It is because of these pictures that I am more determined to learn more about photography. I feel very blessed to have been able to capture these beautiful pictures, despite the point-and-shoot style. Hopefully I’ll be able to hone my skills and be able to optimize the manual settings of my digicam so I could capture better pictures. Because of these pictures I am also more determined to be able to travel to other beautiful places in our country and out.
Before heading back to Polaris, I asked Mang Joseph if we could stop over Kapuluan to check out the place. I actually had reservations there but since I find it hard to go home if coming there, I decided otherwise and just stayed at Polaris.
Kapuluan Beach Resort near Blue Lagoon
with an infinity pool
From the Blue Lagoon (Maira-ira Point), one could already see the Dos Hermanos Islands. One can rent a boat to visit those islands.
Dos Hermanos Island view from the Blue Lagoon
Dos Hermanos Islands upclose
This is where they get the gam-et
Last stop in the itinerary is the blue lagoon.
It was such a nice place! Although there were some sea weeds by the shore since it rained the past night. The waves were also a bit strong, but that didn’t stop the other people from enjoying the clean and clear water.
I love that this place is not that yet commercialized. I guess what just turned me off is the lack of clean shower rooms nearby.
Blue Lagoon is located at the Maira-ira point which is the northernmost tip of Luzon
We went near the Bantay-abot cave. I was surprised when Mang Joseph said that we’ll be going up to the hole! I admit being scared since it was high tide and the path that we’ll be passing by is already reached by the slapping waves. Who wouldn’t be scared of floating off to the south china sea!
Bantay-abot cave means: mountain with a hole
I was really grateful that Mang Joseph encouraged me to still go up (or else I would probably regretting it for the rest of my life). He offered to carry my bag so that I’d be able to move more freely and offering his hand everytime the path seemed slippery. Sometimes we’d stop to avoid getting hit by the waves.
Next stop was the Timmangtang Rock, a bell-shaped rock located along the seacoast of Sitio Gaoa, Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Not far away from the Timmangtang Rock is the Bantay-abot Cave. They are collectively known as the “Lover’s Rock”. The Timmangtang Rock is the male rock and the Bantay-abot Cave the female…see the pictures to understand why.
A few meters away from the Agua Grande River Park is Paraiso ni Anton which is said to have miraculous water. A lot of people stop over here to get a sip from this drinkable flowing water. Some others get water from here to put into their vehicles.
Paraiso ni Anton
Natural drinking water
Just near the end of the Patapat Viaduct is Agua Grande River Park where one can swim from the fresh water from the mountains converging with the sea. I decided not to go down anymore and take a dip since I was actually a bit tired already and was actually a bit scared of the strong current.
Manang doing laundry
Mama Mary on top of a mountain (Across the road from the Agua Grande River Park)
Another must see when you take your Pagudpud trip is to drive along the Patapat Viaduct and get your picture taken by the road. The Patapat Viaduct is located at the foot of the North Cordillera Mountain Ranges overlooking the South China Sea. From here you can also see from the mountain across a certain tree which is said to be the borderline going to Cagayan. I dunno if Mang Joseph was pulling my leg, but I believed him. Hehe!
Patapat Viaduct
The long and winding bridge (around 1.2 kilometers)
Another must for me is to be able to visit the Bojeador Lighthouse. This is also not part of the original itinerary of Mang Joseph, but after being able to visit it I realized that what I paid Mang Joseph was all worth it! And besides I was able to do away with all the hassle of how to reach the place. I can’t even imagine walking up on the steep spiral road towards the lighthouse.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Situated on top of Vigia de Nagparitan Hill (Burgos Town)
Model of the lighthouse
