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Laoag, Philippines

Package Details

  • Valid April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009
  • Roundtrip flights from Honolulu to Laoag, Philippines
  • 2 Night hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Extra nights with breakfast start at $22 per person
  • Hotel/airport transfers
  • Prices are based on low season airfare
  • Optional tours include Laoag City Tour, $16 per person; and Vigan Tour, $19 per person
  • Package is available only with the purchase of a roundtrip ticket from Honolulu to Manila on Philippine Airlines.

Starting from $677 per person/double occupancy

Contact our agents today!

For information and purchase call 1-800-303-6702, press #3 for International Booking

Description

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Laoag is the capitol city of Ilocos Norte on the island of Luzon, located on the northern coast of the Philippines, facing the South China Sea. And while the landscape of the Ilocos is covered by alluvial plains, desert-like sand dunes, and jagged coastlines, the local Filipinos of Laoag are warm and hospitable, the European-inspired architecture is beautiful, and the cuisine is full of exotic flavors. Visitors are sure to enjoy a laid-back and country lifestyle when traveling to this historic city.

Several historical structures are located in the Laoag area. Malacalang and Balay ti Ili are two historical homes once occupied by members of the Marcos family. Ferdinand Marcos, former president of the Philippines, once lived in Malacanang, which was originally built as his official residence. It has now been converted into a museum. The Balay ti Ili mansion is the ancestral home of the Marcos family and now displays many of the late president's effects. The home of the renowned artist Juan Luna and his family has been restored and houses various memorabilia. The museum features a copy of the artist's greatest work, the Spolarium, among other paintings. The Café Bojeador Lighthouse, built in 1892, stands on a promontory north of Laoag and still guides ships to this day.

The architecture of several of the towns near Laoag incorporates designs inspired by early Spanish settlers. St. William's Cathedral in Paoay, built by the Augustinians, follows the traditional Italian Renaissance design. The structure's second story is supported by four pairs of coupled columns and an image of St. William, the designated patron saint of Laoag, is displayed in a niche. Down the road is the Sinking Bell Tower, which sinks deeper into the Earth's surface a few centimeters every year and the Paoay Church which boasts a cross between Javanese and European design and has been included on the World Heritage list.

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Those seeking the natural wonders of Laoag will find them in several towns along the coastline. In Currimao, watch the local fishermen bring in their nets at dusk while performing a ritual dance. Pagudpud is home to the natural sculpture, Bantay Abot-abot, beautiful stretches of uninterrupted white sand beaches and the Mabogabog waterfall. A national park with a large sports complex is located just below the Malacanang residence in Paoay. You can explore the hills and mountains in the town of Pasaquin. Go spelunking in the Imelda Garden Caves, where you'll see underground streams and fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations.

The night-life in Laoag is quiet compared to bustling urban cities like Manila. A casino is located in Laoag's only 5-star property, the Ilocandia Hotel and Resort. The hotels in Laoag have multiple dining options, ranging from local dishes to international fare. The cuisine of Laoag incorporates bitter flavors as well as the usual sweet, sour and salty tastes most are accustomed to. The traditional dish called pinakbet is a savory vegetable stew with squash, eggplant, okra, pork, and bitter melon.

Laoag is an interesting place to visit for a vacation in the Philippines. Visitors will not be disappointed with this locale; gorgeous beaches, stunning architecture, interesting historical monuments and natural beauty will be appreciated by anyone traveling to Laoag to take in the sights. In addition, the welcoming locals of Laoag will make a long lasting impression on anyone enjoying their hospitality.