Pagudpud Ilocos Norte Itinerary

Pagudpud Ilocos Daily Itinerary ( for travelers with car)

Pagudpud is a coastal resort town on the northernmost tip of Luzon in the Philippines. It is bounded to the south by the town of Bangui and to the east by the Cordillera Mountain Range, the town of Adams and the province of Cagayan. The South China Sea lies to the west and north. The town rolls over mountains, hills, valleys and flat coastal land. It lies 45 miles north of Laoag City, the provincial capital, and about 350 miles north of Manila.

It is known for its crystal clear blue water and powdery white sand beaches but Pagudpud has a lot to offer to its visitors and here are some of the places not to miss.

First day

If you leave Manila at 12:00 midnight or 1:00 a.m., it is expected that you will arrive in Pagudpud before lunch.

After lunch, check in at your hotel/resort or if you haven’t book yet there are a lot of hotel/resort along Saud Beach. It’s better to check their rates on-line, usually their rates differ from the on-line and walk in rates. Don’t forget to ask for a discount.

On the first day it’s better to just stay at Saud Beach. It’s unusual to buy souvenirs on the first day but it’s the only place where you can buy souvenir items. Vendor’s usually stays infront of Apo Idon resort.

From Saud Beach you can actually see all the 15 windmills. Just enjoy and stroll along Saud Beach. Word of pre-caution don’t let your kids swim alone because waves there can reach up to 4 feet.

A must try here is their lobster for 300 per kilo.

Second day

Wake up early to catch the sunrise and breakfast before leaving for the tour. Start the tour at 8:30 or 9:00 a.m.

I’m not sure how much is the tour packages in Pagudpud. It’s better to let your hotel/resort arrange it for you. Tricycle is the only mode of transportation in touring Pagudpud.

1st stop: Trek for about 30 minutes to get to Kaibigan Falls - It is an enchanting falls located at the eastern part of Barangay Balaoi and it is around 1.8 kilometers away from the national highway. This 80 feet waterfall is surrounded by thick forest and well-known for its concaved basin.

2nd stop: Bantay Abot Cave. - Bantay Abot is a natural sculptured cave which has a hole in the center. The place is very nice for picture taking and offers a great view of the sea as well. Bantay Abot Cave is located along the seacoast of Sitio Gaoa, Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

3rd stop: Malingay Cove (Blue Lagoon). - It is a hidden bay found at Maira-ira Point, which is a half-moon in shape edifice, by the Nacatnagan Cliff in the east and the Dos Hermanos in the north. This place is where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Reaching the place is quite tiresome for it is around 2.5 kilometers away from the highway with rigged roads and it is found at the interior part of Sitio Malingay. On the way is thick forest and you can also have glance of the sea. Malingay Cove is famous for its crystal blue water and fine white sand

4th stop: Winding Patapat Bridge - Patapat bridge is a winding bridge found at the foot of the cliff of the North Cordillera Mountain Ranges. It connects Barangay Balaoi and Pancian and it is around 1.2 kilometers long. This bridge is often referred to as the “French Riviera of the North”. Along the bridge, you can pass the Mabugabog Falls that serves as a source of power for the mini hydroelectric plant. It is only during the rainy days when it shows its splendor with its water dropping rhythmically to precipice on the rocky shore of the sea below.

While at the middle of the bridge, you could take a look at the amazing view of the sea and the luxuriant mountains that is 200 meters above sea level. The bridge itself is a superb craft of men and the fabulous sceneries that surrounds it makes it really a breathtaking to behold.

5th stop: Paraiso ni Anton. - Don’t ask who Anton is because no one knows. Like Aqua Grande, nothing’s very special about this place so this might just bore you. It is just a mini fall with steps to the grotto where one can drink the water coming from the falls. Travelers who pass by to go to Cagayan usually get water here. There are also mini stalls there where you can buy some pasalubongs.

6th stop: Aqua Grande. - You can choose whether or not to enter Aqua Grande because there’s really nothing special about the place. Just a freezing cold river full of big rocks that meets the sea.

Third and last day

1st stop: Bangui Windmills - is also outside Pagudpud, as the name implies, it is situated in the town of Bangui, Ilocos Norte, 30 minutes away from Pagudpud. Seeing these giant windmills that look like white robots or aliens for the first time will definitely leave you speechless. These giant electric fans are used to generate electricity in the province and at the same time serve as a major tourist spot in Ilocos Norte.

2nd stop: Cape Bojeador - is located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, 45 minutes to 1 hour away from the town of Pagudpud. It is known for being the highest lighthouse in the Philippines that is still functioning since its completion on March 30, 1892. To date, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse still gives signals to passing ships along the Cape. The place is perfect for viewing the sunset but since this is your first stop, you will definitely miss it, unless you have decided to make this your last stop.

3rd stop: Lunch time and Laoag Sinking Bell tower. - This centuries old 45-meter tall bell tower built by the Augustinian Friars in 1612 is one of the tallest and most massive in the country.

4th and last stop: Vigan Ilocos Sur: visit the Crisologo Museum and Calle Crisologo and try to eat at Empanadahan beside Plaza Burgos.