Cruises to/from Laoag
Laoag - the sunny capital of Ilocos Norte and the northernmost cruise gateway of the Philippines. The city lies on the northwestern coast of Luzon Island, where the Padsan River (often simply called the Laoag River) flows into the South China Sea. Here, sun-bleached 17th-century Spanish-era churches stand alongside golden sand dunes, while stone watchtowers still line the coast, once guarding galleons loaded with tobacco. For cruise travellers, Laoag effectively means Currimao Port, a sheltered harbour some 25–27 kilometres southwest of the city, protected by a coral reef and built up back in Spanish colonial times.
Cruise tourism here is still young but growing fast: the port welcomed just 3,713 passengers in 2023, 4,865 in 2024, and more than 23,000 international cruise tourists passed through Currimao and other Ilocos Norte ports in the first half of 2026 alone. The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has named Currimao one of the country's five strategic cruise ports — alongside Manila, Salomague, Bohol and El Nido — and is actively investing in its modernisation. 🚢
📋 Before setting off on a cruise to/from Laoag, or stepping ashore for a few hours during a port call, here's what matters most:
🇵🇭 Country: Philippines
📍 Region: Ilocos Norte (province in the Ilocos Region, Luzon Island)
👥 Population: about 112,100 in Laoag itself; the population of Ilocos Norte province is around 618,850
📐 City area: 116.08 km²
🗣️ Languages: Ilocano and Filipino (Tagalog) — both widely spoken; English is the language of education, business and tourism
💵 Currency: Philippine peso (PHP)
🕐 Time zone: PST (UTC+8), no daylight saving time — 5 hours ahead of Kyiv summer time (6 hours ahead of Kyiv winter time)
☀️ Climate: tropical monsoon, with a dry season (November–April, coinciding with the cruise season) and a wet summer (May–October); average temperature — +24…+32 °C
✈️ Nearest airport: Laoag International Airport (LAO) — within Laoag itself, 25–27 km from the cruise port
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: Currimao Port, municipality of Currimao
🗺️ Distance from the port to central Laoag: about 25–27 km
🏛️ The history of Laoag and Currimao — from tobacco galleons to a cruise harbour
⏳ Over 400 years of maritime history
Laoag's history begins in 1580, when the Spanish founded a town on the site of an earlier settlement, naming it after the Ilocano word «lawag», meaning «light». This is the origin of the city's modern name, as well as its unofficial title, the «Sunshine City». In 1818, when the province of Ilocos split into North and South, Laoag became the capital of the newly formed Ilocos Norte province, though it only received official city status on 19 June 1965. Today it is the northernmost city in the Philippines and the region's main political, commercial and educational hub.
⚔️ From tobacco monopoly to National Cultural Treasures
The neighbouring town of Currimao, home to today's cruise port, was an important commercial port during the Spanish colonial era — a tobacco warehouse (the «tabacalera»), built in 1869 for the «Compañía General de Tabacos de Filipinas», the Spanish tobacco monopoly, once operated here. The harbour was guarded by two stone watchtowers roughly 7 metres tall, built in the mid-19th century to defend against Moro raiders and Chinese pirates. In 2015, these towers, together with others across the province, were declared National Cultural Treasures of the Philippines as part of the serial inscription «Watchtowers of Ilocos Norte». A natural barrier of sharp coral rock stretching roughly 3 km still keeps ships more than 100 metres from shore — except at the single sheltered entrance to the bay, which vessels have used for more than two centuries.
⚓ Currimao Port — Ilocos Norte's new sea gateway
📊 Scale and modernisation of the port
Currimao Port is a relatively small but fast-growing maritime hub. In November 2024, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) awarded a contract worth PHP 839.18 million to expand and deepen the port: dredging, land reclamation and breakwater construction will allow it to accommodate vessels up to 200 metres long. The works are scheduled to take 720 days. In the summer of 2024, the port also opened a new law-enforcement building worth PHP 222.67 million, coordinating the work of PPA port police, the Coast Guard, the maritime police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
🚢 How many liners the port can handle
Currimao receives liners one at a time — typically only a single vessel is berthed here at once. Even so, the growth is striking: 3,713 passengers in 2023, 4,865 in 2024, and already more than 23,000 cruise tourists through Ilocos Norte's ports in just the first six months of 2026. That makes it one of the fastest-growing cruise destinations in the Philippines.
🏢 Which cruise lines call at Laoag
Currimao is visited by ships from Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sky), Silversea Cruises (Silver Dawn, Silver Whisper), Star Cruises (Star Navigator, on voyages from Kaohsiung), Ponant (Le Jacques Cartier) and the expedition line Heritage Expeditions (Heritage Adventurer). This makes Laoag an intriguing stop on Southeast and East Asian cruise itineraries. 🌍
💡 Interesting facts about Laoag and its port
A few lesser-known details make getting to know the city even more rewarding:
🗼 The watchtowers of Currimao were declared National Cultural Treasures of the Philippines in 2015, as part of the serial inscription «Watchtowers of Ilocos Norte».
🐚 Currimao's harbour is protected by a natural barrier of sharp coral rock stretching 3 km — which is why ships cannot approach the shore closer than 100 metres, except through the single safe entrance to the bay.
☀️ The name «Laoag» means «light» in Ilocano — hence the city's unofficial nickname, the «Sunshine City».
🧭 Laoag is the northernmost city in the Philippines, the last major settlement before the Luzon Strait.
⛪ St. William's Cathedral and its famous Sinking Bell Tower were both built in 1612 — the bell tower has been gradually sinking into the sandy soil and is now noticeably tilted.
🏜️ The La Paz Sand Dunes are the only true desert landscape in the Philippines, where visitors ride 4x4s and even camels.
📈 In the first half of 2026 alone, Ilocos Norte welcomed more than 23,000 cruise tourists — almost six times as many as in the whole of 2023.
🏨 The Fort Ilocandia resort, near the dunes, is the region's only five-star hotel, built in the early 1980s.
📍 Top sights in Laoag — must-sees for cruise travellers
A cruise ship's call at Currimao usually lasts anywhere from half a day to a full day, so it's worth planning your route in advance. A detailed list with photos, addresses and opening hours can be found in the «Landmarks and Places of Interest» section; below is a brief overview of the city's must-see spots.
⛪ St. William's Cathedral and the Sinking Bell Tower — Laoag's main architectural landmark, built in 1612.
🏜️ La Paz Sand Dunes — the Philippines' only true «desert», just minutes from the city centre.
🏨 Fort Ilocandia — a resort complex and Ilocos Norte's only 5-star hotel.
⛪ St. Augustine Church in Paoay — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an example of «earthquake baroque».
🏛️ Malacañang of the North — the Marcos family's summer residence on the shore of Paoay Lake.
🏙️ Vigan — a Spanish colonial-era heritage city and UNESCO site, about an hour's drive from Laoag.
✨ Why choose a cruise to/from Laoag
Laoag is a destination for travellers looking for something beyond the usual resort routes.
First, the logistics are convenient: Laoag International Airport (LAO) is located within the city itself and receives direct flights from Manila and Cebu. ✈️
Second, it offers a rare combination of Spanish colonial heritage, volcanic scenery and sand dunes — all within a short distance of one another. 🏜️
Third, Currimao Port itself is already a landmark: Spanish-era watchtowers and the ruins of a customs house and tobacco warehouse tell a story that predates the first cruise ships by centuries. 🏛️
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the best route via Currimao, take care of flight details to Laoag and transfers to the port, and advise on the best time to book — given that the local cruise season is short, running from November to April. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm up-to-date details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Port in Laoag (Currimao Port)
Laoag — the capital of the Philippine province of Ilocos Norte — unlike Barcelona or other major Mediterranean hubs, has no deep-water pier of its own for cruise ships. Vessels calling on this region dock at Currimao Port, a small but active port town about 26–27 km south of Laoag. This is a classic “port of call”: ships typically stay here for 6–10 hours as part of a longer Asian itinerary, and passengers go ashore for excursions to Laoag, Paoay, and Vigan. Below is a verified step-by-step guide on getting to and from the port, up-to-date transport rates, and tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. 🎯
📍 Where Exactly Is the Cruise Port of Laoag
The official name of the port is Port of Currimao (port code PHCMO), located in the municipality of Currimao, Ilocos Norte province, on the South China Sea coast. The port is managed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), PMO Northern Luzon office, based directly in Currimao.
📌 GPS address: Currimao Port, Brgy. 10 Maglaoi Norte, Currimao, Ilocos Norte 2903, Philippines
🗺️ Coordinates: 17.989460, 120.486383
🚶 Distance to Laoag: about 26–27 km (~30 minutes by car)
✈️ Distance to Laoag Airport (LAO): about 23.5 km (~29 minutes by car)
⛪ Distance to Paoay Church (UNESCO): about 7 km (~8 minutes by car)
🏛️ Distance to Vigan: about 57 km (~1 hour 10 minutes by car)
⚓ Berthing: in 2025, Currimao Port underwent major upgrades — dredging works, land reclamation, and breakwater construction. As a result, the port can now accommodate vessels up to 200 metres long directly alongside the pier, without the need to anchor offshore and tender passengers ashore, as often happened in the past. Lines that have already called at Currimao include Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sky (Norwegian Cruise Line), Star Navigator (Star Cruises, sailing from Kaohsiung, Taiwan), and vessels from Oceania Cruises; for 2027, the port is already on the schedule of the expedition ship Le Jacques Cartier (Ponant).
❗ Important: Currimao is a port of call, not an embarkation or disembarkation port. At present, no major cruise line uses Laoag as a homeport (turnaround port) — the ship arrives here already fully booked, as part of an itinerary from Singapore, Taiwan, or other Asian ports. In January 2026, the Ilocos Norte provincial government was in talks with cruise lines about extending calls and the possibility of “overnight” stops in the future — check the port's official news before planning your trip.
