Ilocos Series: Heavenly Pagudpud – Mainland Luzon's Northernmost Tip

After the morning tour at the Bangui Windmills, Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation and Burgos Lighthouse, all in the southern part of the Pagudpud Traysi-Tour (PhP 1200 for 2-3 pax on a tricycle), we headed northwards to the falls and the beaches.

As I narrated on the previous blog, it rained most of the time during our Ilocos Trip.

We first started with Kabigan Falls. The traysi-tour driver, Kuya Jayson (09186872603), parked at the entrance of the Kabigan Falls community. There were guides waiting for each batch that wanted to explore and trek. The acceptable tip there is PhP 100.00.

Unfortunately, it rained. After more than half an hour of trekking and drizzling, we reached the Kabigan Falls.

It’s basin is small and the water was made colder by the drizzle. After the trek, one would want to stay here for a long time, especially because I practically rented it for myself – and the guide.

After the falls, and the long walk back to the entrance, we headed to the Patapat Viaduct, which connects Pagudpud to Laoag and Cagayan. It is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines at 1.3 km and elevated at 31 meters above sea level.

From there you can marvel at the vastness of the South China Sea. According to the townspeople, on a good day, one can see with the naked eye the Babuyan Islands (Cagayan) from where we stood to take this photo below:

Behind us is where the old road used to be, carved out of the mountain, but seemed too dangerous for land slides. Thus, the creation of the viaduct.

Then we went to Paraiso ni Anton. So called because of their former mayor, who used to hold office in this hilly part of Pagudpud.

The water streaming down is spring water. Cold and clean, ready for drinking, according to the locals.

We then made our way to Timmantang Rock and Bantay Abot Cave, on the way to the Blue Lagoon.

From Timmantang Rock you can see the Bantay Abot Cave and the road to the Blue Lagoon. Nothing special to do here except probably rest and take pictures.

The Bantay Abot Cave is more fun than the nearby Timmantang Rock, because it had shade from the huge rock formation. It is really windy here and pictures are great when taken with natural light.

From where I stood on the photo above, it is like less than 15 feet above the ground. But it felt good being up there.

After the cave, we headed for our last stop: the Blue Lagoon.

There one would also find the most expensive resort in all of Pagudpud: Hannah’s, with the sign very much like that of Hollywood. Those who didn’t get a room at Hannah’s can still go in and take pictures at their theme park, at a very affordable PhP 50.00 entrance fee. There stand life-sized action figures and celebrities like Jack Sparrow. They have a lot of amenities, so check out their website at http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/

Most of the couples I saw there, brought their own car, parked, took their food out and that’s it. No renting cottages.

It rained hard the previous night, but there were so many people in this part of Pagudpud that it was difficult to secure a spot all of our own. Here, the waves were a little bit strong.

After this I headed back to the Kingfisher Resort to savor my last night in Pagudpud. If were to go back here though, I would book a resort closer to town.

My favorite place in this whole tour, is the Bangui Windmills. It was just breathtaking. Next to that, the Kapurpurawan White Rock Formation. Both would take really long drives, but are definitely worth the leg cramps. =)

My favorite Pagudpud spot is the Patapat Viaduct. Much can be said and felt when you’re there. It’s like a gateway to heaven.

Pagudpud. As the famous legend says, Pagod na, Pudpud pa! Another bucket list achieved before hitting my 30’s.

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