What are the fascinating tourist spots in Ilocos Sur for the curious traveler aside from the

world-famous
Vigan City? Included are both popular and off-beaten places to visit and include in your itinerary.

I badly needed a break and travel was my ultimate respite. Instead of going back home, I chose to
explore the eco-cultural wonders of Ilocos Sur, one of the provinces of Region I.

If you’re also planning for an immersion there, here are the must-see tourist spots to see. Take note.
Most of these are off-beaten, thus, suited for those who don’t like touristy destinations. Let’s go!

Behold Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots

1. Aw-asen Falls

Aw-asen falls is one of the tourist spots in Ilocos Sur.

Aw-asen falls is one of the newly discovered tourist spots in Ilocos Sur, located on one of its remotest
barangays namely, Santo Rosario in Sigay. Expect humps and bumps along the road to the barangay as it
has not been fully paved.

The challenge does not end there. From the barangay’s nearest drop-off point, you ‘ll have to hike steep
terrains and cross rivers before finally catching sight of majestic Aw-asen falls.

Aw-asen falls measures more than 142 feet (43 meters). It carved a wide and very deep pool. It’s crystal-
clear and cold waters provide an instant relief after the arduous hike of getting here.

Location/Jump-off: Brgy Santo Rosario, Sigay, Ilocos Sur

Trekking Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Guide Fee: Negotiable

Best Time to Visit: Summer Months (February to April)

Contact: 09276754613 (Bacardi Quitor, Office of the Mayor)

2. Bantay Bell Tower

One of the iconic tourist destinations in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Bantay Bell Tower, stands on a hill
overlooking Vigan City and the towns of Bantay.

Locals say that it was a favorite dating site of Diego and Gabriela Silang, both are local heroes who led
revolts against the Spanish regime.
It is just 10-15 minutes of ride from Vigan. It is also adjacent to the St. Augustine Parish Church, known
for its baroque-gothic architecture.

Location/Jump-off: Bantay, Ilocos Sur

3. Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls

Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls is one of the tourist spots in Ilocos Sur.

Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls is an Iloco term, which means “Falls of Happiness.” Though it is one of the
remotest tourist spots in Ilocos Sur, it is also one of the most picturesque.

It’s best to come here during the rainy season as the falls is in its full force. Patches of rainforests
surround the falls, giving it a rustic view.

Location/Jump-off: Brgy Patoc-ao, Suyo, Ilocos Sur

Trekking Time: 15 minutes

Guide Fee: Donation

Entrance Fee: Php 20 per head

Cottage Fee: Php 150 for 24 hours

4. Dawara Falls

Dawara falls is one of the must-see tourist spots in Ilocos Sur.

If you’re planning to visit Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls, you can also side trip to Dawara Falls. You can do that
in less than a day! Dawara falls cascades like heavenly drizzles on the face of a massive cliff.

Even without soaking in the pool, you’ll eventually get wet because it sprays caressing mists.

Location/Jump-off: Poblacion, Suyo, Ilocos Sur

Trekking Time: 30 minutes

Contact: LGU Suyo- lgusuyo@yahoo.com

5. Baluarte Resort and Mini-Zoo

If you’re looking to see exotic animals, check out Baluarte Zoo, a hundred-hectare zoological park, and
resort complex. Here, you can find leopards, Bengal tigers, white lions, camels, zebras, and ostriches.
You’ll feel like you are in Africa here.
Location/Jump-off: Quirino Boulevard, Tamag, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Opening Time: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Entrance Fee: None but there’s a Php 50 fee per person for an e-cab tour

Contact: (077) 722-7186

6. Yamashita Cave

The cave is named as such because it served as a barrack of General Yamashita during World War II.
Locals say that the Japanese hid treasures beneath the cave which has a range of 64 meters.

To get here, expect to hike across pine forests and cross brooks. Along the way, you’ll catch sights of
grasslands, high meadows, and different flora species such as orchids.

Location/Jump-off: Cervantes, Ilocos Sur

Trekking Time: 45 minutes

7. Calle Crisologo

Calle Crisologo is one of the must-see tourist spots in Ilocos Sur.

Calle Crisologo takes you back to the Spanish times. It’s one of the most popular historical tourist spots
in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Old Spanish-style houses and shops line the cobbled street.

Here, you can ride a calesa to get you around. The surrounding shops sell Filipino weavings, handicrafts,
soft brooms, sculptures, and many other interesting products. It’s best to visit here during Vigan’s
Festival of the Arts, celebrated every May 1.

Location/Jump-off: Vigan City

8. Cabugao Beach Resort

This is one of the best-known beach resorts in Ilocos Sur. Enjoy surfing and diving on the adjacent beach.
You’ll also catch sight of stunning sunrise and sunsets. The resort offers a spectacular swimming pool for
both adults and kids.

Location/Jump-Off: Brgy Pug-os, Cabugao Ilocos Sur

Contact: 639178334148 – Queenie S. Paras, +639177992677 – Mr Fernando U. Lazo

Category: Ilocos Sur Beach

9. Burnay Pottery Making

Jars from Vigan City has been gaining popularity in recent years. In the Iloco language, these are called
burnay. They are made by hand from a grade-A clay which is abundant in the area.

The industry dates back to pre-colonial times and the burnay has been used for drinking tea and as a
container for local ingredients.

