Bangui Windmills
A row of giant wind turbines along a grey-sand shore at the northern tip of Luzon, plus the classic Ilocos Norte loop: rock formations, a hilltop lighthouse, a UNESCO church and sand dunes.
The Bangui Wind Farm is one of the most famous sights of the north: a line of 20 giant wind turbines, each about 70 metres tall, standing along the shore of Bangui Bay at the northwest tip of Luzon. It opened in 2005, one of the first large wind farms in the Philippines, and still supplies a big share of the power used in Ilocos Norte. Most people visit it as part of a road trip around the province, which packs rock formations, an old lighthouse, a UNESCO church, sand dunes and white beaches into a few easy days.
Why go to Bangui and Ilocos Norte
- The windmills: a row of white turbines turning slowly above a grey-sand beach.
- Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage baroque church with huge buttresses.
- Wild coastline with rock formations, cliffs and the old Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
- Pagudpud, with some of the prettiest beaches in the north.
- Ilocano food: bagnet, empanada and longganisa.
The Bangui wind farm
The turbines stretch for roughly 9 km along the beach. You can walk on the sand between them and feel how strong the wind is here. A viewing area by the national road gives a nice view from above. Late afternoon light is lovely, and sunrise is quieter. The beach is not safe for swimming: the waves and currents are strong. Small fees for entry or parking may be collected, so keep some change ready.
The north Ilocos loop
Most tours start in Laoag and follow the coast north, or do the north and south as two day trips.
- Paoay Church (Paoay): a coral stone and brick church from the Spanish era, part of the UNESCO Baroque Churches of the Philippines. Dress modestly and keep quiet during Mass.
- La Paz Sand Dunes (Laoag): rolling sand by the sea, with 4x4 rides and sandboarding run by local operators.
- Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (Burgos): a brick lighthouse from the Spanish era on a hill above the sea, with sweeping views.
- Kapurpurawan Rock Formation (Burgos): white limestone shaped by wind and waves into smooth, wave-like forms. A short walk from the parking area; stay off the rocks near the edge.
- Pagudpud: white-sand beaches such as Saud Beach, the Blue Lagoon and views of the Patapat Viaduct along the cliffs.
Where is Bangui Windmills?
Bangui, Ilocos Norte
Directions open in Google Maps, starting from where you are. Its travel times are estimates, and ferries and island boats may not be included.
Getting there from Cebu
- Fly from Mactan-Cebu to Manila, about 1.5 hours.
- Fly from Manila to Laoag, about 1 hour. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines both list daily flights on the official Ilocos Norte tourism site. A direct Cebu-Laoag flight has run in the past on some days, so check whether it is flying when you book.
- From Laoag, take a bus heading north towards Pagudpud or Cagayan and ask to get off in Bangui, roughly 1.5-2 hours. Or join a tour or hire a van with a driver.
The provincial government runs a free airport shuttle from Laoag International Airport into the city and nearby areas. Check the current details on the official Ilocos Norte tourism website.
Getting around
The sights are spread along about 100 km of road, so a van with a driver is the easiest way to see them all. The official tourism site gives a rough guide of ₱5,500-₱7,000 per day for a van with driver, which works well if you share it with a group. On a budget, northbound buses pass Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud, and tricycles cover short trips from the highway. Agree on the fare before you ride.
Where to stay and eat
Laoag is the most convenient base, with the widest choice of hotels and restaurants. For beaches and the windmills, stay a night or two in Pagudpud, which has resorts and simple inns along the shore. Don't leave without trying bagnet (crispy pork belly), the orange Ilocos empanada and garlicky longganisa.
When to go
The dry season, from about November to May, has the best weather for the coast and beaches. From around June to October there is more rain, and typhoons can hit northern Luzon. Holy Week and summer holidays bring big crowds, so book rooms early.
Tips for a good trip
- It is windy on the coast. Bring a cap with a strap, sunglasses and a light jacket.
- Don't climb on the turbines or their fences, and don't swim at the wind farm beach.
- Wear modest clothes for Paoay Church and other churches.
- Bring cash for small fees, tricycles and food stalls outside Laoag.
- Take your trash with you, especially at the beaches and rock formations.
Coming home through Mactan? See our guide to getting from Mactan airport to Cebu City, and if you love heritage churches, visit Boljoon in South Cebu.
Photo gallery
Tap a photo to see it full size. Gallery photos come from Wikimedia Commons; each photographer's credit shows when you open the photo.
Watch before you go
Photo: "Bangui Windmills Farm in Ilocos Norte" by Ranieljosecastaneda, via Wikimedia Commons, released into the public domain (CC0).
Last updated October 16, 2026
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