Ilocos Norte: synonymous with pristine white beaches, delicious pinakbet, gigantic windmills, picture-perfect lagoons, and the famous century old lighthouse — Ilocos Norte’s charms are her and hers alone. It is home to anyone who relishes the quiet and rustic, and embraces all that nature has so perfectly designed. Whether it be a long weekend travel or a planned vacation, visiting Ilocos Norte is worth all the 14-hour trip.
The Beach
Pagudpud is usually first in the Ilocos Norte Itinerary. From Laoag Airport, it’s a smooth two-hour ride that gives you a peek of what Ilocos Norte is like. Unlike in Manila, where you have to endure every minute of your trip. Pagudpud gives me the best view that will have you relishing every minute you have in the bus. Pagudpud, the last town in Ilocos Norte (coming from Manila at least), is one of the most visited parts of the region, being frequented by foreign and local tourists all-year round. Located at the northernmost trip of Ilocos Norte, this quiet town is gifted with beautiful beaches reminiscent of famous Boracay — minus the crowd and the noise. In Pagudpud, the most famous resorts are in Saud Beach. Oftentimes called the Boracay of the North, Saud Beach boasts powdery white sands, the picture-perfect palm tree-lined coastline, and the calm waters that are very popular among tourists. On rainy months, the sand is golden yellow, but at summer’s peak, it shows its powdery white charm that’s an absolute foot spa for anyone who loves walking along the shores. Sans the party music, bars, and restos, and shopping stalls, Pagudpud is purely a place of relaxation and commuting with nature. While there are inns that are wifi-capable, and there are high-end hotels complete with luxurious amenities, it cannot be denied that Pagudpud still is very provincial and relatively untouched. If you wake up early enough like at 6:00am you can even buy fresh fish straight from the fishermen’s boats all lined up at the shore. For only P50.00 to P60.00 a kilo, you can have your catch of the day and have it cooked for you by the locals.There’s no extra charge, but it’s always nice to give the folks generous tip.
A local chat with a fisherman reveals that Pagudpud’s beach coastline used to be a forest with canopies of coconut and other fruit-bearing trees. The local government had it developed to attract tourists, but certain regulations were made to preserve its rustic, non-commercial appeal. If you’re in a shopping mood, the least that you can stash are accessories — pearl necklace and earrings, beaded bangles, shell bracelets, cell phone danglers, and some locally-made home decors worth P20 to P30 each.
The Windmills
The famous windmills (15, to be exact) found in the town of Bangui beckon you from afar, even when you’re still kilometers away from these magnificent steel giants. The Bangui windmills, which have been in existence for three years now, serve as sources of electricity for most of Ilocos Norte. The gigantic high fans stand majestically beside the Bangui Bay, where wind exaggeratedly huffs and puffs. Exactly how strong is the wind? You have to tie your hair with a scrunchie and wear pants or shorts (instead of billowy skirts) if you want to get a “decent” picture beside the windmills. The sight is inexplicably amazing, as it gives you a different feel. The windmills, purely steel and mechanical as they are, astonishingly stand like fortresses of charm and beauty, as they all evoke a feeling of stepping into another land. Seeing them only in travel magazines and on WOW Philippines’ “Byahe Tayo” TV commercial, you won’t expect them to be that huge and tall. Standing beside one of the windmills, a person of average height would positively look like a miniature. It is every inch a photographer’s delight, as you can have your photos taken either from the Bangui Bay where you can have more close-up shots, or at the Bangui viewdeck where you can have a nice landscape capturing all of 15 windmills. Going there, you need to hire a tricycle because the wind farm is located in the innermost parts of Barangay Baruyen and Barangay Utol which are far from the main road.
The Lighthouse
The historical, more-than-a-century old Cape Bojeador Lighthouse which sits from Vigia de Napartian hill in Barangay Bayug, towering the whole of Burgos town, Ilocos Norte, speaks of a national treasure that is as priceless as its timeless beauty. Considered a cultural treasure since its declaration by the National Museum in 2005, this lonely beacon stood witness to all sea vessels passing through the northern part of South China Sea since the Spanish era. Weathering the tests of time, from Spanish to Japanese to American occupations, the lighthouse, which was built in 1892 works up to this day, guarding local fishermen and ships from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. It servers as a station point for sea vessels steering towards the Pacific Coast, going towards the Babuyan Channel. Cape Bojeador is the highest lighthouse in the country, towering as high as 160 meters above sea level. Get into a little chitchat with the lighthouse keeper and if you’re charming enough, he’ll let you in at the octagonal tower where the original lantern is. Once you’re there, don’t leave without getting a nice photo from its overhanging balcony. or the romantics, this is an alternative for watching the magnificent sunset of the north. Made purely of locally-made bricks that have stood tall for hundreds of years, Cape Bojeador is visited by foreign and local tourists not only because of its view of the jagged coastline of South China Sea, but because of its history that evokes time-tested strength and power. How to get there? Thirty-five kilometers from Laoag, there’s a sign on your right along the national highway in Burgos leading to the magnificent Spanish lighthouse.
The Falls
Agua Grande, mainly a water source for a hydro power plant, is a perfect backdrop for, what else, pictures, pictures, and more pictures! Locals mention that a few local films have actually been shot there, because of its picturesque brook cascading on big boulders that connect to the South China Sea. Although it isn’t actually one for swimming as the waves are kind of cruel, this is also frequented by visitors and shutterbugs because of its postcard appeal. Want to have lunch al fresco? Grab your picnic basket and enjoy a fabulous meal in one of Agua Grande’s kiosks. Romantics will also find it perfect for late-afternoon rendezvous. If you have enough time, the Maira-ira Beach (also known as Blue Lagoon) is another place worth visiting.
The Bridge
In the mood to take more pictures? Make sure you get a leisurely trip to the famous Patapat Bridge. This kilometer-long viaduct that connects Ilocos to Cagayan and other neighboring Luzon provinces like Isabela and Aparri is, to me, more imposing than the famous Bridge of Madison County. There isn’t much about the elevated concrete bridge, but what makes Patapat a natural charmer is the scenic view it paints — winding along the curves of the lush green mountain that connects to the blue-green beauty of Pasaleng Bay. Add to that the orange-y streaks of the afternoon sun and you a get a real-life hallmark backdrop.