Pagudpud Beach Ilocos Norte | Complete Travel Guide 2024

Things to Do in Pagudpud

Pagudpud offers an exciting range of activities, from water sports to nature sightseeing and local cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a peaceful escape, you’ll find plenty of things to do in this beach paradise. Here’s a deeper dive into the top activities you can enjoy in Pagudpud, along with approximate costs to help you plan your budget.

1. Water Sports at Blue Lagoon Pagudpud

Blue Lagoon Pagudpud is the go-to spot for water sports enthusiasts. With its vibrant blue waters and sweeping views of lush green hills, it’s a picturesque setting to engage in thrilling activities. Here are some of the most popular water sports you can try:

• Jet Skiing: Feel the thrill as you race across the waves of Blue Lagoon on a jet ski. Rental prices start at ₱1,500 per hour. If you’re a beginner, some vendors offer quick lessons to get you comfortable with the controls.

• Banana Boat Ride: Perfect for groups and families, the banana boat ride is a fun, fast-paced activity. You and your friends will be pulled by a speedboat while balancing on a large inflatable banana. A 15-minute ride costs around ₱300 per person.

• Kayaking: For a more relaxed experience, rent a kayak and paddle through the calm waters of Blue Lagoon. Kayak rentals are usually ₱300 to ₱500 per hour. It’s an excellent way to explore the lagoon at your own pace while soaking in the stunning scenery.

• Windsurfing: The strong winds that sweep through Blue Lagoon make it a great spot for windsurfing. Beginners can take lessons from local instructors, and rental equipment is available for ₱1,000 to ₱2,000 per hour.

These activities not only offer excitement but also provide a fantastic way to appreciate the beauty of Pagudpud’s coastline from a different perspective.

2. Relax and Swim at Saud Beach

For those seeking a more laid-back experience, Saud Beach is the place to be. With its calm, clear waters and golden sand, this beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply lounging under the shade of coconut trees.

• Beach Entrance: Unlike some beaches in the Philippines that charge entrance fees, Saud Beach is generally free to access if you’re staying at nearby resorts. For day visitors, some areas may charge a minimal fee of around ₱50 to ₱100 per person.

• Beach Huts and Cottages: If you plan to spend the day at Saud Beach, you can rent a beach hut or cottage for ₱500 to ₱1,000, depending on the size and location. This is a great option for families or groups who want a designated space to relax and have a picnic.

• Sunset Viewing: One of the most magical experiences at Saud Beach is watching the sunset. The view of the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a golden glow on the sea, is truly mesmerizing. Best of all, it’s free!

3. Visit the Pagudpud Windmills

While Pagudpud Beach is famous for its sand and surf, the Pagudpud Windmills have become a major tourist attraction in their own right. These towering structures are part of the renewable energy project in Ilocos Norte and stand majestically along the coast.

• Entrance Fee: Visiting the Pagudpud Windmills is free, and you can spend as much time as you like walking around and taking photos of these giant turbines. The contrast between the modern windmills and the natural landscape creates stunning photo opportunities, especially during sunset.

• Tours: If you’re staying at a local resort, some offer guided tours that include a visit to the windmills, Saud Beach, and other nearby attractions. A half-day tour typically costs around ₱1,500 to ₱2,000 per group.

4. Scenic Drive Along Patapat Viaduct

The Patapat Viaduct is an engineering marvel that stretches 1.3 kilometers along the cliffs of the Cordillera Mountain Range. This winding bridge offers spectacular views of the South China Sea, making it a must-see stop on your Pagudpud itinerary.

• Cost: Visiting the Patapat Viaduct is free, and it’s open to both pedestrians and vehicles. You can park your car at designated spots and walk along the viaduct to take in the views. The viaduct is a popular spot for taking pictures, especially during sunrise or sunset.

• How to Get There: The Patapat Viaduct is located about 30 minutes north of Pagudpud. You can hire a tricycle from the town center for ₱300 to ₱500 for a round trip, or join a local tour that includes the viaduct as one of the stops.

5. Trek to Kabigan Falls

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, a trek to Kabigan Falls is a must-do activity. Located about 30 minutes from the town center, this hidden gem is a serene, 80-foot-high waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The trek itself is relatively easy, making it suitable for all ages.

• Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to Kabigan Falls is ₱20 per person. You’ll also need to hire a guide for ₱100 per person, as the trail passes through private land and can be tricky to navigate without local knowledge.

• The Trek: The hike to Kabigan Falls takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your pace. The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, passing through rice fields, streams, and dense forest. Once you reach the falls, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters.

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kabigan Falls is during the rainy season (June to October) when the waterfall is at its fullest. However, the trail can be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear.

6. Visit Bantay Abot Cave

Another natural wonder in Pagudpud is Bantay Abot Cave, a unique rock formation along the coastline of Balaoi. The name “Bantay Abot” translates to “a mountain with a hole,” which perfectly describes this natural cave that has been shaped by wind and waves over time.

• Entrance Fee: There is no official entrance fee to visit Bantay Abot Cave, but a small donation of ₱20 to ₱30 is appreciated to help the locals maintain the area.

• What to Expect: The cave is located by the sea, and visitors need to descend a rocky path to reach it. Be sure to visit during low tide to avoid the waves crashing against the rocks. Once inside the cave, you’ll have a beautiful view of the ocean framed by the rock’s natural arch.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit Bantay Abot Cave, as the lighting is perfect for photos, and the temperature is cooler.

7. Explore the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Though not technically in Pagudpud, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, is a short drive away and well worth a visit. Built during the Spanish colonial period, this historic lighthouse offers panoramic views of the South China Sea and the surrounding countryside.

• Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee to visit the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, though donations are appreciated for its upkeep.

• How to Get There: The lighthouse is about an hour’s drive from Pagudpud, and you can either drive yourself or hire a tricycle or van for a round-trip cost of ₱500 to ₱1,000, depending on the size of the vehicle.

• What to Expect: Climb up the lighthouse to enjoy sweeping views of the coastline and the windmills in the distance. The structure itself is a well-preserved piece of history, and there are several information boards that explain its significance.

8. Local Culinary Experience

No visit to Pagudpud is complete without sampling the local cuisine of Ilocos Norte. Here are a few must-try dishes:

• Bagnet: Crispy pork belly, similar to lechon kawali but cooked in the traditional Ilocano style. A serving costs around ₱200 to ₱300 in local restaurants.

• Ilocos Empanada: A deep-fried pastry filled with longganisa (local sausage), egg, and vegetables. Empanadas can be found at street vendors and local eateries for ₱40 to ₱50 each.

• Longganisa: The Ilocano version of sausage is garlicky and slightly sweet, perfect for breakfast with garlic rice and eggs. A set meal costs ₱100 to ₱150.

Many beachfront restaurants and eateries along Saud Beach and Blue Lagoon serve these dishes, allowing you to savor authentic Ilocano flavors while enjoying stunning views of the sea.