Vigan on A Budget: An Informative Guide When Backpacking in Vigan!

Where to eat….

Since I was on a very tight budget that time, I had to make an effort to find the most affordable meals available. I limited my budget from 50 to a max of 100/meal. I always keep the bill below my max so I can save extra change. I asked the locals for recommendations…

Tummy Talk : Expect meals only costing around ₱50-60. It’s also fully air conditioned with free wi-fi access!

located along Calle Crisologo

The Plaza…

You’ll never go wrong when you eat at the plaza! Again, it pays to set a max amount to prevent overspending! At the plaza, you’ll find local gastronomic treasures and local favorites! I had one of my most interesting food trips here for I never thought Vigan had so much more specialties aside from their signature longanisa, bagnet and empanada! I was surprised to know that they also have their own special bibingka, beef soup and even their own Vigan pancit miki!

MUST try the Poki-Poki

MUST Try the Sinanglao: a local Ilocano breakfast favorite! Basically clear meat soup with tender meat cuts, liver, intestines, blood chunks and pork skin. Best enjoyed with rice and your soda of choice and may be found all around town for only 50 pesos!

I was really lucky to meet such cool locals in Vigan that they even took me to an actual Bagnet factory!

When looking for the most affordable stuff, it pays to directly buy from the supplier! Not only will you save additional cash but you also get to learn and discover cool stuff! During that day, I was able to learn and witness how bagnet was made!

For the freshest most affordable Bagnet and Vigan longanisa, contact Ursula Arce at 0916-243-87-76!

 

I was able to witness how it’s done! Cool ey??

a dozen usually costs around 100-120php 

 

VIGAN EMPANADA

Here’s another sure tummy filler! Located along the famous Calle Crisologo is Irene’s – the best place to experience Vigan empanada! Every local seem to have a unanimous answer whenever I ask them on where I could find the best empanada! For only 60pesos, you get to have their jumbo empanada which is a meal itself! Add around 15pesos more for your preferred beverage and that would still fit your meal budget!

 

watching ate while she makes my jumbo empanada!

 

Souvenirs

Again, set a limited budget specially for your pasalubongs as we Pinoys always tend to splurge! 300-500php would be fine! I really hate carrying too much stuff when going back home so I always make sure I only buy what can fit in my bag. You’ll find tons of goodies and things along the famous Calle Crisologo!

 

shopping at Calle Crisologo

 some pasalubongs I bought…

Mission Accomplished! =)

I never thought that I could still have loads of fun even when on a tight budget! I also realized that we become more creative and adventurous when we have limited resources. This Vigan solo trip I made turned out to be highly educational and empowering as well! It was my first ever time to travel 10 hrs from Manila alone (my mom was sooo worried) and for a girl like me to accomplish something like this… woah!! I feel really proud of myself! Of course, nothing beats traveling with your trusted buddy but sometimes, we also have to experience adventures on our own!

While I waited for the bus to arrive, I made this very realistic budget estimate to give you an idea on how much to prepare on your next Vigan Backpacking trip! Enjoy!

 

 my very realistic estimate…

Hotel ni Among

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Vigan on A Budget: An Informative Guide When Backpacking in Vigan!