Nothing beats the freedom of riding a motorcycle, feeling the breeze on your face as you explore the northern parts of the Philippines. Our 5-day road trip took us from Pasig to Vigan, Laoag, Pagudpud, and Tuguegarao. Here’s a look at our journey and what we spent along the way.
Day 1: Hitting the Road
We started our journey early at 3:00 AM, leaving Pasig and fueling up the motorcycle with Php 300 worth of gas. After a quick stop for breakfast at Jollibee (Php 580+), we hit the road again. Our next stop was in Pozzo Rubio where we refueled (Php 200) before continuing our ride.
By 11:17 AM, we arrived in Agoo, La Union for a short coffee break (Php 90). Agoo is known for its rich history and beautiful coastal views, and it’s a great place to stretch your legs after hours on the road. After our break, we continued to Luna, La Union, where we visited the Mga Bantayan ng La Union (La Union WatchTower). This historic watchtower is part of a series of coastal defense structures built during the Spanish era. The tower offers a great view of the sea and a peek into the region’s history of protecting against pirate invasions.
We continued the ride to San Fernando, La Union, where we refueled once more (Php 200), gearing up for the last leg of our trip.
By 5:00 PM, we reached Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its preserved Spanish colonial architecture. We checked into Henady Inn (Php 810.61) to freshen up and then took a leisurely stroll along Calle Crisologo, one of the most famous streets in the Philippines. This cobblestone street is lined with charming Spanish-era houses, offering a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved architecture and antique shops. Walking through it felt like stepping back in time, with horse-drawn calesas adding to the old-world charm.
For dinner, we indulged in Empanada (a local crispy snack filled with meat, egg, and veggies) and Tapsilog (a popular Filipino breakfast combo of beef tapa, fried rice, and egg) for Php 550. We ended the evening with some snacks from 7-Eleven (Php 150+), reflecting on the day’s journey and getting ready for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Exploring Laoag and Paoay
We left Vigan around 11:00 AM and headed towards Laoag. The first stop was Bantay Church, arriving at 11:55 AM. This church is famous for its bell tower, which is perched on a hill and offers a sweeping view of the surrounding area. The Bantay Bell Tower once served as a watchtower during the Spanish colonial period, and it remains a symbol of the region’s history.
At 1:24 PM, we visited Simbahan ng San Guillermo ng Aquitania, also known as Paoay Church (not to be confused with the church in Paoay town). This church, located in the town of Bantay, is an excellent example of Baroque architecture mixed with local influences, making it unique in the Philippines. It features intricate carvings and a massive facade, which reflects the Spanish influence while also incorporating native Filipino elements.
By 1:55 PM, we stopped at 7-Eleven for a short break and a snack (Php 100). A quick refuel to keep us going as we made our way to Paoay.
We arrived in Paoay around 3:00 PM and visited the Paoay Church (officially called the San Agustin Church). This church is not only a stunning piece of architecture but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The church’s distinctive coral-stone walls, massive buttresses, and baroque style make it one of the most impressive churches in the Philippines. The church’s design was intended to withstand the strong earthquakes that frequent the region, which adds to its historical significance.
After soaking in the sights, we refueled the vehicle at Paoay (Php 250) before heading back to Laoag.
We arrived at Starlight Hotel (Php 734.01) in Laoag at around 5:00 PM, our home for the night. For dinner, we grabbed a hearty meal from Andok’s Chicken (Php 450) and picked up some snacks from 7-Eleven (Php 210) and Franks Burger Stands (Php 100+).
Day 3: A Taste of Pagudpud and Saud Beach
We kicked off Day 3 with a simple breakfast of Beef Paksiw at Mama Aket Dawang (Php 160). This local dish, known for its tender beef cooked in vinegar, garlic, and spices, was a perfect start to the day. We then headed to Dawang’s Place to try more traditional dishes (Php 290), offering a great taste of the local flavors and Ilocano cuisine.
Before heading to Pagudpud, we made several memorable stops along the scenic route. First, we visited the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (Parola ng Cape Bojeador) in Burgos, a beautiful Spanish-era structure built in 1892. Perched high on a hill, the lighthouse offered breathtaking views of the West Philippine Sea and the surrounding coastline. The brick tower, weathered with time, stood as a proud historical landmark that reminded us of the region’s colonial past.
