Things To Do
in Bacarra
Bacarra is a small coastal town located in the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. It is known for its historical church, the St. Andrew Parish Church, which was built during the Spanish colonial period. The town's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with crops such as rice, corn, and tobacco being cultivated in the area.
Bacarra also offers beautiful beaches and scenic views of the South China Sea, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the famous Bacarra Bell Tower, known for its stunning architecture. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the surrounding area to soak up the local culture.
Head to the Bacarra Museum to explore rich historical artifacts and exhibits. Don't forget to taste the local cuisine at a nearby restaurant for lunch.
As the sun sets, take a stroll along the picturesque streets of Bacarra. Wrap up your day with a delightful dinner at a local eatery, enjoying the flavors of the region.
Visit the San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to appreciate its historical significance. Take some time to explore its intricate architecture and peaceful grounds.
Indulge in a traditional Filipino lunch at a local spot renowned for its homemade dishes. Follow this with a tour of local artisan shops to find unique handicrafts.
Participate in a cultural dance event if available, to immerse yourself in local traditions. End your evening at a café, sipping a native drink while enjoying the warm atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with scenic beaches and landscapes.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, contributing to vibrant local traditions.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Growing tourism industry, providing economic opportunities for locals.
- Accessibility to various outdoor activities such as water sports and eco-tourism.
- Limited infrastructure development, which may affect transportation and utilities.
- Potential issues with waste management and environmental sustainability.
- Dependence on tourism may lead to seasonal economic fluctuations.
- Risk of natural disasters such as typhoons and flooding due to geographical location.
- Limited access to healthcare and educational facilities compared to urban areas.
Best Activities in Bacarra
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful beaches in Bacarra, such as Acosta Beach, Pansian Beach, and Cabangtalan Beach, for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
Discover the scenic landscapes and lush greenery of Bacarra through trekking and hiking trails, including the picturesque hills and countryside.
Immerse yourself in the local culture and history by visiting historical sites, churches, and landmarks in Bacarra, offering insights into the town's heritage.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bacarra with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bacarra
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the West Philippine Sea and the surrounding scenic landscapes.
Known for its beautiful wind turbines set against a picturesque backdrop, providing great photo opportunities.
A historic Spanish colonial church with a picturesque facade and an iconic bell tower, ideal for stunning photographs.
Food in Bacarra
Bacarra Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Ilocano dish featuring sautéed eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and beaten eggs, seasoned with fish sauce. Sample this delectable dish at local eateries like Nanang Pacing's Restaurant.
Must-Try!
Crispy pork belly with tender meat, typically served with a side of KBL (Kamatis, Bagoong, Lasona) - a tomato, shrimp paste, and shallot salad. Look for it at establishments such as Bagnet GastroHub.
A deep-fried turnover filled with a savory combination of ground meat, shredded green papaya, and mung beans. Recommended spots to savor this treat include Empanadahan sa Bacarra.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bacarra better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Venture to the vibrant Bacarra Night Market to explore an array of street food options, including grilled seafood, barbecue skewers, and local snacks like bibingka and puto bumbong.
Discover a treasure trove of fresh produce, native delicacies, and street food vendors at the bustling Bacarra Public Market. Be sure to try the popular squid balls and fish balls here.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bacarra, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language and addressing them with proper titles.
When visiting religious sites or attending community events, it is respectful to dress modestly and avoid clothing that may be considered revealing or inappropriate.
Participating in local customs and traditions, such as fiestas and religious celebrations, is a way to show respect for Bacarra's culture and heritage.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bacarra with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bacarra
Ensure a smooth experience
In Bacarra, Philippines, tipping is not a common practice, and it is generally not expected in restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small token of appreciation is always welcome.
Payment in Bacarra, Philippines is mostly done in cash. Credit cards may be accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but it's always best to have cash on hand, especially when visiting smaller local businesses. ATMs are available in the town for cash withdrawal.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bacarra.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Bacarra is during the dry season when you can enjoy sunny weather and minimal rainfall. This is also the perfect time for beach activities and exploring the scenic beauty of the town.
During the wet season, expect heavy rainfall and the possibility of typhoons. While the countryside becomes lush and green, outdoor activities may be limited due to the weather conditions.
Bacarra at Night
Hiking in Bacarra
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic coastal bridge with beautiful views and accessible hiking trails along the coastline.
A popular tourist destination with walking trails that offer views of the iconic windmills and the stunning coastline.
A picturesque waterfall located about an hour’s trek from the nearest road, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Dune hiking and sandboarding activities in a unique desert-like environment, providing a different kind of outdoor adventure.
A hiking trail that offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas, perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Aiports
How to reach Bacarra by plane.
The nearest international airport to Bacarra, located approximately 17 kilometers away in Laoag City, offering domestic and limited international flights.
Located around 348 kilometers from Bacarra, this major international airport serves as a secondary gateway to Metro Manila and offers numerous international flights.
Situated approximately 450 kilometers from Bacarra, this is the main international gateway to the Philippines, located in Pasay City, Metro Manila, providing extensive international flight connections.
Although located far from Bacarra, it is one of the largest international airports in Europe, providing extensive global connectivity. For nearby travelers, connecting flights might be available through Manila.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Bacarra, known for their distinct language, culture, and traditions.
A group traditionally from the Cordillera region, some of whom have settled in Bacarra, contributing to its cultural diversity.
A demographic group from the Visayas region of the Philippines, some of whom have migrated to Bacarra for work and education.
A small yet influential community, contributing to the local economy through businesses and commerce.
Various smaller groups, including those from other parts of Luzon and Mindanao, adding to the multicultural landscape of Bacarra.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played team sport in Bacarra, basketball is a favorite among locals of all ages. Community courts are common, and many informal tournaments take place regularly.
Volleyball enjoys popularity, particularly among women. Schools and communities often organize leagues and friendly matches.
A traditional and increasingly popular sport, Sepak Takraw is similar to volleyball but uses a rattan ball, and players strike it over the net using their feet, head, knees, and chest.
Football has a growing fan base in Bacarra, with both youth and adult leagues fostering a competitive spirit in the community.
Badminton is a recreational favorite in Bacarra, with many residents playing in local clubs and community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bacarra.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Bacarra's cuisine prominently features meat and seafood, several restaurants like Cafe Preciosa offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes such as Pinakbet and Vegetable Kare-Kare.
Visitors with gluten restrictions may opt for rice-based dishes such as Sinanglao soup and grilled seafood, which are prevalent in the local dining scene.