The 10-hour ride from the heart of Manila to the tip of Luzon left me pondering about the origin of its name and within that 10-hour period, I found myself equating the trip to: Pagud + Pudpud = Pagudpud? Needless to say, the long stretch of pristine crystal-like white sand and clear blue water which esteems the sun in the azures is enough temptation for anyone with the gusto. What they’re about to experience here in Pagudpud would really make them go gaga for more.
Our crew pitched a tent at Saud Beach and camped for the entire night. It’s a government-owned resort in the town of Saud which has just about enough charm to lure any jetsetter to take the place as their refuge. You will always find people in Saud Beach. Most are locals, and some are tourists who would normally teem around a tent, in a marshmallow bonfire, with a warm blanket or a cold beer in hand. If you’re looking for seclusion, you can always search for your own isolated haven. Bury yourself in solitude just by exploring the farthest depths of the place and unraveling the mystery of the uninhabited part of the Pagudpud beach.
Here are some famous tourist spots in Pagudpud that you shouldn’t miss to visit.
Patapat Viaduct
At the foot of the cliff of the North Cordillera Mountain Range is the 12-km winding bridge known as the Patapat Bridge, popularly known as the French Riviera of the North. This is said to be the third longest bridge in the Philippines. At the upper part of the cliff, one can still see the etched foot bridge that was the only link between Ilocos and Cagayan Valley in the 1960's.
Kabigan Falls
One of the favorite destinations in Pagudpud is Kabigan Falls. It’s a 120 feet high mountain with water flowing freely into Kabigan’s famous basin-like pool. There’s trekking for 20 minutes before you get to the spell binding view of the falls but it could take longer if you get distracted shooting photos of the awesome view on the way. It’s one of the most relaxing journey I’ve ever done where anyone would really commune with nature. Sources say that there are 9 more infamous falls above the tip of Kabigan Falls’ surface and it will take 2 days for one to reach the summit. Only a few of the locals were able to climb it.
Maira-Ira Beach
Also known as Blue Lagoon, Maira-ira is another one of Pagudpud’s special treat to sophisticated beach bums. They have one of the nicest beach in Pagudpud. It’s also a perfect training ground for amateur surfers with its occasional big waves but friendly ones. There are no available hotels in Blue Lagoon so tourists will have to find a place to stay at nearby beach resorts.
What I love about Pagudpud is that, it’s not too commercialized. No hassles of distracting vendors scattered around unlike those in other beaches. You can just stay off-guard all day, free from the maniacs and muggers. The only few things to worry about is how not to get sunburned or not to fall asleep when the sun sets. You just can’t miss to witness one of the most divine sceneries ever existed. I just loved the Pagudpud Sunset! The whole heavenly experience just makes that 10-hour drive all worth it!
