DIY Vigan Travel Guide 2022: Budget-friendly itinerary updated September 2022 after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
On the Philippine island of Luzon’s northwest coast sits the city of Vigan, which serves as both the nation’s only UNESCO World Heritage City and the provincial capital of Ilocos Sur. It was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World Cities.
Anyone would be drawn to Vigan City since it is one of the best preserved Spanish colonial cities in the world. In fact, you may find much of its period-appropriate architecture and cobblestone streets elsewhere in the Philippines.
While visiting, experience how the city comes to life during the day with the bustling flow of commerce on most of the lower floors of the houses and the clattering sounds of horse-drawn carriages known as kalesa; then, observe how it slows down in the evening and transforms into a tranquil block of old houses where you can stroll freely on its street of cobblestones with golden overhead lamps guiding your every step.
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HOW TO GET TO VIGAN CITY
Via Air
Manila is 408 kilometers away from Vigan City. Despite having an airport, the city primarily uses its runway for chartered flights. Skyjet does offer commercial flights, however they are quite seldom.
An alternative flight to Vigan City is to get to Laoag City by taking a flight provided by Philippine Airlines (PAL) from Manila. Take a tricycle from Laoag airport to the city’s center, then take a bus to Vigan. The longest travel time is two hours. The fare cost is ₱300, which travels until 6:00pm only. Afterward, you must board a bus headed to Manila or Baguio. Inform the driver that you’re going to Vigan.
Via Bus
Taking a bus is the typical method of transportation from Manila to Vigan City. About eight to ten hours are spent on the journey. The majority of visitors travel at night in order to rest up for the lengthy journey and arrive in the city early the following morning.
From Manila Buses: 8-10 HOURS TRAVEL TIME and the FARE is ₱600.00 +/-
● DOMINION LINES (Direct) – Manila (02) 741-4146 | Cubao (02) 727 2350 | Aircon
● FARINAS (Passby) – Manila (02) 731-4507 | Aircon WiFi
● GV FLORIDA (Passby) – Manila (02) 781-5849 | Aircon WiFi
● MARIA DE LEON (Passby) – Manila (0916) 717-2545 & (0909) 344-9661 | Aircon WiFi
● PARTAS (Direct) – Manila (02) 743-3242 | Pasay (02) 852-8194 | Cubao (02) 727-8275 | Aircon WiFi
● RCJ BUS LINES (Passby) – Manila (02) 741-2994 | Aircon
● VIRON TRANSIT (Direct) – Manila (02) 741-6588 & (02) 731-8620 & (02) 726-7409 | Aircon WiFi
From Baguio Buses: 3-5 HOURS TRAVEL TIME and the Fare is ₱360.00 +/-
● FARINAS (Via Laoag) – Gov. Pack Road | Aircon WiFi
● PARTAS (Direct) – Gov. Pack Road | (074) 444-8431 | Aircon
● FLORIDA – Bokawkan Road, Baguio City | 0967 337 1834
Mode of Transportation and Fares around Vigan City
In Vigan City, tricycles and karitelas—horse-drawn carriages—are the primary modes of transportation. Being able to hail these two at any location within the city core makes getting about more accessible. The minimum fare for both is Php15.00 per person, and as one travels further out, the fee increases to Php20.00 or more. Make sure to board trustworthy tricycle operators, which can be identified by a big Vigan plate up the roof, to prevent paying more than is necessary.
As an alternative, hotels and lodging houses, particularly high-end ones, also provide trips in tuk-tuks and air-conditioned vans. If you’d like a more hands-on experience, there are a few locations where you can hire bicycles for about Php150 per day.
Top Tourist Attractions: DIY Vigan Travel Guide 2022
1. CALLE CRISOLOGO – Calle Crisologo, a delightful piece of history at the center of the town that cradles the historic homes that made Vigan the heritage site that it is, is the very first image that will up when you search for Vigan. At noon, the street is crowded with small businesses selling the best Vigan wares, including antiques, woven goods, woodcrafts, wine, jewelry, and street food. When the area is quiet at night, stay up late to observe how Calle Crisologo transforms into a beautiful setting. Take a romantic stroll down the street and create lasting memories.
Address: Crisologo St., Meztizo District, Vigan City
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: 24 Hours, Daily
2. HIDDEN GARDEN – The history of the “hidden” garden is fascinating. Francis Flores, the proprietor of Hidden Garden of Vigan, had three heart attacks six years prior, which left him paralyzed on the left side of his body. This also gave him the insight to alter his course of action, build a garden, and become a landscape architect. It eventually developed into a business, and a restaurant even appeared within.
Address: 8 Katipunan St., Brgy. Bulala, Vigan City
Contact Number: (077) 722-1450 | (0917) 922-2827
Entrance Fee: Free
3. BANTAY BELL TOWER & CHURCH – The Bantay Bell Tower, which is in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, served as a watchtower for piratical raiders during the Spanish era. This site is now unavailable for climbing due to the recent 7.2 earthquake until further notice. Although there is no entrance fee, donations are gladly appreciated to help keep this heritage property in good condition.
