Libotero – Philippine Travel Photo Blog

Part 18 of a series
DAY 3

One of the downsides of a place being “undeveloped” is lack of maintenance and so, even though the scenery was so picturesque, we weren’t able to soak and enjoy the Blue Lagoon waters too much as sea moss was all over the place. Soaking in the waters with tons of sea moss around may be a not-so-pleasurable experience.

For that, we hoped for better conditions in Blue Lagoon’s better-known neighbor, Saud Beach. From Blue Lagoon, we went back to the National Highway and drived back to the general direction of the west. As with Blue Lagoon, Saud Beach also can not be directly accessed from the main highway but it is hard to miss. One will just have to look out for the Saud Clam-Shell Monument and then turn right (or left if you’re from the South) and go straight all the way to Saud Beach.

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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.

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Part 16 of a series
DAY 3

Beyond the Bangui Windmills Viewpoint in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, the roads were a challenge to be met as they were on the shoulders of the northern end of the Cordillera Central Mountain Range. Just as we exited the viewpoint, we were greeted by a very big sign at the entrance of a zigzag road, “SLOW DOWN! HUNDREDS DIED ON THIS ROAD!”… That was a very strong warning and being the chicken that I am, I just closed my eyes while we were on the zigzag road (often described as a “bitukang manok” or chicken intestine). The road wasn’t actually that scary, drivers would just have to be really slow, patient and careful as that part of the highway was quite steep and had abrupt curves. That’s all.

Anyway, at 10:06am, we crossed the boundary between Bangui and Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The latter is the northernmost town in the island of Luzon.

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Part 15 of a series
DAY 3

9:24am. Just on the foot of Vigia de Nagparitan where the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse stands, one can find this soul-shaking sight: mighty waves whipping the rocky shores of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. If only it was white sand instead of prickly rocks, then this might have been an instant tourist destination. But hey, I’m not complaining. I love it as it is. Natural. Untouched. Beautiful.

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Part 14 of a series
DAY 3

8:06am. It’s time to rise and shine for the 3rd day of our exploration of the Ilocos Provinces! This bird at the lobby of La Elliana Hotel served as our alarm clock. Ang ingay-ingay ng bird na ‘yan! As early as midnight tumitilaok na s’ya! Nagigising ako ng ‘di oras! Can you please identify the bird, Bird Lover Vanjohnn?

We had a good quick breakfast at the hotel’s own restaurant. Nothing special, just some -silog dishes. We immediately left the hotel after and then, went straight ahead to Burgos, Ilocos Norte!
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Part 13 of a series
DAY 2

After a very swift tour of Vigan City, we immediately left the heritage city to resume our roadtrip further north.
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