DiscoverVillaviciosa
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Villaviciosa.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Villaviciosa
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Villaviciosa
- Holidays to Villaviciosa, Abra is nestled in a comfortable position, in the western region of the Cordillera Administrative Region; in the areas where the mountains are gently rolling into fertile valleys and open plains that provide a serene, rural atmosphere to the traveller.
- The city is blessed with the great river of the Abra which stretches along its boundary and within the area not only supplies the land with irrigation but also forms a beautiful perspective in which to take pleasant walks along the waterway.
- To the intended audience of people who intend to go on a holiday to Villaviciosa, Abra, the location of the town is strategically central and the town can be an ideal destination when one is on a bigger regional tour.
- Farmers in the area practise a combination of old and new methods to cultivate rice, corn, and tobacco, which can be considered to be following the footsteps of farming in the area.
- Villagers are very welcoming and basic in their hospitality to visitors, they may give homemade snacks or ask visitors to accompany them in an early morning rice-picking event.
- The weather in this place is friendly tropical and there is a predictable dry season which welcomes outdoor games without the inconvenience of down pouring.
- Capital (of the province): Bangued
- International airport: None in Villaviciosa
- Nearest commonly used airports:
- Loakan Airport (Baguio City, Benguet) – domestic flights (~4–5 hours by land)
- Laoag International Airport (Ilocos Norte) – domestic flights (~6–7 hours by land)
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) – primary international gateway (~8–9 hours by land)
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Ilocano, Abra Kankanaey, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The glittering waters of the Abra River constitute the natural play ground of fishing enthusiasts and the banks of the river offer the best place to see the sunset light waving over the waters.
- Villaviciosa is a highly fertile area which produces rich rice paddies and yellow cornfields which change colours with the seasons, providing a rich tapestry to explore.
- The hills around form gentle curves forming sweeping vistas where one can view the valley at his or her leisure while standing on a comfortable vantage point.
- The locality embarks on Ilocano and Tingguian cultural manifestations that are a blend and rich in terms of culture that is displayed during the holidays to Villaviciosa, Abra.
- Tourists have the option of wandering back and forth in the local market and savouring fresh fruit and vegetables directly off the fields, as well as the merry banter of the sellers.
- The nights in Villaviciosa are also full of music and dance shows in which the vibrant spirit of the region and the strong traditions are reflected.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- November through May recorded an average of dry months and that period was seen to provide smooth and comfortable road trips and park sightseeing to both the families and even the solo traveller.
- The river of Abra is peaceful at this period and provides secure places to go swimming and picnic on the banks.
- holidays to Villaviciosa, Abra during the harvest festivals that make the riches of rice and corn are particularly popular and crowds are drawn by the main square of the town.
- The wet season (June- October) is associated with the beauty of the lush green sceneries, and also elevated river level thus restricting some of the activities, but is on the other hand an ideal time to those who love misty mornings and continuous walks in nature.
- Those who like cooler weather conditions can also come during the late spring or early autumn when the hills give a cool shade that compensates the tropical heat.
- The warm reception of all kinds of visitors will be provided by the friendly locals and the town rich in its colourful culture, no matter the season.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Abra River and Riverbanks
- The slow flow of the river provides a relaxing environment to go on a contemplative walk or just watch the day-to-day activities of fishers.
- The river is irrigation by local communities and the modern day irrigation methods are still present and can be viewed by visitors heading to the river.
- The banks are covered with plants that give the shade and cool breeze that is ideal to spend time in the afternoon.
- Sometimes it is possible to see small wooden piers where local fishermen get ready their boats and go fishing.
- The crystal water of the river makes it a perfect and safe place to swim during the dry season.
- During sunset, the river is painted with warm colours and it provides a beautiful scenery which is highly sought after by photographers.
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church
- The architectural design of the church is a mix of colonialism and local construction work and this has made it a significant site in the town.
- The altar has elaborate woodwork in it that narrates about the faith and the devotion of the community.
- Tourists have the opportunity to attend Mass at the morning service to feel the spiritual pulse of the town.
