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Paoay Church & Malacañang of the North: Baroque Icons of Ilocos

Stand before the Paoay Church — a UNESCO-listed baroque masterpiece built in 1710 whose earthquake-defiant buttresses are one of the Philippines' most iconic images. Pair it with Malacañang of the North, the dramatic lakeside presidential palace, for an unmatched half-day of history and grandeur.

What to expect

The Church of Saint Augustine in Paoay greets you with its towering coral-stone buttresses — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has stood for over 300 years. Your expert guide narrates the colonial and revolutionary history woven into every stone. The Malacañang of the North, Ferdinand Marcos's opulent lakeside residence, reveals a fascinating and complex chapter of Philippine political history through original furnishings and curated exhibits. The drive between sites skirts the edge of serene Lake Paoay, itself a stunning natural backdrop.

Book it with
Guide to the Philippines
USD 55 per person (small group); private arrangements from USD 105
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Good to know

Paoay is just 20 km from Currimao Port — a comfortable half-day excursion. Dress modestly for the church (shoulders and knees covered). Pre-book your guide to secure morning slots before the heat builds. Confirm all-aboard time; this tour comfortably fits a 4-hour window.

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