June 15, 2021

Let's continue our travel to Luzon. Part 1 of this series is about the three main regions of the Philippines plus some tourist spots in the Northern part of Luzon. But if you haven't read the first part here is the link.

Places to visit in the Philippines - Part 1

We are still not done with our trip to Luzon so let's continue re-visiting the places that I've been.

Bolinao, Pangasinan

Bolinao is a town on the west coast of Luzon Island, in the northern Philippines. It is famous for its white sand, rock formations, falls, and the Cape Bolinao lighthouse. It is also called the "hidden jewel of the north" because of its untouched beaches and falls that are not yet that known to many. By the way, they also have a turtle sanctuary in a resort called secret paradise. It will take you about 10 hours drive from Manila if you want to go to Bolinao and they don't have many restaurants there because it is still not that well develop.

La Union

La Union is a province in the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region on the island of Luzon. Its capital is the city of San Fernando. La Union is a laid-back coastal town that is famous for its surfing spots but what not a lot of people know is that it’s also brimming with other natural and heritage attractions and cultural activities like red clay pottery, grape picking, loom weaving, churches for pilgrimage tours, waterfalls, and eco-tours. Though one thing I haven't done in La Union is the grape picking, but it's on my bucket list already as soon as the pandemic is over I'll definitely head over there again to experience that one. The last time I went to La Union was when I was still studying then and collected some stones that I kept until now. But of course, not all beaches in La Union are like this they also have white sands, it just that I got some memorable memories here on this side of La Union.

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Ilocos

Now, let's head to Ilocos where you can find historic sites, beaches, and the well-preserved Spanish colonial city of Vigan. Farther north, Laoag City is a jumping-off point for the huge La Paz Sand Dunes. There are so many things to do in Ilocos, You can visit old churches, lighthouse, rock formations, sand dunes and see beautiful beaches. and let's not forget that there's also museums and zoo. Ilocos is so big that it is divided into two, Ilocos Norte and the Ilocos Sur. Going there for a three-day trip is not enough to roam around the whole region. The 335-year-old church at Paoay is famous for its historical significance and its baroque architecture.

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Vigan City

It is unique among the Philippine towns because it is the country’s most extensive and only surviving historic city that dates back to the 16th century Spanish colonial period. It's known for its preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. Calle Crisologo dominates the Mestizo district, with its cobblestone streets, malecón, horse-drawn carriages, and rustic mansions. It is also known for its street-food at the Plaza Burgos while Plaza Salcedo, offers fountain light shows. You can also buy the famous Vigan longganisa on this strip, and some items that are worth keeping.

Bangui Wind Mills

The Windmills in Bangui also known as the Bangui Wind Farm. The turbine provides about 50% of Ilocos Norte's electricity. The facility is consists of 50 wind turbines with a capacity of three megawatts. This wind farm is also facing the Kapurpurawan Rock formations.

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Kapurpurawan Rock Formations

These rock formations can also be found in Burgos. Standing beautifully on the coast of the town of Burgos, fronting the roaring waves of Bangui Bay that's why you can also see the windmills on this side of Burgos. This rock formation was formed thousands of years ago by accumulation of particles deposited to the shore by the forces of sea waves and wind, with the aid of gravity and time. t's name's root word, “puraw”, is an Ilocano word that translates to “white” because of the alabaster rock formations that the tourists would love to see. You can also do horse back riding going to the rock formations or just walk to feel the rocks around the area.

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Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

This lighthouse is also known as Burgos Lighthouse it is located in the town of Burgos, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is a cultural heritage structure in Ilocos Norte. It stands on top of Vigia de Nagparitan Hill, overlooking Cape Bojeador. The cape used to be very busy as galleons used to pass by. It’s been more than 100 years since it was established and it is still fully functional — a beacon signaling to ships that they have entered the Philippine territory.

Marking the northwesternmost point of mainland Luzon, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is the counterpart of Cape Engano Lighthouse in Palaui, Santa Ana, Cagayan, which marks the northeasternmost tip.

Being up there, you will see beautiful scenery, alongside is the China sea.

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Pagudpud

Pagudpud is also known as the Boracay of the North because of its pristine coastline. According to the elders, its name pagudpud is a deep Ilocano word that means soft sandy soil. According to ABS-CBN, Saud beach is also tagged as:

A beach in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte is among the world’s most beautiful, particularly because of its “clear-as-glass water” and “super-mellow” vibe.

And all I can say is, it's true because of its laid-back feel, a calm and peaceful waves all you want to do if you are there is just relaxed and be peaceful with the beach.

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Patapat Viaduct

The Patapat Viaduct also called Patapat Bridge is an elevated road — over 30 meters above sea level. Connecting the Maharlika Highway in Laoag to the Cagayan Valley,  this is a busy street above the coastal areas of Pagudpud. This beautiful bridge that is zigzag in shape is attached to the mountain constructed to prevent accidents in the area, it is also the fourth-longest bridge in the country, this winding concrete beauty is said to be the northernmost roadway part of Ilocos Norte. It is also constructed to solve the problems of landslides in the area which caused a lot of vehicular accidents.

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Now, we are at the far end of Luzon, and I need to cut it again because I think it's too long now. Our next destination will be

• Palaui Island

• Benguet

• Sagada

• Baguio

I'll see you again on our next tour of Luzon, sorry if there are places that I cannot touch because it only means that I haven't been there yet. Hope you enjoyed our virtual tour.

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