Things To Do
in Naguilian
Naguilian is a rural municipality in La Union province on the island of Luzon. It centers on agriculture and community life, offering a slow-paced atmosphere with friendly locals. The landscape features rolling hills, rice fields, and a backdrop of the Cordillera foothills.
Visitors can experience authentic Ilocano hospitality, local markets, and easy access to nearby towns and coastal attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Naguilian and settle into your accommodation while taking in the picturesque surroundings. After freshening up, embark on a leisurely walk around the town to familiarize yourself with the local culture and charm. Don't forget to savor a traditional breakfast at a nearby local eatery.
Visit the town center where you can explore local shops and handicrafts while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of the market. Engage with friendly locals and perhaps join a cooking class to learn about traditional dishes of the area. As the sun sets, take a stroll by the riverside for some breathtaking views.
Dine at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties, enjoying the flavors of the northern Philippines. After your meal, unwind at a local bar or café where you can listen to live music and mingle with residents. Cap off the evening by trying some delicious Filipino desserts.
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before hitting the trails of the nearby mountains, such as Mount Cato. The morning air is crisp, making it perfect for hiking, and the lush greenery enhances the beauty of nature. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks as you indulge in the scenic views.
Continue your hike to discover hidden waterfalls and enjoy a relaxing moment by the water. Take photos of the stunning landscapes and observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the region. Reward your efforts with a packed lunch amid nature before heading back down.
Return to Naguilian and wash up for dinner at one of the town's cozy restaurants. Savor the local delicacies and chat about your day’s exploits with fellow travelers or locals. If you're feeling adventurous, consider stargazing; the clear skies provide an incredible canvas of stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 🚎One-way local transport | $0.25-0.75 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room per night | $15-28 |
| 🧭Local souvenir or snack | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Tranquil rural charm and friendly communities
- Affordable costs and straightforward travel access
- Close proximity to La Union’s coastal towns and Cordillera scenery
- Limited nightlife and dining options compared with cities
- Fewer high-end services and facilities within the town
- Dependence on road travel for access to larger hospitals and airports
- "Agyamanak" - Thank you
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Mano ti presyo daytoy?" - What is the price of this?
- "Naimbag a aldaw" - Good day
Places to Visit in Naguilian
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic bend of the river with fields and distant hills; ideal for golden-hour photography.
Architectural focal point in the town; captures the charm of rural religious architecture.
Open landscapes with diagonal lines of planting, perfect for wide-angle and aerial-style shots.
Colorful stalls and early chatter provide dynamic documentary photos.
Low-elevation vantage points offering sweeping views of farmlands and distant hills.
Food in Naguilian
Naguilian Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy deep-fried pork belly with a rich, savory flavor; best enjoyed with a dipping sauce and steamed rice.
Must-Try!
A vegetable medley stewed with fermented shrimp paste, usually featuring squash, eggplant, string beans, and okra.
Garlic-flavored Filipino sausage, commonly served with fried rice and sunny-side eggs.
Grilled local fish seasoned with salt and spices, often paired with vinegar dipping sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market where you can find fresh produce, dried fish, local snacks, and everyday ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a polite hello; show respect to elders and authority figures; addressing people using appropriate titles is appreciated.
Respect quiet spaces in churches; dress modestly; remove hats and speak softly during visits.
Avoid loud or disruptive behavior in residential areas or during family gatherings; public displays of affection are generally subdued in rural towns.
Safety
Tipping in Naguilian
Ensure a smooth experience
Not always expected; if service is good, rounding up or leaving a small tip (around 5-10%) is appreciated in nicer establishments and cafes.
Cash is widely used; many small vendors prefer cash. Card acceptance is growing in larger shops and some eateries; digital wallets (e.g., GCash, PayMaya) are increasingly common in towns with mobile coverage.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Clear skies and comfortable to hot temperatures; great for outdoor exploration and photography, with less rain but higher heat in peak months.
Frequent rain showers and humidity; lush landscapes and dramatic skies, but be prepared for occasional road moisture and downpours.
Transitional weather; can be sunny spells interspersed with showers; good balance for outdoor activities and photography.
Naguilian at Night
Hiking in Naguilian
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular waterfall hike about 1-2 hours through forested terrain; ideal for a day trip from Naguilian.
Short hikes offering panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains in nearby towns.
Airports
How to reach Naguilian by plane.
Major airport in Pampanga; accessible via expressways and regional roads from La Union, suitable for international connections.
IloCity-based airport in Ilocos Norte; serves international and domestic flights, farther but an option for longer trips.
Main gateway to Manila; many travelers connect to Naguilian via road and bus; offers the widest range of international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group; Ilocano language widely spoken alongside Filipino (Tagalog).
Communities prioritizing family ties, local events, and joint celebrations.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in schools and community courts; a staple in local sports culture.
Popular in gymnasiums and recreation centers; common in community leagues.
Occasionally played in schools and festivals; a regional crowd-pleaser.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Naguilian.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes rely on vegetables and legumes; ask for dishes made without meat or fish pastes (e.g., bagoong) and request oil-free options when possible.