Pagudpud: Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and Patapat Viaduct

The next stop was the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. We were dropped off at the parking area to take a tricycle for 20 pesos to get to the lighthouse. The road was winding, an uphill climb. in a deeply forested area. This National Historical Landmark (2004)  was built during the Spanish period and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Philippines. The amazing thing is this lighthouse is still operational. Entrance fee is 30 pesos each. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public but you can climb to its surrounding area and catch a stunning view of the town. Be warned: there are many stairs to climb so be careful.

The Patapat Viaduct is the 5th longest bridge in the Philippines. This zigzag road stretches 1.3 kilometers long along the coast and is 31 meters above sea level. An architectural feat as it was carved out of the mountainous range and created to avoid landslides which would cut off travel between towns for days. It connects the tip of the Ilocos region to the Cagayan Valley area. When we were there though,  not a single vehicle passed through the bridge. So I wonder if it serves it purpose. Our pictures taken at eye level don't do it justice but I don't have a drone to capture it properly. LOL

Stunning view of Pasaleng Bay

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte: Day 2

We were given two choices for our tour transport - either by tricycle or a private car. I decided it was safer to go for the private car even if it was more costly. So after an early breakfast, we were ready for our 7:30 AM tour. I picked the attractions which I deemed were accessible and less time consuming because we were to check out from the hotel at noon.

Beef Tapa with egg breakfast

Evangeline's breakfast plate

Our first stop - Bangui Wind Farm. A 10 minute drive from Pagudpud is the town of Bangui. We were driven to a rough road where we had to go down a few steep unpaved stairs to see the imposing windmills. The 20 units of 70 meters high wind turbines are lined along a 9 km stretch of the coast.

It was another really hot day so I was sweating profusely when we got back to the car to get to our next attraction - The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos. We were required to pay 40 pesos as some environmental fee at the gate. It was a good thing I was wearing comfy shoes. One needs to climb down several steep stairs and then walk on a dirt path under the blazing sun to see the creamy white and streamlined limestone formation which was 'sculpted' by the weather and oceanic forces of nature. 

The rock formation is situated on a rocky portion and is nestled on the sea so it is not accessible by foot but we can admire its natural beauty from a safe distance.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

You can go further into the path to get to the other side where you can explore the white limestone formations. But be careful as you will be walking on rocky and uneven surfaces which can be a bit slippery.

Aside from the rock formation, I like how you can still see the windmills looming in all its imposing grandeur. 

Day 1: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

On our way to our final destination, we came across an old church in the town of Bacarra. The historic Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle is a cultural landmark which was built in 1593 by the Augustinian friars. It was declared as a Natural Cultural Treasure in 1973 by President Marcos. It is known for its 'domeless' belfry which is detached from the main church building. The entire dome was toppled and destroyed during the 1983 Luzon earthquake. It was an imposing sight to behold as the exterior/ facade still retained its vintage look while the interiors was reinforced with steel roofing during its renovation in 1986. I am glad we dropped by to say a prayer for our journey.

Bacarra Church and the domeless belfry

St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Bacarra

We knew we were close when the gigantic windmills of Bangui were in plain sight. Standing tall like some alien lighting system although I can attest that during the night time it isn't illuminated, at all.

It was already almost 4 P.M when we reached our hotel. It was too late for a tour so we simply had a relaxing day at the beach in time for the sunset and capped the long day with an early dinner at the restaurant of the resort.

Most of the resorts are located on Saud beach and they don't have websites for online booking. You either email or call them and they require you to deposit your reservation in a bank before they can confirm your booking.  They have FB pages but most of them didn't reply to all my FB messenger queries.

But I persevered and got lucky, I found a place that not only replied promptly to all my emails but also accept Paypal payments for booking. Much more convenient + the room was spacious with two queen beds, a big toilet and bath with a balcony to hang your wet clothes.  My only complaint is that the aircon was not cold at all, so I requested for an electric fan. It was the height of summer so it was scorching hot!