Philippines - Things to Do in Vigan City

The UNESCO Heritage Site of Vigan City is well known for its cobbled streets and colonial mansions. Besides the picturesque Crisologo Street and the interactive Baluarte, there are still many attractions worth visiting before taking the bus to your next destination.

1) Syquia Mansion

Syquia Mansion

Syquia Mansion dedicates to the Philippines' sixth president, Elpidio Quirino. Just like Crisologo Museum, this ancestral mansion houses extensive collections of memorabilia of the president, making this an insightful tour into the man's life and work. The house belonged to his wife, Dona Alicia Quirino, a Chinese descendant whose family fortune derived from the booming trading business.

The living room

Philippines - Baluarte, Vigan

After my morning was spent visiting Santa Maria Church, I took the minivan back to Vigan. It was already in early afternoon when I reached the city and after my lunch, I decided to drop by Baluarte. Baluarte is a mini zoo of sort located about 10 minutes drive from the city centre and it's owned by Governor of Ilocos Sur.

The welcoming committee

This wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to teaching and educating the public on the animals living here. Some of the animals under the care of the sanctuary are tigers, ostriches, macaws, and so on. 

Some of the animals in this mini zoo

One of the best things about Baluarte is that you get to interact with these animals. You get to feed them and take pictures with them. Almost every hour there is animal show for you to watch and be amazed. 

How can I not take the opportunity to snap a photo with this beauty?

The star attraction of Baluarte has to be the tiger. This majestic creature sat there looking pretty and always game for a photo session with the public. I think some might even forget the fact that this is a dangerous animal, what with it looking so cuddly.

The said tiger..I missed out the chance to take photo with it..

I do find the giant dinosaur models a bit weird and it gives off the strange feeling like I was in Jurassic Park or something.

Welcome to Jurassic Park!

There is no entrance fee for Baluarte, making a visit a must for budget travellers looking for some fun in the 'wild'.

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Philippines - Santa Maria Church, Santa Maria

Santa Maria Church, one of the four Baroque Earthquake churches listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about an hour away from Vigan and was the first place I went to on my second last day. Like most of the churches in Philippines, Santa Maria Church is a massive construction built on top of a hill surrounded by walls. It has the feel of a fortress instead of being a religious site, setting it apart from the rest of the heritage churches.

Santa Maria Church

The massive buttresses and thick walls are its unique features. These similar attributions can be found in most of the churches here as well as the other three historic churches in the list due to the position of the country in the Ring of Fire. Buttresses and thick walls help support the buildings from collapsing during earthquakes.

Closer look at the church

There is little carvings on the facade, focusing more on the symmetrical beauty. The main ingredient used in the construction was red bricks, allowing the church to exude a rustic charm. The bell tower, another red brick building, was built at a distance from the main site, another precaution step.

Just like its facade, the interior of Santa Maria Church is simple. There is little grand paintings and carvings that decorate the walls. The beautiful altar is surrounded with figurines of Christianity.

Interior of the church

Up close

This was the second out of four churches listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site that I had visited. Both Paoay Church and Santa Maria Church have their own charms and uniqueness and both warrant a visit. What I liked most about these two heritage churches is that they are still local churches first and foremost.

Christian figurines in the church

Do drop by for a visit when you are in Vigan.

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Philippines - Crisologo Street, Vigan

Vigan's prized possessions of cobblestone walkways, Spanish inspired mansions and romantic atmosphere are best seen here along Crisologo Street. This stretch of road, dubbed Vigan Heritage Village, is the best place to be for beautifully preserved colonial houses.

Crisologo Street

Beautifully preserved Spanish mansions and houses

Philippines - Crisologo Museum

One of the attractions in Vigan City is the Crisologo Museum. Established to honour the achievements of the Congressman Floro S. Crisologo who was assassinated in 1970, this mansion turned museum is full of memorabilia and prized possessions of the Crisologo family.

Crisologo Museum

Crisologo family mansion was turned into a learning attraction

Hotel Review - Vigan Hotel, Vigan

I stayed for a night in Vigan Hotel, a beautiful mansion turned hotel that is close to major attractions in the city. I did not book for my stay when in Vigan as I wanted to explore around the available places to stay. Due to the fact that I am a solo traveller with limited budget, I chose Vigan Hotel as they have single rooms.

Vigan Hotel

The room that I stayed in was an air conditioned single room. It was a small room with basic necessities such as bed and a television. The bathroom is located outside the room and it is shared basis. The condition is a bit rundown, and frankly, a tad bit unappealing. I believe if you booked in advance, you can find a better room with the price I paid for this, which is PHP 695 (about RM 54).

Single room

Well, it was just for a night and I can't find any other hotels with a lower budget.

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Philippines -What to Expect in Vigan City

It was past noon by the time I reached Vigan City. The sun was gloriously bright, something I'm always grateful for when travelling as it makes exploration much easier.

This UNESCO Heritage Site has been in my bucket list since the moment I found out about it and saw how beautiful it is. A former settlement for traders, it managed to survive the war unharmed and is now a popular tourist destination especially the locals. I managed to include it into my maiden trip to Philippines and there's no regret to all the journeys. 

Here are what to expect when in Vigan City, Philippines.

Beautifully preserved cobblestone street of Spanish era

Which is much more beautiful at night

Big colonial mansions

Calesa waiting for potential customers

Big beautiful church

Christianity motives along the heritage street

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