It’s a must to take both the North and South tours when visiting Ilocos Norte. So with that in mind, book early on the services of a tricycle driver/tour guide. They should be able to offer you one tour for only PHP600 (this is already a fixed rate for 2-3 people). And for a great recommendation, stay at Cathy’s Homestay by Saud Beach, and hire Raphie Respicio for his day tours. You can read my recommendation of Kuya Raphie here.
Day 1
Due to unfortunate events, Rubel and I arrived late in the area of Saud. So for our first afternoon there, we just decided to eat our late lunch/dinner at Evangeline’s Beach Resort. It was still drizzling when we finished eating our meals. But we’ve managed to squeeze in some down time by swimming by the beach. We initially thought that the water was going to be cold since it was raining. Surprisingly, it was warm at that time so we stayed for a few more hours before heading back to our lodging.
It's been three weeks since our 5-day trip around Ilocos, and still I miss the places that we visited and the people that we've met a long the way. Truly, Ilocos is an enchanting place -- one filled with lots of surprises! So in memory of our trip, let me share to you what transpired on our first few days there by starting out with Vigan City.
WHAT TO DO IN VIGAN
If you’re strapped on time like we were, try to put aside at least 2-3 hours for a city tour around Vigan. With us, we were able to arrange a tour with a nice tricycle driver named Roy, right after getting off the bus. We asked him to take us around town, wherein we arranged a 3PM pick-up at our lodging that same afternoon.
With Kuya Roy -- our nice tour guide/tricycle driver. :) |
I've truly grasped the meaning of 'Thoughtful Tourism' after meeting a humble tricycle driver/tour guide from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte...
The Journey
Rubel and I just came home from our Ilocos trip (June 5-9), where we spent 2 full days in Pagudpud during this travel. When we checked-in at Cathy's Homestay by Saud Beach (co-owned by Mrs. Cathy Respicio), we were introduced to the tour services of Kuya Raphie Respicio. Kuya Raphie is Ate Cathy's brother-in-law.
A Customized Ride
Kuya Raphie, a father of four, was an exceptional tour guide. Compared to other tricycles, his was customized so that his guests would not feel constricted inside the vehicle. It had a lot of headroom even for Rubel who was 5'9 in height, and was also fixed with cushioned seats. And unlike other small and tight-spaced tricycles, his was very spacious and comfortable to ride in (take that from us since we toured for over 8 hours!). And when it rained during our tours, he made sure to protect us with appropriate plastic covers, which were easily attached on the vehicle.
Are you guilty of overpacking? Fret no more! TRAVEL Magazine's Deputy Editor Monique Buensalido shared her awesome tips on HOW TO PACK LIGHT on GMA News's News to Go!
Explores & Be Free!
Mai
I recently came from a 5-day trip -- touring around the majestic provinces of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. For 5 days, 1 day was spent in Vigan, 2 days in Pagudpud and 1 day in Laoag.
Rubel and I had to start our trip early (to the airport that is) since the car was held captive at home due to coding. So we took the MRT, and then went to take the cab from Taft to NAIA Terminal 2. We were flying Philippines Airlines then, so I was super giddy about flying PAL once again.
Hello Budget Biyahera's and Biyahero's!
Rubel and I just got back from Ilocos --- and is very much thrilled about sharing our travel posts real soon. For now, here's an awesome photo from one of our South tour destinations in Burgos, Ilocos Norte --- the famous Kapurpurawan Rock Formation! :)
Explore & Be Free!
Mai