Ilocos Norte: Saud Beach

Saud beach, known to be the Boracay of the North – just less the loud sounds and wild parties, is where we stayed in Pagudpud. Actually we stayed neither beachfront nor in the internal resorts. Since we were not able to get an accommodation near the beach (despite my full effort in researching and booking), we stayed at Sarabo Resort just before the main street to the famous Saud Beach.

We took some rest first before heading off to the beach and as we got there, we were surprised to see that crowd is not like the one we expected – like the big volume in Bora. The touristy part only was near the small resorts and since we stayed at Saud Beach Resort, we were away from the other vacationers.

Saud Beach Resort is the best place to if you’d like to stay in Saud beach. Though the food and accommodation is pricier, the comfort and privacy it gives is far from the others.

Well there are a lot of things I love here in Saud Beach. The sand, just like the one in Blue Lagoon, it’s not really white but has a very fine quality, so we were able to stroll around the beach barefoot. And did I mention that Saud beach has a wider and longer sand stretch than Blue Lagoon? Yes it has so anyone can do a lot in the shores. Also, I love the sunset view here in Saud – really romantic! Well, some says that since Blue Lagoon is not facing the open sea due to its half-moon shape, there are times that sunset is hardly can be seen cause it is blocked by the mountain cliffs.

What’s more lovely in this beach is that it is overlooking the Bangui Windmills. I love both Blue Lagoon and Saud Beach, but maybe next time I should try to stay in Blue Lagoon too. Post Its: There are lot of resorts and transient houses near Saud Beach, so it’s best for the budget conscious travelers.Pagudpud is 3 hours from Tuguegarao City Cagayan, 1 and half hour from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, three hours from Vigan, Ilocos Sur and is 9-12 hours away from Manila.

Post Its:

Pagudpud is 3 hours from Tuguegarao City Cagayan, 1 and half hour from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, three hours from Vigan, Ilocos Sur and is 9-12 hours away from Manila. Also, there are lot of resorts and transient houses near Saud Beach, so it’s best for the budget conscious travelers.

How to get there:

a. From Tuguegarao, ride a GMW or Florida Liner bus to Laoag, Vigan, or Abra, and drop off at Pagudpud's Baduang Market.

b. From UST Manila, ride a Florida Liner or RCJ bus to Pagudpud or to Cagayan via Pagudpud, and drop off at the Pagudpud's Baduang Market.

Ilocos Norte: Maira-ira Cove (Blue Lagoon)

We still haven’t moved on with the panorama beauty of Patapat Viaduct, here comes another main tourist spot of Ilocos Norte aka Blue Lagoon.

This beach is known for its uniquely half moon shape, crystal clear water, off white grainy sand and the serene ambience it offers that will keep tourist from the city’s hustle and bustle life.

Since it was a Holy Week, the local government took advantage of the expected number of visitors that will come to see and experience this hidden beach, wherein they asked for a twenty pesos entrance fee for each person whether resort guests or just a typical tourist that will just take some moment in this pristine beach. The fee wasn’t really bad; proceeds will go to the development and construction of the road from highway to the main resorts since at that time it is was still rocky.

We totally fell in love with Blue Lagoon, the view and atmosphere was spectacular! It was just too bad that even three months ago we couldn’t get cheap accommodation that is good for our family. Yes, resorts here, like the Hannah’s Resort and Kapuluan Vista Resort, are more expensive than the ones in Saud Beach. And so after taking some time in Blue Lagoon, we headed off to the more touristy beach of Saud.

Post Its:

In choosing between Saud Beach or Blue Lagoon, if you like crowds then Saud is the best choice but if you prefer to stay away from noise and want some privacy well Blue Lagoon is the excellent choice. Also, I noticed that there were more water activities in Blue Lagoon, like surf boards, kayaks, jetski, and banana boats.

Pagudpud is 3 hours from Tuguegarao City Cagayan, 1 and half hour from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, three hours from Vigan, Ilocos Sur and is 9-12 hours away from Manila.


How to get there:

a. From Tuguegarao, ride a GMW or Florida Liner bus to Laoag, Vigan, or Abra, and drop off at Pagudpud's Baduang Market.

b. From UST Manila, ride a Florida Liner or RCJ bus to Pagudpud or to Cagayan via Pagudpud, and drop off at the Pagudpud's Baduang Market.

Ilocos Norte: Patapat Viaduct

Patapat Viaduct, the fourth to the longest bridge here in the Philippines, was our landmark that we have already left Cagayan Valley and finally arrived at the charming region of Ilocos.

This 1.3 kilometer bridge that connects the Maharlika Highway from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to the Cordillera Mountain Range of Cagayan was mainly built last 1975 to minimize the landslides occurrences in the province; yet years passed it has been remarked to be one of the main tourist spots in Ilocos.

Lots of cars, buses and as well as tricycles – rented by the commuting travelers were found stopping by the edges to take some good photos of this bridge and its spectacular view of the Pasaleng Bay.

Just a few meters after the picturesque Patapat Viaduct is the abandoned Korean Vessel that is threatened to spill off its hundred tons of crude oil to the unspoiled beaches of Pagudpud. We were really saddened by this especially when we noticed that lots of political ads were posted in this spot yet no one’s making an action to remove this wrecked ship.

Post Its:

Patapat Viaduct is 3 hours from Tuguegarao City Cagayan, 1 and half hour from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, three hours from Vigan, Ilocos Surn and is 9-12 hours away from Manila. Note that from Laoag it is farther than the famous Blue Lagoon.

How to get there:

a. From Tuguegarao, ride a GMW or Florida Liner bus to Laoag, Vigan, or Abra, and drop off at Pagudpud's Baduang Market.

b. From UST Manila, ride a Florida Liner or RCJ bus to Pagudpud or to Cagayan via Pagudpud, and drop off at the Pagudpud's Baduang Market.