Pagudpud Beaches: Your DIY Guide

Pagudpud is located in a coastal town at the northwestern tip of Luzon. Its beaches have become one of the hottest white sand beaches in the country. In fact, tourists have been dubbing it as the “Boracay of the North”. However, it offers more than meets the eye.

Contents


Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!


Location

Address: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

BACK TO CONTENTS


Business Hours
  • Curfew may be imposed at some point and circumstance. Can also do overnight.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Fees
  • Entrance Fee: Some beaches have; some none.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Contact Person/Group/Website/Page

BACK TO CONTENTS


White Beaches and Clear Waters of Pagudpud

Pagudpud is located in a coastal town at the northwestern tip of Luzon. Its beaches have become one of the hottest white sand beaches in the country. In fact, tourists have been dubbing it as the “Boracay of the North”. However, it offers more than meets the eye.

When you want to get a rebreather away from the busy city life, lying in one of the Pagudpud beaches might be the answer. Pagudpud beaches are hidden gems up north in the country. It is a PARADISE! The sand is fine and white. The water is calm and crystal clear. And the water is shallow. These factors make it a very family friendly place. P.S., the locals are very nice.

There are a lot of activities in Pagudpud beaches. Aside from lazing under the sun and swimming in its pristine waters, the longest zipline over water is found in one of them. Some theme parks are also constructed in couple of beaches. Snorkeling in its calm waters is also one of the best options. Fresh fruits and seafoods are also abundant along nearby roads.

Lastly, I wouldn’t dare compare it to Boracay. Pagudpud beaches maybe covered with white sand but its atmosphere is totally different. It is not highly commercialized and definitely not jam-packed with tourists. On the other hand, do not expect a five-star hotel accommodation.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the heavily populated white sand beaches in Pagudpud.


Over the shallow, pristine, clear, blue waters of Blue Lagoon is the longest zipline over water in the world! I tried it and it was uh-may-zing!!!

The wind turbines in in Bangui Bay are visible to the naked eye in Saud Beach.

They say that Pagudpud beaches have that ‘boracay’ feel. I say ‘NO’. It is more than just white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Well, aside from the fact that it is less crowded.

Pagudpud Beaches are very friendly to the family as it is calm and shallow.

In conclusion, Pagudpud beaches deserve to be at the top of your list when you want to “de-city-fy” and de-stress. It is one of the best place to get your family for a wholesome and quiet vacation.

BACK TO CONTENTS


How to Get To Patapat Viaduct

By land. Take any bus heading to Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

BACK TO CONTENTS


Other Notable Nearby Places

BACK TO CONTENTS


Advertisement

Patapat Viaduct: Your DIY Guide

Ilocos Norte boasts several man-made wonders. Aside from Spanish-era museums, the province also has outdoor structures. Probably, the Patapat Viaduct is the most famous among them.

Contents


Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!


Location

Address: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Coordinates: 18.575713629220896, 120.89459367044957

Map:

BACK TO CONTENTS


Business Hours
  • Curfew may be imposed at some point and circumstance.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Fees
  • Entrance Fee: None

BACK TO CONTENTS


Contact Person/Group/Website/Page

BACK TO CONTENTS


Driving Through Patapat Viaduct

Ilocos Norte boasts several man-made wonders. Aside from Spanish-era museums, the province also has outdoor structures. Probably, the Patapat Viaduct is the most famous among them.

Patapat Viaduct, otherwise known as Patapat Causeway Bridge or Patapat Bridge, is located on the northernmost part of Ilocos Norte, with the border to Cagayan. This is the reason it was on the last part of my itinerary when I visited the province.

The causeway bridge is 1.3 kilometer long and is elevated 31 meters above sea level [1]. This concrete, two-lane elevated coastal road connects the Maharlika Highway in Ilocos Norte to Cagayan Valley. Traversing the bridge, you will easily notice that it zigzags with the contour of the hillside. Under the management of DPWH-PMO-PJHK, the bridge was erected by Hanil Development Co. Ltd. and finished and opened to traffic in October 1986 [2]. Constructed above the rocky seashore, the viaduct was engineered to solve the recurring problem of landslides in this particular part of the region [1,2]

Months after the construction has been finished, images of the causeway became viral in the internet. Patapat Viaduct is now a famous tourist destination in the region. It offers a majestic view of Pasaleng Bay. Moreover, the islands of Fuga and Calayan are visible to the naked eye on a clear day. Aside from causeway being the 4th longest bridge in the country, Patapat Viaduct is also located on the starting point of the Cordillera Mountain Range.

The Patapat bridge, which is constructed at the foot of the Patapat mountain, is a destination in itself as it provides a great view of West Philippine Sea.

At the end of the causeway towards the Cagayan Valley boundary, we stopped and enjoyed the beautiful scenery with the cold sea breeze on our face.


The above video would give you a glimpse of the scenic viaduct.

In conclusion, Patapat Viaduct is a worthy addition to your Ilocos Norte itinerary as it offers a great view of pebbled coastal area, West Philippine Sea, and a glimpse of the beginning of the Cordillera Mountain Range while traversing the 4th longest bridge in the country.

