It took me almost 3 hours to reach Bangui from Laoag. I took a non-airconditioned bus so it stops every kilometer or so to let-off or take-in passengers. It was still an enjoyable ride considering I got to see the Ilocos Norte country-side. There seem to be no integrated bus terminal for buses going to the North side of Ilocos. You have to tell your tricycle driver to bring you the bus station of for Bangui-Pagudpud.
Since my objective is to explore the North-side I stayed for two nights at the Pagtarusan Lodge. It's right beside the highway in Poblacion Bangui. One cannot miss it. If you want to be sure, just tell the driver and the conductor of the bus about the lodge.
This is also where I took my meals during my stay. They serve the typical Ilocano dishes. The lodge do not have its restaurant.
While
having lunch in a carenderia near the town-gymanasium I meet a tricyle
driver who offered tour services for the Bangui and Pagudpud areas.
For
600 pesos a day, accredited tricycle drivers can bring you to North or
South side of the must see spots in the area. The tricycle can
accomodate 3 pax, excluding driver.
Bangui Windmills
The 20 windmills at the Bangui Bay are probably what define the town as one of the tourist destinations of the North. Even from the highway, they are already very visible, that one would be eager to go nearest to the structures - the closest possible.
A viewing deck can be found along the main highway where replicas of the windmills are sold as souvenirs, however, i bought my souvernir windmill from vendors at the Burgos Ligthouse which was cheaper. The prefect spot for viewing, however, is right along the shore.
Burgos (Cape Bojeador) Lighthouse
Standing on top of the Vigia de Nagparitan Hill, Burgos, Ilocos Norte, this light house is considered a cultural heritage structure of the region. It is overlooking the Cape Bojeador and South China Sea.
The tricycle parked at the small parking lot at the foot of the hill and I continued on foot to the entrance through a steep flight of concrete stairs.
There wasn't much visitors that time that the courtyard was almost empty. Stairs leading to the verandah are everywhere.
It is from the verandah that one sees the magnificent view of the landscape below and and the South China sea.
During the spanish era, the cape used to be very busy as galleons used to pass by. It has been more than a century since the lighthouse was erected and it is still fully functional — a beacon signaling to ships that they have entered the Philippine territory.
Accordingly, one is allowed to go up to the lantern room (the top-most area of the lighthouse) but again, not during that day. Well, the view from the verandah and the courtyard is more than enough for photo-ops and sight-seeing. A museum is found on the the building but was close.
I brought a few souvenirs items from the vendors at the base of the lighthouse. The items proved to be cheaper here than at Bangui.
Patapat Viaduct
This is my favorite among all places to I have been to in Ilocos Norte. The sheer grandeur of the structure is simply breathtaking! Imagine a bridge built at the foot/side of the North Cordillera Mountain Ranges and overlooking the Pasaleng Bay.
I have been to almost all places in the Philippines and I can't remember seeing a structure similir to this. A real engineering marvel. This is the fourth longest bridge in the country at 1.3 km long.
Aside from being a tourist attraction, the bridge elevated some 30 meters above sea level, has been strategically built to avoid accidents in this landslide prone area. Also found along the viaduct is the mini-hydro power plant, the Mabugabog Falls. There was no water however during my visit there.
Accordingly, during clear and sunny days, one can already see Taiwan from the horizon. I guess if one brings in a radio, maybe one can already tune-in into Taiwan's local radio stations. Whoa!
At the viaduct, it's like the mountain meeting the sea and the sea meeting the sky!
Bantay Abot Cave
A strange formation called Bantay Abot Cave can be found on the shores of Barangay Balaoi. It is not really a cave but a hill that was wrecked during an earthquake, leaving a hole in the middle.
Bantay
Abot was coined after the rock’s unusual characteristic. The name
literally translates to “mountain with a hole”. 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.
To get to the insides of the cave, one needs to go down through a steep concrete staircase and walk through some slippery rocks.The water surrounding the Bantay Abot Cave is not a good spot for swimming. The strong waves that washes the stony sides of the cave is scary. Maira-ira beach is the best place for swimming which is just a few kilometers from the cave.
Kabigan Falls
The falls is around 2km from the registration area where the the 30-40 minute trek starts. There is a 20 pesos per person entrance fee plus 100 pesos for your assigned tour guide. The guides are legit for they have formed some sort of cooperative.
Although the trail is mostly on flat muddy areas, there are also a few uphill climb which are also really easy to pass. The locals have designed the trail with the city-slickers in mind since even the hill-sides have handrails on them.
I did not stay long in the area. Just took a few shots then went back to the registration area where the tricycle is waiting. I've seen much better waterfalls...
Post Script.
Reasons to visit Ilocos again :
1. Visit Kapurpurawan Rock formation.
2. Explore Paoay.
3. Trace my Ilocano roots.
Dali!
Sama tayo ...
