Pagudpud's Blue Lagoon Beach

Maira-ira Beach which is better known as Blue Lagoon Beach is about 30 minutes away from Saud Beach in Pagupud. I was really excited to go to this place because of the glowing reviews that I read in magazine articles and travel blogs.

Since I came with such high expectations, I was very much disappointed with what I saw. It was white fine sand alright but the surrounding beach area reminded me of a better version of the beaches in Cavite. There were vendors with tables along the main beach area selling food and other souvenir items. It was like a tiangge by the sea with litter all over the beach. Also, cheap looking nipa huts dotted the shoreline. Overpriced price resorts are also operating in the area.

I had intended to stay in Blue Lagoon Beach for 2 nights but opted instead to go back to Saud Beach which is much cleaner and where there is better management of the beach area. In Saud Beach, there are designated areas where vendors can sell souvenirs and the beach is always kept clean.

Pagupud Northern Sights

View of Bantay-Abot Cave

Dos Hermanos Islands

Lagoon in Saud Beach

View of Coastline from Bantay-Abot Cave

Pagudpud is blessed with beautiful natural scenery. The pictures above are some of the pretty sights in this part of Ilocos Norte. These places are part of the North Loop Tour of Ilocos Norte.

Picturesque Patapat Viaduct

Patapat viaduct is a 1.3km long concrete bridge that connects Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley region. It snakes along the Cordillera Mountains on one side and the South China Sea on the other side making it picture pretty.

This impressive infrastructure was built during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Kaibigan Falls Refreshes

Good thing about traveling in Ilocos Norte is that they have organized tours around the province. There is the South Loop tour which will take you to Bangui Windmills and Cape Bojeador lighthouse and the Kapupurawan Rock Formation. The North Loop covers more sites including the Patapat Viaduct, Paraiso ni Adan, Lover's Rock, Blue Lagoon, Agua Grande and Kaibigan Falls. Both tours cost P600 (US$14) on tricycle good for 3 persons.

On the North Loop, the best part is the Kaibigan Falls. Its is a 1 hour walk to and from the Falls. There is a P10 (US$ 0.23) entrance fee and a P100(US$2.32) fee if you opt to take a guide.

The walk at first is tiring because of the humidity but as you enter the tropical forest close to the falls, you will feel refresh by the relatively cooler temperatures and the sight of the clean stream originating from the Falls. Kaibigan Falls pours really clean and cold waters into the natural pool by the Falls.

Pretty Pagudpud

Saud Beach in Pagudpud is an easy 2 hour bus trip from Laoag City. It is pretty in its own way with its ivory fine sand and deep blue waters. But definetely it is not another Boracay. For one, the beach turns deep immediately from the shore and there is a dangerous undertow. So most people stay really close to the shore for safety purposes. It is also the only beach where life vests are being rented out for obvious reasons.

Nevertheless, Saud beach is clean and scenic. There are a number of reasonably priced resorts in the area catering to different budgets. However there are limited dining options. The place is ideal for a quiet time at the beach if your idea of a beach holiday is just to savor the fresh air and the beautiful scenery and not really to take a swim.

Wow WindMills

Considered as the biggest windmill in Southeast Asia the Bangui Windmills is one of stellar tourist attractions of Ilocos Norte.

The windmills are facing the South China Sea and the strong winds from the sea power the windmills. It also an awesome sight against the backdrop of sand and sea. Bangui windmills actually provide 40% of the power requirements of Ilocos Norte resulting in relatively cheaper electric cost in the province.

Kapurpurawan Rocks!

It is a dirt road that leads to this major tourist attraction of Ilocos Norte, the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. The 20 minute road trip plus the 30 minute walk along slippery path of sharp rocks leading to the wind blasted white rock formation is rewarded with the truly amazing sight of this rock formation and the scenery surrounding it.

One could only wish that the local and provincial governments of Ilocos Norte will prioritize the improvement of the road going to Kapurpurawan and provide a cemented pathway to make it easier to go to this true jewel of Ilocos Norte tourism.

I hesitated to walk all the way up to the Rock because of the lack of a pathway. But I was glad that my guide encouraged me to complete the walk because the scenery on top of Kapurpurawan is awesome. You will be energized by the strong and fresh sea breeze and the sight of spectacular coastline of the place.

Ilocos Norte Coastline

The road trip from Laoag to Pagudpod takes 2 hours but you will not notice the time because of the many interesting sights along the national highway. The highway passes along the scenic and rugged coastline of Ilocos Norte. This scenic coastline of sharp rocks and strong waves is unique in the Philippines and is more commonly seen in European countries such as Ireland, England and Italy.

Cool sea breeze coming from the South China Sea and its deep blue waters makes for a truly relaxing road trip.

Cape Bojeador: Northern Lights

Another impressive tourist spot in Ilocos Norte is the Cape Bojeador lighthouse. This was completed in 1892 and is the most northeastern lighthouse in the country.

The lighthouse provide scenic views of South China sea and Ilocos Norte landscapes. Cape Bojeador is easily reached from the main highway with a good access road making it easy for tourists to visit the place.

La Paz Sand Dunes

For a taste of a desert in tropical Philippines the place to go is La Paz sand dunes in Ilocos Norte. This desert like place located about 15 minutes drive from Laoag City. It is a favorite location site for local and foreign movie/tv productions. This includes Panday movies and foreign films like Born in Fourth of July.

However at the time that I went, since it was the end of an extended rainy season, many parts of the sand dunes were actually covered with green grass. In summer, the place is popular for sand boarding and 4 x4 vehicle drives.

Magnificent Sta. Monica Church

Sta. Monica Church is another impressive religious attraction in Ilocos Norte. It is located in Sarat, which is about 15 minutes drive from Laoag. This 17th century church is made of red brick and features a bridge/stairway that connects the church to a convent.

In front of the church is a park which is alongside a river which provides for scenic views of Ilocos Norte landscapes.

An Enhancted Evening At Paoay Church

St. Augustine Church is picture pretty at night as it is beautifully lighted. This UNESCO World Heritage Site should be viewed at night when it comes into full bloom with the drama of lights illuminating its facade.

You can have dinner at Herencia Cafe which is right across the church. This cafe is known for its pinakbet pizza and crispy bagnet. You will have an enchanted evening as you enjoy your meal with a good view of this truly beautiful church.

St. Augustine Church: Paoay's Pride

Most impressive in Ilocos Norte is the St. Augustine Church in Paoay. This 17th century Church is unique because of its combination of Gothic, Baroque and oriental designs. St. Augustine Church facade is so far the most impressive that I have seen among the old churches in the Philippines.

The local and provincial government have ensured that the Church and its surroundings are well maintained. There are is fact plans for further development and improvement of the place. At night, the Church is beautifully lit and makes for a real world class attraction.

Malacanang of the North

One of the major attractions in Ilocos Norte is the Malacanang of the North which was built during the time of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. This mansion done in typical 14th century stone house of the rich during the era is now maintained as a museum.

It is worth visiting to experience even for a while the opulent lifestyle of the former first couple of the Philippines. The place is a showcase of Philippine made furniture and fixtures. Since this Malacanang of the North is situated by Paoay Lake and has large capiz windows on all sides, you can enjoy the breeze coming from the lake.