Pagudpod
Attractions
Pagudpud beaches
On
the northwestern-most tip of Luzon Island, along the beautiful
Bangui Bay in Pagudpud Ilocos Norte, you will find long, uninterrupted
stretches of white sand beaches, with crystal blue waters
and magnificent coral reefs. With its spectacular white sand
beaches, the place has gained the reputation as the "Boracay
of the North"...only more charming. This entire coastal
area is lined with many coconut trees, making it a truly picturesque
scenery and an ideal place to stretch and unwind.
The most popular beaches are in Saud. Beyond Saud, there are
other shores that are growing in popularity, including Blue
Lagoon, Burayoc, Ayoyo, Patapat and Pasaleng. The scenic municipality
of Pagudpud is only an hour's drive from Laoag City and is
fast becoming a favorite tourist destination in Ilocos Norte.
Yet, it remains quiet (except for the soothing sound of nature),
un-crowded and unspoiled.
Oh so peaceful! Some areas do enjoy mighty winds and strong
waves similar to Hawaii's - perfect for surfing! Staying here
makes you feel as if you're in your very own private island,
where you are free to relax or indulge in your favorite water
sports. Kayak, scuba dive, and surf to your heart's delight!
Or simply laze or take a quiet stroll along the beach, soak
in the remarkable view and watch the sunset. And make sure
you feast on fresh, succulent (and inexpensive) lobsters!
Nature Attraction
La
Paz Sand Dunes - La Paz Sand Dunes offers a spectacular
vista of the South China Sea. It covers an area of 85 square
kilometers and is declared and protected as a geological monument
because of its unique land formation. La Paz is a favorite
shooting location for local as well as international films.
Pasuquin Caves - The caves, located 1,708
above sea level, have underground water streams and offer
some of the more spectacular stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Travel time to the caves is 45 minutes from the town proper
through a dirt road, and you will need to get a special permit
from the major's office to explore the cave.
The trip is definitely worth it! You might even be fortunate
to meet members of the Itneg tribe, the original inhabitants
of the town. There are a few of them still living in the thick
forests, untouched by modern civilization. This coastal town
is 25-kilometers long. It is bounded on the north by Burgos,
on the east by the mountain ranges of Vintar, on the south
by Bacarra, and on the west by the South China Sea. It is
only seven kilometers north of Laoag City.
Paoay Lake National Park - Near the famous
Paoay Church is the beautiful, placid Paoay Lake. It is a
land-locked freshwater lake, shaped like a horse, with an
area of 470 hectares. Legend has it that the whole area used
to be an affluent town punished for its obsessive attachment
to wealth and power. Torrential rains flooded and drowned
the entire town. Some local folks say fishermen caught fish
with gold rings, a testament to the extravant lifestyle of
the submerged village.
In 1969, the lake was declared as a National
Park by the late President Marcos. The Malacanang of the North,
a sprawling golf course and a sports complex (the biggest
sports-resort complex in the north Luzon) were built around
the National Park.
