Pagudpud : A Jewel of the North

The Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud

After the historical day in Vigan. We hit the roads again to the northernmost part of Luzon.

Pagudpud, a town situated 1 and a half hours north of Laoag City and about 10 hours by landtrip  from Manila, is fast gaining fame for its undeniable beauty and scenery.

On the way, we passed by the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. More commonly knows the the " Burgos Lighthouse", it is situated majestically on top of a hill overlooking the stunning South China Sea.

                                                  The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse 

The next destination was the one Im very excited of. Ive'd seen this in many tourism ads and it still amazes me each time I see it.  

The Bangui Windmills are located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The windmills, officially referred to as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project, were a project by the NorthWind Development Corporation as a practice renewable energy sources and to help reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. The project is the first “Wind Farm” in the Philippines consisting of wind turbines on-shore facing the South China Sea and considered to be the biggest in Southeast Asia. The project sells electricity to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) and provides 40% of the power requirements of Ilocos Norte via Transco Laoag .

- WikiPilipinas

A total of 20 stunning windmills beautifully aligned along the shores of Bangui giving its town a renewable energy source. Each windmill has 41 meters blade and the height of a 23 storey building. It is 236 meters apart from each other. 

These massive wind turbines were a sight to behold. My friends and I didn't know how many pictures we took here. The windmills in the background makes every shot photogenic. When we got there, we noticed that the windmils are not moving. Asking the locals nearby, we have been aware that if the windmills are "fully charged" the blades remain in  stationary position. Once the power is consumed, that's the time it will start to move again.

Some of the souvenirs for sale in the area.

Moving on, we were able to pass by the Patapat Viaduct. Considered as the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines, it is a winding bridge hugging the cliffs of  the Northern Cordillera Mountain range. It was constructed to minimize landslides which have caused many road accidents before.

     Such an incredible sight

This breathtakingly beautiful drive is more than one kilometer in length.  It is so beautiful that we couldn't resist but to have a quick stop and have a photo op.

It was also during that time when there is a reported oil spill in Pagudpud caused by an abandoned North Korean flagged cargo vessel. The rough sea condition during the Typhoon Juan may have caused  the  leak from the said vessel .We happened to pass by the location and we saw people cleaning up the leaks. 

Oil Spill 4 kilometers from the beaches of Pagudpud

Along the highway we stopped by to check the " Paraiso ni Anton". It is said that if you drink water from it, you will be healed. Never tried it though.

Gateway to Pagudpud

Along the road, we had the chance to see an unusual  land feature.The van began to slow down and told us to go down as this is one of our stops.  The Bantay Abot Cave is actually not a cave. It is actually a hill that was wrecked by an earthquake sometime during the 80's. To get to the actual cave, one must pass a few concrete stairs and a rocky part going up the hole.

Upon reaching the hole. You can already see from afar the Blue Lagoon. That means we are already near    the famous white beach of Pagudpud.

Sea. Sand. Sun.

Lunch by the beach

It was past 1 Pm when we arrived at the Blue Lagoon. We went to the beach first then had our lunch in one of the huts by the shore  where you can make "paluto".

Pagudpud's crystal blue waters and fine white sands is a haven for tourist that's why its is sometimes referred as the " Boracay of the North". It's secluded beach known as " The Blue Lagoon" is something worth visiting. If you wanted to go to the beach minus the crowd. This is the place to be.

It was around 3Pm when we left the Blue Lagoon. Everyone was tired from swimming and almost all us was taking a nap when suddenly the van almost lost control. We were troubled of what have happened. The car stopped on the side of the road. We all went down and saw this.

A flat tire! " Oh My God" - we were shocked to to see that it wasn't just a flat tire but it looks like  it was punctured. Looking around, we saw that we are in the place called " Magandang Kalsada". 

We were already thinking of  camping out for the night in case no one can rescue us. I called the travel agency and told them what happened. They pacified us and told us to be calm as Manong Driver knows exactly what to do. He has a spare tire and it will just took minutes for him to install it.

In a few minutes, the car was ready and everyone else was relieved.  Thank God for being always at our side. We prayed for a safe trip going back to Laoag. 

Our adventures and some misadventures in Pagudpud will always be remembered. This is a place I could truly recommend to adventure seekers like me. 

For your Pagudpud Tours Book with AAA Travel and Tours 

Look for Mary Anne or Nicole

09209284982

09228509301

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