BACK TO CONTENTS


How to Get To Patapat Viaduct

By land. Take any bus heading to Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

BACK TO CONTENTS


Other Notable Nearby Places

BACK TO CONTENTS


References

[1] Dangerousroads.org. n.d. The winding Patapat Bridge: a paved road along the sea coast. [online] Available at: <https://www.dangerousroads.org/asia/philippines/4048-patapat-bridge.html&gt; [Accessed 23 March 2021].

[2] Kbl.org.ph. n.d. Patapat Viaduct. [online] Available at: <https://kbl.org.ph/patapat-viaduct/&gt; [Accessed 23 March 2021].

BACK TO CONTENTS

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation: Your DIY Guide

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is just a small portion of a major sedimentary basin in the country. This small portion had been mostly carved by winds and wave for centuries. This process revealed and smoothed the ivory part of the limestone boulder.

Contents


Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!


Location

Address: Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Coordinates: 18.53865764475781, 120.65346890147609

Map:

BACK TO CONTENTS


Business Hours
  • Daytime business hours. Curfew may be imposed at some point and circumstance.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Fees
  • Entrance Fee: None

BACK TO CONTENTS


Contact Person/Group/Website/Page

BACK TO CONTENTS


Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Ilocos Norte is known to be a tourism magnet for its natural and man-made wonders. Aside from pristine beaches, the province also boasts some rock formations. Within the last decade, the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation became viral on social media.

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is located in the rocky coast of Burgos, around a kilometer and a half from Laoag, Ilocos Norte. In fact, it is only around a ten-minute drive from the historical Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and within the Burgos Wind Farm grid. Going further north along the coastline, the famous Bangui Bay and its Windmills can also be seen. The fifth class municipality is on the northwestern tip of Luzon.

The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is just a small portion of a major sedimentary basin in the country. This small portion had been mostly carved by winds and wave for centuries. This process revealed and smoothed the ivory part of the limestone boulder. The bared color of the limestone hence gave birth to its name Kapurpurawan from the local term “puraw”, meaning white.

A study on 2017 also suggested that this rock formation is a part of Burgos Formation, a sedimentary basin that is formed even earlier than its nearby counterparts like Laoag Formation and Pasuquin Limestone [1]. They arrived at this conclusion by dating the calcarenites in the area.

When you plan to visit the area, make sure to bring sun and eye protection as the ivory limestone is very bright under the sun. Also, make sure to bring a bottle of water.


Once you are out under the foliaged pathway, you will be greeted by a clearing on the coast with horses grazing on the grasses.

I find the contrasting dark limestone, green grasses, horses, and the blue West Philippine Sea more worth the trip than the rock formation itself.

On the way to the rock formation, this piece of art catches your attention in the center of a small marsh area.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is actually just a small portion of the Burgos Formation.


The norther side of the formation is also a delight to the eyes.

In conclusion, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a good place to include in your Ilocos Norte itinerary. This gives break to the history-laden list of places in this province.

BACK TO CONTENTS


How to Get To Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

By land. Take any bus heading to Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

BACK TO CONTENTS


Other Notable Nearby Places

BACK TO CONTENTS


References

[1] Callejo, G., Fernando, A. G., & Silva, L. 2017. New Age Assignment of the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation Calcarenite in Burgos Ilocos Norte Based on Planktonic Foraminiferal Assemblage [online]. Journal of Geological Society of the Philippines, pp. 27-41. Available at <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322976452_New_Age_Assignment_of_the_Kapurpurawan_Rock_Formation_Calcarenite_in_Burgos_Ilocos_Norte_Based_on_Planktonic_Foraminiferal_Assemblage&gt; [Accessed 22 March 2021].

BACK TO CONTENTS

Bayog Beach, Burgos, Ilocos Norte: Your DIY Guide

Ilocos Norte is known for its rich culture, wind farms, and beautiful, pristine beaches. And when you say beaches, they are of different characteristics, free and easily accessible. Of the miles and miles of continuous Western Philippine Sea beaches within Ilocos Norte, Bayog beach is yet to hit the eyes of beach-lovers.

Contents


Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!


Location

Address: Bayog, Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Coordinates: 18°31’09.8″N 120°35’58.3″E

Map:

BACK TO CONTENTS


Business Hours
  • Open anytime. Curfew may be imposed at some point and circumstance.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Fees
  • Entrance Fee: None

BACK TO CONTENTS


Contact Person/Group/Website/Page

BACK TO CONTENTS


Under the Spell of Bayog Beach’s Blue Water and Dark Rocks

Ilocos Norte is known for its rich culture, wind farms, and beautiful, pristine beaches. And when you say beaches, they are of different characteristics, free and easily accessible. Of the miles and miles of continuous Western Philippine Sea beaches within Ilocos Norte, Bayog beach is yet to hit the eyes of beach-lovers.

Located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, the beach along the stretch of Bayog community is easily accessible to travelers. It is just along the national highway in the 5th class municipality of Burgos. The town was initially known as Nagparitan, meaning, to prohibit, before it was fused to Bangui then back to an independent municipality.

