14/11/2018
Top 10 Things to Do in Pagudpud Travel
1. Beaches
For some reason, all of the beaches in Pagudpud are simply referred to as “Pagudpud Beach”. If you know which area you’re looking for, however, someone will surely point you in the right direction.
There is the official “PagudPud Beach” which is a small local beach whose visitors are usually fishermen. It’s a peaceful visit with some interesting people watching, but don’t come here expecting postcard views.
Saud Beach is quite beautiful with white sand, turquoise water, and coconut trees stretching out towards the water. Half of the beach is private for resorts and the other half is municipal so expect to pay 20 pesos for beauty-preserving maintenance.
Maira-ira Beach might be the most beautiful as it encompasses a blue lagoon that seems to glow! Perfect for swimming and splashing about!
2. Secret Green Hills (Little Batanes)
Bottle your water, pack some snacks, get you camera ready, and tie your sneakers tight. You’re about to go on a scenic hour-long walk through farmlands, along rice paddies, and off the beaten path towards the Secret Green Hills.
Walk up the steep grassy hill via a well-trodden path to claim Scottish-style cliff views of crashing waves on rocks and the shore. Explore even further and you’ll come to savanna-like plains where you can view the Caparispisan Wind Farm- a surprising find in this neck of the woods.
3. Bangui Windmills
From Barangay Balaoi in Pagudpud, you can catch a glimpse of the huge wind turbines that line the coast of Bangui. Bangui is the first town south of Pagudpud. It is best you take this tour with the two other destinations in Burgos. The windmills at Bangui are part of the Bangui Wind Farm, the only one in the Philippines and said to be the biggest in Southeast Asia. It generates power for electricity and supplies 40% of the power needs of Ilocos Norte. Each tower is 60 meters (196.85 ft) tall and has a 6 meter (19.6 ft) diameter base. The wind farm has a substation where personnel can talk about wind energy as renewable energy.
4. Paraiso ni Anton
Paraiso Ni Anton is a forest trail and delicate waterfall that is believed to have healing powers. Hike up a set of cement stairs that leads to a shrine to the Virgin Mary, with Jesus on the cross nearby. Locals visit Paraiso Ni Anton because they believe that drinking the waterfall will cure ailments and disease. You’ll see locals coming to fill up with water bottles with this magic water.
There is an area near the road selling Pagudpud memorabilia such as mini wind turbines and Pagudpud key chains, as well as fruit and beverages. Cars will drive by and honk as if to say a quick hello and pay tribute the charmed area.
5. Patapat Viaduct
Rent a motorbike and go for a ride along the coast on the 4th longest bridge in the country. Stretching a windy 1.3 kilometers, this well-maintained highway rolls around the rocky coast on a cliff dropping off to the water below. Any leisurely ride here offers spectacular views and a laidback cruise.
The highway is wide and not very crowded so it’s suitable even for new riders.
Stop and take some photos or just stare into the beautiful distance. Afterwards, use your bike wisely and have an adventure!
6. Paoay Church
The Saint Augustine Church, commonly known as the Paoay Church, is the Roman Catholic church of the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Completed in 1710, the church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building.
7. Sand Boarding
If you are a lakwatsera and a traveler, you can’t miss this adrenaline rush voyage in Laoag and Paoay, Ilocos Norte – the La Paz Sand Dunes adventure. I confess, my trip in this desert has been one of the most unforgettable experiences because we had an awesome 4X4 ride trailing the high slope sands and sandboarding without a care of the sun burning our skin. ATV rides are also available for the hyper you.
8. Bagong Lipunan Lodge
Abandoned buildings will always be fascinating. This dilapidating structure was once a lodge for tourists but has since been left to rot. There are no locks or doors to keep visitors out; in fact, the Bagong Lipunan Lodge Ruins have become a local spot for teenagers to sneak in and goof off.
It feels rather ghostly as you explore inside and gets your adrenaline pumping as you turn every corner expecting a scare. If you’re brave enough…visit at night.
Nearby you’ll find fresh spring water running off the cliff in the form of tiny waterfalls where locals say it’s safe to drink.
9. Bantay Abot Cave
Fan of the Goonies? Then you’ll find this beachfront cave to be quite euphoric. What looks to be just a plain old giant mossy boulder actually hides a tiny little secret.
Down a small embankment and carefully over some slippery rocks, you’ll make your way along the coast like until you come to Bantay Abot Cave.
While it’s more of a hole than a cave, the way the light shines through Bantay Abot Cave is truly breathtaking. With rays of light shinning through, this spot looks like a gateway to heaven. Needless to say, this spot is ideal for a photo opp.
Around the cave are some areas of rock where you can climb and be a monkey while looking out at the ocean water.
10. Vigan Sidetrip
If you have enough time your side trip to Vigan would become more special.
Note: We highly suggest a travel of 3 - 4 If you want to visit all the tourist hot spot in pagudpud.
