7 Must Do’s in Vigan City

written on March 10th, 2014 by Jean Del Mar

Vigan, a small city with big surprises. Located at the Western coast of Luzon, it is the capital of Ilocos Sur. Centuries have passed, but the Spanish aura of yesteryear can still be felt here. No wonder Vigan City was listed as one of the world’s heritage sites by UNESCO.

If you don’t have much time, you can spend a day or two exploring the finest Vigan City has to offer. My group had a wonderful and non-stop tour experience with the help of a kalesa tour guide (150 pesos per hour; kalesa and guide included).

Based on that experience and on our guide’s advice, these are the top must-do’s in Vigan:

• A walk in Calle Crisologo

Calle Crisologo is a well preserved part of Vigan City that will take you back in time. You will experience an authentic Spanish colonial atmosphere. The street is lined with Spanish-inspired ancestral houses. These houses have since been converted to inns, hotels, restaurants and shops while keeping its original style. This four block street made of cobblestones is the most visited site in Vigan.

The best time to visit Calle Crisologo is when the sun sets because the streetlights add a spectacular dramatic effect.

• Experience clay pot making

Vigan is also well known for Burnay or earthenware. This skill started from Chinese immigrants who used pottery as their livelihood during the pre-colonial period. Today, it continues to be a livelihood for Ilocanos.

The burnays were first used as storage for water, salt, sugar, local wine (basi) and bagoong. Locals believe that wine and bagoong have a more enriched flavor when stored in these jars.  Nowadays, people use them for house and garden decorations.

You will get a chance to experience how to mold the clay. It looks easy, but for a first-timer like me, it was very difficult because you have to control the pressure with your hand to mold the clay perfectly. Give it a try!

• A tour in Father Burgos’ house museum

Can you still recall the three priests called Gomburza? Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora were sentenced to death after they were accused by Spanish authorities for supporting the rebels.

Father Jose Burgos was born in Vigan and had his primary schooling here. He was later transferred to Manila for higher studies. A visit to his house will tell you more about Father Burgos as a person and his way of living. You will see a collection of portraits, memorabilia, antiques, jewelry and a mini -library with a book written and given by his student Jose Rizal titled Noli Me Tangere.

• Climb up and take a pose at the Bell Tower

Built in 1591, the Bantay Belfry is a picture-perfect sight in Vigan worth visiting. The word Bantay refers to the district of Vigan where the tower is located. The structure warned the locals whenever invaders approached.

Not only does the tower have a rich historical significance, but it also boasts a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole Vigan City. In order to get the best view, you must climb up to its peak where the huge old bell hangs.

If you plant to visit, be sure to register and request for a tour at the Tourism Center stationed along Calle Crisologo. They don’t allow visitors to enter without registering.

Don’t leave without a wacky trick pose at the foot of the tower!

• Get in the wild at Baluarte

Baluarte literally means fortress, but inside is a unique surprise. It is not something built with stone used to defend against an attack. This Baluarte is a popular zoo with an adopted tiger owned by Mr. Chavit Singson.

This 80 hectare zoo houses different animals namely monkeys, ostriches, flamingos, peacocks, civet cats, iguanas, pythons, albino and dotted deer, horses, one-hump camels, swans, different species of  birds and many more.

You can also witness live animal shows, drive a carriage around the field or have a picnic. No entrance fee!

• Satisfy your taste buds with local food

Vigan has their fair share of famous dishes. Ilocano dishes have natural flavors with plenty of vegetable seasoning. So healthy! They have Vigan empanada, longganisa and pinakbet.

Their Empanada is made up of grated green papaya, mung bean sprout, mung bean, grated carrots, one whole egg and Vigan longganisa (meat filling). Its dough is made of rice flour which is prepared a day before. The result is a healthy crispy snack packed with pure Ilocano flavors.

Vigan longganisa, a native sausage, is very distinct from other sausages in the Philippines. It is made using Vigan grown sugarcane vinegar and garlic. For a perfect breakfast dish, paired it with a sunny-side egg, vinegar with garlic, onions and chili.

Pinakbet is cooked using okra, eggplant, squash, bitter melon, bagoong and bagnet. Bagnet is a sun-dried pork belly which is fried until crispy.

Their dishes are one of a kind. They have a long tradition in cooking and utilize the most of their own resources.

• Shopping! Shopping! Shopping!

Don’t leave empty handed when going home. There are a cluster of souvenir shops in Calle Crisologo. There, you can choose many Vigan products that you can give away to your friends and families as pasalubong. They have shirts, bags, handcrafted accessories, miniatures, jewelries, antique furniture, delicacies and many more!