8 Awesome Attractions In Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

8 Awesome Attractions In Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte



The town of Pagudpud is located up north on the tip of Luzon Island. Hundreds of visitors are drawn to this town annually because of its main attraction, Saud Beach. - A serene white sand beach on a quiet cove facing Bangui Bay. But, in addition to Saud beach, there are other attractions in the area that keeps the town on the shortlist of travel aficionados. Below is a list of the top attractions around Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

GOING WEST

SAUD BEACH, PAGUDPUD

Saud beach has in recent years become a backpacker favorite. Its crystal shores open up to the South China Sea. But, beach-goers should be wary of the sudden depth in some areas of the shore. For travelers who intend to explore the province, a beachfront hotel would be a strategic jump-off point to attractions in the surrounding area. Also, it has the convenience of restaurants and convenience stores nearby.

Distance from Laoag City: 78 kilometers

Travel Time to and from Laoag City: 1 hour and 20 minutes

BANGUI WINDMILLS

The Bangui wind farm was a project initiated by the local government in the 1990s to jump-start clean and renewable and energy production in the region. The wind farm currently provides 40% of Ilocos Norte's energy. There are 20 windmills each standing 20 feet high, these were erected along a 9 kilometer stretch of Bangui Bay's coastline. Although, they were not built for tourism purposes, the aesthetic quality of the windmills began to attract tourists. Currently, the site is one of the major attractions in Ilocos Norte.

Distance from Saud Beach: 21 kilometers

Travel Time to and from Saud Beach: 25 minutes

BURGOS LIGHTHOUSE

A remnant of the Spanish colonial era, the Burgos lighthouse was built in the late 1800s to guide Spanish galleons crossing Cape Bojeador. The solitary lighthouse sits on top of a hill called Vigia de Nagpartian. From the hill's peak one can enjoy a panoramic view of the South China Sea. The lighthouse is also called Cape Bojeador or Parola ng Bojeador, in Filipino.

Distance from Saud Beach: 37 kilometers

Travel Time to and from Saud Beach: 40 minutes

KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION

The Kapurpurawan Rocks in Burgos, is a site for the more adventurous traveler. It is located in a coastal area going west from the Bangui Windmills. From the highway visitors must pass through a dirt road and trek roughly 30 minutes to the site for a glimpse of the picturesque white rocks. Their peculiar shape a result of many years of ocean movement. One can rent a tricycle or jeepney to reach the area. But, it is important to note that even a light rain shower can make passage through the dirt road very difficult. Also, tourists must wear comfortable hiking clothes, outdoor footwear and have an ample supply of drinking water.

GOING EAST

MAIRA-IRA BEACH

Maira-ira is a little paradise found on the very tip of Luzon Island. From Saud Beach, one can go to Maira-ira on a rented tricycle and for bigger groups a rented jeepney. The journey to Maira-ira beach is through a winding road built on the side of the mountains. Maira-ira beach is located in a remote area and may lack the amenities found at Saud Beach. But, it is equally attractive with its deep blue waters and light sand augmented by the eye-catching view of the "Tres Marias Islands," (Three Marias Islands), floating in the distance.

Distance from Saud Beach: 18 kilometers

Travel Time to and from Saud Beach: 30 minutes (this may take longer due to environmental conditions)

TIMANGTANG ROCK

Traveling south from Maira-ira beach one can visit the Timangtang Rock which, from a distance resembles a person lying on his back with a hole through the head. Up close the hole through the rock also resembles a bell tower. The lane of boulders at this site is also known as "Lover's Rock."

Distance from Saud Beach: 15 kilometers

Travel Time to and from Saud Beach: 20 minutes (this may take longer due to environmental conditions)

PATAPAT VIADUCT

The Patapat Viaduct is one of the most celebrated bridges in the Philippines because of its remarkable winding design. Built on the side of the Ilocos Norte mountain range, the road is approximately 1.3 kilometers in length. It has 2 lanes, one for each direction. There are some areas along the bridge where tourists can safely park their vehicle and take-in the exquisite view of Pasaleng Bay.

KAIBIGAN FALLS

Kaibigan Falls is one of the natural treasures of Ilocos Norte. It is located in Baranggay Baloi on the eastern tip of the cove, south of Timangtang Rock. The 80 feet waterfall is nestled within the mountains. One can reach the waterfalls by a 1 to 2 kilometer trek from the highway. Employing the services of a local guide is highly recommended.

Distance from Saud Beach: 14 kilometers

Travel Time to and from Saud Beach: 16 minutes (this may take longer due to environmental conditions

Need more information about Ilocos Norte? Check-out these articles: Travel 101 Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Iza Sanchez is a Philippine based freelance writer and moderator of Take the Travel. She writes about solo-backpacking, budget travel and strategic trip planning.