Experiencing Pagudpud (Team Promising goes to Pagudpud)

If you are looking for thousand miles of white sand beaches, then you have to visit Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The water is blue and clear, the coast is lined with coconut trees and the locals are friendly and warm. Pagudpud is along the coastline of West Philippine Sea, a place that is now becoming popular to both local and international tourists. 

How to go to Pagudpud

For our three-day trip, we started our journey in Vigan. We travelled by land from Cubao, Quezon City to Vigan for approximately seven hours. The fare is about P800. From Vigan, we took a bus to Laoag City for two hours then we took another bus from Laoag to Pagudpud. The local from Laoag are friendly people and they can point you towards the bus terminal that can take you to Pagudpud. Just ask the bus assistant to drop you off to Barangay Baloi or at the entrance towards the famous Pagudpud resorts. A tricycle terminal is there to bring you to where the resorts are. 

What to do in Pagudpud

For our itinerary, we asked the manager of our hotel if they can help us find a guide which they did. Be mesmerized with these views in Pagudpud.

Tour guide fee for the entire Pagudpud Tour is at P1200.'

Bantay Abot

@Bantay Abot

What a View!

Bantay Abot literally means “hill with a hole” or "big rock with a hole" which pretty much describes this hill. This was our first stop because it was just along the way. Looking it from afar, you might see a turtle actually. 

Thanks to our creative photographer

You can pay the kids at Bantay Abot to take your picture like this!

Unless you know the trick on how to do this (which we don't)

Patapat Viaduct

From Bantay Abot, our tour guide took us to the bridge that connects Ilocos Norte and Cagayan Valley. The long winding bridge is a sight and if you will look down below, you will mesmerized with the very blue ocean water. 

Kabigan Falls

To see Kabigan Falls, you just have to trek at least 30 to 45 minutes depending on how fast you can walk. Barangay Kabigan has a cooperative that is handling the tourists arriving in the area. First, you have to register and pay P10 per head at their office then a guide will be assigned to you and your group. 

Welcome to Kabigan Falls

On our way to Kabigan Falls

Once you get to the falls, you can take a dip and its cold and clear water. Tour guide fee is P100.

Us at Kabigan Falls

The Windmills

Bangui Windmills

On our way to Pagudpud, we were excited every time we get a glimpse a windmill. The bigger they become, the more excited we were, thinking that we are getting nearer our destination. From the highway, they look like a giant post with arms but once you get to see them up close and persona and in line, you will definitely get amazed with the sight. 

Failed jumpshot

The Lighthouse

After having lunch in Kangkang, a restaurant along the windmill farm, our tour guide brought us to the famous lighthouse. The lighthouse will give you a full view of the West Philippine Sea.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Kapurpurawan is a local word that actually means “whiteness or very white”, something that exactly describes the Rock Formation in this area. To see Kapurpurawan rock formation, you can either take a horseback ride or walk for 20 minutes. There are a lot of stalls that sell drinks and souvenirs along the way so just carry something light, maybe your phone or cam is enough. Once you get there, be amazed at the rock formation and the surrounding body of water- it is too blue.

That wind...

Enjoy the view and get 'emo'

Tip: We left for our Pagudpud trip at around 8am and we finished around 4pm- just in time to enjoy the blueish waters of Pagudpud. 

Since we stayed in Casa Consuelo, we had to take a 10 minute walk towards Hannah Resort. Hannah is the newest resort in town where a zip line over the water is offered for P700. It was no longer open to guests when we arrived so we just decided to take a swim.

 Level of Experience: Awesome

To view our stay at Casa Consuelo, click here.

"Casa"- a home to stay in Pagudpud

When visiting a place for the first time, making a reservation is always advisable. It means when you arrives, a place is waiting for you to rest. In addition, when making a reservation, do not just depend on pictures and rates, check reviews as well- it helps a lot.

The first time I visited Pagudpud, I have no idea how the place look like, all I know is it is a great tourist destination!

My travel buddies made a reservation after few weeks of brainstorming and checking different websites. We chose “Casa Consuelo” against other hotels because they are very accommodating through their Facebook account and through text.

Upon arrival at the Casa after a two-hour ride from Laoag City, we were surprised by their friendly greeting.

Thanks for the warm greetings!!

Casa Consuelo is one of the hotels in the farthest corner of Pagudpud Island. If you want to spend some quiet nights except from the sound of the waves, this place is for you. Since it is a bit far from the “blue water and white sand area” where people takes a bath, the place is pretty much isolated except for other hotel guests and the crews. 

  

Like a boss!

Can't sleep of excitement!

Morning walks is also great here. If you are brave enough, walk towards the Dos Hermanos Island when during low tide. Just walk fast before the high tide reaches you.

Casa Consuelo is a family-run business and one thing that they promised is personalized service. We were given a menu that we kept in our room so we can choose anytime we want to. What I liked most about Casa aside from the service was the food- it is awesome. 

You just have to order at least 30 minutes before eating so they can prepare it.

pancakes

awesome burger

cheezy omelet

Experience level: Awesome!

Photo Courtesy of  "CASA Consuelo"

For our Sagada/Mount Ampacao Adventure, click here