- The church has a bell tower that tinkles softly and enters the nearby hills.
- In the local market, artisans are selling handcrafted religious icons that are a manifestation of artistic prowess of the region.
- The open courtyard of the church is a peaceful place where one can reflect or take a relaxing time as he walks around the town.
Agricultural Valleys
- On the way to the valleys, the travellers see endless lines of rice and corn which go to the horizon.
- In the fields, farmers are usually willing to discuss the methods of planting and harvesting with them.
- The colour of the crops is very green and it contrasts with the blue sky producing a visual delight to the eyes.
- Local farmers markets organise local seasonal markets where fresh foods are sold, giving the visitors a chance to sample the actual flavour of Abra.
- The easy slope of the valleys provides easy walking tracks that are perfect as recreational walks.
- Taking a glimpse of what the local farmers do in their daily life provides clues on what sustainable practises can be used to make the community sustainable.
Hill Views
- The points in the town give a panoramic view of the Abra River and the hills around it.
- Travellers in these lookout spots are able to see the layout of the town, its main street, its church and its market area.
- The panorama view creates memorable sunrise or sunset shots, which is a must have among the photography enthusiasts.
- The hills being in the dry season are blanketed with the golden grasses that reflect the rays of the sun.
- The approaches to the opinions are surrounded by regional vegetation, which creates an impression of botanical diversity of the area.
- Spending some time in these hills is a great relaxation activity after a hard day of travelling.
Reason 05
Discover More
Local Public Market
- The market is vibrant and it does not lack the stalls where fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade delicacies are exhibited.
- The sellers are very proud to display their harvest, and they usually tell about the origin of each product and the way it has been grown.
- The colourful and smelling nature of the market offers sensorial experience, which fits the rural life of Abra.
- Food stands offer the traditional foods like pinakbet and dinardaraan which provide tourists with a glimpse of the local cuisine.
- There are also hand painted baskets and embroidered cloths and little carvings designed by hands that can be purchased as a souvenir.
- The open nature of the marketplace promotes mixing, and on the one hand, the traveller will be among the locals and can have firsthand experiences of how locals live their everyday lives.
Tingguian Handicrafts
- Their weaving skills enable the Tingguian community to make colourful textiles telling their cultural narrative.
- Tourists are allowed to see the artisans in action, whereby complex designs are made using hand-loom patterns that have been passed on over time.
- It also has hand-woven baskets, mats and clothing on sale each with a special storey of the Tingguians.
- The colour of these crafts, earth reds, blues, ochres, and others, is a reflection of the colour of the surrounding landscape.
- Custom designs are also provided by many artisans, and the travellers can design their own souvenir of their vacation for holidays to Villaviciosa.
- A weaving demonstration will give one an idea of the painstaking attention and patience to this traditional art form.
Scenic Roads
- The highways which link Villaviciosa to the surrounding towns are over quiet valleys and hilltops that provide a smooth ride to any motor vehicle.
- On the way, the tourists can find small farms, riverside pavilion, and rest areas that are ideal in taking a short rest.
- These roads have panoramic views that are perfect when it comes to photography, especially at the time of golden hour when light softens down the scenery.
- Roadside sellers are common who sell fresh mangoes, fruits and local snacks which the travellers can have on the move.
- The topography of the area and the fact that the roads are winding gives a chance to study the local topography and how people can cope with this situation.
- There is a new view each turn and the drive itself is a scenic experience that enriches the attractions of the town.
River Swimming Spots
- In the dry season, residents determine some safe sections on Abra River where the water is still calm and shallow such that locals can go swimming.
- Trees usually shade these spots where visitors can have a cool natural oasis.
- Taking a swim in the river is a cooling effect against the heat and an opportunity to be connected to the local life.
- The locals can offer the visitors friendly swimming or a quick demonstration of the ancient art of river-kayaking.
- The night light of the river provides the peaceful scenery of evening swimming and star gazing.
- The travellers may have a picnic on the riverbank after a swimming session where they can share local dishes with their new friends.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Ilocano and Tingguian traditions are the beating heart of the community with its colourful strings to the social tapestry of Villaviciosa.
