Touring Pagudpud Ilocos Norte

Last April 2010, our group established a tour to the Northernmost part of the Philippines to discover its famous pristine beaches. We then stayed at Hannah's beach resort for 4 days and 3 nights. Our stay in Hannah’s Beach resort includes the tour to different point of interest in the town which cost P2500 using service van of the hotel (updated 2012 price for the tour is 3000-3500). As per my research, you can also tour Pagudpud via trike divided into two parts, the South and North bound tour. The tour will cost you 600 pesos per tricycle per bound, so if you want to explore both bound be prepared to pay 1200pesos per tricycle, quite cheaper than what some hotel offers. South bound tour includes the famous Bangui windmills, Kapurpurawan rock and Cape Bojeador lighthouse while north bound tour includes Kabigan falls, Patapat viaduct, Paraiso ni Anton, Timangtang rock, and Bantay Abot Cave. 

First on our line-up is the tour at Timangtang rock and Bantay Abot Cave since it’s already along our way. Locals say that Timangtang and Bantay Abot are called “The Lover’s Rock”. The story behind these two rocks goes like this, Timangtang rock is like the prodigal part of the Bantay Abot Cave. He once left the cave for some adventure but get stuck few kilometers away from the cave. This sad rock is now looking at the cave, longing to fill that hole (Bantay Abot Cave) he created when he left, longing to come back but he can’t, even if he is so near. Quite interesting mythical story, isn’t it?! 

Bantay Abot Cave

Shipwreck along patapat viaduct

Off to our next destination is the Kabigan falls located in Barangay Balaoi. The van dropped us to the registration area and paid 20 pesos for the entrance and 100 for the guide fee. Before you reach the falls, you need to trek almost 1 and half kilometer flat surface for 30 to 40 minutes. While walking, you will enjoy the picturesque scenery including the Farmville-like rice field, luxuriant trees, and clear cold water of the stony river. 

 

After some walking, chit-chatting, crossing rivers, climbing friendly hill, and helping hands, at last we have reached the 100 feet tall falls with its roaring sound and fresh water falls. Make sure to bring extra clothes if you want to swim on the basin of the falls for there are changing rooms in the area. We stayed at the falls for an hour enjoying the water, swimming at the basin, and cam whoring then need to go back to the drop off point for our next destination. 

Because we only have limited time we drop by and spare only few minutes to Paraiso ni Anton and patapat viaduct. Patapat viaduct is a long stretch of concrete elevated road constructed along winding and rocky headlands of the northernmost roadway section. Amazing engineering in Ilocos Norte.

Our next destination was the famous Bangui windmills. Just a few meters behind the windmills is our drop off point near the souvenir stalls, then we excitedly head to the beach and greeted by gusts of hot and strong wind. Even the beach is rumbling with waves due to the overflowing wind fitted to create electricity, we  enjoyed staring on these turbines. These 20 sets of huge turbines facing the South China Sea provide 40% of the power requirements of Ilocos Norte. Been there was so overwhelming, we are so awed by the Bangui windmills which are neatly lined up, feels like you're in other country but it's here in our homeland. Our group really had a great time seeing these magnificent humongous turbines especially when the sun kissed the seabed with all the multicolored reflection in the sky, it’s so priceless.

 Before darkness falls, we then finished our tour to Cape Bojeador lighthouse which is 120 years old already patrolling on top of the Vigia de Nagparitan Hill in Burgos Ilocos Norte. Keep eyeing from the enemies since March 30, 1892 of civilization. The whole structure is made of bricks, complemented by decorative grill works and woodcarvings. It’s a weird and creepy feeling while walking on the aisle and climbing upstairs but once at the top the view was breathtaking. 

Touring Ilocos Norte was so magnificent, the province boasts a lot from historical places, discovering culture, nooks for adventures, nature tripping, fine beaches and friendly locals which is excellent for families and groups on the lookout for hideout away from the hustle and bustle of city streets. All in our tour was so memorable, enjoyed and worthy. We can't wait to visit the province soon!

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