Hi Steemians! If you can remember, Day 1 was about religious and historic sites in Paoay and Laoag. This time, let’s explore bodies of water in Pagudpud!
[9:00 AM] We hit the road at around 8:30am going to Patapat Viaduct.
The viaduct was a project under the Marcos administration and is believed that its architectural design was inspired by Imelda’s free flowing skirt. 😍
Additionally, the bridge was built beside the Cordillera mountains and the South China Sea which means we were at the top most part of Luzon.
Patapat Viaduct is a coastal resort town on the northernmost tip of Luzon Island in the Philippines. It connects the Maharlika Highway in Laoag to Cagayan Valley.
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[9:25] At the other end of Patapat is Paraiso ni Anton.
Paraiso ni Anton
Locals believe that the water that drips down to the hillside of Paraiso ni Anton contain some healing energy. They believe that drinking the water will cure their mild ailments and in some cases, even the severe ones.
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Souvenirs are also available in the area such as shirts, bracelets, local delicacies, and more!
[10:00 AM] We spent most of our time in Blue Lagoon or as they call it, the “Boracay of the North”. And this is where we really had the chance to bond with the group, I mean, really talk to them ng matagal. Turns out, majority were actually from Mindanao! Hahaha small world, ey? If I haven’t mentioned, there were 13 of us in the group including Kuya Jay, our driver/photographer/tourist guide/lahat na haha! Actually, 10(& a half) out of 13 understands Bisaya. Yay!
Blue Lagoon (Boracay of the North)
Its fine white sand is not white sand entirely. It is actually a combination of fine coarse sand and off-white rainy sand giving it a quality that may be similar to that in Boracay.
Blue Lagoon is called so because of its waters’ bluish tint. Its waters are pretty calm as well that you can earnestly swim to your heart’s desire. The entire area is also calm and serene allowing you to enjoy every minute of your stay without any distractions.
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Tita Nao and Tita Ruth really wanted to try the zipline(which costs around Php700 if I'm not mistaken) but due to the strong wind, they were not allowed to do so. So we just enjoyed swimming at the beach!
The moody weather also spared us a sunscreen! XD
[11:50 AM] After staying for more than an hour at the beach, we went to Bantay Abot Cave.
Bantay Abot Cave
Bantay abot cave is not really a cave but a hill that was wrecked by an earthquake in the 80's leaving a hole in the middle. The top of the cave is covered with lush green vegetation thus adding the beauty of the cave. To get to the interior of the cave, one need to go down a few concrete staircase and a rocky part going up to the hole.
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But, we still weren't able to get a closer look at the cave coz the sea water is already high when we got there.
[12:30 PM] It's lunch time!!!
Even with the huge crowd at K&G Restaurant, we were able to save a seat for everyone (but of course, we waited for the others to finish hahaha)
They serve a lot of dishes! (but before you order, watch out for the price hehehe)
[1:20 PM] Just in front of the resto is Timmangtang Rock.
It's a large bell-shaped rock where it got it name (Timmangtang is an imitation of the sound of a large bell)
Timmangtang Rock
In a little town of Pagudpud, a love story unfold that endured the test of time. No crashing waves nor lashing winds can stop them from seeing a glimpse of each other everyday. This is the love story of a man and woman who fell in love a long time ago in the rocky coast of Baloi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The legend of Bantay Abot Cave (as the woman) and Timmangtang Rock (as the man) began. Together they are called the Lover's Rock.
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[1:40 PM] Next we had to hike a 30-minute trail to Kabigan Falls.
It wasn't actually as exhausting as it sounds coz the views were extremely breathtaking (which makes you forget that you're walking for minutes)!
Kabigan Falls
The waterfall is approximately 87-feet high and the water drops into a concave basin. Everyone can swim but I have to warn you — it’s cold. But for many who got too tired walking, swimming and enjoying its water can be quite a refreshing treat!
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[4:10 PM] This was actually not included in the itinerary but our guide let us experience the raging waves in (huhu I totally forgot the name of the place T.T)
Anyway, this' where Tita Ruth lost one of her slippers and Grace killed her phone! Hahaha
[4:30] We went straight to our last destination (which is not included in the itinerary as well) and arrived at "Batanes of the North". The view was totally spectacular and we felt like we were really in Batanes!
Batanes of the North
Giant waves were crashing onto the large rocks
But of course, Day 2 won't be complete without a groufie!
Thank you for reading and see you on Day 3 of our Ilocos Region escapade!
See you around,
Glaze 💕