Sta. Calatina, Ilocos Sur | Hidden Beach Near Vigan | DIY Travel Guide
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One summer, we went on a road trip to Vigan, Ilocos Sur. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vigan is famous for the Spanish architecture and the cobblestone street of Calle Crisologo. One of the few places in Philippines that can give a little peek of the past.
We decided to do things differently since we usually visit Vigan. We’ve searched for a nearby place where we could stay. That's when we discover Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur. This town is only a 10-15 minute drive from Vigan.
We arrived in Vigan, Ilocos Sur around 10am. Went straight to Café Leona for brunch. Situated at the heart of Vigan, this local restaurant serves delicious Ilokano delicacies like Bagnet, Vigan Longganisa and Pinakbet. They also serve Japanese and Italian fusion dishes.
NOTE:: Forgot to take photos of the food because we were starving :D
After a sumptuous meal, we went and explore a little bit of Calle Crisologo before heading to Sta. Catalina.
Ovemar Resort Hotel stands out in the area since there were only a handful of houses in the vicinity. This hotel is more of a bed and breakfast type. It is located near the Sta. Catalina Beach.
That night, we head back to Vigan for dinner. Street lights illuminates the old street of Calle Crisologo. Bars and restaurants were open and tables are placed in the cobblestone street. From a laid back vibe in the morning, it shifted to a lively one at night.
I noticed a lot has changed in the past few years. The boom of hotels, restaurants and fast-food chains, Cobblestone Street filled with tourists taking selfies, bars and club open at night. But if you take time and look around you'll still see the charm of Vigan. Seeing the old Spanish houses that stood time. Exploring Local shops selling handicrafts. Experiencing the taste of Ilocos delicacies. The sound of Kalesas doing their rounds -It was a nostalgic moment.
The next day, we woke up early to check Sta. Catalina Beach. The beach has a long stretch of grey fine sand, strong breeze from coming from the west and clear cold water.
The first thing I noticed was that there were no developments nearby. This barren land gave the feeling of being on a remote place and I like it. We’ve tried to walk along the shore but we didn’t even cover half of the beach. We spent several hours in this hidden gem.
I am amazed how this town that is pretty close to a UNESCO World Heritage Site remained undiscovered and undeveloped. I hope this beautiful beach remain the same.
To complete our road trip to Ilocos Sur, we went on a side trip to the Summer Capital of the Philippines – Baguio City before going back to Manila.
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT STA. CATALINA, ILOCOS SUR
The best time to visit Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur is during the dry season from December to May. I would recommend visiting around December to February when the temperature is much cooler. This is to avoid the blistering heat during summer. Where temperature can reach up to 34°C.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO STA. CATALINA, ILOCOS SUR
Comfortable Clothes
Summer / Beach Wear
Swimwear
Sandals / Slippers
Camera / Action Cam
Tumbler
Dry bag
Beach mat
Protection from the sun
Umbrella - There are no structures near the beach. A shade will really help especially at noon.
Trash bag
HOW TO GET TO STA. CATALINA, ILOCOS SUR FROM MANILA
The easiest way to Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur from Manila is via car.
From EDSA, exit to NLEX. Then go through 3 expressways: NLEX, SCTEX and TPLEX. After TPLEX exit, followed McArthur Highway to Ilocos Sur passing thru La Union. Once in Vigan, follow McArthur highway up until you’ve reached the Bantay - San Vicente Road. Go straight and pass through Quirino Boulevard and Quezon Ave. (Both Streets will take you to Vigan City). Once you’ve reached Rizal Ave. intersection, do not turn right (McArthur Highway). Go straight and follow Bantay – San Vicente Road. Turn left at San Vicente Bible Church and Academy (Around 3 corners after crossing Rizal Ave.). Follow Vigan – Sta. Catalina Road up until you’ve reached the Town Hall.
STA. CATALINA, ILOCOS SUR BUDGET AND ITINERARY
The estimated costs for an overnight trip to Sta. Catalina via car is Php6,700.00 if you are going alone. This is assuming a budget of Php200.00 per meal for 5 meals. The cost will be lower if you have a companion for the trip. This way you can share the cost of the gas, toll fees and accommodation. Breakdown of expected costs is shown below:
Toll Fees
Ovemar Standard Room - Php2,200.00/night
Toll Fees - Php1,500.00 /round trip
Gas - Php2,000.00/round trip
Meals - Php200.00/meal
NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING STA. CATALINA, ILOCOS SUR
Travel time to Vigan, Ilocos Sur is around 6-8 hours.
Best to explore Ilocos Sur by car. If via commute, the mode of transportation around Vigan are tricycle, jeepney and bus.
For food:
Price of food in Vigan is reasonable. Also, there are plenty of restaurants and fast food chain in Vigan.
Try local delicacies like Bagnet, Vigan Longanisa, chichacorn, Vigan Empanada.
Try FB @CafeLeonaResturant
Café Leona is the go-to restaurant for tourist and locals alike. This means the restaurant gets quickly packed during lunch and dinner time.
In Sta. Catalina, I did not see a restaurant aside from where we stayed.
Most accommodations and restaurants accepts credit cards.
There are plenty of ATMs in Vigan. Not in Sta. Catalina.
Signal is not a problem here.
For Ovemar, beach is around 5 to 10 minutes’ walk.
STA. CATALINA, ILOCOS SUR TRAVEL TIPS
Best to start the road trip after midnight to avoid traffic especially on weekends
Fastest route is NLEX – SCTEX - TPLEX
On the way to Vigan, you can stop over La Union and surf.
After Vigan, you can still continue your road trip up north to complete the famous North Luzon Road Trip.
Or do a Baguio City side trip before going back to Manila.
In Sta. Catalina, if you plan to spend some time in the beach, bring umbrella and mat since there are no shade near the beach.
Bring some snack and drinks too but be a responsible tourist and don’t leave your trash.
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”
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