Bantay Bell Tower
Bantay Bell Tower
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
415 reviews
Excellent
148
Very good
188
Average
77
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Ralphie
Caloocan, Philippines118 contributions
Feb 2020
If you avail the horse carriage for P150.00/hour you're gonna be drop here first. Here you'll see the church, the bell tower and a shrine. It was quiet here and peaceful. To enter the Bell tower you will be asked to donate by any amount you wished to so its really up to you. Then its just picture taking throughout.
This is where we bought our Vigan couple shirt and you must try their empanda. Its a big orange colored bean-sprout food and its yummy!
This is where we bought our Vigan couple shirt and you must try their empanda. Its a big orange colored bean-sprout food and its yummy!
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abinomad
Naga, Philippines40 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I visited immediately after my arrival. Since its location is near the highway (Manila North Road).
Good Ambiance, however, it gets too crowded during 3pm-4pm visits.
You can visit the tower and see what's inside. On the topmost portion, you can see the skyline of Vigan and its neighboring towns.
Very historical monument. Please do not litter. Let us take care of our jewels.
Good Ambiance, however, it gets too crowded during 3pm-4pm visits.
You can visit the tower and see what's inside. On the topmost portion, you can see the skyline of Vigan and its neighboring towns.
Very historical monument. Please do not litter. Let us take care of our jewels.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
world_explorer
San Diego, CA93 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This place is not easy to find. The bell tower is situated in the residential area. You could see the tower from a short distance. However, it is not easy to find the entrance. The entrance is the same entrance as the church. I had to ask a local for help to find the entrance to the bell tower. When I finally got to the location, I was disappointed that it is gated. No visitors are allowed to go in. The tower is so badly damaged that it is not safe for people’s to go near the structure. Visitors can still take pictures from afar.
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lukewatsero
Philippines251 contributions
Very spacious. Quaint but interesting. 360-degree view at the top of the tower. Best place for picture taking (like you are holding/eating/pushing the bell tower or simply taking a jumpshot).
Written 27 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russ Lacuata
Long Beach, CA9,730 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
Bantay Bell Tower is one of Vigan’s most iconic symbols. Built in 1591, it served as the town’s watchtower before being turned into a bell tower by the nearby church. Situated on a hill, making it the best vantage point for those who were assigned to watch over the towns of Vigan and Bantay.
Written 28 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nafis A
Australia2,676 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
From Vigan it takes about 15 minutes on a horse carriage (calesa) to get to this local landmark at Bantay (Bantay is actually another town distinct from Vigan, although most people associate the tower with the latter). The bell tower, built in 1591 is believed to be the 2nd oldest structure in the province, preceded by the Bantay (St Augustine) Church, which is older by a year.
The tower itself sits on a small hill, and thus in the past it was a part of the city’s defense system as a lookout point against possible encroachers. It is an easy climb, and the top (third level) houses one main and four smaller bells. Most of Bantay and the surrounds can be viewed from the top. The bell tower is also popular among local tourists because scenes of a well-known Filipino film “Panday” were apparently shot within and around it. Worth a visit one is passing through the area. 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).
The tower itself sits on a small hill, and thus in the past it was a part of the city’s defense system as a lookout point against possible encroachers. It is an easy climb, and the top (third level) houses one main and four smaller bells. Most of Bantay and the surrounds can be viewed from the top. The bell tower is also popular among local tourists because scenes of a well-known Filipino film “Panday” were apparently shot within and around it. Worth a visit one is passing through the area. 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).
Written 5 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria071117
Baguio, Philippines9 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
We wanted to go up into the site itself but the weather was so hot, we couldn't afford to faint under the sweltering heat. The view was the best. Bl;ue skies and the lone tower, a very ideal backdrop.
Written 25 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Xervin
Mandaluyong, Philippines12 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
Great view at the top of the Bell Tower. You will also feel how old the tower is as you feel the woodworks creak while you walk around. :)
Visit either during the sunrise or sunset, and when there are no people around. It's quite hot during the day (no covered path way) and the tower can only hold a very limited number of people at a time.
They ask for donations at the entrance as well. It would be great if someone guides the tourists to tell them of its history though.
Worth a visit, and a picture or two.
Visit either during the sunrise or sunset, and when there are no people around. It's quite hot during the day (no covered path way) and the tower can only hold a very limited number of people at a time.
They ask for donations at the entrance as well. It would be great if someone guides the tourists to tell them of its history though.
Worth a visit, and a picture or two.
Written 19 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simplyCarol396
Palawan Island, Philippines379 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
After we had our prayers in St. Augustine church we climbed the adjacent Bantay Bell Tower. Although quite crowded we waited for our turn to know what we could see up there. So glad we patiently waited since the bell and the view that greeted us so worth it!
From the top you can see the panoramic view of Vigan, the old cemetery and as far as you can see the Province of Abra. The Bell Tower was built at the top of the hill used as a watchtower during previous wars. Hence it got the name Bantay which means " guard".
Visit here during early morning or near sunset to avoid too much heat and to fully appreciate the view and the place.
From the top you can see the panoramic view of Vigan, the old cemetery and as far as you can see the Province of Abra. The Bell Tower was built at the top of the hill used as a watchtower during previous wars. Hence it got the name Bantay which means " guard".
Visit here during early morning or near sunset to avoid too much heat and to fully appreciate the view and the place.
Written 8 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
perry986
Waldorf, MD1,245 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
as part of our calesa..we visited/tour the bell tower..nice view from the top of the tower...the bell tower watch originally built as a look out tower..it has several bell with several size and bell tone to distinguish warning /
Written 16 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaya po bang lakarin to from calle crisologo ? And ano ano pa pong magagandang pasyalan near calle crisologo po? 😊 Thank you!
Written 29 May 2018
Yes pero may kalayuan. Magtricycle ka nalang at 10pesos bayad
Written 7 November 2018
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