The beach along Bayog is not your common sandy seaside. Interestingly, the beach is covered with dark rough stones with the turquoise water on the background. When I went to Pagudpud, I saw this stretch of beach and kept in mind to drop by when I go home.



What caught my attention is the beautiful contrast of the turquiose water and the dark stones on the beach. It looks so unique from the usual sea-and-sand beaches. Initially, I thought that swimming might not be a good idea as the beach is rocky. However, I saw some kids and adults enjoying on one area.

Sharp and rugged stones cover majority of the beach. This makes swimming high risk. Thus, make sure that you only wade after getting information from the locals.

The beach is easily accessible from the main road.

In conclusion, this stretch of beach has a potential of getting more footfalls from tourists tired from long-hour ride. While it is free, you might as well want to have a look.

BACK TO CONTENTS


How to Get To Bayog Beach

By land. Take any bus heading to Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. Tell the driver/conductor to drop you at the junction to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

BACK TO CONTENTS


Other Notable Nearby Places

BACK TO CONTENTS


Cape Bojeador Lighthouse: Your DIY Guide

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse and Faro Cabo Cape Bojeador, is located in the town of Burgos in the politically powerful province of Ilocos Norte. This hundred-year-old structure is not just a working lighthouse but also now a must-see historical tourist site.

Contents


Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!


Location

Address: Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Coordinates: 18.5122° N, 120.5977° E

Map:

BACK TO CONTENTS


Business Hours
  • Open anytime. Curfew may be imposed at some point and circumstance.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Fees
  • Entrance Fee: Php20.00

BACK TO CONTENTS


Contact Person/Group/Website/Page

BACK TO CONTENTS


Under the Piercing Lights of the Tallest and Oldest Lighthouse in the Philippines

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, also known as Burgos Lighthouse and Faro Cabo Cape Bojeador, is located in the town of Burgos in the politically powerful province of Ilocos Norte. This hundred-year-old structure is not just a working lighthouse but also now a must-see historical tourist site.

The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is located atop a Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking Cape Bojeador along the northern part of the West Philippine Sea. It is considered as the highest-elevated lighthouse in the Philippines and the northwesternmost in location (the northeasternmost being Cape Engaņo Lighthouse in Palaui Island, Santa Ana, Cagayan) [1].

The lighthouse was erected over a hundred years ago as part of galleon navigation. It still functions and serves ships that enter the Philippine Archipelago from the north and guide them safely away from the rocky coast of the town.

The lighthouse had been commissioned to Eng. Magin Pers Y Pers and completed the design on 1887. After a reconfiguration by the head of Lighthouse Service Eng. Guillermo Brockman, Faro de Cabo Bojeador became operational April 1890. However, it was only on 1892 that the structure was lighted. The original lighthouse lens and mechanism had been operational until damaged during the 1990 earthquake.

The whole complex is composed of three levels. The courtyard serves as the lowest level. Approximately three meters above the courtyard is the service building, the second level. This pavilion has three apartment and two offices. The walls are a combination of wood and bricks. About five meters above the pavilion is the tower, the highest level. The octagonal stone tower, being the most prominent structure in the light complex, is 65 feet (20 meters) high. The tower is built from locally-made bricks.

The road winding up to the lighthouse concludes in front of this brick structure.

From the end of the road, you can see portions of the three levels of the lighthouse complex. You need to climb these stairs dotted with plants on its sides.

From the courtyard (lowest level), you can have a glimpse of the tower and the front side of the pavilion.



Stairs leading to the base of stone tower, the third level.

The stone tower of cape Bojeador Lighthouse, the highest elevated lighthouse in the country.

View of the West Philippine Sea from the deck on the base of the tower.

In conclusion, the operation of Cape Bojeador Lighthouse will outlast generations as it is a historical site and a tourism magnet. This is a place to go to when you love history in a beautiful landscape.

BACK TO CONTENTS


How to Get To Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

By land. Take any bus heading to Laoag City.

  • Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. Tell the driver/conductor to drop you at the junction to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
  • From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. Tell the driver/conductor to drop you at the junction to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.
  • GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route. Tell the driver/conductor to drop you at the junction to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.

BACK TO CONTENTS


Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Naimbag a bigat; Good afternoon: Naimbag a malem; Good day: Naimbag nga aldaw; Good evening: Naimbag a rabii
  • How are you?: Kumusta
  • Thank you: Agyamanak
  • What is your name?: Ania ti nagan mo?
  • I don’t understand: Diak maawatan
  • How do I get to…?: Kasantnu ak a makapan sadiay…?
  • One: maysa, two: duwa, three: tallo, four: uppat, five: lima, six: ennem, seven: pito, eight: walo, nine: siyam, ten: sangapulo
  • How much is this?: Sagmamano daytoy?
  • Help!: Arayat!
  • Sorry: Pakawanennak

BACK TO CONTENTS


Other Notable Nearby Places

BACK TO CONTENTS


References

[1] Web.archive.org. n.d. Burgos Ilocos Norte Philippines Online. [online] Available at: <https://web.archive.org/web/20101016095733/http://www.pasyalan.net/ilocos_norte/burgos/> [Accessed 5 March 2021].

BACK TO CONTENTS