What I Loved about Pagudpud

What beauty lies on the northern part of the Philippines? Being a daughter of a Bicolano and a Batangueña, I have lived 24 years of my life basically oblivious of the provinces in the north. There were very few occasions that I had been to a northern province, except of course in Bulacan where Sho used to live.

So when Sho’s friend invited us to a budget-friendly long weekend getaway in Pagudpud, we went for the ride. Though traveling to Pagudpud is exhausting (14-hour trip by land, plus stop-overs!) the view that awaits you is all worth it. Here are the things I loved about Pagudpud.

1. The beach. The beaches in Pagudpud are by far the bluest waters I’ve seen. The beach waters in Bangui had a bright blue color; so are the waters in the fish sanctuary. But perhaps nothing can beat the beauty of the Blue Lagoon beach with its clear, blue waters teeming with various fishes and corals. You don’t even have to rent a snorkel mask to see the fishes; once you take a dip in the water, you’ll instantly see the fishes swimming underneath.

A lot of people claim that Pagudpud is the Boracay of the north. Perhaps the waters are comparable to Bora’s (who knows, the waters of Blue Lagoon might even be cleaner), but the quality of the sand is not that impressive. It’s not really fine and white as a lot of people claim; in fact, the sand is peppered with little rocks and seashells. The sands of Bohol and Hundred Islands are finer. Moreover, since the place is not yet developed, the shoreline is typical of a public beach—a number of beach “trash,” sort of dried leaves, are scattered in the shore along with a number of small boats.

beach at the fish sanctuary

beach at Bangui

Blue Lagoon beach

2. The view. I love the sceneries in Pagudpud. Everything is like a painting—a lovely backdrop of blue sky set against blue waters, green leaves, and pink flowers. The mountain range is also an amazing sight. One who loves the simple, rustic life will truly appreciate this place.

3. Bangui windmills. Where else can you see towering windmills here in the Philippines? The Bangui windmills “were built by the NorthWind Power Development Corporation to take its share in reducing the emission of harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) causing global warming and to accelerate the rural electrification of the government.” But apart from their environmental and electrical benefits, the windmills are tourist attractions in themselves. Located just a few feet away from Bangui beach, the sight of the row of windmills framed by the waves in the beach’s shoreline is absolutely breathtaking.

4. Top of the Cape Bojeador lighthouse. Waiting in line and climbing a steep and frail-looking spiral staircase is all worth the effort once you get to the top of the lighthouse and see the magnificent view below. Again, the whole scenery is like a painting; it would require anyone to pause for a moment to take in the beauty of the scenery.

5. Tranquility. Pagudpud is one of the best places to retreat to if you’re after a peaceful and quiet vacation. Unlike other developed and popular tourist vacation spots that boast of a nightlife, Pagudpud mainly banks on its untouched natural beauty, which is perfect for nature-loving individuals.