The travel time from Laoag to Pagudpud was more than an hour so most of us re-energize by sleeping all throughout the drive. We were dropped off at Blue Lagoon resort which was situated next to the famous Hannah's resort. The road to the beach was a bit hard because of the steepness and narrowness of the road but nevertheless, we made it safe and sound!
There were a lot of people during our visit here but the ocean was very welcoming. We were instructed that we will only be staying until late afternoon since we still have plenty of places to check out.
We rented a cottage which costed PHP 700 for our whole group (we were 13, I think). Others also ordered food for lunch but we decided on doing it the cheaper way by looking for some carinderia around the place. The beach here reminded me of Puerto Galera because of the crowd, the sand, and the numerous stalls and stores built around the place. You definitely have a wide range of food choices here.
Before eating, we played around the beach and swam for a bit.
The sun was really high up so we decided to not stay too long. We washed up sometime before 11 AM. Most of the CRs here charges you PHP 10 for its use. You'll have to be staying at one of the resort if you want to have free and private access of CR.
We had a quick bite at one of the cheapest store we found (PHP 40 for one cup of rice and one fried chicken, sulit!) and quickly headed back to our van.
We reached our next destination after not more than 10 minutes since the place was along the way and we actually passed by it when we were heading to Blue Lagoon. For our next stop, we visited Bantay Abot Cave!
Contrary to its name, it's not really a cave. The name translates to a sea mountain with a hole which can be observed when you're standing far from the rock formation. The hole which is located at the center of the said hill was a result of the erosion of land due to the waves which hits it as well as when an earthquake hit the area back in 1980's.
The rock formation was truly marvelous to look at from afar what's more is the sight to see whenever the waves crashes on the rocks! Of course like any other tourist, we had our very long kodakan moment.
I tried braving the other parts of the cave and the sight really was spectacular!
We were called back to our van not long after and we drove north. By this time, I was ecstatic! I vividly remember that very high way and I already know where we were heading to next!
YES! After 8 long years, I was finally able to witness the beauty of Patapat Viaduct once again! I was giddy and sort-of kinikilig during the ride and most especially when we got off of the van! Back in 2009, I remember being totally amazed by this place. It still remains to be one of my favorite places on the planet!
The Patapat Viaduct was constructed by Hanil Development Co. Ltd. under the overall management of DPWH-PMO-PJHK. The construction of the said bridge was completed on the October of 1986. The bridge which rises 31 meters above sea level connects the Ilocos Region to its neighbor Cagayan Valley. It's also considered as the 4th longest bridge on the country.
If I could just stay there for the entire day I would! But we had to get back since we still have a lot from our itinerary.
Patapat Viaduct was our most northern destination and after that, we proceeded on travelling south back to Bagui. And we all know what Bangui offers, their very famous Windmill Farm!
Bagui is probably the biggest municipality I've seen to use clean energy. Aside from the numerous windmills erected along their shorelines, they also utilize solar panels. Burgos, the municipality before Bangui is also becoming a giant when it comes to using clean energy. Hopefully in the future, this may also be used on other parts of the country since we've already seen Pillila, Rizal starting it.
After our photo session, we headed back to our van to travel to our next destination, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation!
Word of caution, please, please, please! Bring an umbrella, wear a cap, and bring bottled water when visiting this place. It's so void of shade that the heat of the sun sometimes becomes unbearable!
Kapurpurawan means white in Ilocano which really does translates to the very white rock formation you'll see around the area.
When entering this place, you'll first be greeted by the windmills of Burgos. You'll also see a small hill where the stations of the cross are set-up. At the end of the line of stores, you'll see a narrow staircase which will lead you to this famous tourist destination.
Before heading down, we ate the Ilocos Empanada which costs PHP 50. It contains cabbage, bean sprouts, an egg, and the Ilocos longganisa! After devouring our straight off the pan meal, we head straight down.
Of course what else would we do but to do another round of kodakan session!
We returned back to our van a few minutes after our call time and started our travel to our next destination, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse!
Also known as the Burgos Lighthouse is a cultural heritage structure which was established during the Spanish Colonial period. It was first lit on March 30, 1892 and is set up on Vigia de Nagpartian Hill which overlooks the scenic Cape Bojeador where early galleons used to sail by. 100 years later, it still serves its function to guide ships which enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north.
When visiting this place, you'll be needing to walk up to the lighthouse through the narrow paved road. If you're too tired from all your side trips and tourist activities, worry not since there are tricycles who offer rides until the stairs which will lead you to the very famous building.
When we visited this place last 2009, climbing the staircase to reach the very light source was still allowed. However, during our visit, we were told that it's no longer like that. You are only allowed up until where the base of the tower rises.
We stayed here longer than the usual since the wind was strong and dried our drenched shirt. Afterwards, we returned to our van since we still have one stop over, the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower.
The structure is claimed to be the most solid and tallest bell tower in the Philippines towering at 45-meter (150 foot). This bell tower was built by the Augustinians back in 1612. As the name implies, the tower is sinking and this is due to its heaviness and the sandy foundation where it was built up on.
Aside from the bell tower, we also visited the St. William's Cathedral located just across the street. Few of our companions attended the mass while we roamed around Laoag City. We returned back to our accommodation at around 8 in the evening after having our dinner and buying stuff we need.
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As always, we woke up pretty early because of our call time. Before heading out, we fixed all our stuff and ate our complimentary breakfast. We also bid our goodbyes to the owner of the home stay as well as to their furry little buddies (Kisses, Queenie, Taba, and Pogi).
From Laoag, we traveled back to Ilocos Sur till we reached Vigan City. We had two stops before heading back to Manila and the first one was at Bantay Watchtower.
The old Bantay Tower served as a watchtower for pirates back in the Spanish colonial era, ultimately the meaning of its name - bantay meaning to guard. It was established in 1590, and the tower as well as the Bantay Church is one of the oldest in the Ilocos Region.
People are allowed to climb up the watch tower but only up to 15 people are allowed to the topmost floor. Before entering, you'll be needing to sign up and donate however much you can give to the caretakers of the place.
After our trip to the Bantay Church and Tower, we proceeded to our final destination, the very famous Calle Crisologo.
I think your visit to Ilocos would be complete without dropping off at this place. This very famous street will transport you to the Spanish era because of the architectural style of the houses which are being restored from time to time. Aside from the picturesque view it provides, the place also houses the one of the cheapest souvenir shops in Ilocos.
Of course aside from window shopping, we also had some photo-session.
After tiring our feet out, we looked for a place to eat before getting back to the van.
We discovered this little place which serves silog meals and other authentic Ilocos meals. The price ranges from PHP 90 - PHP 150 per meal but I promise you it's worth it because of their serving size.
We headed back to our van shortly after our meal and had our last photo session as a group!
And that's how our trip to Ilocos went! If you're interested on joining a group tour, you can try out Byaheng Aya's service by following their Facebook page here.
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