Northern Escapade 4 - Pagudpud / Burgos, Ilocos Norte (Going Home)

Though we had our fair share of night swimming, I did not let the 4th morning of our trip pass without snorkeling. While I was able to see schools of fish that thrive within the sea grass in the area, surprisingly, I was the only one snorkeling at that time. Maybe this is one of the untapped potentials of Saud Beach which the resorts in the area are yet to take advantage of

Clean and Clear

Underwater World

Wanna Fish?


Lots of 'em



Do I hear Sharkbait? Ooohh haa haa




Sea Weeds

Swim with 'em fish

Corals

Finding Nemo

Vibrant Marine Life

Eric

Yipee

From Rinnovati, we went to see the Patapat Viaduct. This engineering marvel is a 1.3-km. coastal bridge that snakes through a cliff where the mountains of Cordillera meet the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Hence, Patapat offers fantastic views of the sea, the mountains and the rocky shore. Just be careful in parking your vehicle since buses and trucks speed through the area as it is still part of Maharlika Highway.

Patapat Viaduct

Yikes...Hunny's afraid of heights

Where the Ocean, the Sea and the Mountains converge

Watch out for passing vehicles

Jump Shot in Patapat

As we traverse the highway leading to Cagayan, we were able to see the North Korean Vessel that was beached in Pagudpud.

Closely guarded ship

A few kilometers farther is the Agua Grande River Park. It is a place where waters from the mountains and the sea meet. Since we are already supposed to be on our way back to Manila at that time, we just had our photos taken at the place and did not take a dip on the natural pools of Agua Grande.

Agua Grande

Raging Waters

Fresh Water Pools

The Gals

The Guyz

We asked people if there are restaurants, or even eateries in the area. Fortunately, they told us to go straight to Panzian.

Panzian

At first glance, the Panzian Beach Resort is just a plain house with a garden, although a building is being constructed at that time. Surprisingly, the place offers much more. At the back of their restaurant are cottages for weary travelers. There is also a camp site where the adventurous may pitch their own or just rent tents. There were also lots of hammocks and a place for a bonfire. I could just imagine spending there the chilly night listening to the crushing waves.

Camp Site

Huge Tree

Gazebo

Enjoying the Hammock

Oh my...it's EJ

Peek-a-boo

While the beach at Panzian has pebbles and is not of the white sand type that may be found in Saud and Maira-Ira, the place has its own reasons for it to be beautiful. The Patapat Viaduct can even be seen at a distance. Aside from this, we also feasted on the food served at Panzian. Their monggo and KBL tastes very good.

Driftwoods

A different view of Patapat Viaduct

Seems so close

North Korean Vessel...taken from Panzian

Panzian Beach

Children enjoying the waves

Pebbles

Panzian Beach with a view of the Dos Hermanos Islands

Going back to Pagudpud, we stopped at the Paraiso ni Anton. Here we drank water, believed to be miraculous, that fall down the mountain. Stalls may also be found selling souvenir items like shells and bracelets and other local delicacies such as the birabid.

Clean Drinking Mineral Water

Jumping in between

Mini Falls

As we continue to travel back south, we also went to take pictures at the clamshell monument of Pagudpud. Like what I said, we were all sucker for photo-ops.

Pagudpud Clamshell Monument

Our next stop is the Kapurpurawan Rock Formations in the town of Burgos. Kapurpurawan is a piece of rock which outcrops from the South China Sea into the hills of Burgos. This piece of geological marvel derived its name from the word “Puraw” which means White in Ilocano. One proof of its significance is the presence of geology students who were at that time conducting a research around the area.

Kapurpurawan

Low Tide

Push

Atlas

Kapurpurawan can be reached through a rough road that will take you about 10 to 15 minutes to navigate depending on the type of vehicle that you are using. My philosophy in situations like this is, “if a tricycle can be used in going to the area, then certainly one does not need an SUV to visit the place”. Just be careful in driving and be patient as the ride will feel like an eternity, lest you want to compromise the shocks of your car with a little bit of speed.

One alternative is to walk from the highway. This will take you about 45 minutes to reach the Rock Formations itself since it will already take you around 10 minutes to go to the Rock Formations from the parking area.

The Resting Dragon

The Plunge...on the other side of the "Head"

Roswell

You will be delighted to see Kapurpurawan from afar, but there is no better way to enjoy it than to go to the actual rock formations. Since it was early afternoon when we arrived there, Kapurpurawan is blindingly white. We passed through an area which seems to be submerged in sea water during high tide since there are a lot of sea creatures in the small pools where seawater has accumulated. Bonsai plants are also prevalent making it a very unique place. Be careful through in scaling Kapurpurawan since on the other side is a very high and steep ravine.

Don't look now

Amma Apunayen

Crevasse

Rocky Shore

I’d love to go back to Kapurpurawan and enjoy the sunset. It’s very risky though since the place is somewhat remote and there is no electricity in the area, but only time can tell, there’s no stopping an eager-beaver right?

Kapurpurawan Rock Formations

Natural Bonsai

We also had to go back to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse since Abner & Jen were not able to go there on our way to Pagudpud. Too bad, Manong was not around at that time so they were not able to go to the Lens Room.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse


More than 100 Years of Solitude

Blind Spot



Final Glance at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse



Sunset taken at the Bridge in Laoag City

Finally, we tried to roam around Vigan to look for some souvenirs, but since it was already getting late then, the establishments were already closing. Hence, we just had to settle for the Royal Bibingka at Sister’s and our other companions, at Marsha’s.

Old Spanish Heritage Houses



Calle Crisologo


Seems like yesterday

Though we have already visited quite a number of attractions in Ilocandia, there are still a lot of interesting places to explore. Surely we, the Guyz and Gals, enjoyed this one roadtrip that we all hope will happen again next summer. Dios ti Agngina, Ilocandia.

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