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
Before coming to Pagudpud, I dutifully made my research on the must-see tourist spots. I was also able to get the contact number of a tricycle driver who usually gives tours around the place.
The Banggui Windmills are already visible from the Saud beach
Waiting for the fishermen early in the morning
(Banggui Windmills at the background)
I really wanted to be able to see the Banggui Windmills and the Bojeador Lighthouse, but these are not part of the original itinerary of Mang Joseph since these 2 are a bit far already, specially the lighthouse. Good thing that he was flexible enough to accommodate my request, though with an additional fee (of course!). At first I tried haggling a bit, but he just said “Cge, maam, mag-tour muna tayo tapos bahala na kayo kung magkano bigay nyo.” Well, at the end of our trip, I gave him Php1,100…it was worth every penny! Read on how the tour went!
Windmills upclose
Prior to my trip, I already reserved a room at Polaris. 1k is good enough, but I know I could get a cheaper one if it wasn’t peak season. The staff of Polaris were very friendly. The posts I read about this place and their staff were indeed true!
Polaris Rest House: where I stayed for 5 days (Tuesday to Saturday)
Contact: Mean Santos (0919-3078803)
Cost: Php 1,000.00/night
*To its right is the Municipal Beach and to its left is the Saud Beach Resort
*Highly recommended place to stay
How to get there: Ride a tricycle (Cost: Php 30.o0) from the Sentro
(where the market and munisipyo are)
My cozy room
View from the 2nd Floor of Polaris
Just a few meters away is the beach already
Duyan right outside the Polaris Rest House
Nice place to make tambay while reading a book or for napping
Souvenir vendors lined up along the pathway going to the beach front
The Florida Bus Terminal (Contact Number: 731-4473) going to Pagudpud is located at Lacson Avenue near UST. The bus departed the terminal at around 9:30 pm. What I love about this bus is that it has its own CR! The Php 600 bus fare (one way) is worth it because of this feature (and of course their spacious leg room in between row seats.
It was quite a long trip. I was able to sleep for quite awhile, waking up every now and then when the road is bumpy or passing through a winding road. But I enjoyed the bus ride looking at sceneries and just contemplating on certain things. I’d read a book every now and then as well to pass time.
View by the road (Ilocos Norte)
*At this point of the bus trip you can already have a glimpse
of the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse from afar
Pagudpud Welcome Arch
*Finally! …after almost 12hours of bus trip and 3 stop-overs!
Since it was a weekday I guess there weren’t too many people travelling,
thus by the time we got to Pagudpud I was the only passenger left in the bus!
