Ilocos Norte is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches, heritage towns, breathtaking views of mountains, and the home of the great leaders in history. Ilocos Norte is a province located at north-west part of the Luzon Island in the Philippines. This magnificent province in the north has very progressive economy because of its growing tourism industry.
So last summer of 2019, my family and I decided to spend our vacation by going out of town and explore places. We decided to go to the famous white sand beach of the north, located at Pagudpud Ilocos Norte. It is a two hour drive from Laoag city which is the capital of the said province. I suggest you to travel with a private car because it is more convenient and safer. And on that two hour drive you may stop over at some tourist spots in the neighboring towns of Pagudpud. You may stop first at The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in the municipality of Burgos, next would be The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation which is also located at the municipality of Burgos, and the famous windmills which has an enigmatic view at broad daylight located at the municipality of Bangui.
First we have stopped over at the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse also known as Burgos Lighthouse. It is located on the crest of Vigia de Nagpartian Hill in the municipality of Burgos province of Ilocos Norte. A cultural heritage that was established during the Spanish Colonial period in the Philippines. The Burgos lighthouse was first lit on March 30, 1892. Yep! It is centuries-old but still serves as guide on ships coming from the northern part of the Philippines.
The locals built a parking area just before the lighthouse so we don’t have a choice but to conquer the bright and hot sun rays. It is quite far but the view on the top is actually worth it. And also before you reach the lighthouse you have another tiring path, the stairs which is a bit too high. And we reached the gate with oily faces, after few minutes of panting. It is free to go around the vicinity of the light house but upon entering the gate you need to pay for an entrance fee and a tourist guide will assist you inside. I don’t know how much we’ve paid before but I think it depends if it is peak season or not. There is also a museum beside the light house which contains pictures of the lighthouse and some replicas. Since the tour guide there said that we can’t enter and climb the staircase going on top of the octagonal tower because they say it is now prohibited so we didn’t have a choice but to just admire the view of Cape Bojeador and West Philippine Sea from the stairs leading to the tower. But if you don’t want to enter the light house itself you may enjoy the breathtaking view of the west Philippine Sea and you may take photos around the vicinity of the lighthouse and also with the light house as your background. One of the locals that I have talked to said that the lighthouse is also haunted. Actually you will feel goosebumps upon entering the building. With those rickety doors, century old floor, boarded-up windows and dark hallways. It’s not that it is very scary to go inside but I think the aura of the area actually gives you a Spanish era feeling. And I think that the aura and the view of the place is actually the cause why some people really want to visit again the lighthouse including me.
The second stop over was at the famous Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. The name KApurpurawan is derived from an ilokano word “puraw” which means white, they name that because the Rock Formation is not the basic rocks you see but actually a creamy white and restructured limestone formations, which have been sculpted by different oceanic and weather forces. The Rock Formation is along the rock coast of Burgos and as I remember on that spot you can now see some windmills. I advise you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes because it is like a trekking adventure you may face and also the area is a little bit too windy so just wear comfortable ones. If you don’t want to walk you can ride into a horse to explore the place but it is not for free of course it is also the business of the locals there, I think it cost Php 100 per hour. And me as a kuripot (thrifty) ilocana I managed to walk/ trek braving the heat of the sun just because I don’t want to spend a hundred pesos. I don’t have much to discuss with the Rock Formation because honestly yes it’s a pretty scenic view but there’s not much to see but if you love the Mother Nature I think you’ll love it.
We had ran out of time so after Kapurpurawan Rock Formation we decide not to stop at Bangui Windmills. Though on the main road going to Pagudpud we saw some big windmills literally just meters away from the highway. They are really big structures, and I was shocked that time because I thought it was just small ones. Well don’t blame me I just saw that on pictures and postcards.
So after a two hour drive, not literally two hour I think we consumed five hours on the trip. Thankfully! We have arrived at our destination. I really don’t want to have a long trip because I easily get dizzy and I feel uncomfortable seating inside a car for a long time, but cannot help myself not to travel and explore places.
So we have arrived at Saud White Beach Resort. We have been welcomed by so many coconut trees, white pure sand, salty ocean breeze and we have realized we didn’t booked a cottage yet, so upon arriving we immediately settle our things in the lobby and my father talked to the staff of the resort to settle our accommodation. I am being honest with you guys the lobby is lit! It is a hut with wooden chairs and has a beautiful view of the ocean. It actually has a perfect spot for breakfast. After the lobby there was a path going to the small cottages where you can chill and have your food served. I don’t know how much is the entrance fee and the rent of the cottage because my Father was the one who settled those. But I think it is not that expensive, but if you don’t want to expend much you may also go to the next resort which is a public one and the cottage and entrance fee is much lesser. We went to our cottage first and my sister and I went to the beach to capture photos that we would add to our Instagram accounts. The beach was calm at that moment, the water was crystal clear but the heat of the sun was like going through our skin which is good if you want to get tanned. We stayed there for 5 hours, we watched the sun set while sitting on the sandy shore. It was breathtaking view and I want that moment not to change, because I really love sunset, who among us doesn’t? , I think we all do. We drive back home after watching it. And on the ride back home I promised myself to visit Saud again as I fell in love with that white sand beach.
That was my Ilocos Norte Escapade, tell me what’s yours?
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Note: the photo displayed was shot with Samsung A20S at Saud White Sand Beach Resort
Jiya's words 