Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
One of the must-see attractions in Burgos, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation will absolutely make you appreciate the wonders of what our nature can do. Kapurpurawan comes from the Ilocano word “puraw” which means white. It is evident why it was named that way because the rock formations are mostly creamy white in color.
It wasn’t created by humans, Kapurpurawan were sculpted by forces of wind and waves from the ocean and the weather conditions as well. Exquisite, isn’t it? You will be welcomed by its own windmills upon arriving on this place. You would not see the rock formations unless you go down the path and go for a little trek.
Do not worry if you are not a fan of walking for there are locals who offer a horseback ride for you to see the whole place. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is even a perfect place for picture taking sessions! The smooth limestone and the view of the ocean are just so enticing. And oh, don’t forget to eat lots of Ilocos empanada before you leave this place!
Pagudpud
The home of picture postcard locations! Find out why:
Bangui Windmills
The Bangui Windmills wind farm is recognized as the largest in Southeast Asia and sells power via Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC). The expected life span of the wind generation equipment is 21 years.
The Northwind Bangui Bay Project estimates that 56,788 tons of CO2e (tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) of greenhouse gasses will be reduced per year for the duration of the project activity. That’s 1.2 million tons of CO2!
This gives Ilocos Norte when combined with hydro-electric power generation, one of the lowest carbon emission footprints in Asia and certainly within developed or developing countries. The towers are an impressive 60 meters high and are located just 10 meters from the sea edge. Each wind turbine is capable of producing electricity up to a maximum capacity of 1.65MW. (Source: http://www.pagudpud-ilocos.com/)
Dubbed as the Megastructure of the North, Bangui Windmills is one of the most sought locations of the tourists when visiting Ilocos. These windmills are usually what Ilocos is known for; for when people think of Ilocos, it’s automatic that the windmills are what they have in mind.
These are a renewable source of energy which powers 40% of the entire province. It’s a mind-blowing structure to see, I usually see it in pictures and postcards before but it’s a different experience when you finally see it in person. Undeniably an unbelievable structure to look at.
Patapat Bridge
Probably one of the most scenic and most photographed bridges in Ilocos Norte for it offers the breathtaking view of Pasaleng Bay; where Luzon Sea merges with the South China Sea. This bridge connects Ilocos Norte to Cagayan Valley Region; it is 1.3 kilometers long and is elevated at 102 feet above the sea level. It was said to be constructed as a solution for the landslides in the area that caused many vehicular accidents in the past.
So if you’re heading to Pagudpud, don’t forget to stop at this bridge and make sure to have your photo taken.
Pagudpud Beach
Also known as the “Boracay of the North”, Pagudpud beaches often compared to Boracay because of the same pure white sand it has. But since Boracay is much commercialized now, it is said that Pagudpud is what once Boracay was.
We were introduced to Hannah’s Blue Lagoon and Resort, situated in front of the famous Blue Lagoon (Maira-ira Beach) where it offers an exclusive feel of the beach as this one is more secluded than the others.
There are lots of activities available here like banana boat, ATV, Jet Ski, snorkeling, the famous zipline (for Php 900) that will help you see more of the beauty of the whole blue lagoon, and etc. There are lots of accommodations from cheap ones to luxury ones that will make you fall in love with Pagudpud.
As mentioned before, the weather was a bit gloomy when we went there but it didn’t stop us to enjoy the beauty of each place. Pagudpud beach is definitely a beauty you should put on your list!
Bantay Abot Cave
Aside from Kapurpurawan rock formation, Ilocos Norte has another majestic rock formation which is the Bantay Abot Cave. This cave was not really a cave before, it was just a rocky hill and because of the earthquake that happened before, it resulted as one of the sought tourist attractions in this town.
Bantay Abot Cave means “a mountain with a hole”. It embraces the view of the sea but take note that this sea is not a good spot for swimming for it is very rocky and has strong waves that can sweep you off to the South China Sea!
Not far away from Bantay Abot Cave, you will see Timmangtang Rock which is a bell-shaped rock and is believed to be the other half of Bantay Abot Cave. Because of this, these two nature-formed wonders are called “Lover’s Rock”.
Laoag City and Laoag City Church and Belltower (Sinking Bell Tower)
The capital city of Ilocos Norte, from the derivation of the Ilocos word “lawag”, Laoag means light / brightness. According to history, Laoag has a clear and blue skyline that’s why it was given its name.
Laoag’s well-known landmark is its city church which is famously known as the Sinking Bell Tower. This structure is claimed to be one of the most solid and tallest bell tower in the Philippines. It is said to be a sinking bell tower for it sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch per year as it is too heavy and is located on a sandy foundation that is too soft to hold the tower. This massive 150-foot bell tower was also built by the Augustinians in 1612.
Foods to try:
Ilocos Empanada
Ilocos Empanada is similar to a thin taco that is fried to a crisp, with vegetable and meat filling. Don’t forget to pour Ilocos’ vinegar to add even more flavor to this amazing creation! Empanadas are everywhere in Ilocos so you have lots of chances to try this.
Pinakbet Pizza
Pinakbet is a special Filipino mixed vegetable recipe. So imagine how weird it is being on a pizza! Make sure you try and judge it yourself!
Ilocos Chichacorn
Take home lots of these! This is a crunchy corn kernel snack, a favorite snack to take home by the locals and tourists. There are lots of flavors to choose from too!
