Pagudpud Tourist Attractions

The coastal town of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte is famous for its long stretch of pristine beaches minus the crowd and commercialism. Also boasting man-made attractions, it is a beautiful coexistence of nature and architecture.

First SEA Wind Farm

To begin with, this bucolic municipality happens to have the first ever wind farm in Southeast Asia. Located in the neighbouring town of Bangui, the gigantic windmills are truly a majestic sight to behold. Lining up all in a row along a rugged coastline, you can watch these wind turbines from afar or get real close for free.

We had a great time taking photos but it was too windy (of course) and the heat was brutal so best to wear a hat with elastic bands and put on plenty of sunscreen. People there are friendly and you can also dine on some local delicacies like bagnet. There are also souvenir shops where you can buy miniature turbines, key chain, and more.

Stunning Rock Formations

Next, marvel at nature's great architectural masterpieces. The roaring sea currents combined with the strong wind have sculpted limestone walls for years to reveal stunning rock formations.

The best place to see this is at Kapurpurawan in Burgos, south of Pagudpud. We recommend going in the morning as the sun can be merciless and the trek is a bit challenging. However, you do have an option to ride a horse for only PHP100.

Meanwhile, Bantay Abot Cave in Barangay Balaoi do not require long walks but you do need to go down some steep steps. It is not a cave per se since nature has carved a hole into it but the view of the sea is worth the PHP20 entrance fee. Just a few meters away is Timmangtang Rock which had us feeling a bit sentimental since it looked kinda lonely sitting there by the shore.

Burgos Lighthouse

While you're here, do a side trip to Burgos Lighthouse for a little bit of cultural heritage. Built in the late 1800's, it is one of the prettiest lighthouses in the country. There is an entrance fee of PHP20 and you'll need to climb up some steps but the panoramic view from the top is just amazing. If you're feeling lazy, you can hire a tricycle that can carry up to 3 people for only PHP10. The museum is a bit lacklustre but the surrounding seascape alone is worth the stop.

Beach Time

Grab your swimsuits because it's time to hit the beach! Do not miss Saud Beach for its turquoise water and fine creamy sand. Locals call it the Boracay of the North sans the crowd, enterprising individuals, over-development, and nonstop partying. The cleanliness and serenity of the place really allowed us to slow down and enjoy each and every moment. The view of the windmill from here, the sunrise, and the sunset are simply breath-taking. If you're not staying nearby, you can access the public side of the beach for a small entrance fee of PHP20 and perhaps rent a cottage for PHP250.

Just as popular is Maira-ira Beach or the Blue Lagoon, named after the fact that the water stays blue no matter what time of year, even during the rainy season. The beach however is more suitable for surfing due to big waves. The only thing that turned us off a bit is a hotel's half-hearted attempt at a theme park resulting to some garish cartoon statues that seemed out of place.

Patapat Viaduct

Lastly, get off Patapat Viaduct for another postcard perfect scene as the winding bridge embraces the mountain on one side, and offers a breath-taking view of Pasaleng Bay on another. At 1.128 kilometre long, it is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines and is truly a magnificent feat of engineering.