happy Z: First Solo Backpacking ILOCOS

My First Solo Backpacking Adventure

REMEDY FOR A BROKEN HEART

It’s amazing how a broken heart can open your eyes to limitless possibilities and drive you at the edge of your comfort zone. I pushed myself to embark on this adventure primarily because I had nowhere else to go. I can keep moping around and feel sorry for myself or get up and go on a soul searching journey. This trip was an impulse decision and I only had 5,000 to spare for a 3d/2n trip to the north. See, this is a conservative budget if you are traveling with a group but a bit tight for someone traveling alone.

 

 

PRESS PLAY

I would have saved P50 if only I took the Florida bus to Vigan but I chose Partas which forced me to take a tricycle going there as I was already roaming around Cubao lost and confused. The 7 hour trip to Vigan was full of misadventures. From a child vomiting and a big guy snoring like crazy and leaning on me as if my sole purpose was to be his mattress. I normally wouldn’t mind but I was trying to catch on some sleep as well preparing for the long day ahead. Driven with enthusiasm and will power I finally arrived in Vigan. It was around 3am or 4am and the only place open was 7 eleven. There were people drinking around that time and fellow group backpackers. I stayed there until 4am – 4:30 am and went out and asked for directions on how I can go to Calle Crisologo. Most of the people I asked were surprised that I was traveling alone and because I am a woman. Call it double standard but I took it as a compliment and felt empowered



VIGAN

Of bagnet, longganisa and empanada lies the romantic city of Vigan. Travel back in time and marvel at the cobblestone pavements, old churches and rustic homes. A perfect place to stroll around and souvenirs aren’t that expensive. I would have rode the kalesa for a more authentic tourist feel but it was not in my budget.

EXPLORE

VIGAN CATHEDRAL

With wobbly knees I tried my best to climb up the steep stairs to get a grander view of the church. I stayed there for a bit.

No entrance fee.

PLAZA SALCEDO

Day time: I got the chance to watch senior citizens and kids doing zumba early in the morning.

No entrance fee. 

BANTAY BELL TOWER

This is one of the best places to meet your soul mate. Going up the bell tower and finally reaching the top and see someone reaching out his hand and inviting you to join him to enjoy the view. In my case, I wanted to jump off the tower. This is where I met Del, not my soul mate but a travel buddy. Its his first time to solo backpack as well. I think its God’s way of saying, you are not alone. Thanks to Del I finally had someone to take my pictures.

Entrance fee: Donation (any amount)

ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH

Prayed for healing.

No entrance fee

SAGRADA FAMILIA

Remembered mom and dad.

No entrance fee.

CHAPEL BY THE RUINS

It was hard to stay at this landmark, being heart broken and all. It would be wonderful to have a wedding at this place.

No entrance fee.

HIDDEN GARDEN

Tasted turmeric tea, tastes like sh*t :P This place is all about plants. There’s even a plant that can trick your taste buds and make everything sour taste sweet.

No entrance fee.

BALUARTE

This is sad. The animals are not well taken care of. Also, I find it ironic that there is a museum of preserved animals from Chavit’s hunting expeditions.

No entrance fee.

DANCING FOUNTAIN

I enjoyed this! I believe this a crowd favorite. Fun!

No entrance fee.

TASTE

For the budget conscious:

I ate at Irene’s Empanadahan, the carinderia type. It’s a popular place for,well, empanada. I ordered their Vigan longganisa with egg. Small pieces but flavorful! I think this costs P50.   

For a more cozy feel:

Café Uno. A good option simple lunch dates and for those who have children. I was lucky enough to be treated by Del (my new found friend, see post about the bell tower).

Empanada at the Plaza

Evelyn's empanada. I got to try it for free! A guy whom I met in line got the last 4 empanadas and was kind enough to spare one for me. Thank you people skills! J I met two of his cousins and found out that he’s a nurse and works in Baguio. I chatted with them for a while until we finished our food.  He was worried that I was traveling solo and offered me a ride back to the hotel. I politely refused his offer and told him that I prefer walking. Better to be cautious.

