The Blue Lagoon, Maira-ira Point, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Part 17 of a series
DAY 3

After conquering the Patapat Viaduct, we took a U-Turn as we’ve already reached the tip of Ilocos Norte. Cagayan Valley was not part of our itinerary but as I write this post, I want to go there, right now!

Anyway, eight kilometers to the northwest of Patapat Viaduct is the Blue Lagoon Beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

10:48am. Lovely view. But this isn’t Blue Lagoon yet.

An elevated point which offered an overview of the Blue Lagoon. Wow! Phew…

Finally, Blue Lagoon, just a few steps away! I shot this from up a tree. Daring? LOL.

Maira-ira point is the name given to Luzon mainland’s northernmost tip. Nestled in its confines is an unspoiled, white-sand cove that has yet to become popular with the mainstream beach-combing crowd. The beach is known simply as Maira-ira or Blue Lagoon.

On calm days, when the notorious Ilocos surf is taking a break, the waters off the cove can be still as a pond, mirroring the azure sky to form a stunning blue loch. The sparkling fine sand is even better than its well-known neighbour, Saud Beach (or Pagudpud).

Unfortunately, it was the peak of the Ilocos surf season during our visit so we weren’t able to see the pond-like Blue Lagoon but instead we were greeted by monstrous waves and sea grass whipping the shore. Nonetheless, the experience of just being there was fulfilling.

With virtually no tourist accommodations, save for a couple of simple nipa huts, the whole place exudes a charm of isolation.

The Nacatnagan Cliff. Hemmed by hills around its perimeter, swimming and basking on the crescent cove can be a very private experience. It is a serene place, lending much to the feeling of being at the frontier.

Those “boob-like structures” are actually called the Dos Hermanos Islands. Because of their massiveness, they emerge on the northern part of the Blue Lagoon. When viewed from a distance, they look like ordinary rocks, but if you get closer, you would be able to discover their distinctness. Below the rocks are caves where varied and colorful tropical fishes swim abundantly. They can be better seen during low tide. Around the Dos Hermanos Islands, there are smaller rocks submerged where famous delicious seaweeds are sourced. Motorized boats, bancas or rafts to reach the islands are available for a fee.

Now for all of you who are planning to visit the Blue Lagoon, follow the rules alright? We don’t want to spoil this natural wonder, do we?

The Blue Lagoon is at least 2 kilometers from the main national highway. To get there, we passed through dirt roads. It is not advisable to go there during the rainy season or else you’ll find yourself stuck in mud. The roads to the Blue Lagoon become a virtual 4×4 playground during the rainy season.

11:21am. It was almost lunch time so we also had to leave to our next destination as there are no dining establishments within Blue Lagoon. I would have wanted to stay longer and just commune with nature but as I always say, I SHALL RETURN! And next time, it should be on the lagoon’s “placid” season.