Monday, September 20, 2010

Blue Lagoon, Maira-ira Point [My World]



After an overnight stay at the Heritage Village in Vigan, we were eager to hit the beach.  The allure of a secluded, white sandy beach was enough to wake us up at the crack of dawn and drive 154 kilometers to Pagudpud.  It was a refreshing experience to constantly see the changing views--the verdant countryside, lush mountains, rivers and sea; clean, fragrant air to rejuvenate city-bred lungs, and the simple rustic life by the roadsides. I have seen the pristine beaches of Pagudpud more than a decade ago at Saud Beach Resort.  Saud offers first class accommodations while our destination this time was the rustic Blue Lagoon.

Blue Lagoon, locals say, used to be a secret hideaway. That maybe true, because when I visited this part of Ilocos Norte more than a decade ago, Pagudpud beach was synonymous to Saud Beach Resort.  But I guess the cerulean waters, this quiet haven behind the lush mountains was bound to be discovered by those who are seeking serenity and the simple joy of walking by the beach without being approached by vendors.


An uphill and winding single-lane road at the side of the mountain overlooking  Malingay Cove led us right to Blue Lagoon.  It's about 2.5 kilometers from the Maharlika Highway.   There are upscale resorts at the end of the road but we decided to stop at the bunch of huts we saw and decided to park here for the day.  
The placid, crystal clear water was a few meters away, the view was inviting, fresh water was abundant in the restrooms---we're in the right place.









No restaurants here, no ATM machines.  Good thing we bought our lunch along the way, at the town of Pasuquin---lechon manok (roasted chicken), pork adobo, sautéed ampalaya (bitter gourd) with egg, and dinengdeng (mixed vegetables with fish sauce soup base, a favorite dish in this region), steamed rice, some bananas and oranges, and bottled water.

A leisurely stroll by the beach relaxed my tired muscles.  The water and sand were pleasantly warm,  the breezes soft and fresh.


Aside from farming, locals make their living through fishing.  Tourism is also a growing industry.  But I hope the local government would maintain the idyllic and pristine beaches here, and not yield to the temptation of following Boracay's footsteps.


Pagudpud is a coastal town on the northernmost tip of Luzon, the last town of Ilocos Norte bounded to the east by Adams, the first town in the province of Cagayan.  It is 561 kilometers north of Manila, about 72 kilometers  north of Laoag City, the provincial capital.

It can be reached by land or by air (through Laoag International Airport).






This post is linked to My World-Tuesday

27 comments:

DoanLegacy said...

Wow...this looks like a paradise that I would love to live in! Gorgeous photos!

Sylvia K said...

What a gorgeous place! I could very happily spend hours on that beach! Superb captures as always and a marvelous post for the day! Enjoy your week!

Sylvia

Photo Cache said...

Oh what a delightful and enchanting little road trip that was. I love road trips even without a clear cut destination because the watching the passing and ever changing scenery relaxes me - but lo your road trip has the most amazing destination.

I'd like to take this same road trip when given the chance.

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EG CameraGirl said...

Nice to see that the Blue Lagoon really is blue...or is still blue. It's very lovely!

Penelope Notes said...

Those lovely sandy beaches in you photos look like perfection … as if mankind has never stepped on or touched the sandy shore. Very beautiful, indeed!

Al said...

Yehey, yehey! I was really delighted by your blog, hanggang batok ang ngiti habang binabasa ko ito. I know how exciting it was. For me my trip to that part of our country was an unforgettable one. I thought we stayed in the same cavanna.

Sidney said...

Wow! That is a beautiful place !
Looks very pristine and relaxing!

SandyCarlson said...

That is a wonderful paradise.

Kaori said...

Wow, that is definately paradise! Gorgeous photos ;D

genie said...

This looks to me just a little part of heaven. It is so pristine and so beautiful. Wish I could have made the little trip with you. The way you expressed your thoughts really put me right there with you. This post was so enjoyable to read after a long day at my school and a photo taking evening ride. Thanks for sharing.
You have a follower in me.

Hugs,
Genie @ "Climbing the Digital Mountain One Step at a Time” and" Buttons for Baga"

Indrani said...

You visit such beautiful places. Looks like a dreamland. Lovely scenic shots and the food platter... yummmm....

Ebie said...

True to its name, the waters are blue! The clouds and sky in the background make the scenery so inviting!

Lovely!

Jim said...

Looks liek a beautiful place.

BraCom said...

Beautiful series

Have a nice week,
Greetings, Bram

My Word Tuesday post

Seen on My World Tuesday

Anonymous said...

What a magical, lovely and peaceful hideaway! Just glorious!

Roberto Machado Alves said...

It seems to be a pleasant place.
Great shots.

greetings

magiceye said...

what a wonderful world!!!

Reader Wil said...

Your world is a paradise! Your world is very wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

escape said...

definitely one of the best beach in the country for its mountain backdrop but i was dismayed when i saw one concrete big structure in the area.

Unknown said...

a world of paradise!

Rajesh said...

Beautiful beach. Very inviting.

April said...

Very beautiful and serene! I hope too that it won't be spoiled by over-development.

Anonymous said...

what a heavenly place!

Unknown said...

wow....these images make me want to jump to the nearest blue water available, the water refilling station...if there could be places like that near Manila thats as "cerulean" and quite undeveloped...Go Luna! indulged and submerged....I am always a fan, an avid one....

Unknown said...

i like!!!!! am an avid fan of this blog...keep it up Miraluna!!! hehehe...

joco said...

What a fantastic post. You put a lot of energy into that. Text and photographs are wonderful.
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