After soaking in the views and sea breeze, we continued to the nearby Burgos Wind Farm, one of the largest wind farms in Southeast Asia. The sight of the massive white turbines set against the blue sky and green hills was surreal. Not far from the wind farm, we explored the striking Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, where smooth white limestone rocks shaped by natural elements created a unique and photogenic landscape. The area felt otherworldly, with waves crashing in the distance and the wind sweeping across the cliffs, an ideal place to pause and appreciate nature’s quiet grandeur.
From there, we resumed our journey northward toward Pagudpud, with a quick stop for gas (Php 100) along the way. The drive through the northern roads was scenic, with lush landscapes and coastal views making it a pleasant ride. Upon arrival, we checked into a cozy guesthouse in Saud Beach for Php 750. The guesthouse was conveniently located, and the peaceful surroundings made it a great place to relax after the long ride. After settling in, we wasted no time and went straight to Saud Beach for a refreshing swim. The beach is known for its white sand and clear, blue waters, offering a quiet escape from the usual tourist crowds. It was the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature’s beauty.
For dinner, we explored the local food scene and had a delicious meal at Carienderia Ahmee’s (Php 160), where we enjoyed authentic Filipino comfort food. Then, we stopped by JM’s for some tasty Beef Tapa (Php 310), a Filipino classic. Before calling it a night, we picked up some local snacks: Coconut (Php 60), fresh Bananas (Php 70), and bread (Php 26) perfect for a light snack while enjoying the calm evening at the guesthouse.
Day 4: Riding Toward Tuguegarao
We started the day with a quick breakfast at JM Carienderia, enjoying a satisfying meal of Beef Tapa (Php 310) and a refreshing Coconut (Php 60) to fuel us for the ride ahead.
We then refueled the motorcycle (Php 550) and hit the road towards Tuguegarao, the capital city of Cagayan Province. Along the way, we made a stop at Blue Lagoon Beach, a hidden gem known for its serene beauty and crystal-clear waters. The beach is a peaceful escape with stunning views, perfect for a quick dip or just relaxing by the shore.
Continuing our journey, we also made a brief stop in Aparri, a coastal town at the northern tip of Luzon. Known for its fishing industry, Aparri has a relaxed vibe, and it’s worth a quick visit if you’re passing through the region.
By 6:00 PM, we decided to stop for the night at a local inn (Php 800), giving us the chance to rest before continuing to Tuguegarao the next day. For dinner, we enjoyed a meal at Magapit Bridge carinderia (Php 200). The carinderia served classic Filipino dishes, and the warm, homey atmosphere made it the perfect end to the day.
Day 5: Heading Back to Pasig
On our last day, we started the ride back to Pasig at 8:00 AM. We took our time, enjoying the journey one last time. Our first stop was for a quick coffee at 7-Eleven (Php 80), giving us the caffeine boost we needed to kick off the day. For lunch, we grabbed a bite at a local carinderia (Php 240), enjoying more of the region’s home-cooked meals.
Our route took us through Tuguegarao, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Nueva Ecija, each province offering its own unique views and experiences. As we rode through Nueva Vizcaya, we were treated to scenic mountain views that were absolutely breathtaking. The rolling hills and lush green landscapes made it one of the most picturesque stretches of our journey. This part of the ride was calm and peaceful, offering some of the best sights of the entire trip.
However, as we entered Nueva Ecija, the experience changed. Riding at night in this province was a bit challenging. The roads were extremely dark, with no streetlights in many areas. Tip for future travelers: it’s crucial to slow down and be extra cautious. Having a strong headlight or additional lighting is highly recommended for better visibility, especially if you’re traveling at night.
We also encountered heavy rain along the way in Nueva Ecija. Tip: If you’re riding through this area, make sure to bring rain protection like a waterproof jacket and cover for your gear.
After refueling (Php 850), we had our final dinner at Caren’s in Nueva Ecija (Php 290). The food was a perfect way to cap off our journey.
We took one last coffee break at 7-Eleven (Php 90) before hitting the road for the final stretch back to Pasig. We arrived home around 1:00 AM, feeling satisfied with our incredible road trip and the adventures we’d experienced along the way.
Grand Total for the 5-Day Motorcycle Road Trip:
Php 11,570.62
This is your full cost breakdown for everything, from fuel and accommodations to meals and snacks. It’s always good to have a detailed account when planning a road trip, especially for budgeting purposes!