DAY THREE: Ilocos Norte, Here We Come!
 |
| Ayusin mo Kuya!!! |
Trying Henna Tattoo this time is the highlight of our third day tour. Though we already explored Ilocos Norte on the second day. We managed to end our trip on the beautiful white sand beach of Pagudpud.
Thanks to iTravel Philippines for accommodating us to the tour. Yes, we selected a pre-arranged tour by a third party provider. We were lucky enough to pay quality and affordable services to them. Check out my expenses in this post.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Originally, we are from Cotabato City but our flight departed from Davao City. There are quite some flights that will get us to the Metro via Cotabato City (with Cebu Pac and PAL), however, most of the destinations promos would depart from Davao City, we manage to get our ticket worth 1332.00 back and forth via Ceb Pac to Metro Manila. Promo flights would usually depart on the midnight and early morning. Cotabato to Davao fare would cost 300-350 php, ask the driver to dropped you in Matina to take a cab/taxi direct to the airport (300php).
via Davao: take the flight directly to Manila with transfer flights to Ilocos via PAL.
via Manila: take the 10 PM bus bound for Laoag at Partas Cubao and arrived around 8 AM. Deluxe ticket is Php 965 and First Class is Php 797, and you can opt this and try the 45 minute flight or private vehicle to Laoag via PAL.
Tip: In Manila there are a lot of tour agency that would offer best packages at a cheapest cost, you can choose to go in to a private tour or joiners tour, for us we settled in a joiner tour.
Let's Begin!
Setting the day tour in the famous Patapat Viaduct in the Municipality of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. "The bridge is elevated 31 meters over sea level. It is a concrete coastal bridge 1.3 km long and connects the Maharlika Highway from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley Region. The viaduct was constructed by Hanil Development Co. Ltd. under the overall management of DPWH-PMO-PJHK and was completed and opened to traffic in October 1986. It rises along the town's coastal mountains, which is the starting point of the Cordillera Mountain Range that snakes through Northern Luzon. It is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines".
 |
| Jump shot. Patapat Viaduct, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte |
Then, we went directly to the Bantay Abot Cave, not really a cave but a hill that was wrecked by an earthquake in the 80's leaving a hole in the middle. The top of the cave is covered with lush green vegetation thus adding the beauty of the cave. To get to the interior of the cave, one need to go down a few concrete staircase and a rocky part going up to the hole.
 |
| Oooops. Not the front hole tho. hehehehe |
From the inside of the hole one can see the blue waters of Maira-ira beach or Blue Lagoon and on the other side of the hole is the Timangtang Rock - a bell-shaped rocked in the coast of Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Apart from the view, one could also enjoy the melodious sound of the swallow birds chirping and the echoing waves as it hits the shore.
 |
| Here I am enjoying my Ice Candy. |
Now, If you want a beach spot that is not flocked by many people like that of Boracay, then the Blue Lagoon also known as Maira-Ira Point of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is the perfect spot for you. It is said that Blue Lagoon is one the most beautiful beaches of the North.
However, we were not ready enough to bring some swimming outfits but instead we enjoyed our selves through relaxing under the cottage while eating ice candy. hehehe. Then we attempted our first Henna Tattoo. It was not what I expected for Kuya to make though. lol. But thank you for the service.
 |
| Vigan City |
 |
| Pasalubong. Key Chains. Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. |
Then, we went back for a 30 minute tour and bought some pasalubong in Vigan City before heading off to Manila and catch our flight back to Davao City at 2am the next day.
You can check may complete 3D2N trip and itinerary in Ilocos here.
If you have questions about our trip. You may comment it down.
Love,
Cotabateña Wanderer
Comments
Post a Comment