Ilocos Tour Day 3: Central Ilocos | Laoag and Paoay

It was raining hard most of the time during our Central Ilocos tour but this did not stop us from exploring the place. Our first destination is one of the UN World Heritage sites, Paoay Church.

But before going to Paoay, there were some things that we needed to arrange before starting our tour like securing our tickets for our trip back to Manila on that same night. So, we first went to Florida Bus Terminal and chose among their different night trips. We chose the sleeper bus mainly because we wanted to experience it.

So, off to Paoay we go. But our stomachs got in the way so before actually going to Paoay Church, we stopped by Herencia Restaurant. It's located adjacent to the Paoay Church so it's actually very near to our destination.

After touring the church, we decided to hire a tricycle that would take us to the other tourist destinations in Paoay. Our tricyle tour cost us P450.00 and the driver was tasked to bring us to as many places as he can. For that day, we were able to go to the Marcos Museum, Paoay Lake, Malacañang of the North, and Paoay Sand Dunes. The driver, Kuya Michael, was also very kind to bring us back to Laoag after our tour.

The Marcos Museum is a good place to go if you're curious about the life of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The entrance fee to the museum if P50 which includes a guided tour of the museum. It's funny how the museum also documented the late president and former first wife Imelda Marcos' 11-day love affair. The museum also houses the preserved body of the late president.

Before heading to the Malacañang of the North, we stopped by Paoay Lake. It was a very serene lake and we stayed there for only 3 minutes before proceeding to our next destination.

The Malacañang of the North was the Marcos' abode in Ilocos back when the late president Ferdinand Marcos was still in power. Entrance Fee is P30.00 but unlike in the Marcos Museum, there are no guided tours here. You're free to go and explore the big house and take as many photos as you can. It's a pretty big house and the furniture are well maintained. Sometimes, it gets creepy when I am left alone in some of the rooms.

The highlight of our Paoay Tour is the Paoay Sand Dunes. If you're going to Ilocos, you should never miss going to the Paoay Sand Dunes and try sand boarding and riding on a 4x4 adventure. I have to admit that we almost did not want to avail of this tour because we initially thought that it would be boring, but we were wrong.

The Paoay Sand Dunes adventure was totally worth it! It was still raining at that time and it was getting late and dark, we almost did not want to shell out a big amount for this experience. But, gladly, the staff manning the reception area of the Paoay Sand Dunes has convinced us to try this adventure. It cost us P1,500.00 for a 30-minute 4x4 adventure ride including the sand boarding.

We went home that night tired but with big smiles on our faces. We did not stay in Ilocos for the night but opted to travel back to Manila on board the sleeper bus. It was a great Ilocos Trip and I am so happy that I toured it together with my beloved.

Read my other Ilocos posts here:

Day 1: Vigan and Ilocos Sur

Day 2: Pagudpud, Kapurpurawan, and Northern Ilocos

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Herencia Restaurant | Paoay

Herencia Restaurant is a little eating place located just across the Paoay Church. It is known for their delicious meals and original creations such as the Pinakbet Pizza. The restaurant has a very homey and romantic feel and we were welcomed by their staff like we were royal guests.

We've ordered two dishes from their menu, one of which is the Crispy Dinuguan.

Herencia Restaurant's Crispy Dinuguan has to be the most delicious dinuguan that I've tasted. Dinuguan is pork blood stew, and yes, it is made from pig's blood. It was seasoned just right and true to its name, the pork cuts were served crisp. Crispy Dinuguan is P170.00.

We also had Pinakbet, sauteed vegetables consisting of string beans, okra, squash, ampalaya, tomatoes and a little pork. I had to request the chef to remove the eggplants because I'm allergic to it. Pinakbet costs P130.00.

Filled and satisfied, we went out of Herencia Restaurant like we're happy toddlers. We're ready to go to Paoay Church but it was still raining. The little desserts and drinks stand, Ilocos Coolers, a few steps away from Herencia Restaurant gave us a refuge from the irate weather. And of course, we could not leave Ilocos Coolers without sampling their Special Halo-Halo.

Can you believe that this Special Halo-Halo only costs P45? Yes, it is very affordable! And Ilocos Coolers has the best view of Paoay Church!

I will definitely recommend Herencia Restaurant to anyone who would be visiting Paoay. This restaurant offers tummy-filling meals at reasonable prices, and their service is impeccable. You can also buy some pasalubong at Herencia Restaurant. Leave some room for dessert and walk a few steps towards Ilocos Coolers for a taste of their Special Halo-Halo.

You can read Day 3 of our Ilocos Tour here.