Day 3: You can't miss Ilocos Sur when you go to Ilocos Norte, right? During our last and third day in Ilocos Norte, we decided to drop by Ilocos Sur for brunch then head back to Baguio. And since we are already there, might as well take a little tour around this beautiful place in the North. Our planned 30-minute Kalesa tour extended to 3 hours going into different sites in town.
Since it is raining and we are running out of time, we weren't really able to roam around the city but we did enjoy every place we stopped by. We hired a kalesa to have that feel of being a tourist, haha! First stop is Kalye Crisologo in Vigan where old Spanish style houses were seen. It would have been nice to have some coffee at one of those houses though.
Next, Bantay Bell Tower, is a sight to behold, situated separately over a hilltop next to the stunning St. Augustine Parish Church. It stands on the tallest point in the town, and was used as watch tower in the work of the French colonial period - says the guide. Then the guide brought us to the Pagawaan ng Banga where we bought some cheap souvenirs.
Another unexpected spot was the Hidden Gardens. It is an oasis tucked away in a quiet residential area far from the bustling Vigan town center. I was awed by the ambiance and the beauty of the garden. Aside from the venue itself, it was a very relaxing place while eating in a very attractive and pleasant environment though we didn't had the chance to savor their dishes but for me, that makes this place a very special and suits the name Hidden Gardens.
Perhaps Ilocos Sur's favorite place is Baluarte ni Singson. Unlike other zoos, Baluarte is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to facilitating education, conservation and protection of endangered species and wildlife. And I guess that's it, our kalesa tour ended and hence, our vacation too. (2012)
Since it is raining and we are running out of time, we weren't really able to roam around the city but we did enjoy every place we stopped by. We hired a kalesa to have that feel of being a tourist, haha! First stop is Kalye Crisologo in Vigan where old Spanish style houses were seen. It would have been nice to have some coffee at one of those houses though.
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| Kalesa tour |
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| Calle Crisologo |
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| Displays in Pagawaan ng Banga |
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| If I kiss this frog, will he turn to be my prince? |
Another unexpected spot was the Hidden Gardens. It is an oasis tucked away in a quiet residential area far from the bustling Vigan town center. I was awed by the ambiance and the beauty of the garden. Aside from the venue itself, it was a very relaxing place while eating in a very attractive and pleasant environment though we didn't had the chance to savor their dishes but for me, that makes this place a very special and suits the name Hidden Gardens.
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| Inside one of those kubos |
Perhaps Ilocos Sur's favorite place is Baluarte ni Singson. Unlike other zoos, Baluarte is a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to facilitating education, conservation and protection of endangered species and wildlife. And I guess that's it, our kalesa tour ended and hence, our vacation too. (2012)
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| Tada! Theyre live animals except those dinosaurs |
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| Jurassic theme of Baluarte |
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| One of those animal farm they have in Baluarte |
Ilocos Sur
Philippines
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