The Beauty of Ilocos

It was raining in Laoag when we arrived but God heard my prayers and blessed us with a good weather in Pagudpud. After doing some internet searching and planning for itinerary, we headed to Florida bus bound to Laoag last Thursday night.It was 13 hours trip from Manila to Pagudpud Town Plaza. Checked-in at Polaris Beach resort, I think this is the cheapest resort within saud beach. Don't expect too much from this resort as the standard room has only 1 king size bed, small table on the side, aircon and comfort room but in fairness malinis naman. They have tv and video-oke at the common area. Meron din mga homestay or transient houses but you need to walk for a few meters to reach saud beach.

Trike (tricycle) and van are the common service you can avail if you want to tour in pagudpud.The trike service ranges from P600.00-P1,200.00 you can haggle the price or choose what site you want to see lang. It's really worth it kahit nakakapagod ang mahabang paglalakad, the sceneries are really fascinating and breathtaking. We woke up early morning around 6:00 am kahit pagod sa mahabang biyahe we need to start early the tour para lahat mapuntahan namin. Our trike service was already waiting for us at exactly 8:00 am and start the tour at Southbound area first..medyo malayo kasi eto.

First stop: Kapurpurawan Rock Formation -- the road going to rock formation is a bit muddy brought by a heavy rain the other night but after seeing the fine white sand forming rock patterns, mawawala pagod mo.Truely amazing!

Second stop: Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is located in Burgos, Ilocos norte. Once you have reach the top you will see the view of south china sea and the entire town of Burgos.

Third stop: Bangui windmills or "Wind Farm" -- consists of 22 giant wind turbines facing the south china sea are use to generate electricity in the province and at the same time, serve as a tourist spot.

That's all for the Southbound tour and lunch time na namin natapos. Back to Pagudpud,we had lunch at Papa Nard's Food Haus located in town plaza. Meat viands cost P50.00/order. After feeding our empty stomachs, the next round of tour ->North area naman.

Fourth stop: Kabigan Falls -- You have to trek 1.5 kilometers to get it here and passing about three streams of shallow river. The first river medyo malakas ang agos, ask your tour guide to assist you sa pagtawid. An entrance fee of P10.00/person plus P100.00 for the tour guide. Every group will have their own personal tour guide once you've registered. The water is freezing cold yet refreshing.

Fifth stop: Patapat Viaduct -- the road connecting Ilocos Norte and Cagayan Valley.The lucid view of the sea and the winding mountain roads makes Patapat viaduct on the list of must-to-visit places.

Sixth stop: Agua Grande & Paraiso ni Anton -- just a few meters away from Patapat viaduct..nothing interesting just a river that meets the sea. There's an entrance fee in Agua Grande but you can see the view sa bridge.
Seventh Stop: Bantay Abot Cove -- means a "mountain with a hole". Take pictures sa malayo pa lang where you can see the entire mountain. For me adventure ang pagpunta dito because of the waves flashing on the side of the walls and rocks. Takot na takot akong mabasa ng tubig habang naglalakad going to the "hole" :D

Last Stop: Blue Lagoon --This place is where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and famous for its crystal blue water and fine white sand. Caution lang for non-swimmers, malakas ang alon dito just like in Saud beach but you will surely enjoy the water. Actually, dito kami nagtagal.

Since nasa Ilocos na kami, we visited na rin Laoag and Vigan tourist spots. Although hindi lahat napuntahan dahil kulang na kami sa oras.

Laoag: Sinking Bell and Museo Ilocos Norte, these two are just near the capitol so lakad-lakad lang. To reach Paoay Church, just ride a jeepney bound to Paoay. Madadaan mo rin ang Batac when going to Paoay. Don't forget to drop at Herencia Cafe to try their famous Pinakbet Pizza.

Vigan: From Batac crossing, there are buses going to Vigan. Then pahatid ka na lang sa tricycle to Baluarte.There's no entrance fee at Baluarte. Last stop namin in Vigan was Calle Crisologo where the old houses are situated. Isang mahabang street ang calle crisologo and souvenir items are being sold. Touring around vigan, try the calesa ride for P150.00/hour.

Next entry, food pics and some pasalubong...