✈️ From Laoag Airport (LAO) to Currimao Port
Laoag International Airport (code LAO) is located 23–24 km from Currimao Port, near the mouth of the Padsan River and the La Paz sand dunes. Despite the word “International” in its name, the airport currently handles domestic flights only — Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific operate daily Manila–Laoag flights (flight time about 1 hour 10 minutes). Historically the airport served international routes to China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Honolulu, but as of 2026 there is no regular international service, so most foreign travellers reach Laoag via Manila.
🚕 Taxi — the simplest way to get from the airport to the port:
• Travel time: 25–30 minutes
• Approximate fare: around 350–500 PHP (local metered rate starts at 50 PHP for the first kilometre, with an additional charge per kilometre thereafter)
• Payment: mostly cash; not all drivers accept cards
💡 Tip from Four Gates: there are no Uber- or Bolt-style apps at Laoag Airport — agree on the fare with the driver before getting in, or use the Philippine ride-hailing app Joyride if it has coverage in the area.
🚐 Private transfer — the most convenient and reliable option
Since there is no official taxi rank right at the port, and independent logistics in rural Ilocos Norte can be unpredictable, a pre-booked transfer with a driver is the best choice.
• Cost: a car or minivan with driver in the region costs on average 5,500–7,000 PHP per day
• Benefits: the driver meets you in the arrivals hall, fixed price, no need to look for transport on the spot
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for our clients in Asian ports, including Laoag — simply provide your flight number and the ship's call schedule when booking your cruise.
🛫 If There Is No Direct Flight to Laoag — via Manila International Airport (NAIA)
There is no railway to Laoag, so the role of a “transfer hub” — comparable to the train station in Barcelona — is played here by Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, the main international gateway to the Philippines, served by flights from Ukraine via Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
✈️ Manila–Laoag flight: daily flights by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, flight time ~1 hour 10 minutes, approximate one-way fare 5,500–10,500 PHP depending on season and how far in advance you book
🚌 Bus: Fariñas Transit, GV Florida Transport, Maria de Leon, Partas Transport, and Viron Transit run day and overnight services, travel time about 9–10 hours, fare 900–2,200 PHP
🚗 Car: distance ~470–480 km, travel time 7–7.5 hours
⚠️ Important: since Laoag is a port of call rather than an embarkation port, the vast majority of passengers join the cruise in another city (Singapore, Kaohsiung, etc.) and simply go ashore during the call at Currimao. The option above is relevant only for those planning an independent trip around Ilocos Norte before or after the cruise.
🏙️ From Laoag and Other Towns in the Region to Currimao Port
If you are already in Laoag or another town in the province (for example, Paoay or Batac), you can reach the port in several ways:
🚕 Taxi — 25–30 minutes from central Laoag, roughly 400–500 PHP. The official rate starts at 50 PHP for the first kilometre, with a surcharge for each additional kilometre.
🛺 Tricycle — a popular local mode of transport for short distances: the first kilometre costs about 20 PHP, after which the price is negotiated with the driver. For a trip from Laoag to Currimao (26+ km), a tricycle is not the most comfortable option given its open design and the length of the ride.
🚐 Jeepney — traditional Philippine public transport, approximate fare around 30 PHP per kilometre of route; there is no direct regular service to Currimao Port, so a transfer in Currimao or Paoay may be needed.
📱 Joyride — a Philippine ride-hailing app (an Uber equivalent), support line: +63 2 8864 7777. Coverage in rural Ilocos Norte is limited, so check driver availability in the app in advance.
🚌 Organised shuttles and excursions — the main way most cruise passengers get from the port to the sights and back. Because there is no taxi rank right at the port, cruise lines and local authorities organise coach tours: for example, during one call with 700 passengers ashore, tour operators fielded 21 buses, 21 guides, and 10 coordinators. 💡 Tip from Four Gates: book an official shore excursion in advance through your cruise line or through our manager — it's the most reliable way to see Paoay, Laoag, and, time permitting, Vigan within a single call.
🚗 By Rental Car — Parking Near the Port
Currimao is first and foremost a working cargo and fishing port that is only beginning to develop its tourism infrastructure, so there is no official paid parking for private cars along the lines of European cruise terminals. If you are arriving in your own or a rented car with a driver to meet or see off passengers, we recommend arranging entry and a waiting area in advance with port security (PPA PMO Northern Luzon) or leaving this to your cruise agent.
💡 Tip from Four Gates: we coordinate vehicle access right up to the pier for clients who book a private transfer or excursion through our company.
♿ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Currimao Port is small and does not yet have documented dedicated infrastructure for passengers with reduced mobility (ramps, pier-side lifts, etc.) of the kind standard at major European ports. That said, the 2025 upgrade — which allows ships to dock directly alongside the pier instead of tendering — makes going ashore considerably easier for passengers with mobility needs than in previous years.
