)

Thank you for your time.
See you on my next trip!

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@akpagunsan