The numbering on this Map, does not correspond to the numbers in my list. The Map shows the convenient route to take in touring Ilocos Norte from Manila to Laoag Airport, then to an accomodation in Saud Beach, Pagudpud. The tour starts North of Saud going South to the direction of Vigan. I intend to connect this map to my Ilocos Sur entry.
30. Watch the Sunset in Saud Beach, Pagudpud. I just stated, watch since the waves at Saud can be really rough that swimming can be a challenge. I remember rolling a few times along the shore during my last visit.
31. Trek and Swim at Kabigan Waterfalls. (Pagudpud) The next five including this one, is included in the Pagudpud tour itinerary. If you hire a tricycle, you will see these spots laminated in their passenger car. If your a group of more than 4, its best that you hire a van. The price is just a little more than hiring two tricycles but its more comfortable and you get to your destination faster. Kabigan falls would require a short trek, about 30 - 45 minutes and they will charge an environmental fee. A guide is also needed. early summer is the best time to visit, since the water flow becomes less during dry season.
32. Roadkill Picture at Patapat Viaduct.
Patapat Viaduct is a scenic coastal bridge that connects Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley Region. There's nothing much to do in this are than admire the scenery and take pictures. Challenge yourself by doing creative shots. Some of my friends did planking, but I did a roadkill shot. Just be mindful of the passing vehicles.
33. Bantay Abot Caves
Bantay abot cave is not really a cave but a hill that was wrecked by an
earthquake in the 80's leaving a hole in the middle. The top of the cave
is covered with lush green vegetation thus adding the beauty of the
cave. To get to the interior of the cave, one need to go down a few
concrete staircase and a rocky part going up to the hole.
From
the inside of the hole one can see the blue waters of Maira-ira beach or
Blue Lagoon and on the other side of the hole is the Timangtang Rock - a
bell-shaped rocked in the coast of Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos
Norte. Apart from the view, one could also enjoy the melodious sound of
the swallow birds chirping and the echoing waves as it hits the shore.
34. Blue Lagoon Cove, Maira-ira Beach
The beach here is so much better than that in Saud with very few visitors. I suggest spending an entire afternoon here, especially when the water is calm, unless you enjoy rolling with the waves.
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| The waves can be rough but definitely fun! |
35. Bangui Windmills
The
Bangui Windmills are located in
Bangui, Ilocos Norte,
Philippines.
The windmills, officially referred to as the NorthWind Bangui Bay
Project, were a project by the NorthWind Development Corporation as a
practice renewable energy sources and to help reduce the greenhouse
gases that cause global warming. The project is the first “Wind Farm” in
the Philippines consisting of wind turbines on-shore facing the
South China Sea
and considered to be the biggest in Southeast Asia. The project sells
electricity to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) and provides
40% of the power requirements of
Ilocos Norte via Transco Laoag.
36. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Also known as,
Faro Cabo Cape Bojeador, this lighthouse stands majestically on a hill in
Burgos, 35 meters north of
Laoag City, overlooking the
South China Sea. It is known for being the highest lighthouse in the
Philippines
that is still functioning since its completion on March 30, 1892.
Originally, the design and construction of this lighthouse was following
that of Engineer
Magin Pers y Pers', but was later reconfigured and finished by Engineer
Guillermo Brockman.
This octagonally-shaped tower has the same mechanism found in other
lighthouses of its time. It has a winding machine with a counter weight
which enables the lenses of the lantern to rotate. Normally, it takes
about an hour before the lenses complete their full rotation. To date,
the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse still gives signals to passing ships along
the Cape.
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| Taken in 2011 |
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| My first visit 2008 |
The first I saw this restaurant was during a fun run along the bay area of the SM Mall of Asia. I saw the posters of their brunch buffet but I finished the run early and could not wait for another 3 hours until they open.
