Return to Ilocandia | Wandering in the Northwestern Wonder

"The most difficult roads often lead us to beautiful destinations". 

The Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud providing connections from Ilocos Norte to Cagayan.

Passing through the long, winding highways from the smooth sailing ride in the plains of Laoag, enjoying the view of towering windmills and verdant mountains in the vast coastlines leading to the northwestern paradise of Ilocos Norte - Pagudpud. 

The welcome arch of Pagudpud from the neighboring town, Bangui.

The aquamarine waters of Blue Lagoon, earning Pagudpud's reputation as beach hub in the north.

Pagudpud is known as the "Boracay of the North" because of the white sand beaches and clear, blue waters of the sea, making it an ideal tourist spot during summer vacation. It takes 8-10 hours travel from Manila and 1-2 hours travel from Laoag, Ilocos Norte's provincial capital. 

Cottages and boats scattered along the coastlines in Blue Lagoon.

Pristine, aquamarine waters in a bright, sunny day in Pagudpud.

Some of the popular beach resorts in the town include Saud Beach and the Blue Lagoon noted for its aquamarine waters and foamy waves in a vibrant sunny weather.  Therefore, Pagudpud is Ilocos Norte's Boracay because of the white sand beach resorts where numerous tourists enjoy dipping in the waters, as well with the summer vibe in the area.

Tourists visited the Blue Lagoon as one of the popular beach spots in Pagudpud.

Blue Lagoon Inn and Restaurant is one of the gastronomic hubs in the area.

Bits of sunlight in the Blue Lagoon Resort.

Baywalk at Blue Lagoon Resort with coconut trees along the coastline.

During our tour in Pagudpud, a panoramic view of Blue Lagoon (also known as Maira-ira Beach) offers excitement to visit the place as we've seen the vibrant aquamarine waters teemed with the white sand in a bright, sunny weather. The Blue Lagoon is also a former spot for Hannah's Beach Resort which was closed in 2019. Today, the place is still a popular destination for tourist where they can enjoy swimming, banana boat, windsurfing, and kayaking. 

Bantay Abot Cave marker.

Aside from white sand beaches, Pagudpud is known for rock formations scattered along the shores of the town such as the Bantay Abot Cave and Timmangtang Rock. Hence, we have a chance to visit the Bantay Abot Cave, a natural arch carved by the wind and sea and shaped through the years.

The rock formation perfectly frames the sea with its captivating view.

Tourists flocked in Bantay Abot Cave as they climbed and take beautiful photos.

A closer look of the hole in the rock formation.

The view of the sea from the Bantay Abot Cave.

Tourists are also enjoying the windy atmosphere in the area.

Literally means "a mountain with a hole", Bantay Abot is a not actually a cave, but it is a rock formation which has an opening formed by two leaning rocks after an earthquake hit the area during the 1980s. Furthermore, the cave-like rock archway faced the West Philippine Sea believed that it is a hill and it is eroded as years passed. 

Rocky shores from the cave.

The view of West Philippine Sea from Bantay Abot Cave.

The eroded part where the hole was formed seeing the coastlines of Pagudpud.

Less than a kilometer away from Bantay Abot Cave is the Timmangtang Rock. Locals believed that it is the lover of Bantay Abot Cave separated from each other. These two majestic nature sculptures are not just hidden gems in Pagudpud, but also showcasing the natural beauty of its coastal town with the landscapes and sceneries.

The panoramic view of Patapat Viaduct taken from DSLR Camera.

The Patapat Viaduct connecting the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley.

Few kilometers away from Bantay Abot Cave, we visited the Patapat Viaduct located at the northwesternmost tip of Luzon Island. Crossing the Pasaleng Bay and connecting the towns of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and Santa Praxedes, Cagayan. The bridge is 1.3 kilometers long and elevated 31 meters above sea level.

The Patapat Viaduct offers a view of Pasaleng Bay, Pagudpud.

Tourists enjoy the view of the bay, having that accomplishment of reaching the tip of Luzon.

From the mountainside to the sea Patapat Viaduct offers that view with an achievement.

The visit to Patapat Viaduct gives a satisfying feeling, reaching the northernmost tip of Mainland Luzon with the view of steep, verdant mountainside and the vast, blue sea connected by concrete bridge. 

Enjoying the Patapat Viaduct with iskrambol.

Tourists having a good time with their stay in the bridge. 

Moreover, the place is one of the must-haves in visiting Ilocos Norte because of the achievement in making it to the northernmost tip of Ilocos Region which can be treasured and shared with family and friends. Besides, I've got a chance to buy iskrambol (shaved ice with evaporated milk topped with sago pearls and chocolate syrup) in Patapat Viaduct.

While traveling, there are also windmills in Pagudpud which can be found in Caparispisan Wind Farm which is also another promising tourist destination in the place, scattered along the mountains in the town.

Therefore, Pagudpud tour gives a great feeling of accomplishment of reaching the northwesternmost tip of Mainland Luzon, seeing majestic rock formations, having the summer vibe in the fine sand beaches and dipping in the blue waters. Despite of long, winding drive in the mountainous highways, everything is all worth it with its beautiful destination.

Date of Travel: April 26, 2025