Pagudpud Ilocos Norte

3 brave souls excitedly set the date, April 12, 2013-- explore, conquer, savour and feel the vibrant and fascinating beauty of Ilocos Norte!

After almost a year of planning and planning and planning again, finally we are ready to conquer the North! 

So, how we get there? Originally, plan was to meet up @cubao and take the Florida Bus, however, Florida Bus going to Pagudpud (direct trip) are all coming from their Sampaloc Terminal.

From GV Florida Bus station located @Earnshaw corner Lacson Espanya in Sampaloc, we took a bus going to Pagudpud. we took the 7PM trip so that we will be arriving the earliest time possible.

(Note: there's 2 scheduled direct trip from Manila-Pagudpud. 7PM and 9PM) sidenote's: Brenn was so amazed upon seeing Florida Buses. geee! it was PINK! with flowers design all over.LOL)

(saktong lamig ng aircon, nice reclined seats and ohh yeah a Comfort Room--na 'di ko na'try gamitin.i was busy snoring the whole trip).  

Tip: Travel at late at night. t is much faster to travel at night due to less traffic, and you can just sleep through-out the duration of the trip. You’ll arrive at your destination in the morning, and have plenty of time to explore the place.

Left Manila at 7pm arrived at pagudpud @ 6am. Slept through the 10 hours and finally! Welcome PAGUDPUD! We got off from the bus in front of Pagudpud Municipal Hall where numerous tricycles are waiting to be hired. I have to commend whoever is handling the tourism of Ilocos because their tricycle drivers can act as part tour guide with a complete package rates of their tours. Everything's standard by the way so you can never feel like you're getting ripped off. good job Ilocanos! :) 

was so delighted seeing their town plaza and municipal hall. parang Gahhhhhd andito na nga kami sa  PAGUDPUD! 

From Pagudpud town plaza, we boarded a trike  going to SAUD BEACH.We checked in at Madrid Beach resort which is located at Saud Beach. I have nothing but praises for Saud Beach. The public beach that is comparable if not way better than the private beaches of Shangri-la or even Boracay. Trust me it's so clean, fine white sand, long shores, clear waters... and it's PUBLIC! No freaking entrance fees! I think this is the best beach for me, so far. I have nothing but praises for the beach and their management! In fact I have nothing but praises for Ilocos Norte.

Life's a beach! hayss If only I could have the beach for my room and the sand for my bed.

                                           The Northern tour started with..     

@Patapat Viaduct

                                                     our next stop is..

@Agua GrandeThen off to the Nature Spring we go! PARAISO NI ANTON.

@Paraiso ni Anton

we then proceed to: dos hermanas, bantay abot cave and tigmangtang rock

@dos hermanas, bantay abot cave and tigmangtang rock

We headed  to the  fascinating BLUE LAGOON! Gahhhhddd!   

Hello there Blue Lagoon!

@Hannah's Convention located at Blue Lagoon

          
We ended our North trip by Trekking a 30 minute trek going to falls, passing through rice fields and rivers. Hey there Nature!!!!

@Kabigan Falls

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The north tour was amazingly exhausting, yet it  was fun-filled and worth it! 

How to get here:

Take a bus bound for Laoag. Travel time is 10-12 hours. Several bus companies such as Partas, GV Florida Transport, Dominion Bus Lines, Philippine Rabbit and Fariñas Transit have regular trips that will take you directly to Laoag City. Check out their websites for the trip schedules.

XOXO

GV Florida bus fare (Cubao to Pagudpud): P700
tricycle from Town Plaza to Saud  Beach: P50
Breakfast  : P150 each
Madrid Resort (room w/ aircon, own CR) : P500/pax
Northern tour attractions: P600 package
Lunch: around P250
Entrances and Fees and Tips: almost  P200
Empanada: P35each
Groceries and Dinner and Drinks: around  P350