Tourist Spots

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One of the oldest churches of Ilocos Sur, was built in 1590 with Fr. Juan Bautista de Montoya, as the first parish priest.  The Augustinian missionaries named it St. Augustine, after their religious congregation which, of course, soon became the Patron Saint. 

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BANTAY BELFRY

The picturesque, rustic and durable BELFRY (or famous Bantay bell tower) sits on a hilltop (atop the Calvario Hill) overlooking a vivid green vast of pastureland and the mountain view of the Province of Abra.  It was used as a watchtower for invading enemy forces during World Wars I (during the invasion of Zambals) and II. Evidently, the scenic Bantay Church and bell tower are monumental witnesses to various atrocities, uprisings and staged revolts.

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DIEGO SILANG PARK

The Diego Silang Park was named in tribute to the heroic feat of this Ilocano hero who was killed at this very site. Ironically, the memorial monument was built in 1763 during the Spanish reign to lend distinction and pay honor to Miguel Vicos, the Spanish mestizo who killed Diego Silang. It is actually the heart and soul of the [central] town plaza where political exercises, social functions and cultural gatherings are held.

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QUIRINO BRIDGE

This grandiose four span metallic bridge is named after the late former President Elpidio Quirino and spreads across the Abra river connecting the rocky mountain hills of the town of Santa and the tail end of Bantay. Also referred to as ‘Banaoang bridge’ (at p. 28), it majestically connects and separates two transcending mountains and widely praised because of its marvellous engineering and grand architectural design as glorified by its splendid panoramic beauty, strength and durability when it survived the bombings of World War II.  From here, one can appreciate beneath the serenity and tranquillity of scenic spots overlooking an enormous stretch of riverbed, zigzagging sloping contour of the mountain side and a serene land mass as far as the eye can see.

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VICTORIA PARK

Locally known simply as ‘Caniaw’, this square established in 1962 was named in honor of one of the daughters of former President Elpidio Quirino.  Herein can be found a water falls, a crystal clear natural spring water source (supplying our town and adjacent Vigan), a herbaria, and a botanical nursery.  It is connected to the MNR by a 2.2 kil. road situated on the middle foot of Mount Caniaw, it is part of the so-called Caniao Reforestation Project and Wildlife Sanctuary.  Gigantic varieties of mountain trees and various species of flora and fauna could be found and waiting to be discovered.

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MT. TUPIRA

Situated on top of Mount Caniaw, (where Victoria Park is located), the entirety of Bantay and nearby towns could be viewed from this site, even as far as the Abra and the Cordillera mountains.  It is 8.5 kilometer road from the national highway, with an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level, and part of the Northern Luzon Heroes Hill National Park (NLHHNP) that extends up to the towns of Santa and Narvacan.  It is often referred to simply as “radar” because in the early 60’s, a lofty twin metallic-sheet satellite towers are prominently seen radiating during the day and beaming at night.

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BIMMALDE FALLS

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APAR FALLS

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KAPAN-AWAN CAMPSITE

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BURAYOK FALLS

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