Things to Do in Vigan

If you've already walked the entire length of Calle Crisologo more times than you'd have expected, fret not, there's plenty more to do in the Heritage City of Vigan.

Visiting Baluarte Zoo

Just to start with, how about you take the kids and the kids-at-heart to Baluarte Zoo (Vigan, Ilocos Sur, about 10 minutes from city centre)? They open really early so if you are an early bird and wish to avoid the crowd you can get there before 7 am. Admission is free but if you don't want to walk around in the heat you can opt for an e-jeep ride for 50PHP/pax.

With the photo ops galore and an abundance of feathered and furred inhabitants like ponies, snakes, tigers, ostriches, deer, kangaroos and a lot more you are guaranteed to have fun. We liked that all the animals look healthy and well-fed unlike some other zoo animals that we've seen before. There are contact zoo areas and you can pet deer roaming around freely.

There's also a taxidermist museum if that's your thing. If you're done and have some time left to spare, you can drop by their souvenir shop or grab some food and drinks to cool down.

Sky Dive Greater Vigan

Next, if you're travelling with adrenaline junkie friends you'd be pumped to know that Sky Dive Greater Vigan just opened in January 2017! (Mindoro Airport, Vigan). If you've ever wondered how it feels to jump out of a plane and free fall from 10,000 feet, now it is your chance to cross this one off your bucket list! Published rate is PHP18,000 per pax or 15,000/pax for even-numbered groups. It's not cheap but do you really wanna risk your life trying to save some pennies? Anyway, we had a blast – and we are sure, you will, too!

If you're raving to go please note that the best time to sky dive is between November and May or anytime outside of the rainy season of June to October. Sky Dive Greater Vigan is open daily by appointment from 8 am to sunset.

Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone

For something less extreme but still exhilarating head to Ilocos Sur Adventure Zone. It's about 15 minutes away straddling the boundary of Santa and Bantay Towns and if you're commuting, you can get on the Sta. Maria bound buses for 25PHP. You can zipline above the picturesque Abra River for 500PHP to 1,000PHP two-ways, challenge your inner Spiderman and try rappelling or wall climbing for 150PHP, do some kayaking for only 150PHP for 30 minutes or hop on the giant swing for 180PHP to 300PHP. The adventure centre provides a really nice change of pace from museum or church visits.

Meeting sunset at Banaoang Bridge

After breaking a sweat or two in ISAZ, head to the scenic Banaoang Bridge to meet a spectacular sunset. Marvel at how the bridge has survived the test of nature and time and although it's no longer in use by motorists, its rugged beauty is still impressive.

If you're not in a hurry, do like we did and head down to the riverbank. We saw some people catching fish and octopuses and it was awesome! The experience of catching glimpses of the countryside was great and the view of the Abra River between two mountains – amazing.

Make your own piece of pottery

Lastly, you can try getting your hands at pottery making in Pagburnayan (Brgy. Pagburnayan, Vigan). This dying art of making earthen jars by hand, a wheel and a kiln is still kept alive by three remaining factories NP Jar, RG Jar, and Ruby Pottery. The latter opens daily from 9am to 4 pm.

Vigan is really a small town with big potentials. No matter what you do, you're guaranteed to have a lot of fun there.