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Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and Lunch at Kapuluan Vista Resort

We were on our way to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. From the moment of wake on the long bus ride, I had been eagerly awaiting the final uphill road and sharp bend that would take us to the Blue Lagoon, a place I’ve been craving see under excellent weather.

I was impressed at how the Blue Lagoon retained it’s perfect-azure hued waters even under cloudy skies on my first visit to Pagudpud. This time, the sky was clear and the sun was peaking. it was the perfect time to spend the day at the beach!

I’ve built up high expectations and I was curious to discover if I would still be amazed when I got to see the Blue Lagoon again.

Blue Lagoon / Maira-ira Beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte Read the rest of this entry »

Lakbay Norte 3: Eight Days of Fun Adventures in North Philippines

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I had just returned to my empty hostel room in a small town in Southern Palawan when I got a call from the North Philippines Visitors Bureau. They broke the news that I was chosen as one of the lucky travel bloggers joining the 3rd edition of the Lakbay Norte media tour. I was overwhelmed with excitement but I had to keep it to myself … I was traveling solo and there wasn’t anyone around that could relate anyways. The timing couldn’t have been better. It was the perfect way to kick-start my 2012 season of traveling.

I found out later when I got the chance to go online that I was going to be stuck with five other amazing travel bloggers on the Lakbay Norte 3 tour … that’s 8 whole days across 11 provinces in North Philippines! I almost fainted at the thought of traveling with Gael from thepinaysolobackpacker, Ed from soloflighted, James from journeyingjames, Angel from lakwatsero, and Christian from lakad-pilipinas.

Photo-op with the Lakbay Norte 3 Bus at Patapat Viaduct in Pagdupud, Ilocos Norte. Photo taken by Gael.

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Ilocos Norte Itinerary – My 4 Day DIY Tour of Pagudpud, Laoag, Paoay

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Here is the itinerary during my do-it-yourself (DIY) tour of Ilocos Norte for 4 days. My major destinations in Ilocos Norte were Pagudpud, Laoag City, and Paoay.

My first stop was Pagudpud, located at the northernmost tip of Luzon Island. To get there, I took the long bus commute from Tuguegarao City in Cagayan Province.

I arrived at around mid-morning and spent the rest of the day going to a couple of spots in town like the Patapat Viaduct, Kabigan Falls, Blue Lagoon, and Saud Beach.

On the second day, I decided to do a commuting tour of the Bangui Windmills, Kapurpurawan White Rock, and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse on my way down to Laoag, the capital city of Ilocos Norte. I spent two nights in Laoag while taking day trips to the beautiful churches of Paoay, Sarrat, and Bacarra.

I made sure to visit the Malacanang of the North at Paoay Lake before moving further south to the heritage city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Ilocos Norte Itinerary Map

My Ilocos Norte Itinerary, a Day DIY Tour of Pagudpud, Laoag, and Paoay

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Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte Tricycle Tour

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From Saud Beach, I approached a tricycle driver and asked how much it would cost to visit the a few spots in Pagudpud. Turns out, most (if not all of the) tricycle drivers come prepared with a set rate of P600 for the day tours. I had to choose between two itineraries. The driver showed me a laminated pamphlet showing photos of Pagudpud tourist spots. I decided to go with the tour around the tourist spots within Pagudpud town. The other was an excursion to Bangui and Burgos towns, which I planned to visit (do-it-yourself style) on my way to Laoag. I’d been looking forward to explore the northernmost cape of Luzon Island for the longest time. It was exciting to finally start my afternoon tour of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte.

On my way to the first stop during my tricycle tour of Pagudpud

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Saud Beach Homestay in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

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A six hour early morning bus took me to Saud Beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte from Tuguegarao City. Pagudpud is the northernmost town of mainland Luzon. What compelled me to travel all the way up north was the promise of capturing its rugged coastal landscapes in photos. As soon as I got off the bus, I was greeted with the deep blue sky and sunny tropical scenery. It was the perfect weather to spend the day touring coastal town of Pagudpud.

Saud Beach Homestay in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
Tropical themed welcome sign at Saud Beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

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Northern Luzon Circuit: Trip around Cagayan, Ilocos, and Baguio for 11 days

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Last year, I went on the most butt numbing trip of my life. The experience was quite rigorous yet the rewards of visiting some of the most alluring places I’ve ever visited were also very gratifying.

It all started smoothly enough when I flew to Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Province from Manila.

It was very exciting for me since it was my first time to visit the northernmost parts of Luzon.

Northern Luzon Circuit: Trip around Cagayan, Ilocos, and Baguio for 11 days
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Still Wandering in October

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As mentioned earlier, I’ve been AFK (away from keyboard) for a while now. It’s still a busy month of traveling for me. Since I started blogging, it has always been my goal to live the lifestyle of other travel bloggers. To be able to travel extensively and frequently for longer periods of time. If feel really lucky that I’m already starting to live that kind of life and thankful to everyone who continues to visit my blogs and leave comments, which fuels my passion to continue blogging. Here’s a quick rundown of places I’ve traveled to since my last post.

Still Wandering in October
Taken at Kuala Lumpur International Airport just before the return flight from our Singapore – Malaysia trip at the end of September. It took multiple shots … but I still couldn’t keep my eyes open for the shot since I was already so tired.