Top 10 Tourist Spots in Burgos, Ilocos Norte (Including historical attractions)
Tourist Spots
What are the must-see tourist spots in Burgos, Ilocos Norte? Find out more in this comprehensive article where we also feature the off-beaten options.
Ilocos Norte region is a province located in the Ilocandia kingdom of the Philippines or the 1st region of the country. It is known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and cultural heritage sites like the Paoay Church. Moreover, there’s a town in Ilocos Norte that offers so many tourist sites and that is the municipality of Burgos.
Today, we’ll look at the top tourist sites in this part of the Ilocos Norte region.
Burgos is bordered to the north by the West Philippine Sea, Bangui in the east, and in the south, Pasuquin and Vintar. Burgos has the largest wind farm in the Philippines which we will look furthermore in this article later. Most people in this town are engaged in the production of agricultural crops while some venture into fishing, livestock, rice milling, and salt-making.
Aside from those things, the people of Burgos are proud of their tourism industry. There are so many hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered in this town. That’s why right now, without further ado, we will now look at the top 10 tourist sites in this part of Ilocos Norte region in no particular order.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is a 65-foot-tall (20 meters) octagonal stone tower. It was declared a National Historical Landmark on August 13, 2004, and a National Cultural Treasure on June 20, 2005, by the Philippine Government. The lighthouse is located on top of the Vigia de Nagpartian Hill in Barangay Bayog overlooking Cape Bojeador (the northwestern tip of the island of Luzon) where galleons used to sail by.
It was built during the Spanish Colonial period as part of the Spanish government's master plan of illuminating the Philippine archipelago. The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was designed by Engineer Magin Pers Y Pers in 1887. It is the oldest lighthouse in the Philippines as it is still operating since it was first lit on 30 March 1892.
The lighthouse is still guiding cargo vessels, ships, and local fishermen from the giant waves of the West Philippine Sea and the rocky coast of Burgos. The lighthouse has a courtyard and a pavilion which has been turned into a museum.
Kaangrian Falls
The Kaangrian Falls is a multi-layered waterfall that forms a scenic stair-like view which makes it so amazing and extraordinary. That’s why it is known as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Moreover, there are small sparkling pools around the base of the waterfalls which are created by limestone deposits.
There’s also a wide variety of flora and fauna including wild edible mushrooms that are endemic to the area. The Kaangrian Falls was discovered by the local government of Burgos in 1998 as they were looking for sources of water and the rest is now history.
Ilocanos are indeed proud to say that this natural scenery is well preserved. Therefore, there isn’t any doubt that Kaangrian Falls continues to be a must-see spot when traveling to the Ilocos Norte region. The falls is located on the outskirt of Barangay Agaga (just 13 kilometers from the town center).
Buraan River
Buraan River is one of the rivers in Burgos and it already won several awards last 2010 and 2011. The river was recognized as the “Cleanest, Greenest, and Safest Inland Body of Water” not just in Ilocos Norte but throughout the Ilocos region. That’s why some people in the province are labeling the river as a Hall of Famer for its beauty and cleanliness.
Lined with trees along the riverbanks and mangroves, the Buraan River has clean and clear waters and is a source for fishing among the townsfolk. It is also the breeding and spawning site for various marine organisms.
The Buraan River is estimated to be 2.80 kilometers in length and has a drainage area of about 29 square kilometers (2,900 hectares). Buraan River emanates from Barangay Poblacion, passing through Barangays Buduan and Ablan, and drains to the West Philippine Sea.
Graciano Cove
One of the hidden gems of the Ilocos Norte regions is the Graciano Cove of Burgos. The cove is known for its deep blue waters and sparklingly white waves that break along the coastal cliffs. This site is popular with adventurers who appreciate off-the-beaten-path locations for their stop-overs and other activities.
The cove is located in Barangay Bayog near the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse that’s why visitors can enjoy a different views of the lighthouse. Aside from that, they can also see the stunning view of the West Philippine Sea from the cliffside at any time of the day. There are cottages for rent as well in the area for resting and picnics after taking a deep into the beach lagoon in the cove.
Paayas Beach
Paayas Beach is one of the underrated beaches in the Philippines. It is located in Barangay Paayas in Burgos. Lately, this beach is becoming a popular summer-time destination for the locals in Burgos and some foreign adventurous tourists. The beach is famous for its white sand and pristine swimming area which can be compared to Boracay and Puerto Galera.
