Getting to Pagudpod from Laoag would only require a less than 2-hour bus ride which didn't cost more than 100php. There are air-conditioned buses going to provinces beyond Ilocos Norte but why not try riding the regular buses and feel the wind in your face as you savor the views you pass by as we did?
Saud Beach is one of the scenic spots in Pagudpud and famous for its white, fine sand, the reason why Pagudpud is coined as the Boracay of the North. The heart-shaped bay is good for sunbathing, swimming and even snorkeling. And the cherry on top? You can enjoy the view of the distant yet visible Bangui Windmills from afar.
Touring Around Pagudpud
Not having a car while touring Pagudpud is not a problem. There are tricycles that offer tours within Pagudpud for 600php and within Bangui and Burgos for another 600php. A tricycle can accommodate up to 3 passengers. Classic ride for the wind to play with your hair and for the sun to burn your skin but at the same time more adventurous and more fulfilling.
Thank you to the owner of the tricycle Kuya Melbin Entico (+639296463215) for giving us 100php discount for each tour without us asking. Another cherry on top of the ice cream.
The winding viaduct is a 1.2 kilometers long viaduct found at the foot of the cliff of the North Cordillera Mountain Ranges and is even referred to as the French Riviera of the North. It was a sight to behold not only because of the viaduct itself but the beauty of the mountains meeting the sea that some pictures just cannot give justice.
This is a picnic park just after Patapat Viaduct. You can go down, relax in their nipa hut and watch the splashing of the waves on the rocks with the viaduct from afar. An entrance of 50php per person is required upon entering.
Just a few meters away Agua Grande Picnic Park is Anton's Paradise. This place hails the cold waters of the mountain stream that are considered by the locals to have healing powers. Some people even consider this place as enchanted. But what's really known is, people usually stop by to take a sip at this place.
There are some spots in Pagudpud that aren't as famous as the others and Timmangtang Rock is one of them. But what I learned from this trip: there's no such thing of nature in this part of the Philippines that should be ignored. This rock may just be a big rock in the shore but the photographer in me found this place a good location for both fashion and landscape photography.
Around 500 meters away and visible from Timmantang Rock is Bantay Abot cave. It's not a a cave per se, but a big rock with a big hole in the center. What I really liked in this spot was every side has a different view to offer: mountains on one side, waves crashing in the rock on the other, etc. Going down to Bantay Abot cave needed walking down a very steep stair and walking on slippery rocks. Caution is necessary.
A few meters after Bantay Abot cave and before reaching Blue Lagoon is a spot where you can have a panoramic view of Dos Hermanos Islands. Dos Hermanos is a spanish term for two brothers. I'm sure there's a legend as to why these islands are called as such and I regret that I wasn't able to get that story.
another reason for the Pagudpud being named as the Boracay of the NorthAt the very same spot where you can best see Dos Hermanos islands is where you can have a panoramic view of the Blue Lagoon. During summer, the sea is naturally calm, almost not moving and would look like a pool or a lagoon, that's how it got its name. The incredible white sand beach, another reason for the Pagudpud being named as the Boracay of the North, has untouched huge old trees that canopy the shoreline. Also, this is where the famous Hannah's Resort is located, along with other beachfront resorts, another good place to stay in Pagudpud.
The second part of the tour, Bangui-Burgos tour, started with Bangui Windmills. This was one part of the tour that Dominique was definitely looking forward to see. Officially referred to as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project by the NorthWind Development Corporation, it's the first and only wind farm in the Philippines and considered as the biggest in Southeast Asia. It provides 40% of power requirements in Ilocos Norte.
It may not be as magnificent as the natural attractions but it still gave a feeling of fulfillment to see the 20 units of 70-meter high Vestas V82 wind turbines located facing the South China Sea that most people only see on photos.
One of the known and well-visited spots in the town of Burgos, Kapurpurawan is a massive white rock formation that juts out into the sea. The bright and creamy white color of the rock formation just draws everyone despite the heat of the sun. Aside from the rock formation itself, the scenic views around it made the place a haven for nature and landscape photographers. This spot was also the shooting location of some famous local movies, which proves its enchanting prowess.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
The last stop of this tour and the whole Ilocos trip was the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, its location can be spotted easily upon entering the town of Burgos from Laoag. The lighthouse is considered as the tallest of its kind and was declared a National Cultural Treasure. It was first lit on March 31, 1892 and served as signals to ships passing along the South China Sea. It may be one of the oldest lighthouses in the country but up to this day it remains functional.
The unexpected are usually the most beautiful. -KM