This is Part 3 of Touring Ilocos Without a Car series.
As I mentioned in my previous post, there are 2 gorgeous beaches in Pagudpud, Saud and Blue Lagoon or what is known by the locals as “Maira-ira”. Both offers nice, soft, white sand and surfing waves (at the right time of the year). The two beaches are about 20 minutes apart from each other so choosing where to stay will be based on what beach you prefer.
SAUD OR BLUE LAGOON?
You can compare Saud Beach to Puerto Galera wherein the resorts are all lined up for you to choose from. Since there are plenty of resorts along Saud Beach, expect many people and activities around. Also, there are many places to eat in Saud. If you like crowds when you go to a beach, choose Saud.
Saud Beach, not crowded in December
If you want privacy, then Blue Lagoon is for you. It is practically off the beaten path. The nearest and only resort there is Kapuluan Vista Resort. There are no resorts in Blue Lagoon but you can rent nipa huts at the parking area. From Kapuluan, it’s about 7-10 minutes walk going there.
Blue Lagoon, the water is calmer during the summer
TIP: If you’re planning to go during the Holy Week, I would suggest Kapuluan Vista Resort so that you’ll be near Blue Lagoon where it’s not too crowded. They get fully-booked by February so plan your reservations early.
We decided to check-in at Kapuluan Vista Resort because it’s nearer Blue Lagoon. Not to mention that it’s cheaper than the nice resorts at Saud.
KAPULUAN VISTA RESORT
Welcome to Kapuluan Vista Resort
Mike and his wife Alma owns the beautiful place. It is situated far from the shore so you don’t have to worry about storm surges unlike in Saud. The beach in front of the resort is not swimmable but very surfable with the nice reef breaks. They offer surf lessons and surfboard rentals by the way.
TIP: Mike, the owner of the resort, told us that the best time to visit them is around July – September when the weather is not too hot, the water not to cold and the breeze is just right.
Our room is simple but with a zen-inspired theme, we even have a bonsai on our bathroom. With the wind blowing and the waves crashing, sometimes you don’t wanna leave your bed. The food is very great that some people go there just to eat. It’s a bit pricey though for the budget-conscious but their package already includes free breakfast.
The following day, we decided to take the Pagudpud tour after lunch.
Ask the locals or the resort employees to get you a tricycle to tour you around Pagudpud. It will cost you around Php 500-600 for a whole day tour. Here are the places that you can visit:
- Blue Lagoon / Saud (depends on where you are staying)
- Patapat Bridge and Viaduct
- Agua Grande
- Paraiso ni Anton
- Kabigan Falls
Manuel was our tricycle driver / tour guide / photographer. He charged us Php 500 for the tour which did not include the Kabigan Falls because aside from a 30-minute hike to the falls, the ground is a bit slippery.
It took us less than 3 hours to do the entire tour since we only planned to see the sights and take pictures. But I think for the Php 500 we paid, we could stay for a while at the beach if we decided to swim. Better ask the driver first before you commit.
The winding Patapat Bridge
Agua Grande Mini Hydro Power Plant
Paraiso ni Anton, there’s also a grotto here but that’s it
Afterwards, we spent the rest of the day sleeping, eating, chatting with Mike and her wife, telling sweet nothings to each other and preparing for our trip back to Laoag the following day.
CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE and BANGUI WINDMILLS
What about the Lighthouse and Windmills? We did not visit those two since it’s hard without a car. They are located in between Laoag and Pagudpud and it’s too far for tricycles from Pagudpud.
For the Lighthouse, ask the bus conductor to drop you off Burgos and take a trike from there. For the Bangui Windmills, ask to be dropped at Bangui and take a trike from there.
Mike told us that they offer a van transport from the airport to their resort for Php3000. They can stop at the lighthouse and windmills on the way.
I’ll write about Laoag on the next part.
If you have any questions/suggestions/corrections, please feel free to leave a comment. Thanks!
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