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With about 95,000 people in this capital city of the Ilocos Norte Province, Laoag is a busy and growing urban center. One recent development in this city near the northernmost tip of the Philippines’ northernmost island of Luzon, which has brought the green energy movement to the country, is the construction of windmill generators in Bangui Bay, 65 kms. northeast of the town. Alongside of the Bangui windmills lies the coastal resort town of Pagudpud, filled with hotels and casinos. With its location on the western coast of Luzon island, along the delta of the Laoag River, and lying on the transportation routes to many local attractions, the city is beautifully situated for beach recreation, water sports and layover rests. Taiwanese tourism has become a recent force for development in Laoag, and several casinos now operate profitably in the city.
Within Laoag, the main attraction is one of those historical anomalies that fascinate people. Just as the Tower of Pisa leans, the bell Tower of the beautiful St. Williams Cathedral sinks! Once tall enough to allowed a mounted rider into its central hall, to day the doors of the tower would only allow a child to enter standing up. The Cathedral itself, built in 1612 by Augustine friars, remains a wonderful example of the Italian Renaissance architecture occasionally employed by the Spanish conquistadors. Other sites from the Spanish era are the Fort Ilocandia and the graceful City hall in the town center. A drive outside of town will expose you to the rice paddies of an older Asian world.
For those of an ironic frame of mind, the Marcos Museum in Laoag commemorates the leadership of the late Ferdinand Marcos, who subjected his country to years of corrupt martial law. To his credit, when confronted with the peaceful resistance of the People Power movement in 1986, Marcos chose to resign rather than gun down the popular uprising.
Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort
Situated on a beautiful beach location, Fort Ilocandia offers true five-star service and amenities. With its 298 rooms providing you with water fun, casino access, and entry onto a spectacular golf course, the Fort also operates two excellent Chinese restaurants. The roster of activities available here is spectacular as well, with Archery and Paintball presented along with horse-drawn carriage rides and the usual luxury amenities.
Palazzo de Laoag Hotel and Restaurant
Open since 1997, the Palazzo de Laoag is a three-star hotel located along tohe picturesque rice paddies of the northern part of the city. Rising three storeys tall and designed to reflect the history of the area’s cultures, the Palazzo contains 80 rooms with full amenities. The hotel maintains a disco and two restaurants.
Northview Hotel
Located close to the airport, the Northview is one of those moderately priced hotels that provide much more luxury than you would expect. With a pool and a business center, the Northview provides its clients with a great traveling experience, and all at half the price you would pay in Europe. You can expect all the usual amenities that you expect from any three-star hotel anywhere else in the world.