ABRA TRAVEL GUIDE: Things To Do, Tourist Spots and Attractions in Bangued
Whenever I travel, I always do walking tours around the place I visit. It's actually one of my favorite activities! I enjoy walking and wandering around while savoring the place's different interesting sights, attractions, tourist spots, trying out local food and interacting with the people around the community. Last May 26, 2012 I was able to roam around the town of Bangued, the capital town of Abra.
Together with my friend, we were able to see what Bangued has to offer. This post will also give you an insight on how to do a walking tour around the town. A guide on the different tourist spots in Bangued, Abra.
Bangued, Abra Tourist Spots and Attraction
Entrance to Victoria Park
VICTORIA PARK
Upon arriving in Bangued, you could start your walking tour at Victoria Park. Also known as Cassamata Hill National Park, it will take you about 15 minutes of ascend through the concrete road leading to the top of the hill; otherwise, you may opt for a 5-minute tricycle ride going up. This is where you can enjoy the stunning view of Bangued, the Abra valley, Abra river and the Ilocos Mountains, plus the cool breeze of the wind. Truly awesome! This could be one of the most distinguishable tourist spots in Bangued.
View from the top
The place also has a shrine dedicated to the Blessed Mother and Infant Jesus. It's just so perfect for a morning or late afternoon walk where you can witness beautiful view of the sunrise or sunset.
The Shrine
ABRA CAPITOL BUILDING
After descending from Victoria Park, walk for about 50 meters towards the town proper where the Abra Provicial Capitol Building is located. It is the seat of the provincial government of Abra.
Abra Provincial Capitol
TOWN PLAZA, BANGUED
Located in front of the Capitol building is the Town Plaza, this is where you could have a quick rest while interacting with the locals enjoying the park. There are some rolling stores around the area where you could buy some snacks.
Town Plaza
BANGUED CATHEDRAL
On the other end of the park is the Bangued Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of St. James the Great. The original church was bombed by American warplanes in 1945 as well as the adjacent Colegio del Sagrado Corazon which was used as a military hospital by the Japanese forces during that time. The original altar was destroyed and only the walls and the tower remained. It was proclaimed as a cathedral when Abra made prelature nullius in 1955.
Bangued Cathedral
Walking around
Facade and bell tower
ST. JAMES THE ELDER PARISH RECTORY
Adjacent to the cathedral is the Parish Rectory. This is where the bishop and the priests live. It also houses the offices of the parish. We were toured inside the rectory by one of the priests, Father Bernard.
Parish Rectory
At the balcony of the rectory with Father Bernand
When you get hungry, there are some food stalls around the area. If you're into fastfoods, Jollibee and Chowking is just beside the town plaza.
Father Bernard, Me and Marvin
Thanks to my friend, Marvin for bringing me to Abra and also to Father Bernard for touring us around and for the treat! Salamat po!
HOW TO GET TO BANGUED ABRA
From Manila, take an air conditioned bus bound for Bangued. You may take Partas Bus Lines with their terminal in Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City. Fare is around 650 pesos and travel time is 8-9 hours.More photos on Pinoy AdvenTurista's Facebook Page, click here.
This trip happened in May 26, 2012 during my 3-day trip in Northern Luzon. Abra is the 62nd province on my list. ABRA
ILOCOS SUR
APAYAO ILOCOS NORTE |
Nice nice nice Kuya Mervin! Hala, gusto ko bumalik ng Abra to get some shots din for some upcoming posts sana, kaso kapag hindi ako gagalaw ASAP, mukang matatagalan bago uli umakyat ng Abra dahil election na next year, lol. Paano niyo pala na-meet si Father Bernard?
ReplyDeleteThanks Edmar. Father is a relative of my friend. :)
DeleteNice trip!
ReplyDeleteNice trip!
ReplyDelete