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

Approaching Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

We started our journey from Las Palmas de San Jose Hotel in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Province. It took around 6 hours to cross over to Ilocos Norte.

When traveling along the northernmost coast of Luzon, make sure to take photo stops of the magnificent views along the way.

Claveria viewdeck in Cagayan Province. I would definitely love to go back and explore more of this area. Especially the side of the coast from Claveria to Santa Ana in Cagayan Province. Maybe even cross the treacherous waters to the exotic Babuyan Islands.

Patapat Viaduct, still breathtaking as ever.

Lakbay Norte 3 bus at Patapat Viaduct

Return to the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon was as beautiful the second time around. I got my confirmation that it wasn’t just the “first time googles” that bewildered me. This place is truly one of the most captivating beaches I’ve seen in the Philippines.

I was overjoyed that I got to visit to Pagudpud again. Especially because, this time, I wasn’t traveling solo. I (literally) had a bus load of the best company thanks to Lakbay Norte.

Blue Lagoon and Maira-ira Beach, Pagudpud

From afar the Blue Lagoon looks like the perfect paradise.

When viewed up close, you’d notice that the sand isn’t the whitest or finest, there are rocky areas at the shore, the waters can get very rough at some parts, and there are towering hills blocking a sunset view.

I actually loved this rugged beauty of the Blue Lagoon because it adds up to its exotic allure … just like the identically named movie, The Blue Lagoon (1980).

Picturesque tree outside Kapuluan Vista Resort

Rugged Beach

Lunch at Kapuluan Vista Resort

We were delighted by a gastronomical treat at Kapuluan Vista Resort located at the northern end of the beach.

Welcome sign of Kapuluan Vista Resort in Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud

Our lunch menu consisted of traditional Filipino dishes tastefully fused with delectable twists. My favorite was the Bagnet Ceviche … and so apt since Bagnet is a treasured local dish in Ilocos.

The food at Kapuluan Vista Resort was one of the best during our entire trip across Northern Luzon.

Cabbage Parsley Soup

Kapuluan Kinilaw (Polynesian Style). 

Chicken Kilagwil and Breaded Fish with Fern Salad. First time to eat ferns. Tasted great!

I also loved the freshness of the greens they served at Kapuluan Vista Resort. Majority of the herbs and vegetables used are picked daily and organically grown from the resort’s own garden.

Bagnet Ceviche. Yum!

Eggless Leche Flan. Sounds interesting but the taste (and consistency) was not something to rave about.

Margarita. Oh yes, the perfect way to end a meal :)

Stay subscribed for the next item on our itinerary -> surfing in Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud!

Kapuluan Vista Resort Contact

• address: Sitio Baniaran, Barangay Balaoi , Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
• phone: 63 (920) 952-2528 or 63 (920) 928-5273
• email: [email protected]
• website: http://www.kapuluanvista.com/