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:
Wow...this looks like a paradise that I would love to live in! Gorgeous photos!
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
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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Nice to see that the Blue Lagoon really is blue...or is still blue. It's very lovely!
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!
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.
Wow! That is a beautiful place !
Looks very pristine and relaxing!
That is a wonderful paradise.
Wow, that is definately paradise! Gorgeous photos ;D
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"
You visit such beautiful places. Looks like a dreamland. Lovely scenic shots and the food platter... yummmm....
True to its name, the waters are blue! The clouds and sky in the background make the scenery so inviting!
Lovely!
Looks liek a beautiful place.
Beautiful series
Have a nice week,
Greetings, Bram
My Word Tuesday post
Seen on My World Tuesday
What a magical, lovely and peaceful hideaway! Just glorious!
It seems to be a pleasant place.
Great shots.
greetings
what a wonderful world!!!
Your world is a paradise! Your world is very wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
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.
a world of paradise!
Beautiful beach. Very inviting.
Very beautiful and serene! I hope too that it won't be spoiled by over-development.
what a heavenly place!
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....
i like!!!!! am an avid fan of this blog...keep it up Miraluna!!! hehehe...
What a fantastic post. You put a lot of energy into that. Text and photographs are wonderful.
(1jo.co)
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