Bantay Bell Tower

Philippines Ilocos SurBantay Bell Tower

Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI

Posts

Historic Watch Tower. Mini outdoor chapel outside Bantay Church too if you need to take a restroom break for a donation. Entrance to watch tower grounds asks for a donation and registration prior to entry. The cultural minimum for locals is at 10 pesos or up. In Filipino culture, it is phrased as a donation, but the shame of losing face from not giving would make you give. It's for the upkeep of the tower, consider it like a small environmental fee like when you go to local beaches. Economically, the donation is just a drop in the ocean and may not be enough to preserve it. The watch tower was closed when we arrived, so we could only take photos from the outside. At the time, people weren't climbing up and stayed near the ground. There are locals there who would offer to take your photo. One particular old man looked desperate to eat. Already rejected him yet kept coming back and begged the group. I let him take my photo with the tricks, just gave a tip afterwards. The tricks were fun to do anyways. It would seem like you're holding the bell tower from above, pushing, or holding it from below. You can also do some tricks with the clay jar pot. Just check the picture afterwards because the photos could get out of focus. If you like towers, this is a must-see even from afar. With the tower closed, there's nothing much to do. Hope they reopen the inside soon.

May NMay N

00

Bantay Bell Tower was built in 1591 and serves as the belfry of the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Caridad, St. Augustine Parish (one of the oldest surviving churches in Ilocos region established in 1590). It also served as a watchtower for the people of Bantay Municipality in Ilocos Sur, part of the city’s defense that helps in alerting them against invading enemies such as pirates – during the Spanish era, hence the term bantay. The belfry itself was built in 1591-1592. It is where the name of the Municipality of Bantay Ilocos Sur was derived. Bantay Tower is located on top of a hill some meters from the church, adjacent to Bantay Municipal compound. Although there is no fee to visit the tower, one has to register before entering the premises, and a donation is solicited (without any pressure though). It was an easy climb, from the wooden flights of stairs that can be accessed from the entrance in the tower’s base and ends at the top (third level) which houses one main and four smaller bells.

Jim ColicoJim Colico

00

Just a walking distance (if you are sporty) or a few minutes drive from Calle Crisologo, is the time tested Bantay Bell Tower. It is one of the iconic structures of Ilocos Sur. It is within the compound of St. Augustine Parish Church. Back then, tourists were allowed to climb up the tower but since the earthquakes that recently struck the northern luzon, the bell tower and the church were not spared with the destructions and so it became unsafe to go near the tower. Both structures also require restorations. At the entrance, all tourists are required to register. Entrance is free, but donations are encouraged for the restorations of the tower and the church. The tour guides are very accommodating and welcoming and they are great photographers. It is also recommended to give them some tips for their good service and as a help for them as they are not getting a salary in doing so. There is an ample parking spaces inside the parish compound.

Joy DecatoriaJoy Decatoria

00

Great spot. Gorgeous views. Many photo opportunities in the church, on the grounds and of course of and from the bell tower. Parking is free but finding the entrance can be tricky as the current Google map directions are wrong. When you turn right off MacArthur you will have the barangay 1 center to your immediate right. After the hall is a small road to the right. Ignore the exit sign that might be posted as this is the current entrance. There are no parking fees at this time. Parking is limited. The church does have a donation box and the bell tower section has a sign in and donation box. The tower has several sets of tight stairs. If you are small sized no issues. If you are bigger towards the western sizes it can be more difficult. If you are handicapped the tower may not be suitable. The very top where the bells are have limited space. You may need to wait in the middle section.

David XDavid X

00

There is a sense of history when visiting this part of the Philippines. I felt nostalgic knowing that the bricked tower that I was at that moment was already present during the late 1500’s. The last time I visited this place was back 2013 and I am sad that it was affected by the recent earthquake that hit Vigan. We could still climb up the stairs inside the tower and from there the view of the whole municipality of Bantay can be seen but it was closed during our visit. The Manong tour guides will take your picture and don’t forget to tip Manong when he helps you with amazing photos just at the entrance.

Sam AustinSam Austin

00

We weren't able to go to Bantay Bell Tower as it was under renovation. We were allowed to take a pic from a distance. The place itself was enchanting for someone who's into history and everything that is from olden times. The only negative thing is the person or people who's offering their services to take your pictures and videos. Not sure if they are hired by the local government or if they are aware of it. If they are, I highly suggest they the local government provides training to these people so that they can have their income and at the same time provide a good service to tourists.

Mae LykaMae Lyka

10

Get more from Wanderboat AI

Nearby Attractions Of Bantay Bell Tower

Plaza Salcedo (Luneta Park Musical Dancing Fountain)

4.4

(927)

Click for details

Plaza Burgos

4.4

(922)

Click for details

National Museum of the Philippines Ilocos Regional Complex

4.5

(225)

Click for details

Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle

4.6

(190)

Click for details

Nearby Restaurants Of Bantay Bell Tower

Gerry's Vigan (Gerry's Grill)

4.9

(306)

$$

Click for details

McDonald's Vigan

4.0

(288)

$

Click for details

IKAN DAMPA

4.4

(54)

Click for details

Cafe Bigaa

3.8

(58)

Click for details

Overview

4.5

(767 reviews)

Phone

+63 916 452 0623

Call

Deep Dive

A deep dive into Bantay Bell Tower