Saturday, April 17, 2010

Northern Escapade 3 - Burgos/Bangui/Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

On the 3rd day of our trip, we went from Laoag City to Pagudpud, the northernmost municipality of Ilocos Norte.

Our first stop really is located somewhere in the town of Pasuquin, where we stopped by the side of the road just to take pictures with an outcrop of rocks and the South China Sea as our background. Besides, we also had to find a place where one of us can answer the call of nature.


By the road side



As we go farther north in the town of Burgos, someone saw the famous Cape Bojeador Lighthouse on the right side of the road. We just can’t resist the charm of the lighthouse that beckons. Pardon us but what can we do, having all grown up on a province that is landlocked so this is something new to us.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse



The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is considered as the highest elevated lighthouse in the Philippines. It can be found atop a hill named Vigia de Nagparitan. It was designed by Engr. Magin Pers but its construction was made under the supervision of Engr. Guillermo Brockman. The lighthouse has guided ships and mariners since 1892. Many do not know but it has a twin, the Cape Engaño Lighthouse in Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan.



It can be reached through an uphill two-lane road which ends at a parking area. We were met there by an old man who gamely took our group pictures. It was only later did we learn, that “Manong” is the caretaker of the lighthouse. We were really fortunate since he told us that he was already about to go home at the time that we arrived. In fact, the doors leading to the tower were already locked.



At the stairs from the Parking area

My Beautiful Hunny at the Parking Area

Stairs leading to the Main Building






All of us made an attempt to reach the lens room of the octagonal shaped stone tower. But only three of us made it to the lens room as the heat of summer was made more intense by the enclosed structure. Besides, there is an antique spiral staircase which only the daring can conquer.


Manong after opening the door leading to
the Lens
Spiral Staircase


The view at the top is really breathtaking, the South China Sea on the west and the Cordillera Mountains in the East. If chance permits, try to climb the tower just to get a different view of the world. Sounds like Dead Poets Society uh.


The Courtyard


Rocky Shore
Rock Formations
At the Lens Room

View of Burgos, Ilocos Norte
taken from the Lighthouse



Solar Power

House in the midst of nowhere


From the lighthouse, we also stopped by the highway to the rock formations that we saw at the top of the lighthouse. The children who were enjoying the scene were curious as we make attempts in taking a jumpshot.


Rock Formations by the Highway



Jumping Jacks



A few kilometers after the road leading to the Kapurpurawan Rock Formations, we accidentally saw a road leading to the Bangui Windmills. Thinking it was the road leading to the viewdeck where Tita Vangie told us to go, we immediately turned left until it led us to the first windmill. It was really a sight to behold. Awed by the windmills, each of which seem to greet us with an impressive show of might, we did not let the moment pass for us to take some pictures. What the heck, we have not seen windmills before in our whole lives except on TV or in print. We were really amazed by these windmills as we view them up close.

Cow grazing near the 1st windmill

Hunny at "Pebbled Beach"



Oooppss...my turn to jump!



The Windmillls of Bangui


Being the first and the only wind farm in the Philippines, it was inaugurated in 2005 with the capacity to generate 24 megawatts of electricity. Surprisingly, situated near the third windmill from the south is the Kang Kang Windmill Café.



Hunny, Gani & EJ

KangKang Huh?


Located at the zigzag road as you enter the town of Bangui is another viewdeck that offers a panoramic view of the windmills. Although it was still under construction at that time, it still is worth your while to stop and enjoy the view.



Viewing the findmills from the "upper" viewdeck


Actually the road leading to the viewdeck of the windmills is located on the left side of the highway before a bridge that may be found after passing through the zigzag road and the Welcome Arch of Bangui. There are also vendors along the way who sell wooden windmills for P100-200 each, depending on the size.



Happy Bunch


From the windmills, it will be a short 20-minute drive to the town of Pagudpud. We went straight to Rinnovati Beach Resort in Saud Beach so that we can unpack our things and take a brief rest.



Palm trees


Saud Beach


Love the beach


Saud Beach is just one of the three famous beaches in Pagudpud, the others being the Blue Lagoon or “Maira-Ira” and the Panzian Beach, located near the border with Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan. It is here where most resorts are located. For the budget conscious, homestay are also available all year round. Saud is still a 10-minute drive from the town proper so it's better if you buy the things that you need at the market or any available grocery before going there.


On the other tip of Saud Beach


I'll catch you daddy


Doggies enjoying the beach



Touted as the "Boracay of the North", Saud Beach is a 2-km stretch of white/cream sand beach that offers a great view of the Bangui Windmills. I have seen Governor Keon on a travel program before, claiming that Saud was included in the list of best beaches in Asia by an Australian magazine/newspaper. The water is clear and good for swimming although the current may tend to become strong at times, so do not go too far from the shore.


Farther side of Saud Beach


Enjoying the sunset


EJ playing on the sand


The Windmills of Bangui as seen from Saud Beach



Rock Formations at Burayoc Pt.

And of course, beautiful sunsets may likewise be enjoyed as you frolic or just plainly sit on the beach. When at Saud, expect that you will have a quiet and laid-back atmosphere.

Wanna test my Kung Fu?


To C is to believe


Touch the Sun

Beautiful Sunset


Here comes the night


The setting sun


Nightlife in Saud Beach is not that prevalent. Establishments usually close at around 10:00PM, so beyond that, it's just you, the sea, and the stars. Though I won’t take it against nightlife junkies and party animals if they will call it boring, the place is one of the better alternatives to the usual hustle and bustle of the city. Besides, a trip to Pagudpud is not just about the beach. It is also also about the other scenic attractions, the people, and the culture of Ilocandia.




The Beach


Night Swimming

Whatta Whatta


EJ


Bbrrrr...it's cold

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