A quicker, safer drive to the heritage city via NLEx

I NEVER realized it was possible to drive to Vigan in just six hours. Typically, the journey to this northern heritage city takes at least 10 hours for me. However, with a combination of well-maintained highways, a dependable vehicle, and the right departure time from Manila, reaching Vigan in six hours, even with stopovers, is now achievable.

This revelation was confirmed during the recent NLEX Lakbay Norte event organized by NLEX Corp. I joined a group of writers, vloggers, and content creators for a five-day discovery tour of the new destinations in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. Assembling at NLEX Corp. headquarters in Balintawak, we boarded five brand-new Chevrolet vehicles driven by NLEX staff, heading north through NLEx, SCTEx, TPLEx, and the national highway. Departing at midnight, the well-lit NLEx expressways covered more than half of the distance to Vigan, allowing us to arrive at our first destination six hours later, feeling safe and well-rested.

Contrastingly, the first Spanish mission from Manila to Vigan in 1572, led by Capt. Juan de Salcedo, took an arduous 24 days. Over the centuries, Vigan evolved from the bustling Bee Gan trading post to the Unesco-listed preserved example of Spanish colonial towns in Asia. In 2014, it earned recognition as one of the New Seven Wonder Cities.

How to reach Vigan in six hours

Vigan is 408 kilometers north of Manila, accessible through NLEx, SCTEx, TPLEx, with an exit from Rosario, La Union. Leaving Balintawak at midnight helps avoid common traffic caused by delivery trucks, tricycles, and jeepneys on the national road.

For those opting for the bus, Partas and Fariñas, with terminals in Cubao, offer daily trips taking around 10 hours, with a fare of approximately P900.

Exploring Vigan’s rich heritage

A visit to Vigan transports you back to Ciudad de Fernandina, founded by Salcedo centuries ago. Wander cobblestone streets of Calle Crisologo, marvel at ancestral houses in the Mestizo district, and enjoy a calesa ride to landmarks like St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Burgos, Plaza Salcedo, and museums such as Crisologo Museum, Padre Burgos House, Syquia Mansion, and Arce Mansion.

Beyond these classics, the NLEX Lakbay Norte expedition revealed hidden gems within and around Vigan. Hotel Luna features the Grand Sala Museum, housing an extensive private collection of art by Filipino National Artists. Baluarte offers an elevated Safari experience, allowing visitors to interact with African deers and feed giraffes. Other attractions include Caniaw Heritage and Forest Park, Pinakbet Farm in Caoayan, and the Secret Garden in Vigan for relaxation and meditation among ornamental plants and bonsais.

Where to stay, what to eat

To experience Vigan’s old-world charm, the best place to stay is an ancestral house converted into a hotel. Topping the list is Hotel Luna, a 70-room 1882 restored mansion with old-world furnishings and modern conveniences. Other options within the Mestizo district include Villa Angela Heritage House, Ciudad Fernandina Hotel, Vigan Plaza Hotel, Hotel Veneto de Vigan, and Grandpa’s Inn.

A visit to Vigan is not complete without sampling the best of Ilocano cuisine. Café Leona on Calle Crisologo offers Vigan longganisa, bagnet, dinengdeng, poqui-poqui, and unique pizzas. For home-cooked Ilocano dishes, Lilong and Lilang Restaurant at Hidden Garden serve delicious servings of igado, sinanglaw and pinakbet. My personal favorite is still the Vigan empanada and okoy, cooked fresh and served hot with sukang Iloko, found at the many stalls at the corner of Plaza Burgos, making the long drive to Vigan truly worthwhile.