ILOCOS La Paz Sand Dunes

I was really excited for this trip because of  Sand Boarding. I have no idea that there is such thing as "Sand Dunes" in the Philippines. I happened to chance upon a blog article while I was planning for this trip. Hence, I have to allot a budget for this, (P2,500 good for four). I must say, it was worth it!

Sir Glenn Guerrero was my guide. Rode to his 4X4 and gave me a ride around the dunes. After the ride on the steep hills, time to try sand boarding!

The sand dunes is located in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. (there is one in Paoay) but Sir Glenn told me that lots of movies (both local and international) have been in this desert like place.

 In fact, a week ago, Kris Aquino for KrisTV shoot an episode and tried the 4x4 ride.  

Facts from www.wikipilipinas.org: With its dramatic landscape, the La Paz Sand Dunes is a popular site for shooting local and foreign films. It was used as a location of Philippine movies like Himala and Panday and for segments of Hollywood Films like Mad Max and Born on the Fourth of July. 

This serene view is breathtaking. 

The sand dunes were created by the interaction of wind, sea and river that together cause erosion and deposition. As seen above the picture, the dunes directly face the coast of the South China Sea.

I tried to sit on the board first to feel the vibe of the steep hills. 

Palakasan na ng loob. Haha

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I highly recommend Sir Glenn Guerrero. See you next time! 

ILOCOS Second Stop:Marcos Mausoleum, Paoay & Malacanang of the North

My second stop: 

1. Marcos Mausoleum and Memorabilia.
2. Paoay Church
3. Malacanang of the North
4. La Paz Sand Dunes (separate post)

I initially planned to ride a jeep going to these places. (as my research skills suggest) but took a tricycle instead.

Marcos Mausoleum and Memorabilia
I was surprised that they are renovating the area where Marcos Memorabilia can be found. Last time I visited the place in 2010, it was just beside Marcos Mausoleum.

I envy those grades!!!!! 

Paoay Church

Curious about Pinakbet Pizza?

Pinakbet and Longganisa Pizza 

Malacanang of the North

My next stop: Sand Boarding in La Paz with Mr. Glenn Guerrero

ILOCOS First stop: VIGAN & BALUARTE

My first stop was in Vigan & Baluarte. After hearing mass (in their local dialect) at 4:30am, I had my coffee and breakfast at a nearby carinderia. My itinerary only includes Calle Crisologo. I didn't explore much of Vigan like those published in tours due to my desire to stick on my schedule.

It was too early in the morning. Most shops were closed. People were staring at me. Am I too early for a walk? Despite not being able to experience the jar making and exploring museums & churches, I felt at peace already seeing those old houses.

Here are some of my pictures in Calle Crisologo Vigan.

Baluarte ni Chavit

I arrived early (again) in Baluarte. I was the only visitor at the time. Hence, I had the luxury of taking good photographs and sitting along the road, pondering (on what to do next). 

HUGS & KISSES

Ruth

2 Days and 1 night trip in ILOCOS

Busy schedule at work or School? but you want to travel and explore Ilocos? Will it work for 2 days? Definitely!

I revisited Ilocos last August 2012. Last time I went there was in 2010 with my law school friends. But I wanted to go back because of Vigan and Kapurpurawan rock formation plus Sand Dunes that we missed way back due to lack of time and funds. (haha).

So, I left Manila on a Friday night via Florida Bus at 9:00pm. I made a reservation earlier so that I could choose a seat on the right side of the bus. (I have headache issues on the left side of the bus.)

I was really excited for the trip that I end up reading travel blogs the whole day. I planned the trip and do some research on how to commute and go from one place to another.  My destination was to go to VIGAN, LAOAG, PAGUDPUD.

(source: www.batch2006.com)

THINGS TO DO/BRING?

1.       Money

Enough Money to travel around would take you to places. My original budget was to spend around P4,000. But, I exceeded my computations (due to some over spending issues on food and I really wanted to try sand boarding)  

2.       Internet

Research would really help in travelling. Thank God for travelers who are into blogging. It really saved my time, and at least you'll have an idea of what the place has to offer. For a 2-day trip, I must say, it should be well planned.

3.       Camera & Tripod

I’m really thankful for my buddy niks (NikonD5000) & naks(tripod).  My camera captivates good memories.

4.       Personal Things etc.

I packed my clothes & toiletries which is a MUST bring. To save money, I always bring water, food like biscuits, candies & one meal (rice and chicken adobo).

SCHEDULE:

Friday

 9:00pm departed from manila to Vigan

Saturday

4:00am arrived Vigan

4:30am -5:30am went to church to observe mass in their own dialect

5:30am- 8:00am explore vigan

8:00am- went to Baluarte

10:00am headed Malacaṅang of Ilocos

11:30 Paoay church and Herencia Cafe

2:00pm went to Texicano Hotel, Laoag

3:00pm meet Sir Glenn Guerrero at Mc Donalds Laoag for the thrilling experience of Sand Boarding

6:30pm dinner and rest

Sunday

7:00am bus going to pagudpud

9:00am meet Kuya Marlon for North and South Pagudpud Tour

8:00pm Depart Ilocos

Monday

5:30am arrived Manila

VIGAN,BALUARTE, PAOAY, MALACANANG of THE NORTH

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PAGUDPUD

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LAOAG (Sand Boarding)

For my detailed pictures and adventure in Vigan, Laoag and Pagudpud, I have a separate blog entry. :)

HUGS & KISSES,

Ruth