A fourth class municipality and a coastal resort town on the northernmost tip of Luzon Island in the Philippines, Pagudpud has a population of 20,385 people in 3,804 households.
The town is bounded to the south by the town of Bangui and to the east by the Cordillera Mountain Range, the town of Adams and the province of Cagayan. The South China Sea lies to the west and north. The town rolls over mountains, hills, valleys and flat coastal land. It lies 45 miles (72 km) north of Laoag City, the provincial capital, and about 350 miles (560 km) north of Manila. They reside in 3,804 homes that are spread across 83 square miles (210 km2). Most make their living through farming, fishing and subsistence retailing. Tourism is a growing part of the economy.
I explore Laoag City through tricycle to reach different attractions including Patapat Viaduct, Sand Dunes, Saud Beach, Kabigan Falls for P 500.00-half day tour around the city.
Patapat Viaduct
The Patapat Viaduct, elevated 31 meters over sea level, is 1.3 km concrete coastal bridge that connects the Maharlika Highway from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley Region. It rises along the town's coastal mountains, which is the starting point of the Cordillera Mountain Range that snakes through Northern Luzon. It is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines. Located more than 16 kilometers from the town proper, it offers a scenic view of Pasaleng Bay- a view that leads towards wide and pristine beaches backed by mountains with breathtaking waterfalls Kabigan and Mabaga, along with the many cool, refreshing springs waiting to be discovered within.During my passage here, a sunken boat lays the seaside. According to locals, it was loaded with sand going to Taiwan when typhoon hits Ilocos.
The bridge is one of the best structures along seaside. Many tourists would often take a quick stop on the bridge for photo op.
 |
| View far from behind |
Sand Dunes
Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes is unique in the country and stretches from the municipality of Currimao in the north and winds its way to La Paz, Laoag City, then to Suba, Paoay and finally in Pasuquin in the south with a total of 52 square miles.
La Paz, or the Desert of the North, as it is called. After a long trek on dusty roads along Ilocos Norte, two sceneries will surprise the weary traveller at the end of his journey – that there is a desert. And there is a beach.
Sand Dunes are protected national part covering 52 square miles of sand and beach. At one end is the cool water of the China Sea and the other stretches to inland Ilocos Norte. It’s located just outside the city of Laoag, so it is easily accessible, although walking the length of the beach can take more than one hour.
The sand dunes are favourite movie settings, from classic local films such as Nora Aunor’s Himala and Fernando Poe, Jr.’s Panday, to Hollywood greats like Tom Cruise’s Born on the Fourth of July.
You can clearly see desert formations. And apparently people live there, as evidenced from the scattered small nipa huts hiding among the rolling hills. Around their nipa hut are dragon fruits that serve as their source of living.
 |
| Army of Dragon Fruits |
Saud Beach
The jewel in the crown of Pagudpud is Saud Beach, with its renowned wonderful fine white cream sand.
The waters of the South China Sea are a magnificent blue and crystal clear all the time.
This is bordered by spectacular multi-coloured corals and iridescent fish.
The beach is lined with over hanging coconut palms, creating a scene from a dream.
The best thing is that there are not too many people on the beach.
Kabigan Falls is surrounded by thick forest and well-known for its concaved basin, located at the eastern part of Barangay Balaoi.
Kabigan falls is also part of the town of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and a trek going to this falls is usually included in the tricycle tour offered in the area.
There is a 20 Pesos/pax entrance fee at the jump-off point where you will be assigned your official trek guide going to the falls. You don't have to worry about being lost or being conned in the area because the locals organized their official group to guide tourist and receive payment.
Before the trek, try to have a snack of their fresh buko juice and bananaque.
What is exciting in the trek is that you have to pass to the narrow bridge made of wood. Extra careful should make sense if it is your first time to trek and cross the strong current of water.
The current is quite strong when I visited this place because it rain during the previous days. I want to swim in the fresh water of the basin but there are many tourist swimming that time. I just decided to take some pictures and sink my feet at the cold water.
 |
| Scenic Falls |
My Laoag adventure is ended rewarding.
Son plus de plaisir dans les Philippines en raison de Laoag !
Way Points:
By Land
Travelling by land is also the most viable option for those that are from Angeles City in Pampanga and Manila. Being a major city in the northern part of the Philippines’ largest island, there are several bus companies that ply routes that can get one to Laoag. One of such bus companies that can ferry one from Manila to Laoag is Farinas Transit Company which has a main terminal within the Philippine capital. Another major bus line the ply from the said route and vice-versa is the Partas bus line. There are many other bus lines that also have ply major and minor destinations in Luzon, including cities such as Angeles City and Baguio. Examples of such bus lines that can get on to get to the capital of Ilocos Norte are as follows: the Philippine Rabbit Bus Company, RCJ Trans, Maria de Leon Bus lines, F Franco and GV Florida Bus lines.
By Air:
If travelling 10-14 hours by land is not your cup of tea, then you could consider travelling by air, which is by far the most convenient way of getting to Laoag. Philippine Airlines, flies to the city every day. Apart from its daily flights to the city, Philippine Airlines also offer local and foreign tourists packages that will cheapen the fare for those who are planning to experience the sights and sounds that can be had in Laoag. Another major airline that one can get into when travelling to the Ilocos Norte capital is Cebu Pacific. Cebu Pacific has regular flights to the city and it offers one of the best bang for the buck as far as air fare is concerned.
No comments:
Post a Comment