2. Vigan is the best-preserved
Spanish-colonial town
in Asia. If you’re a lover of
old cities, this UNESCO
World Heritage Site is a
must-visit.
You’ll feel like you’ve
traveled back in time (to
16th-century Philippines) as
you explore Vigan. This
heritage city is filled with
cobblestone paths, horse-
drawn carriages, centuries-
old churches, and buildings.
3. HOW TO GET
TO VIGAN?
There is no direct connection
from Iloilo Airport (ILO) to Vigan.
However, you can fly to Laoag, take the
taxi to Laoag, then take the bus
to Vigan. Alternatively, you can fly to
Tuguegarao then take the taxi to Vigan.
4. 1. CALLE CRISOLOGO
Calle Crisologo is Vigan’s most popular tourist
attraction. The grounds and pavements of this
preserved street are made of cobblestones, and
both sides are lined with ancestral houses that
are reminiscent of old Spanish towns.
During the daytime, the street is a busy
commercial district, with most shops selling
quality antiques, furniture, and jewelry pieces.
You can indulge yourself in souvenir shopping,
including native food products and delicacies, or
snag world-class hand-woven clothing, blankets,
and other accessories at Rowilda’s Weaving.
You can ride a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage),
which is the only vehicle plying Calle Crisologo.
A kalesa ride is good for an hour and can take
you around Calle Crisologo and the rest of the
Vigan Heritage Village, including the Vigan
Cathedral and Plaza Burgos.
5. 2. BALUARTE ZOO
Baluarte zoological park in Vigan is owned by Chavit
Singson, a politician and businessman. It features a
number of live animals: ostrich, tigers, lions, ducks,
camels, kangaroos, and deers among others. There is
also a butterfly garden and a gallery which showcase the
owner’s collection from his trip to Safari. There is no
entrance fee.
6. 3. BANTAY CHURCH BELL
TOWER
The belfry is situated on a hill
overlooking the Bantay district in
northeast Vigan.
You’ll need to climb a winding
staircase to get to the top of the
brick structure, where you’ll find an
enormous bell hanging right in the
middle of the tower.
The watchtower served as a good
vantage point for the natives of
Ilocos to see approaching enemies
during the Spanish reign and
World War II.
7. 4. PABURNAYAN JAR FATORY
In order to help people appreciate the
industry of jar-making, the factory is open
for tourists who want to see and
experience pottery making first hand, from
simple, basic designs to more artistic
earthen jars.
The staff will also tell you an interesting
background about the origins of
pagburnayan, the art of producing jars,
which was inspired by Chinese traders who
came to settle in Vigan and then later
intermarried with Ilocanos and Ilocanas.
8. 5. DANCING FOUNTAIN AT PLAZA
SALCEDO The plaza was named after
Juan de Salcedo, the
founder of the old Villa
Fernandina de Vigan which
later became Ciudad
Fernandina and Vigan City at
present.
According to history, Plaza
Salcedo was susceptible to fire
during the Spanish regime. So
the plan then was to create a
man-made lagoon to minimize
fire incidents.
9. TOP THINGS TO DO IN VIGAN TRIP:
Stroll the streets of Calle Crisologo
Experience authentic Ilocano cuisine by pigging
out on some of the local favorites such as bagnet,
empanada and longganisa.
Try a hands-on pottery making
experience on any of the Pagburnayan
factories.
Ride a kalesa and feel the colonial Spanish vibe around Vigan.
Riding the kalesa will take you to 8-10 key places. Price per hour
per carriage is P150. In an average, the tour to top destinations in Vigan will
take for about 3 hours depending on your stay for each place.
10. ACTIVITY TIME BUDGET
TRAVEL FROM ILOILO
TO VIGAN CITY
Day 1 (5:00am-3:00pm) P2,180-6,480
Dinner 7:00 pm P200
Breakfast 7:00am P100
Baluarte Zoo 7:30am-8:00am P50
Bantay Church Bell
Tower
10:00am P10
Pagburnayan Pottery 11:00 am P10
Lunch 12:00 pm P150
Kalesa Tour 1:00 pm P300
Stroll Around Calle
Crisologo
5:00pm P200
Dinner 6:00pm P200
Dancing Fountain 7:30 pm P20
Hotel Room(2nights) P2200
TOTAL P3,430