✅ Let your cruise line know about your assistance needs in advance — during calls at ports like Currimao, ship staff usually provide individual assistance when going ashore
✅ If you are booking an excursion, ask the operator to confirm accessible transport (low floor, ramp) beforehand
✅ Contact a Four Gates Group manager — we select transfers and routes that take mobility needs into account
⏰ When to Arrive at the Cruise Port
Since Laoag (Currimao) currently operates exclusively as a port of call rather than an embarkation or disembarkation port, the logic of “arriving at the terminal” is different here than at turnaround ports like Barcelona:
🕐 If Currimao is a port of call (a stop during your cruise): you don't need to “arrive” anywhere — the ship comes to the port itself, usually in the morning, after immigration and customs clearance on board. Going ashore opens once Philippine authorities grant clearance, which often takes 30–60 minutes after docking. Be back on board at least 60–90 minutes before the stated departure time — the ship will not wait for late passengers (the “all aboard” rule). The average call in Currimao lasts 6–10 hours.
🕐 If Laoag ever becomes an embarkation port: at present, no major cruise line offers embarkation or disembarkation at Currimao, but the Ilocos Norte provincial government is in talks about extended calls and “overnight” port stops. If your cruise does involve boarding in Laoag, follow the general cruise-industry rule of thumb: check-in opens 3–4 hours before departure, and given limited air connectivity to Laoag, plan to fly into the region at least a day before your boarding date. Always confirm the exact check-in time and location on your cruise voucher or with your Four Gates Group manager.
💡 Insider Tips from the Four Gates Group Experts
Currimao is a fast-developing port, so independent logistics here require more preparation than at well-established European ports. Here are some tips to help you avoid unpleasant surprises:
🎟️ Book your shore excursion in advance. There is usually no independent taxi waiting right “at the gangway” in Currimao — an organised tour is the main way to see the region within a single call.
💵 Carry cash in Philippine pesos. Cards are far from universally accepted in rural Ilocos Norte — keep 1,000–2,000 PHP in small notes for minor expenses, tips, and souvenirs.
🕐 Plan your time with a buffer. The call lasts only a few hours, and the distances to the sights (Paoay — 7 km, Laoag — 27 km, Vigan — 57 km) mean you realistically can't see “everything at once” — set your priorities in advance.
📶 Download offline maps and a translation app. Internet coverage outside Laoag can be unstable; English is widely spoken in the region, but an offline Google Translate pack with Filipino won't hurt.
☀️ Sun protection is essential. Ilocos Norte has a tropical climate with heat and high humidity year-round, so a hat, sunscreen, and water on the go are must-haves.
🛂 Check visa requirements in advance. Ukrainian citizens generally do not need a visa for short-term tourist visits to the Philippines (provided you have a return ticket and stay within the permitted period) — however, rules can change, so confirm the current requirements with the consulate or your Four Gates Group manager before travelling.
🤝 Leave the logistics to the professionals. At developing ports like Currimao, a private transfer and guide are not a luxury — they're the way to be sure you see the highlights and get back on board on time.
📞 Contacts for Travellers in Laoag and Ilocos Norte
Ilocos Norte Provincial Tourism Office: +63 (077) 772 12 13, mobile +63 908 810 86 21, email tourismilocosnorte@gmail.com
Tourism office address: Provincial Capitol, Brgy. 10, J.P. Rizal St., Laoag City 2900, Philippines
Philippine Ports Authority, PMO Northern Luzon office (Currimao Port): Brgy. 10 Maglaoi Norte, Currimao, Ilocos Norte
Joyride (ride booking): +63 2 8864 7777
Philippines emergency services: 911
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53
Cruise logistics in Laoag aren't yet as polished as at major European ports — which is exactly why preparation and choosing the right transfer matter so much here. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group help clients plan every stage of the call in Currimao: from booking a vetted shore excursion to arranging a private transfer with a driver right to the pier. Get in touch with our manager — and your day in the Philippines will go off without unnecessary stress. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Currimao Port is actively developing, so ship call schedules, transport fares, entry requirements, and infrastructure may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant organisations.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Landmarks and Attractions of Laoag: A Complete Guide for the Cruise Traveler
Laoag and the whole of Ilocos Norte province offer a very different side of the Philippines: no skyscrapers, no metro — instead, fortress-like baroque churches, wind turbines standing right in the sea, and the country's only genuine sand dunes. Cruise ships don't dock in Laoag itself but at Currimao Port — a small coastal town about 26 km south of the provincial capital — so most attractions require a short drive. A call at Currimao usually lasts 7 to 9 hours, so it's realistic to see 3–5 highlights if you plan your route in advance. Detailed transfer options are covered in the «Getting There» section, while below you'll find a thorough guide to the region's main attractions — with history, current prices, and precise directions from the port to each site. 🎯
⛪ 1. San Agustin Church in Paoay (Paoay Church)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Paoay Church is the calling card of Ilocos Norte and one of the most photographed churches in the Philippines. It's known as a masterpiece of «earthquake baroque» — a style local builders developed specifically for this seismically active region.
