Ilocos might be a little daunting for a quick vacation given the long-haul land travel required to reach its scenic attractions.

Traveling to Ilocos requires a bus journey of up to eight hours from Metro Manila, with additional travel time needed if you're headed to the northernmost parts of the region.

If by a private car, the duration of the trip will depend on your pace, as you may need to make a few stopovers for rest and some vehicle checks.

Alternatively, you can take an hour-long plane ride that lands at the Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte. Flights can go to as high as P8,000 during peak season.

But the Ilocos Region offers underrated yet captivating attractions that are well worth exploring, not just for a day, but for an extended stay with friends.

Here's how you can spend your two days in Ilocos region, starting in Ilocos Sur:

Day 1

Start with a dip in Pinsal Falls, Ilocos Sur

After an eight-hour long drive from Manila, you can start your day by taking a relaxing and quiet dip in Pinsal Falls in the Santa Maria town of Ilocos Sur.

Nestled in the mountains, Pinsal Falls is one of the largest and most stunning waterfalls in the Ilocos region, offering majestic views and unique rock formations.

Tourists can rent floating cottages that will allow them to get closer to the waterfall and enjoy a more immersive experience.

Trivia: Locals say that Pinsal Falls was made because of a giant named Angalo. According to an Ilocano mythology, Angalo, in a quest to find his beloved Aran, passed through the mountains of Pinsal, leaving behind an enormous footprint called the "Tugot ni Angalo" which has since become a naturally carved pool at the base of the falls.

Conquer the 85-footsteps of Santa Maria Church

Looking for a quick workout and a serotonin boost? From the Pinsal Falls, take a 20-minute drive and then climb the 85-step granite stairway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santa Maria Church.

Perched on a hill overlooking the town of Poblacion, the Santa Maria Church, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is a historic landmark that offers quite the view at the top.

It features a Baroque architecture and a watch tower which serves as a fortress.

Enjoy a scenic lunch at Apo Nena

Just six-minutes away from the Santa Maria Church is Apo Nena, an airbnb and a cafe where a meal is rewarding in more ways than one. We mean: Its outdoor area has quite the sumptuous view of Suso Beach.

Walks-ins are allowed but we highly recommend to make reservations beforehand, especially when you are coming with a big group of friends.

Menu recommendation: Longsilog featuring scrambled eggs and the famous Vigan longganisa as the star on the plate.

Interact with the animals in Baluarte

Baluarte in Vigan City is an animal safari that showcases different animals from the wild such as the rare white lion, ostrich, peacocks, and zebras among others.

Owned by former politician and business magnate, Chavit Singson, the zoo also features the Safari Gallery, a trophy room which stores the preserved remains of animals he personally hunted in various parts of the world.

Calesa tour in the outskirts of Vigan City and Calle Crisologo

The traffic in Vigan can get bad especially during holidays. You wouldn't want to navigate the city by foot. too. Fortunately, there is a charming alternative: a traditional calesa ride.

For only P200, it can take you on a scenic tour of Vigan, even reaching the outskirts of the city. The Calesa tour normally includes stops in the famed Bantay Bell Tower, museums, the Pagburnayan Jar Factory and the Hidden Garden which is no way near the downtown.

The tour ends in the famed Calle Crisologo, the city's main highlight especially at night with the city lights beaming the streets.

Munch over Ilocano classic dishes while watching the Dancing Fountain

The best way to end your Ilocos Sur trip is to munch over classic Ilocano dishes such as the Empanada, Dinakdakan, Sinanglao, Bagnet, Miki and Poqui Poqui.

There are plenty of restaurants in the city offering these dishes, but they can be overcrowded especially during peak seasons.

The most convenient way to enjoy these local dishes minus long wait times? Visit the food park along the stretch of Plaza Salcedo, directly across from the Provincial Capitol. While dining, you can also enjoy the Dancing Fountain show which is a captivating water and light performance that begins at 7:30 p.m.

Day 2

Start your day by attending a mass in Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte

From Ilocos Sur, make a quick escape to Ilocos Norte. From Vigan City, you only need about 90 minutes to drive up to Ilocos Norte's famed Paoay Church.

Paoay Church, also known as the Saint Augustine Parish Church, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its striking Baroque architecture and massive buttresses. It's reminiscent of those found at the Miag-ao Church in Iloilo.

Breakfast at Cafe Bloom

Enjoying a hearty breakfast after attending Mass at Paoay Church is a perfect way to begin a long day of sightseeing and exploration.

Located in the Paoay neighborhood, Cafe Bloom offers lutong bahay, seafood dishes and continental fare. What more, it also has a botanical garden in its premises, which houses different plant and flower species perfect for every Plantito and Plantitas.

Take an exhilarating 4x4 ride at the Paoay Sand Dunes

Botanical garden a little too vanilla for you? Head to the Paoay Sand Dunes instead.

The stunning desert-like landscape stands out as one of Northern Luzon's top tourist attractions. Famous for its dramatic rolling dunes, thrilling 4x4 rides that take sharp turns and steep drops, and breathtaking coastal views of the West Philippine Sea, this vast natural playground promises an unforgettable adventure for every tourist.

Aside from the infamous 4x4 ride, you can also try sandboarding where you can glide down the sandy slopes on a board.

Marvel at the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and the Burgos Wind Farm

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation located in Burgos, a northern coast town in Ilocos Norte is a stunning rock formation that will leave you in awe.

Kapurpurawan is an Ilocano word which means "whitest," referring to the pure white limestone sculpted by wind and waves of the West Philippine Sea.

There are horseback riding experiences on offer at the Kapurpurawan which you may want to take, or you can head straight at the very center of the Rock Formation to check out the Burgos Wind Farm, known as the largest wind farm in the Philippines and in South East Asia.

Admire the scenic coastal view of Patapat Bridge

Located at the northernmost tip of Ilocos Norte, the Patapat Viaduct commonly known as Patapat Bridge serves as a link between Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte and the town of Santa Praxedes in the Cagayan Valley region.

As you drive along the bridge, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Pasaleng Bay stretching out to your left with its crashing blue waters, while the majestic slopes of the Cordillera Mountain Range rising to your right.

The spot might also remind you of that iconic scene from "A Walk to Remember" where you can stand in two places at once. Here, one foot rests in the Ilocos Region while the other steps into Cagayan Valley, giving you the surreal feeling of being in two provinces at the same time.

End your day with relaxing time in Saud Beach

After a short drive along the Patapat Bridge, it's time to return to the Pagudpud town and wind down at the Saud Beach also known as the Boracay of the North because of its white-sand and crystal-clear waters.

Stretching along Pagudpud's coastline, Saud Beach offers a peaceful retreat with its golden shores, calm turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Unlike the bustling vibe of Boracay, this serene destination is perfect for travelers seeking a quieter, more relaxing tropical escape. -- LA, GMA Integrated News