The Outdoors

My Top 3 Summer Spots in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

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Pagudpud is like margarita, best enjoyed in the summer months at the beach.

This town is roughly 10 to 12 hours from Manila by land travel. It certainly isn’t the easiest of commute to start with. You need to have a solid reason to spend summer here. The plethora of white sand beaches in the Philippines presents a stiff competition. You won’t be out of options that’s for sure. So, why endure a trip to Pagudpud? Read on and my top spots might be able to sway you to spend the hottest part of summer in the extreme north of the country.

  1. Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

The most striking feature of Saud beach is the free panoramic view of Bangui Wind Farm from the shore. On a clear day, you can perfectly see the turbines spinning in the distance. How cool is that?

Like most stunning beaches in the country, Saud beach has long white sandy shore fringed with palm trees.

It’s nice to know that the local government prohibits the construction of hotels or restaurants near the shore. As a result, walking on this beach feels like being transported to the time when most Philippine beaches are devoid of modern conveniences.

 

Saud Beach

 

It’s a sweltering day here. My love/hate relationship with summer heat is real.

 

But the crystal clear waters of Saud beach is so gorgeous you won’t be able to resist.

 

Can you spot the wind turbines in the distance?

 

It’s probably 12 o’clock but we don’t seem to mind.

 

Despite my protective gears, I still turned several shades darker. You Pagudpud, you

 

My hibiscus and this paradise

 

The most magical moment of course is when the sun is about to set. It is always amazing to see the sky blazes into vibrant eye-catching shades in just a matter of minutes.

 

A Malibu Sunset drink?

 

2. Bangui Wind Farm, Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Having seen them several times in photos, I thought they would just be an ordinary thing to see. But nothing prepared me for their elegance as they move with the wind. They tower over roads and beaches and behave like a beacon of beauty.

 

Perspective

 

At daytime the sand here will fry your toes

 

You can go barefoot as the sand cools nearing sundown

 

Bangui Wind Farm, Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

 

Those rotating propellers are reminiscent of helicopters hovering in the sunset in war movies. Absolutely a very dramatic scene.

 

3. Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud, Ilocos, Norte, Philippines

It’s far. The ride goes on forever. The heat is uncomfortable. That’s coming from someone who loves beaches in summer. So, why go here?

It is the only beach I can recall with the most vivid blue color. It’s unusual in its intensity.

Its coconut-lined access road (beyond Hannah’s) is ideal for strolling. I found my perfect reading spot in one of the trees.

 

My spot

 

I mostly stayed at the shaded part of the whole stretch of Blue Lagoon

 

It doesn’t have a sandy shoreline

 

Hannah’s resort (more like a village in size which pretty much occupies the better part of the lagoon) and its neighbor resorts are probably the only areas where you can swim safely.

 

Taking a shade in one of the cottages along Blue Lagoon.

 

Beyond Hannah’s, you can pick any of the numerous homestay accommodations here.

 

Farther along is Kapuluan Vista Resort. They have pretty surfboards for rent if surfing is your thing.

 

Dried fish for breakfast at Kapuluan Vista for 2 days in a row. Yeah it was delicious!

 

My abaniko was every bit as useful as the air conditioning in our room to keep us cool in Pagudpud.

 

So, why spend your summer in Pagudpud? Need I really say more?

Pagudpud is a real charm. It holds a raw and undiluted beauty that is fast becoming a rarity.

 

Traveled May 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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