Address: Manila-North Road, Zone 5, Bantay
Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Entrance Fee: Free
4. SYQUIA MANSION MUSEUM – One of the many historical homes in Vigan that showcases the splendor of colonial Spanish architecture is the Syquia Mansion Museum. Elpidio Quirino, the late sixth president of the Philippines, resided in the mansion.
Address: Quirino Boulevard cor. Salcedo Street, Vigan City
Entrance Fee: ₱60.00 to ₱75.00 | ₱1.00 Students
Opening Hours: 9:00AM to 5:00PM
5. BALUARTE ZOO – Chavit Singson, a politician and businessman, is the owner of the Baluarte zoological park in Vigan. It includes several live creatures, including ostriches, tigers, lions, ducks, camels, kangaroos, and deer. There is also a butterfly garden and a gallery where the owner displays his safari-related collection.
Address: Brgy. Salindeg, Vigan City
Contact Number: (077) 722-7186
Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 5:00PM, 10:00PM Fri Sat
Entrance Fee: Free
6. SANTA MARIA CHURCH – Santa Maria Church is a popular destination for visitors and Catholics. It is a monument to the four centuries of Spanish rule in that region and a distinctive building with a variety of brick and mortar architectural styles. When the area was first governed by Spanish soldiers and friars, a lookout, a castle, and a religious complex were built on top of a hill.
On December 11, 1993, the church—one of four churches from the Baroque Spanish era in the Philippines—was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Address: Santa Maria-Burgos Road, Santa Maria
Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 6:00PM, Daily
Entrance Fee: Free
7. PAGBURNAYAN POTTERY – In Vigan, there are two companies that make pottery; one of them is owned by Fidel Go, a national potter of the Philippines. The ceramic industry, which is on the verge of extinction, is supported by these enterprises. Visitors who want to experience free, hands-on pottery making are welcome at both factories.
Address: Gomez St. cor. Liberation Boulevard, Vigan City
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 7:00AM to 6:00PM, Daily
8. PLAZA SALCEDO DANCING FOUNTAIN SHOW – Watch the fountains as they dance in vibrant colors to both classic and contemporary music.
Address: Plaza Salcedo, Quezon Ave. cor. Burgos St., Vigan City
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 7:30PM to 8:00PM, 9:00PM Weekends
9. ABEL LOOM WEAVING – Admire the complexity and recognize the effort that goes into each woven fabric produced at Abel Loom. The area is in the southern section of Vigan city, in the town of Caoayan.
Address: Near Flores St., Naguilian, Caoayan
Contact Number: (077) 722 6210
Entrance Fee: Free
DIY Vigan Travel Guide 2022: Budget and Iterinary
VIGAN SAMPLE DAY TOUR ITINERARY & BUDGET
Riding the kalesa, which will take you to 8–10 significant locations, is the most well-liked and highly recommended way to visit Vigan’s major tourist attractions. The cost per Kalesa hour is P150. Depending on how long you remain at each location, the tour of Vigan’s major attractions will typically last 3 hours. An alternative is to rent a tricycle or a van from your hotel or from any driver of a public vehicle who is waiting outside Calle Crisologo.
Estimated Budget per Person: P1,280 updated August, 2022
- Early Morning arrival @ 8AM
- Breakfast @ Cafe Leona and order their Longsilog for ₱140.00
- Avail of Kalesa Tour
- ₱300.00 | ₱150.00/HOUR RATE, WILL TAKE ABOUT 3-4HOURS
-Bantay Church Bell Tower
-Burgos Museum
-Syquia Mansion – P75 Entrance
-Arce Mansion
-Crisologo Museum
-Simbaan a Bassit
-Pagburnayan Pottery
-Hidden Garden (Lunch)
-Mindoro Beach
-Baluarte
- Lunch at Kusina Felicitas and order their Dinakdakan and cup of plain rice for P305
- Continue Kalesa Tour
- Finish tour at Calle Crisologo, buy souvenirs
- Visit Burgos Plaza and Vigan Cathedral
- Afternoon snack at Plaza Burgos Empanadahan for P100.00 with drinks
- Watch Dancing Fountain show at Plaza Salcedo
- Dinner @ Bartech and order their Bartech’s Famous Beef Mushroom Steak for P210
- • End of Vigan Tour
DIY Vigan Travel Guide 2022: Budget and Iterinary
Ilocano Terms that Might Help You
In Vigan, English is commonly spoken and understood. Here are some important words in case you desire to speak the language, though.
Thank You – Agyamanak
Good Morning – Naimbag a bigat
Good Afternoon – Naimbag a malem
Good Evening – Naimbag a rabii
How Much? – Sagmamano daytoy?
Where is… – Sadino ti…