🔹 The walls are supported by 24 massive buttresses roughly 1.67 metres thick — they give the church its unmistakable, almost sculptural silhouette. 🏛️
🔹 The building material was coral stone and brick, bound with a mortar of lime, sand, sugarcane juice, mango leaves, animal hide, and rice straw — a recipe that has withstood more than three centuries of tropical storms and earthquakes.
🔹 The separate three-tiered bell tower beside the church resembles a pagoda and blends Javanese, Chinese, and Gothic architectural motifs — a visible trace of the trade routes that once passed through the region.
🔹 In 2019–2020 the National Historical Commission of the Philippines carried out a major restoration of the façade and buttresses, and since November 2020 the church has been open to visitors again, fully refreshed. ✨
📜 History:
The earliest records of the Paoay parish date back to 1593, and it became an independent Augustinian parish in 1686 thanks to Padre Antonio Estavillo. Construction of the present church began in 1694, the bulk of the work was finished by 1710, and the bell tower's cornerstone was laid in 1793. The church was rededicated in 1896. In 1973 it was declared a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines, and in 1993 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the «Baroque Churches of the Philippines», alongside churches in Manila, Santa Maria, and Miagao.
🚢 How to get there from Currimao Port:
• Taxi or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi): 10–15 minutes, roughly ₱150–250, as Currimao borders Paoay directly to the north
• Private transfer / cruise-line shuttle: the most convenient option, since there is no regular public transport between the port and the church
• On foot: theoretically possible (about 7 km, an hour's walk), but not recommended because of the heat and the lack of pavements along part of the route
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to the church grounds: free, donations welcome
• Opening hours: daily, roughly 6:00 am–6:00 pm (except during Mass)
⚠️ Dress code: as this is an active place of worship, shoulders and knees should be covered, especially during services.
🏛️ 2. Malacañang of the North and Paoay Lake
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Malacañang of the North (Palasyo ti Amianan) is the former summer residence of the Marcos family, built right on the shore of the scenic Paoay Lake. Today it is a museum combining traditional Filipino architecture with mid-20th-century formal interiors.
🔹 Inside, period furniture, photographs, and personal belongings of the Marcos family have been preserved — the exhibition traces the political history of the Philippines from the 1960s to the 1980s. 🖼️
🔹 Panoramic windows look straight out onto Paoay Lake, and the well-kept gardens around the building make a stroll here pleasant even without visiting the museum itself. 🌿
🔹 Paoay Lake itself is a natural landmark in its own right: it covers 386 hectares with an average depth of about 6 metres. According to local legend, a prosperous barangay called San Juan de Sahagún once stood where the lake now lies and sank after an earthquake — hence the lake's earlier name, Lago de Nanguyudan.
🔹 In 1969 the lake and its surrounding shoreline were declared a national park, and in 2025 the area received further protection as the «Paoay Lake Protected Landscape» under a dedicated law.
📜 History:
The residence was built in the second half of the 1970s as a private summer home for President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos in Ilocos, the family's home region. After the 1986 People Power Revolution the building passed into state hands and was later turned into a museum open to the public.
🚢 How to get there from Currimao Port:
• Taxi or habal-habal: 15–20 minutes, roughly ₱200–300
• Combined with Paoay Church: both sites are only 5–7 minutes apart by car, so it makes sense to visit them on the same trip
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entrance ticket: roughly ₱75–100 per person (check on site, as the rate is reviewed periodically)
• Opening hours: daily, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
• Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours, including a walk around the grounds
🔔 3. The Sinking Bell Tower and St. William's Cathedral
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Sinking Bell Tower is one of Laoag's greatest mysteries. Every year the massive brick tower sinks a further 2–3 centimetres into the sandy ground, and over more than three centuries it has «lost» a significant portion of its original height underground. 🕳️
🔹 The generally accepted theory is that the tower was built on loose sandy soil, and the sheer weight of its massive brick structure is gradually pulling it downward, though no conclusive scientific explanation exists.
🔹 Local craftsmen built the tower from brick bound with molasses and leaves of the sablot plant — a technique typical of the same «earthquake baroque» style as Paoay Church.
🔹 Unusually, the bell tower stands apart from the main church, about 80 metres away — bell towers of Philippine churches are usually attached to or placed right next to the church.
🔹 Nearby stands St. William's Cathedral, the main Catholic church of the Diocese of Laoag, neatly painted in beige and yellow tones.
📜 History:
According to available records, the tower was built shortly after the 1707 earthquake — presumably as a separate bell tower for the parish church of Laoag at the time. Together with the cathedral, it forms part of the city's historic centre and remains one of the most recognisable structures in the entire Ilocos region.
🚢 How to get there from Currimao Port:
• Taxi / private transfer: 30–35 minutes, roughly ₱500–700 (about 26 km)
• Jeepney or multicab: a cheaper but slower option requiring a transfer, about an hour's journey
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Viewing from outside: free, accessible around the clock
• St. William's Cathedral: free entry, except during services
🏜️ 4. La Paz Sand Dunes
💡 Interesting facts and background:
La Paz is the Philippines' only genuine complex of coastal sand dunes, resembling a miniature desert right beside the ocean. The sandy stretch running along the coast of several Ilocos Norte municipalities covers an estimated 85 km². 🏖️
🔹 Since 2009 the local organisation Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement has set up official routes for off-road rides here and pioneered sandboarding as a tourist activity.
