You might pass by Sarrat during your visit to Ilocos Norte because it is not as famous as the other tourist destination. But like the other well-known spots, it has its own shares of beauty that enthrall visitors and gives simple pleasures that only nature can afford to give. Seeing Padsan River and experiencing it is good enough reason to love the place.
Sarrat town is crossed and cut into two by the Padsan River, creating a north and south areas and connected by Sarrat Bridge. The river serves as the heart of the people living near it and withstanding passage of time it became one of the center of tourism in the rustic town of Sarrat.
Padsan River has been one of the favorite destinations for many locals especially during summer. Tourists together with their loved and dearest ones spend their leisure time here and enjoy the river’s beauty in many ways.
The nipa hut cottages along the banks of the Padsan River come in second to attracting visitors. It is located at barangay San Joaquin (Barrio Uno) and is maintained by private entrepreneurs from the same barangay. These nipa huts are seasonal: built around December purposely for the summer season and are dismantled as soon as the rainy season kicks in. The nipa huts not only offer shade and comfort to the visitors but are equipped with Videoke system to complete the entertainment.
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Ilocos Norte proved again that it is indeed one of the best destinations in the Philippines. I hope I might get the chance to witness its beauty. Have a nice trip!
Sarrat River Resort
Getting Around – Sarrat Town!
Going around the poblacion is served by the tricycles. These are also used to transfer to other remote barangays but usually thru a special fare, the amount of which depends on what is agreed upon.
A regular and daily trip to neighboring Laoag City is provided by LSJODA (Laoag-Sarrat Jepney Operators and Drivers Association). As the association's name imply, a jepney is the main form of transportation. It takes around 15 minutes travel-time on a usual day.
Travel Sarrat, Ilocos Norte!
Laoag International Airport services flights to and from Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as, domestic flights by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Foreign airlines offer direct charter flights to Laoag as part of travel packages with optional excursions to tourist sites outside of the city. Once in the city, tourists can find travel agencies all over including ticket offices of several airlines in the airport terminal.
Several large bus companies serve Laoag City making connections to major and minor Philippines destinations. These transportation services are provided by GV Florida Transport, Maria de Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Lines, RCJ Trans, Dominion Bus Lines, Partas, Philippine Rabbit, Sta. Lucia Express and Farinas Transit Company. Partas is also a major national bus line and also Autobus Busline. Laoag is a 10-14 hour drive from Manila. A South Korean airline has recently unveiled plans to open direct flights to Laoag.
Accommodations in Laoag are also available. There are lots of inns and hotels throughout the town offering comfortable rooms and cottages at a reasonable price.
- Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel - Brgy. 37 Calayab, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines
- Pamulinawen Hotel - National Highway, Brgy. 22, 2901 San Nicholas, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines
- Plaza Del Norte Hotel and Convention Center- 15 Suba, Paoay, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines
- Grand Octagon Resort - Airport Ave., Brgy.50, Butong, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines
- Java Hotel - 55B Salet Gen. Segundo Avenue, Laoag City, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines