Thirteen years ago, I rented a van to tour us around Laoag, Vigan, and Pagudpud. We visited most of the major tourist spots, so when we returned to Vigan, I had second thoughts about whether to book a tour or just go for a DIY experience.
I checked the Klook website for possible options:
Hotel Luna also offers a Vigan City Tour for PHP 5,500 (minimum of 1 person, maximum of 5). But since we were only three people, I felt like we could save more with a DIY tour—so we went to Vigan without a fixed itinerary.
If I had booked the Hotel Luna Vigan City Tour, here are the places we would’ve visited:
Vigan Cathedral
Padre Jose Burgos Museum
Syquia Mansion (with entrance fees)
Crisologo Museum
Burnayan (Jar Making)
Baluarte (Mini Zoo)
Hidden Garden (Lunch)
Camangaan Loom Weaving
Bantay Bell Tower
Calle Crisologo
Hotel Museum Tour at Hotel Luna
After reading the list, I realized there were three tourist spots we hadn’t visited during our first trip: Padre Jose Burgos Museum, Hidden Garden, and the Hotel Luna Museum.
Calle Crisologo
We started our tour a little past 8 AM. Our first stop was Calle Crisologo. We walked around, took pictures, and checked if any stores were open. After going around, we found ourselves back at Hotel Luna. I asked the guard how much the fare for the tricycle to Bantay Bell Tower was. What a coincidence, a tricycle arrived, and the driver offered us a Vigan City Tour for PHP 800.
I think it was a good deal—better than hopping from one tricycle to another. We also let the driver decide the order of the destinations.
DIY Vigan Tour
Parish of Saint Augustine of Hippo and Bantay Bell Tower
Our first stop was the Parish of Saint Augustine of Hippo and the Bantay Bell Tower. The tower once served as a watchtower during the Spanish Colonial Era.
Thirteen years ago, we were lucky to go inside the bell tower, and this was the view. But during our latest visit, we couldn’t get near it anymore. Part of the structure crumbled on July 27, 2022, due to a magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Abra and nearby provinces.
There’s no entrance fee, but you’ll need to register. The staff will gently remind you about the donation box. One staff member followed us and offered to take our pictures—so we ended up with tons of fun shots, like we were at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. He was really good at taking photos!
After that, we made a quick stop at the church.
Crisologo Museum
Crisologo Museum is the ancestral home of the late Congressman Floro S. Crisologo. The museum provides insight into his life and tragic death.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, Mondays to Saturdays
Entrance Fee: None (Donations only)
Baluarte Zoo
Syquia Mansion was under renovation, so we went straight to Baluarte Zoo. We were hesitant at first because I found out na meron ng entrance fee—it used to be free.
We’ve visited a few zoos abroad, and I knew this one was relatively small, but since we were already in Vigan, we decided to go.
Baluarte Zoo Entrance Options:
PHP 100 – Entrance fee only
PHP 150 – Package A with shuttle service
PHP 300 – Package B with shuttle service
We just paid the basic entrance fee. Like last time, we didn’t explore the whole zoo. We just checked out a few birds while waiting for the live show, then left afterward.
Hidden Garden
It was our first time visiting Hidden Garden. The area is quite big, with lots of items to buy and places to eat. I originally planned to have lunch here, but we weren’t hungry yet when we arrived. So, we explored, bought some plants, and picked up souvenirs.
What’s Inside Hidden Garden:
Lilong and Lilang Restaurant
Plant Collection
Grotto Area
Bamboo Groves
Lovers’ Corner
Coffee Shop
Bonsai Garden
Plant Souvenirs
Clean Restrooms (with a small fee)
RG Jar Factory
Thirteen years ago, we only watched how they made pots. Now, visitors can try making a clay jar themselves! My son gave it a try since he didn’t get the chance to do pottery in Sagada. I didn’t join because we were in a bit of a hurry to finish the tour.
We were the only guests at the time, so it felt like a private demo. No entrance fee; donations are appreciated.
Irma’s Longganisa and Bagnet
The driver asked if we wanted to visit a longganisa factory. I thought we’d see how it was made, but it turned out to be just a shop selling bagnet and longganisa. Hehehe! Still, we bought some since we had a fridge in the hotel and a cooler in the car.
Prices:
Bagnet
1 Kilo – PHP 560
3/4 Kilo – PHP 420
1/2 Kilo – PHP 280
1/4 Kilo – PHP 140
Vigan Longganisa
PHP 160 – per dozen (large)
PHP 140 – per dozen (small)
Actually, the bagnet my husband bought for his officemates at Calle Crisologo was cheaper. But maybe the driver earned commission from our orders—that’s probably why the price was higher. Still, both the bagnet and longganisa taste good, so no regrets!
National Museum of the Philippines – Ilocos
Our last stop was the National Museum. No entrance fee or donation needed.
It’s an ancestral house built in 1788 and now houses three museums:
Old Carcel Museum – Originally a jailhouse in 1657; President Elpidio Quirino was born here.
Magsingal Museum – Used to be a convent during the American period
Padre Burgos Museum – Previously served as a post office, Philippine Constabulary headquarters, and a branch of the Philippine National Bank
We completed our DIY Vigan City Tour in 4 hours and were back at the hotel before 1 PM.
Calle Crisologo at Night
After sunset, we returned to Calle Crisologo to take some night shots. We were planning to watch the Luneta Park Musical Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo, but I wasn’t sure if the show would push through because it rained. So we just went back to the hotel to pack our stuff.
