Travel Diary: The Road Trip that Took Us to Ilocos

The Philippines has so much to offer. From powdery beaches and breathtaking mountains to warm, welcoming people and food that leaves a lasting impression (even the ones that take a little getting to used to), there's always something waiting to be discovered.

If you've been wanting of a road trip filled with culture, comforting local dishes, coastal views, and just the right amount of adventure, let me take you to the Ilocos Region - a place where every stop feels like a story worth telling.

Here's how our unforgettable Ilocos journey last May 2025 unfolded.

Grape Picking and Local Wine Tasting in La Union
I used to think La Union was all about surfing and nightlife – but my recent visit showed me a side full of vineyards, farms, and local flavors.

We stumbled upon this experience by chance. On our long drive to Ilocos, we noticed people holding placards about grape picking, so we decided to make a quick stop and try it as a side trip. A friendly farmer guided us through the vineyards. For PHP 250, we got entrance to the farm and 1 kg of grapes to pick ourselves. May is the perfect time to visit, as the local vineyards are in full season.

Walking through rows of grapevines under the sun felt peaceful and grounding. After harvesting, we also got to taste locally produced wine, which carried earthy, slightly sweet notes that reflected the region's climate and craftmanship.

We also bought different flavors of local wine as souvenirs for our families. It was the perfect slow start to our road trip.

A Festive Surprise: Parade in Ilocos Sur
On our way north, we passed through Ilocos Sur and were lucky enough to catch a local parade. This is the Sinait Garlic Festival. It is an annual celebration held in May, honoring the town's famous garlic harvest. It's a lively event that highlights Sinait's agricultural pride and community spirit.

The colorful costumes, stunning floats, rhythmic music, and smiling locals pulled us in. It wasn't something we planned, but moments like these are what make travel feel alive—being in the right place at the right time.

Thrill Ride at the Paoay Sand Dunes
We arrived in Ilocos Norte in the evening and went straight to our accommodation to rest. The next morning, we woke up early, knowing we had a packed itinerary ahead. After checking out of the hotel, we headed straight to Paoay Sand Dunes, choosing to start early so we could enjoy the adventure before the sun got too hot.

Our group consisted of four adults and one child, and we paid PHP 2,500 for the 4x4 jeep ride and sandboarding experience. My niece and her father sat up front beside the driver, while the rest of us rode at the back of the jeep, holding on tightly as we bounced over the rolling sand dunes. ADRENALINE!!! We were screaming since the ride is both scary and fun.

After the 4x4 ride, we also got to experience sand boarding, gliding down the dunes and adding an extra thrill to our adventure.

The thrill of the ride, combined with the vast desert-like landscape, made for an unforgettable start to our day.

Paoay Church and a Taste of Ilocos
No trip to Ilocos Norte is complete without visiting the iconic Paoay Church. After our time in the sand dunes, we went straight to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is famous for its massive coral stone walls, intricate baroque architecture, and earthquake-resistant design.

Walking around the church grounds, you can’t help but admire the centuries-old craftsmanship and feel the history that fills the air. Aside from the structure itself, the park in front of it is so pretty that we couldn't help but take a lot of photos.

After taking lots of photos, we treated ourselves to one of Ilocos Norte’s most beloved snacks—the Ilocos empanada. Made with crispy orange dough, savory fillings of longganisa, egg, and vegetables, and a splash of vinegar on the side, it’s a perfect balance of crunch and flavor. We tried ours from a local eatery just a short walk from the church, and each bite was a delicious reminder of Ilocos’ rich culinary culture.

(Photo is not mine since I forgot to snap a pic of this beauty. I was too focused on eating. LOL! Source: https://www.easyrock.com.ph/post/ilocos-empanada-goes-global-a-filipino-street-food-loved-worldwide)

Malacañang of the North
We then visited the Malacañang of the North, located along the shores of Paoay Lake. It was once the official residence of the Marcos family in Ilocos. This mansion now serves as a museum showcasing political history, memorabilia, and art. We paid PHP 30.00 per person to enter the mansion.

There is a lake facing this mansion. It's view is calm and reflective.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and Bangui Windmills
Our coastal drive continued to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines. It is at the top of a hill overlooking the West Philippine sea. There is an entrance fee of PHP 50.00 per person. They also have assigned tour guides once you enter the lighthouse. The assigned tour guide is very accommodating as she also acted as our photographer when we visited.
Here are some of our snaps.

From there, we visited the iconic Bangui Windmills. Seeing these massive structures lined up along the coast was surreal.

We stayed here for few minutes before heading straight to Pagudpud.

Rest and Reset at Terra Rika
After days of moving, exploring, and eating, we spent the rest of our vacation at our accommodation in Terra Rika. This became our little sanctuary for the next 2 nights. We enjoyed our time at a slow pace - eating delicious food, swimming at the beach, watching the sunset, and simply resetting our souls.

Thank you for the support and for reading my travel diary! 🫶

Lovelots,
@genesys ❤️❤️❤️