The Heritage City of Vigan

Ever wonder how it feels like in Spanish times?

Way back 16th century at the time of Spanish colonisation, calesa, a horse-driven carriage was used as mode of transportation that only nobles and high ranked officials could afford.

Vigan City will definitely let you experience and enjoy the calesa that will tour you around the city. But you don't have to be bigtime, or elite, you just have to pay Php200 and you'll be able to see the beauty of the place. So let's begin our tour.

1. The Infamous Heritage Village

It all starts at the Heritage Village or Calle Crisologo, a long stretch of the famous Spanish houses cobbled narrow streets wherein you can take the photo ops, walk and shop variety of antiques, accessories and souvenirs.

2. St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral or Vigan Cathedral


Not afar from Heritage Village is the St. Paul Cathedral. Not only is the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia, but it has fascinating altar and interior to allure the tourists.

Vigan Bell Tower
Its bell tower is separated from the cathedral for the reason that one of the structure can be left standing if ever an earthquake strikes.

3. Plaza Salcedo


Infront of the cathedral is Plaza Salcedo dedicated in memory of the great Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo.

4. Baluarte


A mini-zoo that let's you experience riding a camel, taking a picture with a tiger and roam around with several animal creatures.

5. Hidden Garden


If you love nature and the greeneries, find out a variety of plants and flowers around the Hidden Garden.

6. Pagburnayan


You might wanna try molding your own jars or vase too. Then you can drop by to Pagburnayan and make the art you always wanted but definitely will not lead you to the Demi Moore-Patrick Swayze ghost scene. LOL

7. Empanada, Longganisa, Bibingka
After a whole day's tour, you can hangout along Plaza Burgos and enjoy a variety of local treats such as sinanglao, arroz caldo, miki, empanada and okoy. Marsha's Delicacies serves bibingka, a very popular pasalubong in Ilocos.

All this and more can be seen in Vigan City, a place back in time preserve with beauty up until now. That is why it is considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO for being one of the numerous Hispanic towns in the Philippines.

Vigan City is located in North Luzon province of Ilocos Sur. It is an 8-hour travel by bus from Cubao, Quezon City bus terminal. Regular Fare should be around 400-500 pesos. Or you can opt to a more comfy travel with a deluxe bus about 600-700 pesos.

Here are bus contacts from Manila - Vigan:
PARTAS BUS LINES
#816 Aurora Boulevard cor P. Bernardo St., Cubao QC
Tel. No.: (02) 725-1740 (02) 725-1740
DOMINION BUS LINES
New York Street, Cubao, Quezon City
Tel. No.: (02) 741-4146 (02) 741-4146, 731-4180
VIRON TRANSIT
#1209 Blumentritt Cor. Dapitan St., Sampaloc 1000 Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 741-0405 (02) 741-0405
PHILIPPINE RABBIT BUS LINES, INC.
819 Oroquieta Street 1000 Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 734-9836 (02) 734-9836
FARIÑAS TRANS
Laong Laan corner M dela Fuente Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 743-8582 (02) 743-8582
MARIA DE LEON
Gelinos Street 1000 Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 731-4907 (02) 731-4907

NOTE: Buses that will originate in Vigan have limited travel schedules depending on which transit lines. Usually they have it daily from 6AM to 10PM. Every hour, the bus would vary by destination.

This is a repost from my now-defunct website.