Beaches are not the only attractions in the town of Pagudpud. There’s also Kabigan Falls that is accessible from the main road through a 30-minute hike through streams, rice paddies and thick vegetation. A preservation fee is charged at the entrance of the hiking trail and a tour guide can be hired for an additional charge.
Photos courtesy of stonedracoon.blogspot.com and travelsph.blogspot.com
Aside from the famous Pagudpud and the much publicized Bangui windmills, Ilocos Norte has several interesting rock formations dotting its coastlines. This is due the strong winds and waves that crash its shores, and the occasional earthquakes that also rock the province.
One such formation is the Bantay-Abot Cave, several minutes away from Maira-ira cove and the Patapat viaduct. From the highway one can go down steep steps to the shoreline where a mound of earth seems to have given way to the elements, allowing water and wind to bore a hole through it.
To get to the “cave,” one should pass through a narrow trail and hike up the hill to the hole. On the other side of the hole is another beach cove. The beach is rocky and the waves are strong, thus it is not an advisable swimming destination -just a place where you can rest and enjoy some photo ops. (To those thinking of their pre-nuptial pictures, the Bantay-Abot Cave can make for a dramatic backdrop).
Photo courtesy of Huno Garces via Flickr.
The sand dunes of La Paz is famous for its share in Philippine Cinema history as it was the setting of Panday movie starring Fernando Poe, Jr and Nora Aunor’s Himala. Aside from enjoying the breathtaking view, most tourists go to the sand dunes of La Paz to go sandboarding and ride 4x4s and ATVs. One tip before you go sandboarding: apply quick-drying sunblock as you don’t want the sand to stick to your face and whole body. Enjoy!
Photo by zvillongco
One of the not-so-hidden gems of Ilocos Norte is the Kapurpurawan Rock formation in the town of Burgos in Ilocos Norte. To get here, one can take a tricycle from the town proper of Burgos to the dirt road and trail leading to the rock formation.
Hiking down from the dirt road and into the seaside is very manageable, and you get to see some unusual things that are not found in the city. First you’ll notice little plants that look like dwarfed trees or bonsai that grow beside little pools. These can be found all over the place on the way to the rock formation. On the rock formation itself, one can see a magnificent view of the sea and the strong tides that crash on the side of the cliff.
The “rock” looks like a boat that was sculpted out of the cliff. On bright sunny afternoons, the yellowish glow of the rock appears as if you are somewhere in a desert.
The rock seemed to have been formed through erosion brought about by the sea and wind. The throngs of tourists that flock here everyday might also have contributed to it in some way. The local government unit here in Burgos seemed to understand the importance of protecting this place since there are patrollers here that guard against littering and vandalism on the rock walls. However, I think it would be better if visitors are not allowed to climb onto the soft rock to discourage its rapid erosion.
Beaches in the Philippines are as diverse as its people. While some are deserted island getaways and some have loud and noisy beachfronts, each beach has its own character. The list we compiled below is not confined to a specific set of criteria, such as the availability of modern amenities, accessibility, etc. Instead, by their own uniqueness.
1. White Beach, Boracay. The grand dame of the Philippine beaches and the unofficial summer capital of the Philippines.
2. Maira-ira Beach, Pagudpud. A great getaway up north complemented by Ilocano dishes.
3. Alona Beach, Panglao island. Has a status of playing second fiddle to Boracay.
4. Malapascua, Cebu. Great getaway for those seeking peace and tranquility.
5. Bantayan, Cebu. Another great beach in the premier province of the Visayas.
6. Siargao Island. A surfer’s paradise in the South.
7. Camiguin Island. Great beaches accompanied by extreme activities inland.
8. Miniloc Island, Palawan. Lime stone formations that rival those in Thailand and Vietnam.
9. Sogod Beach, Cebu. Nice beach with a well-serviced resort.
10. Potipot Island, Zambales. Easily gets crowded in the peak summer months. But a very good substitute to white sand beaches of the South without flying by plane.
One doesn’t need to check-in to posh beach hotels to be in foodie heaven. From Boracay to Puerto Galera, beaches in the Philippines offer a wide array of food choices such as Halo-halo, Chori burger, Scramble, Shakes, empanadas, grilled and fried food.
Halo-halo. The classic summer dessert is a staple in Philippine beaches. The preserved sweets and shaved ice topped with milk is perfect when lounging in a beach chair overlooking the turquoise seas.
Chori burger. The chori burger is a popular beach food in Boracay. Manang vendors grill chorizo sausages and place them in buns. The chori burger has become so popular that Manila establishments such as World Tops and Bun-on-the-run have come up with their versions of the burger for urbanites craving for chori burger without having to fly to Boracay.
Ice Scramble. Shaved ice, powdered milk, sugar and chocolate syrup is what makes up this popular street food that can also be found in beaches such as Puerto Galera.
Fruit Shakes. Fruit Shakes is another item in a foodie’s list when going to the beach. Boracay is famous for its Fruit Shakes especially the ones served by Jonas.
Grilled Food. Pork, beef, fish, chicken, fish, squid, isaw, liver, chicken feet -the choices of grilled food that can be found on the beaches of the Philippines are endless. Recently establishments in Puerto Galera have started to offer Kababs, a twist on the regular grilled food fare. Farther south, in Boracay, grilled seafood are offered starting sundown.
Empanadas. Up north, Ilocos is known for its orange empanadas which is also sold in Saud beach. With an egg, vigan longanisa and an orange batter deep-fried in oil, these empanadas may be a cardiologist’s nightmare but is popular with vacationers.
Fried Food. Fishballs, squid balls, kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs), hotdogs, calamares, chicken nuggets, isaw, and other fried foods that can be usually found on city streets are also sold in beaches.
[Photo from MyLot.com]
Rooms are small for a “palazzo” but are nice and clean. They serve good breakfast.
Telephone: 773 1842
Nice , clean rooms that are a step up from the rest of the hotels in town.
Telephone: 770 4998
Activities that can be done in and around the resort are shooting, paintball and archery. ATVs can be rented from the resort for a drive through the sand dunes of Suba.
Telephone: 772 1166
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