December 7-9, 2016
Ilocos Sur to Ilocos Norte
We spent our last day touring the northern part of Ilocos. We rent a van for PH₱1,500, divided by 6 of us, for the whole day from 5am to 5pm for our tour in Ilocos Norte. If you’re going to commute from Vigan City, you can ride a bus going to Laoag City and would cost you around PH₱130 to 180. From Laoag City, head to the bus terminal going to Claveria Province, take a bus or mini shuttle and drop-off at Pagudpud for around PH₱150.
From Cabugao, it’ll take around 2 hours to reach Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. We had our breakfast somewhere carenderia in Ilocos Norte for PH₱80 per meal. The travel was like eternity. Jusme ang layo pala ng Ilocos Norte mula sa Ilocos Sur. They look so near in maps, but so far away in real life.
We saw several welcome arches in Ilocos Norte which we took the chance to take photos with them. It was a buwis-buhay (life-threatening) photoshoot because it was in the middle of a highway. We needed to run away whenever there were vehicles coming. It was funnier, because we’re not the only group of tourists doing the life-threatening shoot.
Saud Beach, Pagudpud
Our first destination was the Saud Beach in Pagudpud, the entrance is PH₱20. It’s about another an hour and 40 minutes from Laoag City. It’s where the famous Hannah Beach Resort is located. It is also where the longest zipline in open water. I don’t know if that makes an impact to you. There were only few people when we visited the place. I thought we’re going to swim because I was ready. But my company were not.
We rented one of the cottages for PH₱150 and we just enjoyed the sight of the beautiful white sand beach of Saud, crystal clear turquoise blue water, and the white bubbles and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. It was so calming and soothing that makes me forget all my worries and problems in life (like how am I going to eat after the vacation and like that haha).
We wanted to come back in Pagudpud to enjoy the beach next time. Hopefully very soon and hopefully no backout dancers. Room rates at Hannah Beach Resort starts at PH₱3,800 per night for 2 persons.
There are two options in touring Pagudpud or you can do both if you have a lot of time. Pagudpud is divided into North and South. Due to limited time, we just took the South Tour.
The North Pagudpud includes:
- Bantay Abot Caves
- Timmangtang Rock
- Nacatnagan Cliff
- Malingay Cove (Blue Lagoon)
- Dos Hermanos Islands
- Kabigan Falls
- Saguigui Falls
- Winding Patapat Bridge
The South Pagudpud includes
- Bangui Windmills
- Kapurpuran Rock Formations
- Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Kapurpurawan Rock Formations and Windfarm
Kapurpurawan Rock Formations are created by the strong forces of the ocean waves that crashes against the rocky coast of Burgos.
There are windmills around Kapurpurawan, which you may opt out going to Bangui anymore, which we did.
The winds in Kapurpurawan are strong, cold, and sticky due to the salt water beside it. But the view is breathtaking and the sound of the waves is calming and very relaxing.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is just near Kapurpurawan. It is a cultural heritage structure in Burgos, Ilocos Norte that was erected during the Spanish Era set high on Vigia de Nagparitan Hill overlooking where the early galleons used to sail by.
You may take a tricycle going up the road to the lighthouse for P10 each or just take a walk like we did. It was my first time to see a lighthouse and it was a mesmerizing moment and feels like I was in Batanes (though I have never been there). The overlooking view on the top is awe-inspiring.
If you’re going to commute in Pagudpud, you may take a tricycle to tour you in North or South for P600 each tour. It would take a day to finish either tour.
Laoag City
We head back to Laoag City and took some photos in the central city, the church, bell tower and the colorful umbrellas. We finished our tour by 5pm, and we were not able to continue to Paoay due to limited time.
We rode a bus going back to Cubao in Cabugao for around PH₱600.
Expenses:
| ITEM | AMOUT PH₱ | |
| RENT VAN | COMMUTE | |
| Van from Ilocos Sur to Ilocos Norte P1,500/6 pax | 250.00 | – |
| Breakfast in carenderia | 80.00 | 80.00 |
| Bus from Vigan City to Laoag City | – | 130.00 |
| Bus or mini shuttle from Laoag to Pagudpud | – | 150.00 |
| Saud Beach Entrance | 20.00 | 20.00 |
| Cottage P150/6 pax | 25.00 | 25.00 |
| Lunch | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| North or South Pagudpud Tour via tricycle | – | 600.00 |
| Pagudpud to Laoag | – | 150.00 |
| Dinner | 150.00 | 150.00 |
| Laoag City to Cubao | – | 821.00 |
| Cabugao to Cubao | 600.00 | – |
| TOTAL | 1,225.00 | 2,226.00 |
Total Expenses Ilocandia Tour:
| ITEM | AMOUNT PH₱ | |
| With Van | Commute | |
| Ilocos Norte (Day Tour) | 1,225.00 | 2,226.00 |
| Ilocos Sur (2D1N) | 2,268.00 | 2,268.00 |
| TOTAL | 3,493.00 | 4,494.00 |
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