Before we landed in Laoag City, we HAD a planned itinerary. The weather forecast app warned us about heavy rains and scattered thunderstorms. So we had it all planned out. Let's do Plan A. If weather does not permit us, we'll do Plan B. But traveling does not always work that way. However convenient traveling from Davao to Ilocos by plane is, still got our energies drained. It was raining when we got there. So we just decided to sleep for the rest of the day, scrap all our plans out, and do what we do best: go traveling spontaneously.
We hopped on the bus to Pagudpud at 8:00 the next morning, paid Php 100, and arrived there at 9:45 AM.
HOW TO GET AROUND ILOCOS NORTE
If you are going for a DIY tour, the best way to get around Ilocos is to ride a tricycle. You may opt for a cheaper alternative which is riding a bus albeit waiting for the next bus will just eat all your time up.
Once you get off from the bus, tricycles are just everywhere. They offer South (Burgos) and North (Pagudpud) tours at a standard rate. Each tour costs Php 600 (max of 3 pax per tricycle) and you will be taken to the following places:
Tricycles in Ilocos are quite small. So it is best to only have two people in one tricycle if you want to travel comfortably. You can do both South and North Tours in one day.
You may also want to read: DIY Ilocos Norte South Tour
PLACES TO SEE IN PAGUDPUD
Kabigan Falls. They have a mandatory environmental and guide fee for Php 60 which I think is quite steep. Getting to the waterfalls requires a short 20-minute trek. I would have loved to dip in the cold waters after that. But since we didn't bring extra clothes, we just took some photos instead. And boy am I glad we didn't go there during peak season. I could already imagine the tiny area of the falls being so crowded.
Patapat Viaduct. It's no wonder why this is one of the most photographed attractions in Ilocos Norte. Here you can enjoy a fantastic view of the bay and stand on Philippine's 4th longest bridge. Plus, it gives you the thrill of getting photographed in the middle of the road while buses run at moderate speeds (still could get you killed. haha).
Bantay Abot Cave. We just had a quick stop here. It's just a two-minute walk from the road and a lovely site for photo ops.
Blue Lagoon. Before getting there, you have to pay Php 15 entrance/tourist/environmental fee. I would have considered it as just an ordinary beach like the ones we have in Samal though. But when the place is not crowded, the natural beauty comes out indeed.
We did the North (Pagudpud) Tour in half day, had lunch, and headed to Burgos for our South tour.
Up next, the second part of this Ilocos Norte trip.
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Ilocandia Trip:
Pagudpud Tour
Burgos Tour
Vigan Tour
4x4 and Sandboarding Experience
We hopped on the bus to Pagudpud at 8:00 the next morning, paid Php 100, and arrived there at 9:45 AM.
HOW TO GET AROUND ILOCOS NORTE
If you are going for a DIY tour, the best way to get around Ilocos is to ride a tricycle. You may opt for a cheaper alternative which is riding a bus albeit waiting for the next bus will just eat all your time up.
Once you get off from the bus, tricycles are just everywhere. They offer South (Burgos) and North (Pagudpud) tours at a standard rate. Each tour costs Php 600 (max of 3 pax per tricycle) and you will be taken to the following places:
| South Tour (Burgos) | North Tour (Pagudpud) |
|---|---|
| -Cape Bojeador Light House -Kapurpurawan Rock Formation -Bangui Windmills |
-Kabigan Falls -Bantay Abot Cave -Patapat Viaduct -Blue Lagoon Beach |
You may also want to read: DIY Ilocos Norte South Tour
PLACES TO SEE IN PAGUDPUD
Kabigan Falls. They have a mandatory environmental and guide fee for Php 60 which I think is quite steep. Getting to the waterfalls requires a short 20-minute trek. I would have loved to dip in the cold waters after that. But since we didn't bring extra clothes, we just took some photos instead. And boy am I glad we didn't go there during peak season. I could already imagine the tiny area of the falls being so crowded.
Patapat Viaduct. It's no wonder why this is one of the most photographed attractions in Ilocos Norte. Here you can enjoy a fantastic view of the bay and stand on Philippine's 4th longest bridge. Plus, it gives you the thrill of getting photographed in the middle of the road while buses run at moderate speeds (still could get you killed. haha).
Bantay Abot Cave. We just had a quick stop here. It's just a two-minute walk from the road and a lovely site for photo ops.
Blue Lagoon. Before getting there, you have to pay Php 15 entrance/tourist/environmental fee. I would have considered it as just an ordinary beach like the ones we have in Samal though. But when the place is not crowded, the natural beauty comes out indeed.
Up next, the second part of this Ilocos Norte trip.
----------
Ilocandia Trip:
Pagudpud Tour
Burgos Tour
Vigan Tour
4x4 and Sandboarding Experience
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