🔹 The most popular activity is a 4x4 off-road ride across the dune slopes followed by a run down on a sandboard.
🔹 The dunes formed thanks to constant sea winds that have carried sand inland for centuries — a natural process still ongoing today.
📜 History:
For a long time the dunes were seen purely as a natural obstacle to farming, until in the 2000s the local community recognised their tourism potential. Today it is one of Laoag's most «Instagrammable» spots and a popular destination for family adventure outings.
🚢 How to get there from Currimao Port:
• Taxi / private transfer: 35–40 minutes, roughly ₱550–750 (about 28 km), usually combined with a trip to central Laoag
• Tricycle from central Laoag: an additional 10–15 minutes
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• 4x4 ride (4–5 people, about 20 minutes plus unlimited sandboarding): roughly ₱2,500 per group
• Sandboarding only: roughly ₱500 per person
• ATV ride (1 hour): roughly ₱2,000
• Opening hours: daylight hours; best visited in the morning or late afternoon, when the sand is less scorching
⚠️ Tip: bring closed shoes or sandals — the sand gets very hot in the sun.
🏺 5. Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Batac is the hometown of President Ferdinand Marcos, and it is here that the complex combining a museum in his family home and a mausoleum is located. The site remains one of the most talked-about — and most visited — places in Ilocos Norte.
🔹 The museum's exhibition traces Marcos's life from his childhood in Ilocos through his 1965 presidential campaign, including personal belongings and the family's photo archive.
🔹 A separate pavilion houses the mausoleum, where Ferdinand Marcos's body is kept in a glass-encased chamber — a site that consistently draws keen interest from foreign visitors.
🔹 The museum building is the former Marcos family home, renovated and adapted as a public space.
📜 History:
The complex opened in Marcos's hometown during his lifetime, and after the politician's death in 1989 the mausoleum became part of the museum exhibition. The site remains an important stop for anyone interested in the recent political history of the Philippines, despite the controversial legacy of the president himself.
🚢 How to get there from Currimao Port:
• Taxi / private transfer: 20–25 minutes, roughly ₱350–450 (about 15–18 km), as Currimao borders Batac directly to the east
• Jeepney: regular service from Laoag via Batac, a slower option
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Adults: ₱50
• Students and seniors 60+ (with ID): ₱30
• Children under 10: ₱10
• Opening hours: daily 9:00 am–12:00 pm and 1:00–4:00 pm (lunch break 12:00–1:00 pm)
⚠️ Note: the museum is closed every first Tuesday of the month.
💨 6. Bangui Windmills
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Bangui windmills are a symbol of the modern Philippines and one of the country's first large-scale wind farms. Twenty snow-white turbines line up along a 9-kilometre stretch of Bangui Bay's shoreline, facing the South China Sea — a striking sight against the fishing boats of local communities working right beneath them. 🌬️
🔹 Each Vestas V82 turbine stands 70 metres tall with 41-metre blades, giving a rotor diameter of 82 metres.
🔹 The first phase of 15 turbines (24.75 MW) came online in May 2005, and after the second phase was completed in August 2008, the farm's total capacity rose to 33 MW.
🔹 The plant supplies a significant share of Ilocos Norte's electricity needs and was the first facility in the Philippines to receive Certified Emission Reduction credits under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
🔹 The shoreline at the foot of the turbines has been developed into a walking area with photo spots.
📜 History:
The project was launched in 1999 by Danish engineer Niels Jacobsen, who saw the potential for renewable energy along Ilocos Norte's windswept coast. Construction proceeded in two phases, completed in 2005 and 2008, and since 2017 a controlling stake in the plant has belonged to the energy company AC Energy. Today the Bangui windmills are not only an industrial facility but also one of the leading tourist attractions of the whole of Northern Luzon.
🚢 How to get there from Currimao Port:
• Taxi / private transfer: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours, roughly ₱2,000–2,800 one way (about 85–95 km via Laoag and Burgos)
• Best combined with: the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation as part of a single «northern» route
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to the walking area: free
• Opening hours: open around the clock, though the best light for photos is at sunrise and just before sunset
⚠️ Note: given the distance, visiting the windmills is realistic only with a longer port call (8 hours or more) or as part of an organised excursion.
🗼 7. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The lighthouse at Cape Bojeador marks the northwesternmost tip of Luzon and has remained operational for over 130 years. Its octagonal brick tower, topped with a bronze cupola and adorned with wrought-iron details, is one of the best-preserved Spanish-era lighthouses in the Philippines. 🌊
🔹 The design was drawn up by Spanish architect Magín Pers y Pers in 1887, part of Spain's ambitious 1857 plan to light the entire Philippine archipelago.