Location/Jump-off: Brgy Pagburnayan, Vigan City

10. Vitalis Villas

Vitalis Villas is one of the must-see tourist spots in Ilocos Sur.

Dubbed as the “Santorini of the North,” Vitalis Villas is the Philippines’ version of the famed Santorini in
Greece, featuring cubiform villas painted in a wash of white and blue. It’s one of the most elegant
accommodations in Ilocos Sur, overlooking the beautiful sea.

Location/Jump-off: Brgy Sabangan, Santiago, Ilocos Sur

Business Hours: Check-in: 3 p.m. / Check-out: 12 p.m.

Contact: 02-373-333, 077-604-6868

E-mail: rsvn.vitalisvillas@gmail.com

11. Ken Ngilawen Burial Cave

When we speak of burial caves, the first thing that would come to mind is Sagada in Mt. Province. But
you can also find them on a mountainous part of Ilocos Sur.
The Ken Ngilawen Burial Cave is a huge boulder with a wide crevice underneath where the log coffins
are piled. Some coffins feature sculptures of a head resembling a serpent, cow, or lizard.

Location/Jump-off: Brgy Apaya, Alilem, Ilocos Sur

Trekking Time: 10-15 minutes

Guide Fee: Donation

12. Baey Anito Falls

Baey Anito Falls is one of the must-see tourist spots in Ilocos Sur.

One of the least known tourist spots in Ilocos Sur, Baey Anito Falls is a sheer beauty to behold. “Baey
Anito” is a Kankanaey term that translates into “House of spirits/gods.”

Locals say that the falls is a dwelling place of stories, thus, they named the falls as such. But no worries,
that’s just a myth.

Location/Jump-off: Brgy Anaao, Alilem, Ilocos Sur

Trekking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Guide Fee: Donation

13. Pikkang Falls

Pikkang Falls compose of several cascades with the highest measuring around 30 feet high. It has small
and shallow pools.

Thus, its best to enjoy the falls by sitting or standing on the base while letting the drizzles caress you. It’s
one of the most pristine waterfalls of Ilocos Sur, owing to its distant location.

Location/Jump-off: Brgy Malamin, San Juan, Ilocos Sur

Trekking time: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Guide: Donation

14. Vigan Cathedral

Also called the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Paul the Apostle, the Vigan Cathedral played an important
role in the history of the Ilocanos. It’s one of the recognized historical tourist spots in Vigan, Ilocos Sur,
designed by Juan de Salcedo. It’s just a walking distance from the famous Calle Crisologo.

Location/Jump-off: Vigan City

15. Tirad Peak

Tirad Peak is one of the must-see tourist spots in Ilocos Sur.

Tirad Peak towers over the historical Tirad Pass where Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar and his 60 men made
their last stand against the invading American forces.

While atop, you’ll catch a panoramic view of the provinces of Abra, La Union, Benguet, and the
municipality of Quirino. From time to time, a sea of clouds emerge.

Location/Jump-off: Poblacion, Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours

Registration Fee: Php 25 per person

Contact: +639265331076 ( Mr. Macario Burgos, tourism officer)

16. Kayapa Falls

Kayapa Falls is one of the must-see tourist spots in Ilocos Sur.

Cascading on one of the most laid-off locations in Ilocos Sur, Kayapa falls features a 7-tier beauty. It’s
cool waters emanate from forests upstream which used to abound with different wildlife species such as
deer and wild pigs.
The river leading to the falls also thrives with shrimps and small fishes. It is a new tourist spot in Ilocos
Sur.

Location/Jump-off: Quirino, Ilocos Sur

Trekking time: 2 hours

Guide Fee: Donation

17. Mira Hills Park

Mira Hills Park is Vigan city’s highest point and is the only remaining eco-park within the metropolis. It
offers a rustic respite from the hustles and bustles of the city.

Here, you’ll find a swimming pool, an amphitheater for outdoor activities, and the Buridek Museum.

Location/Jump-off: Vigan City

Entrance Fee: Php 50 per person

18. Govantes River

Locals claim Govantes River as the “face” of Vigan City because it’s the first river you’ll see before
entering Vigan City proper. The local officials have been eyeing to turn it into a boating park.

Hopefully, that will help abate the worsening quality of the river due to household and industrial
pollution.

Location/Jump-off: Vigan City

19. Padre Burgos House

It’s the home of Padre Jose Burgos, one of the Filipino priests shot during the Spanish times for allegedly
leading a revolt. The house, therefore, signify the heroism of the Ilocanos.

Location/Jump-off: Vigan City

20. Syquia Mansion Museum

The mansion is said to represent the wealth of some locals in the past. These locals were active players
during the Galleon Trade. Inside, you’ll find ancient furniture, relics, and paintings.

Surprisingly, one of the relics was a gift of a Chinese emperor during the Ming Dynasty. During the
presidency of Elpidio Quirino, the mansion served as the Malacañang of the North.

Because of that, the museum is one of the historical places to go to in Ilocos Sur.

Location/Jump-off: Vigan City

Entrance Fee: Php 20 per person

For Your Information:

If you need more information that may help in setting your itinerary to the tourist spots in Ilocos Sur, do
contact Sure Ilocos Sur, a local tour organizer, through:

Contact Number: 0776440135

Via Email: sureilocossur@gmail.com