- Conservative celebrations, e.g., the fiesta of the town on August, present colourful parades, music, and dancing welcoming the tourists to join.
- The Ilocano language is much used, although the town is receptive of any visitor who knows Tagalog or English.
- The agricultural success of the region is also emphasised by festivals which show how hard the farmers work and how their efforts are appreciated by the local people.
- The communication of the generational knowledge is done via storytelling, where the elder people give out legends concerning the river and the hills that envelop the town.
- The warm nature of the people makes every guest feel as a member of the community and they create real bonds for holidays to Villaviciosa.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Pinakbet, a nutritious combination of squash, eggplant, long beans as well as okra sauté in bagoong, features the pantry of fresh vegetables in the region.
- Dinardaraan is a savoury pork-blood stew, which is very comforting and offers an array of flavours that are also typical of the Ilocano cuisine.
- Dishes are based on fresh rice grown in the nearby fields, which are wholesome and satisfying to eat.
- Adobo, the national dish, is cooked with native flavours including ginger and bay leaves, which boost the aroma levels.
- Grilled fish and roasted pork skewers are sold by street vendors, and they provide travellers with smoky and spicy flavours.
- During the night, local houses serve simple but nutritive food with fresh produce and the guest can get a chance to experience the original flavours of Abra.
Fun
- An experience of a rural walk along the main street of Villaviciosa can be an easy stroll where one can take his/her time and witness the day to day activities of the surrounding people.
- Being on the banks of the Abra River gives the possibilities of watching birds, fishing, and relaxing communication with locals.
- The hilly countryside also has scenic drives that give spectacular views which are ideal to any photo-journalist and even everyday explorers.
- By attending a local harvest festival, travellers can share in the collective euphoria of the celebratory success of the local land.
- The town is not obtrusive and encourages casual discussions, allowing one to find out the storeys and traditions of people without any trouble.
- Cultural experiences that are memorable to the visitors include evening gatherings around a fire pit where locals tell their storeys and sing.
Fashion
- Breathable clothing like cotton or linen are best to wear in the hot and humid weather.
- Loose Clothing; Because of its loose nature, one can move freely during walks in the field or the trail of the river.
- Sandals or light sneakers are comfortable shoes that will help prevent the development of blisters when taking long walks or visiting the market.
- Festivals tend to wear the traditional attire with colourful woven designs, which can be borrowed in form of a cultural souvenir.
- The tropical sun can also burn the face and the neck so it is advisable to wear sun protection e.g. wide brimmed hats or light scarves.
- Such trifles as woven bracelets or wooden beads will introduce a bit of local flavour without impairing the comfort.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The transparent water of the Abra River has the potential to support many aquatic organisms, which can be explored by rafting or kayaking.
- The numerous valleys around are also the home of various varieties of birds and therefore bird-watching is a very pleasant recreation of the nature enthusiast.
- Farmlands are scattered all over rolling hills which forms a patchwork landscape depicting sustainable agriculture.
- Due to the tropical climate of the region, it supports the vegetation of the region, which leads to the appearance of fragrant wildflowers growing along the riverbanks.
- Small streams flowing into the river Abra can be visited, and the visitor can discover a hidden waterfall or a calm pool.
- Tourists can also learn about the local flora, fauna and ecological value on guided nature walks through the region conducted by the locals.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- Our Lady of the Assumption is celebrated by the Town Fiesta, on the 15th of August every year, and this is a time when parades, processions, and feasts are held.
- Festivals of harvesting are dedicated to the productive crop of rice and corn among families, where families come together to share food and thanksgiving to the land.
- Every month, market days are held that unite vendors creating an animated environment where they can present food, textiles, and pottery.
- Performances of cultural dances in the festivals reflect the rhythmic movements of the indigenous groups and this provides a vivid demonstration of the heritage.
- The night celebrations are accompanied with fireworks and street parties to bring a festive and joyful atmosphere to all the age groups.
- Being a part of these events enables tourists to have a feeling of a true Filipino community spirit and join in the festive rituals of the town for holidays to Villaviciosa.