🔹 The tower stands about 20 metres (66 feet) tall; its original Fresnel lens was damaged during the 1990 Luzon earthquake, so today the lighthouse runs on a modern electric lamp powered by solar panels.
🔹 In 2004 the lighthouse was declared a National Historical Landmark, and in 2005 it received the status of National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines.
🔹 The viewing area by the lighthouse offers one of the finest panoramas of the rocky South China Sea coastline in the whole region.
📜 History:
The lighthouse was first lit on 30 March 1892 under the supervision of engineer Guillermo Brockman, designed to guide ships entering the Philippine archipelago from the north safely past the dangerous rocky coast of Cape Bojeador. More than a century later, the tower still performs its original function as a working navigational aid.
🚢 How to get there from Currimao Port:
• Taxi / private transfer: 1 hour – 1 hour 20 minutes, roughly ₱1,500–2,000 one way (about 65–70 km)
• Combine with other sites: the lighthouse is just 10–15 minutes from the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in the same municipality, Burgos
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to the grounds: roughly ₱20–30 per person
• Opening hours: daily, roughly 8:00 am–5:00 pm
🪨 8. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Kapurpurawan is a natural sculpture of white limestone, carved by wind, waves, and rain over thousands of years. The name comes from the Ilocano word «puraw», meaning «white», an apt description of the pale, wave-like rock shapes set against the blue sea. 🤍
🔹 The most famous silhouette resembles an animal's head or a wave frozen in stone — a favourite spot for sunrise photography.
🔹 The formation sits right on the coast of the Burgos municipality, just a few kilometres from the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
🔹 The rocks themselves are reached on foot or on horseback — a scenic 15–20-minute walk from the parking area.
📜 History:
The rock formation is the result of natural coastal erosion rather than a man-made structure, yet the local community has long woven it into the region's cultural landscape, traditionally holding ceremonies and celebrations at its base. Today it is one of the most recognisable natural symbols of Ilocos Norte and an essential stop on any traveller's photo route through the region.
🚢 How to get there from Currimao Port:
• Taxi / private transfer: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes, roughly ₱1,600–2,100 one way (about 68–73 km) to the jump-off point, then on foot or on horseback
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Environmental fee: ₱15 per person
• Horseback ride to the rocks and back: roughly ₱100
• Opening hours: daylight hours, roughly 6:00 am–6:00 pm
⚠️ Tip: the best light for photos is in the morning, before 9:00 am, before the rocks heat up in the sun.
🎨 9. Other places worth a look
• 🖼️ Juan Luna Shrine (Badoc) — a reconstructed house marking the birthplace of the Philippines' most celebrated painter, Juan Luna, creator of «Spoliarium». Inside are reproductions of his works and personal family items. About 20 km south of Currimao Port.
• 🏨 Fort Ilocandia — a large resort-hotel complex near Laoag built in the style of a Spanish colonial fortress, with a beach and a golf course; a good option for travellers who want to spend part of their call by the sea.
• 🏛️ The provincial capital, Laoag — besides the Sinking Bell Tower, worth a look are Plaza Salcedo, with its illuminated «dancing» fountain, and the historic municipal building.
• 🏘️ Vigan — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved Spanish colonial town in Asia, located in the neighbouring province of Ilocos Sur, 85–90 km (about 1 hr 40 min – 2 hrs) south of Currimao. Realistically only manageable with an especially long port call, or as a separate trip before or after the cruise.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Routes Around Ilocos Norte in 8–9 Hours
A cruise ship's call at Currimao Port usually lasts 7–9 hours, so it pays to set your priorities in advance. The region's defining feature is the absence of a metro or well-developed city transport, so any route relies on taxis, habal-habal, or a rented van with a driver. Below are three options depending on budget and preference.
🥉 Route 1. Budget — up to ₱600 per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: ₱500–600 + food
🕘 9:00 am — Leaving Currimao Port
Habal-habal or a shared taxi (₱150–200) to Paoay Church — 10–15 minutes.
🕘 9:20–10:30 am — San Agustin Church in Paoay
Free viewing of the church, photos against the famous buttresses, a short stroll around the adjoining square.
🕥 10:30–11:30 am — Malacañang of the North and Paoay Lake
5–7 minutes' drive from the church. Entrance fee roughly ₱75–100, a walk through the gardens and along the lakeshore.
🕦 11:30 am–12:15 pm — Transfer to central Laoag
Shared taxi or jeepney, 30–35 minutes.
🕐 12:15–1:15 pm — Lunch in central Laoag
A set lunch of local dishes (bagnet, Ilocano-style empanada) — roughly ₱150–250.
🕜 1:15–2:30 pm — The Sinking Bell Tower and St. William's Cathedral
A walk through the historic centre, free viewing of both sites, Plaza Salcedo.
🕝 2:30–4:30 pm — Back to the port
Taxi or jeepney back to Currimao, 30–40 minutes, with time to spare before boarding.
