Paoay, ilocos

experience

Paoay is the highlight of my Ilocos adventure! My eyes feasted in the beauty of Paoay Church and I am still in awe with the scenery of the Sand Dunes and Malacanang of the North. Since these attractions are really far from each other, I highly suggest that you rent a tricycle and wait for you until you finish your activities. Lucky you, tricycles in Paoay are everywhere. There are terminals at the back of Paoay Church and in front of the park just beside Valentin Diaz Birthplace.

Ideally, people would suggest to rent a tricycle from Batac to Paoay but in my case, I walked from Batac City proper to Marcos Avenue Crossing and waited for jeepneys.

Paoay Church

I spent a good 30 minutes admiring the beauty of Paoay church. After taking photographs, I roamed around and checked some souvenirs from different novelty shops around the church.

After Paoay Church, I hired a tricycle driver for P400.00. The rent covers Sand Dunes, Malacanang of the North and transportation to Laoag City.

Sand Dunes

I did not plan for any activities in Paoay, yet I found myself enticed by other tourists sand surfing. It seemed really fun specially when you hear them squeal; and once they get out of balance, some of them literally slides down the hill.

Rates:

• Sand Surfing = 200php (unlimited)
• 4x4 Ride = 2000php (1 hour)

Malacanang of the North

After an exhausting Sand Dunes trip, I went straight to Malacanang of the North to have a glimpse of Marcoses official residence.

Malacanang of the North was built by the Philippine Tourism Authority in 1977 for Marcos's 60th birthday, and served as an official residence for the president's family when they were staying in Ilocos Norte.

It is a two-story mansion overlooking the Paoay Lake and consists of seven rooms, with each room having a theme of historical events from the Marcos era: Study, Agriculture, Diplomacy, OFW, Culture, Nation Building and Family.

To tell you honestly, the place is kinda creepy. It is as if someone is watching me. But yeah, the place is cool and well-preserved. Even the restrooms are clean (atleast you know that the 30.00php entrance fee is going somewhere).

Note: There's a small store outside the mansion where you can take a quick break and munch on Ilocos Empanada. Try it!

map

expenses

FROM BATAC CITY

Batac to Paoay Church (via jeepney) - 20.00php

Trike rent from Paoay church to Sand Dunes, Malacanang of the North and Laoag City - 400.00php

FROM MANILA

Cubao to Batac - 797.00php

Batac to Paoay Church (via jeepney) - 20.00php

Trike rent from Paoay church to Sand Dunes, Malacanang of the North and Laoag City - 400.00php