It is one of the most promising tourist spots in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
Dragon Fruit Farm (REFMAD)
The Rare Eagles Forest Marine and Agricultural Development (REFMAD) Farms Dragon Fruit Plantation & Resort is located in Brgy. Paayas in the municipality of Burgos in Ilocos Norte. It is known to many Ilocanos as the biggest Dragon Fruit farm in Ilocos!
This 0.20-square-kilometer (20 hectares) farm is one of the leading farm tourism and education sites in the Ilocos Norte region, providing tourists the experience of dragon fruit picking during the harvest season from May to December.
Moreover, the whole dragon fruit (from tip to tip) is used to produce vegan-friendly and fully organic products. Some of their products are hopia or moon cake filled with the dragon fruit’s dried flower, lumpiang shanghai, tea made out of the dragonfruit’s roots, and the first-ever dragon fruit coffee in Southeast Asia.
Aside from fruit-based products, the REFMAD Farm facilities include a swimming pool, a fishpond, cabanas, and open cottages where visitors may stay overnight to experience farm life, cook their own food and enjoy a picnic.
Burgos Wind Farm Adventure Park
The Burgos Wind Farm Adventure Park is the second wind farm built in Ilocos Norte and it became the largest wind farm in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia, covering 600 hectares and three barangays of Burgos, namely Saoit, Poblacion, and Nagsurot.
It has become a tourist destination because it is a combination of an adventure park and a wind farm, offering visitors a chance to experience both eco-tourism and renewable energy. The farm harnesses energy from the wind and sun, and contributes power to the Luzon Grid.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Located on the rocky coast of Barangay Poblacion is the Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation. It is indeed a work of geological art that would leave every nature loving tourist speechless. With its distinctively white surface and unique shapes, the Kapurpurawan Limestone Formation is a must-see for anyone who wants to see the best of the Ilocos Norte region.
The rock formation is fronting the crystal blue water of the West Philippine Sea which was formed by the sea thousand years ago through the accumulation of particles deposited to the shore by sea waves and wind. Its term “kapurpurawan” is derived from an Ilocano word “puraw” which means white, because of the cream-colored rock formation that sparkles in the sun.
Along the coral shore of the “Kapurpurawan” is the “gagamtan” (Nori Seaweed) harvesting area. Due to erosion and vandalism on the walls of the rock formation, the local government has restricted the exploration of tourists on the rock formation, and viewing is allowed only at a distance.
Naisaang (Digging) Falls and Lagoon
The waterfalls of Naisaang/ Digging are another hidden gems of Burgos that is not yet popular with tourists. This fall beautifully cascades 10 meters down to form a lagoon which is perfect for swimming.
These are located the upstream of Buraan River. Further upstream is the sources of fresh water for the surrounding communities. The vicinity of the site is great for camping. Going to the waterfalls and lagoon is an easy trek, making it a known destination for visitors looking for a refreshing adventure.
Aranaar Beach and Burgos Fish Sanctuary
The Aranaar Beach and Burgos Fish Sanctuary are located in Barangay Bayog. It is known for its rich marine biodiversity, including diverse coral reefs and numerous species of fish and other sea creatures. It’s also a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, and its pristine coral reefs and clear waters provide a haven for a variety of marine life.
On the other hand, Aranaar beach has a spectacular view of the horizon perfect for gazing at the sunset. However, this is one of the public beaches being visited by a limited number of tourists due to challenges on the lack of facilities on the site and difficult accessibility in the area.
Digital Tourism in Burgos Ilocos Norte
These Top 10 Tourist Sites in Burgos is indeed amazing. Sadly, some of these destinations are not yet known to the public. People are not aware of these hidden gems that the townspeople is proud of. Therefore, the LGU of Burgos step toward the future of tourism which is digital technologies.
LGU Burgos tapped into Digital Tourism that’s been trending lately all over the world. Fortunately, our country is not left behind in this trend because Visitour PH made it possible. The municipality of Burgos and Visitour PH partnered to work together in using the digital technologies that we have to bring these amazing destinations in an app.
Our Visitour PH platform will be an avenue for these tourist spots in Burgos, Ilocos Norte to be known not just in the Philippines but also worldwide. We will not stop until we bring the 7640 islands together with our app and make traveling easier for everyone.
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