It was a rough, zig-zag, and long ride with a maximum of 12 hours drive from La Union to Ilagan using private car, however, the journey was fullfilling since I had the chance to escape the toxicity of work.
Place to Visit:
1. Ilagan Sanctuary
Its a huge nature theme park with so much to offer for travelers. It has zoo, pilgrimage (prayer moutnatin), fall, kiddie and adult pools. There are tremendous activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, treetop adventures, ziplines and holding the humungous snake. You can also visit few caves and one with nature, since the place was peaceful.
entrance fee: 100php/pax, tour guide fee - 300-500 php
2. The Japanese Museum Tunnel
Its a man-made tunnel crafted by Ilagan people. The tunnel was built during World War II for defensive purposes. It served as the headquarters of Japanese soilders. It is approximately 50 meters in length and 3 meters wide. When you go inside, you will a replicas of guns, buddha and japanese manequins.
entrance fee: 50 php/pax
3. Japanese Garden
Outside the museum, there's a Japan inspired garden. You can rent a kimono and japanese umbrella to complete the vibe of traveling to Japan just for 300 php/pax.
4. Japanese Ilagan Restaurant
Food is a must when traveling to places. I was amazed how this halo-halo was made tasty and unique by the owner of the restaurant. He was generous to give as free water to drink. It is a must try when you visit the Japanese Museum Tunnel.
5. The Giant Butaka (Rocking Chair)
Giant butaka was built in April 2003 by 25 craftsmen in 29 days. Christened as the "Butaka ni Goliath", it is made of premium narra woods and rattan and measures 11 ft. 4 in. high, 20 ft. 8 in. long, and 9 ft. 7 in. wide.
At least 15 people were needed to carry the chair's feet and arms during assembly! The Guinness Book of World Records officially recognized "Butaka ni Goliath" as the largest armchair in the world the same year it was built. It currently can be found at Barangay Alinguigan, along National Highway, beside Bonifacio Park (Rotunda).
5. The Giant Butaka (Rocking Chair)
Giant butaka was built in April 2003 by 25 craftsmen in 29 days. Christened as the "Butaka ni Goliath", it is made of premium narra woods and rattan and measures 11 ft. 4 in. high, 20 ft. 8 in. long, and 9 ft. 7 in. wide.
At least 15 people were needed to carry the chair's feet and arms during assembly! The Guinness Book of World Records officially recognized "Butaka ni Goliath" as the largest armchair in the world the same year it was built. It currently can be found at Barangay Alinguigan, along National Highway, beside Bonifacio Park (Rotunda).
Place to Stay:
Dreamwave Hotel
I had booked a room in advance to save time and energy. When we arrived at the hotel, I ask the receptionist if I could see the room first before check - in. She was considerate and allowed us to check it first. The room was spacious, it has basic amenities but my only concern was its not child friendly and a little pricey. So I politely cancelled the booking and opted to find other hotel.
I will recommend the hotel for couples who are having their honeymoon. The location of the inn was convenient to those shopaholic since the hotel was beside the mall. As for public transporation, there were cabs and rickshaw around.
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Piazza Zicarelli Hotel and Restaurant
This hotel and restaurant is anscestral house. I may say that this place was full of fond memories of childhood and happy family gatherings. As seen on the displayed antiques and photos on the wall of the hotel, I believe that the owner preserve the energy of the past. I thought it was creepy, but when I met the owner of the house, she was cheerful and accomodating.
We choose to stay at Piaza Zicarelli, we booked two rooms and it was child friendly, spacious and free breakfast. The amenities were basic and the price per room was affordable ( pasok sa budget).
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Tripadvisor: Piazza Zicarelli
I will recommend the hotel for couples who are having their honeymoon. The location of the inn was convenient to those shopaholic since the hotel was beside the mall. As for public transporation, there were cabs and rickshaw around.
Facebook: Click Here
Piazza Zicarelli Hotel and Restaurant
This hotel and restaurant is anscestral house. I may say that this place was full of fond memories of childhood and happy family gatherings. As seen on the displayed antiques and photos on the wall of the hotel, I believe that the owner preserve the energy of the past. I thought it was creepy, but when I met the owner of the house, she was cheerful and accomodating.
We choose to stay at Piaza Zicarelli, we booked two rooms and it was child friendly, spacious and free breakfast. The amenities were basic and the price per room was affordable ( pasok sa budget).
Facebook: Click Here
Tripadvisor: Piazza Zicarelli
Getting Around:
Basically, provincial buses, rickshaw and motorcycles were the mode of transporation in Ilagan, Isabela. There were few taxis and the fare was expensive. You can huggle with tricycle drivers if you want to go around the area without sweating.
Basically, provincial buses, rickshaw and motorcycles were the mode of transporation in Ilagan, Isabela. There were few taxis and the fare was expensive. You can huggle with tricycle drivers if you want to go around the area without sweating.
Tips and Tricks:
1. Isabela is one of the hottest province in the Philippines, because its near Tugegarao province (the super hottest place in Philippines). So you better bring your shield against the mighty heat of the sun.
2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. If you opted to do OOTD, be reasonable. Don't wear too much make up as well. I swear, you'll have break out.
3. If you want to enjoy the real cuisine of taga-Isabela, make your own research. It was our problem when we went there. Restaurants were kilometers apart, if not, close. Fastfood chain was rampant in the area. It was Greenwhich, McDo, Jollibee and Mang Inasal were the options.
4. Ilocano and Tagalog were the dialect of the people in Ilagan. So you don't have to worry on language barrier.
5. Never talk about politics! Its a no! no!. They were really sensitive about that topic. My dad was really vocal about his political views and it so happened that he shared a story to a guy who believe the opposite of my father's "ideal" government. The guy was furious so I told to my dad that its better to zip his mouth since were just foreigners in the place.
6. There were other tourist destination in Isabela, however, it was thousand miles from each place so we never tried to visit all of them since it was only a 2 days vacation. So if you're planning to visit all of the places in Isabela, have atleast 4-5 days.
It was just a short trip to the province of Isabela, but you know, every travel is a new experience and memories. I just hope that I had the time to explore beaches, conquered mountain and enjoy the savory dishes of Ilagan, Isabela.