To try:

Café Leona. Sadly, wasn’t able to eat here as the place was packed! If I had the extra budget, I would’ve ordered the bagnet pizza.

DREAM

Arcellana’s Lodge

One trike away from Calle Crisologo or you can walk too. Php 300/night. Common bath and toilet. I was fortunate enough to be transferred to a solo room with tv. J

OFF TO LAOAG WITH DEL

We boarded Partas Bus going to Laoag. Bus ride costs P80.

EXPLORE

LA PAZ SAND DUNES

Sand Boarding

4x4 Ride

We paid for the normal 4x4 ride but were upgraded to the extreme version. There were a group of tourists whose 4x4 broke and requested to join us; in exchange we enjoyed a more thrilling experience.  

MUSEO ILOCOS NORTE

The main highlight was seeing the body of Marcos. I kind of admire their love story. It doesn’t take years to fall in love with a person but only a matter of days. When you meet the one, you just know.

SINKING BELL TOWER

Blessed to witness a wedding

MALACANANG OF THE NORTH

A very nice place to take photos and if given the chance, I won't mind living here. 

MUSEUM

Sorry I forgot the name. Hope the pictures will encourage you to go here. It near the Johnny Moon Café in Laoag.

TASTE

JOHNNY MOON CAFÉ

Filling meal! Bagnet and Vigan longganisa never fails to make me happy. Fun Fact: Johnny Moon is Juan Luna J

THE HELLISH VAN RIDE TO PAGUDPOD

We were so pagod na pagod. I suggest you take a mini bus instead of a van. Not advisable at all.

DREAM

Glenn Mark’s Transient House

We shared a bed. Yes, you’ve heard it right. Since we were on a budget we couldn’t afford changing rooms. Good thing Del was a gentleman and gave me the blanket.

I woke up early in the morning shivering from the cool breeze. It was a challenge taking a bath!

EXPLORE

TRICYCLE TOUR

I think it we paid P1,500 for the whole tour plus entrance fee to the Bangui Windmills.

TIMANGTANG ROCK

SOME PLACE

Sorry forgot the name again. Del has most of the photos.

PATAPAT VIADUCT

This place is breathtaking! Beautiful scenery and relaxing view of deep blue waters perfect for emo shots

OUR LADY OF PIAT

PARAISO NI ANTON

Del didn’t want to enter the ruins at first because he thinks it’s creepy while I find the damaged structures beautiful. 

MADAGASCAR CREW

KABIGAN FALLS

This is one of my favorite attractions. The hike was worth it. Too bad we didn’t have the chance to swim at the falls.

BANGUI WINDMILLS

Your pagudpud tour wouldn’t be complete without the windmills.

CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE

KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION

Another favorite! Reminds me of Lion King

We were done with our adventure by 3pm or 4pm in the afternoon. We were on our way to the terminal when I found out that I do not have enough transportation allowance left. I had to borrow money from Del. Really embarrassing but he was kind enough to spare some cash. With no cash left, I endured the 10hour bus ride hungry. Another dilemma was that my mobile phone was running out of battery. Luckily, I was able to contact my good friend Duo and arranged a pick up at Sampaloc, Manila terminal.

This trip made me realize that I can do things on my own. I was so caught up being dependent and needy that it became inconvenient for me to make decisions. I am able to dare myself to take risks and be accountable for my actions. It is also a test of courage and people skills to survive. Regardless of the mishaps and challenges, it is true that God is always there to provide.

I hope you guys enjoyed reading this post. It may not be as informative but I hope it convinced you enough to try solo backpacking and visit Ilocos.

Travel worthy: Brain Happy (10/10)

Budget: P6,000 - P8,000 if travelling solo

Walker repeat: Definitely!

How to get there: 

Partas or Florida Bus in Cubao

1. From EDSA-Crossing, ride a bus bound for Cubao, tell the driver to drop you off at Florida Bus Line. 

2. Ride a bus bound for Vigan.