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Transport (all transfers): ₱350–450
• Malacañang of the North: ₱75–100
• Lunch: ₱150–250
💸 TOTAL: ₱575–800 per person
🥈 Route 2. Optimal — ₱1,800–2,200 per person
⏱️ Total time: 8.5 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: ₱2,000 + food
🕘 8:30 am — Leaving the port, a rented car/taxi for the whole day
Agree a flat daily rate with the driver — roughly ₱3,000–3,500 for a group of 3–4.
🕘 8:50–10:00 am — Paoay Church and Malacañang of the North
Both sites on a single stop, entrance to the residence — ₱75–100.
🕥 10:15–11:00 am — Transfer to and visit of the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac
Entrance fee ₱50, touring the exhibition and mausoleum.
🕚 11:15 am–12:15 pm — Transfer to Laoag, lunch
Lunch at a local-cuisine restaurant in the city centre, ₱250–350 per person.
🕐 12:15–2:00 pm — La Paz Sand Dunes
A 4x4 ride with unlimited sandboarding — roughly ₱2,500 for a group of 4–5.
🕝 2:00–2:45 pm — The Sinking Bell Tower and St. William's Cathedral
A brief walk through the historic centre.
🕞 2:45–4:30 pm — Back to the port
The same rented vehicle, 35–40 minutes.
💰 Cost breakdown (per person, group of 4):
• Car rental for the day: ₱750–900
• Malacañang of the North: ₱75–100
• Marcos Museum: ₱50
• Lunch: ₱250–350
• La Paz Dunes: ₱500–650
💸 TOTAL: ₱1,625–2,050 per person
💡 Swapping La Paz Dunes for a shorter version without the 4x4 (sandboarding only, ₱500) saves up to ₱150 per person.
🥇 Route 3. Premium — private «Northern Ilocandia» tour from ₱9,000 per group
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: ₱9,000–12,000 for the van + tickets
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ A private driver meeting you with a name sign right at the gangway in Currimao Port
• ✅ A comfortable van for the entire duration of the call
• ✅ An English- or Ukrainian-speaking guide
• ✅ A flexible route prioritising the northern part of the province (Burgos, Bangui)
• ✅ Lunch reservation at a trusted restaurant
• ✅ Guaranteed return on board with time to spare
Book through your cruise manager, or contact us directly in whichever way suits you:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
🕘 8:00 am — Meet your driver and guide at the terminal in Currimao
🕘 8:15–9:45 am — Drive north to the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
A walk along the trail to the rock formation, a photo stop in the early-morning light.
🕥 10:00–11:00 am — Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Viewing the lighthouse and coastal panorama, a brief historical rundown from your guide.
🕚 11:15 am–12:30 pm — Bangui Windmills
A walk along the shoreline beside the turbines, photos against the sea and windmills.
🕧 12:45–2:00 pm — Lunch at an Ilocano restaurant
Tasting local dishes — bagnet, Batac empanada, pinakbet — roughly ₱500–700 per person.
🕝 2:15–3:15 pm — Paoay Church and Malacañang of the North
A stop on the way back, entrance to the residence included in the programme.
🕞 3:30–4:15 pm — Return to Currimao Port
A comfortable van ride back, with time to spare before the ship departs.
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Van with driver for the full day: from ₱6,000
• Guide: from ₱2,500
• Entrance tickets (Kapurpurawan, Malacañang, lighthouse): ₱150–250 per person
• Lunch: ₱500–700 per person
💸 TOTAL: from ₱9,000–12,000 for a group of up to 4 (roughly ₱2,500–3,000 per person)
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private excursions across Ilocos Norte province with trusted drivers, transfer from the gangway, and guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Laoag will be planned perfectly to your taste. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Good to know before heading into town
🕐 The «all aboard» rule: be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. Given the significant distances between attractions in Ilocos Norte, allow extra time for the road — traffic near the port entrance can get heavy on days when a ship calls.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card.
💵 Cash: the main means of payment outside larger establishments — carry ₱2,000–3,000 in small bills, as ATMs are found mainly in central Laoag and Batac.
👟 Clothing: comfortable shoes, light clothing in natural fabrics; shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting churches.
📱 Connectivity: a local SIM card (Globe or Smart) is far more reliable than international roaming; free Wi-Fi at the port is limited.
🔐 Safety: Ilocos Norte is considered one of the calmer regions of the Philippines, but basic precautions — not leaving belongings unattended, avoiding solitary walks after dark — are still worthwhile.
☀️ Sun protection: tropical heat reaches +33…+35°C with high humidity year-round. A hat, sunscreen, and water are essential.
🚫 Transport: services like Grab or Uber barely operate in Ilocos Norte province — rely instead on taxis, habal-habal, jeepneys, or a transfer booked in advance.
Ilocos Norte is a region where every landmark sits at some distance from the next, so the real key to a successful call at Currimao is deciding on your priorities and transport in advance. Cruise experts at Four Gates Group help our clients plan every stage of the trip — from choosing the best route to arranging a private transfer with a name sign at the gangway. Get in touch with our manager, and your day in Laoag and Ilocos Norte province will go off without a hitch. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date information, please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant sites.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals