Heritage Sites to Visit in the Philippines - Part 1

People travel for different reasons. Some choose to travel solo, with a significant other or in a group. Explore new territory, appreciate history or go on an adventure through any of the UNESCO world-heritage worthy sites below.

1. Silay

Silay, named after the tree Kansilay, is a beautiful city filled with historical sites. On your visit to Silay, where elegant ancestral houses line the streets, you’ll find it to be extremely quiet and laidback. If you’re game for some sightseeing, you’ll be able to trail past around 31 historical landmarks in this “museum city”.

It’s easy to find yourself in Silay. (The airport is there.) Here are just some of the most visit-worthy notable landmarks and heritage sites. 

In 1898, Balay Negrense also known as the “Victor F. Gaston House,” began its construction by Frenchman Yves Leopoldo Germain Gaston. He was known as the first to popularize the commercialization and cultivation of sugarcane in the region. Silay was the region’s economic and cultural hub.

2. The Historic Town of Vigan (Ilocos Sur)

Vigan’s history goes way back to the 16th century. This Spanish colonial town is one of the best examples of well-preserved architecture combining different style elements from the Philippines, China and Europe. It has been named a world heritage site by UNESCO, making this place truly something special.

Travel to Vigan to go on a romantic adventure. The center of activity, melting pot of cultures, and capital of Spanish conqueror Juan De Salcedo’s Ilocos, it used to be the link of Asia to Europe and the New World, trading silk and porcelain.

Noteworthy places to visit are Crisolgo street for their “Eartquake Baroque” residences, Plaza Burgos, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Plaza Salcedo.

3. Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (Ifugao)

This landscape of immense beauty has been around for 2,000 years. You can view the magnificence in either Banaue or Batad. Batad, though has arguable five of the best clusters of Ifuagao rice teracess while in Banaue, you may visit a remote village only by foot. You may also make a putstop to Sagada which is just a province away.

The jumping off point is Banaue. Take a 9-hour overnight trans bus from the Ohayami station, Lacson Avenue cor. Fajardo Street). 

Watch this space for Part 2 of this series of Heritage Sites you need to visit in the Philippines…