Pagudpud is a coastal resort town on the northernmost tip of Luzon in the Philippines. It is bounded to the south by the town of Bangui and to the east by the Cordillera Mountain Range, the town of Adams and the province of Cagayan. The South China Sea lies to the west and north. The town rolls over mountains, hills, valleys and flat coastal land. It lies 45 miles north of Laoag City, the provincial capital, and about 350 miles north of Manila.

According to the 2000 census, Pagudpud has a population of 19,315 people. They reside in 3,804 homes that are spread across 83 square miles. Most make their living through farming, fishing and subsistence retailing. Tourism is a growing part of the economy. Pagudpud was made a municipality on February 5, 1954. Unlike Laoag City, the province's only autonomous city, Pagudpud derives its authority from the provincial government. It had previously been a part of the neighboring town of Bangui.

 

 

Its white-sand beaches and crystal-blue water makes Pagudpud a haven for tourists. Maira-Ira Point is also an emerging attraction with its secluded beach known as the Blue Lagoon. Access to this public beach is from a secondary concrete road on the north side of the Maharlika Highway just before approaching the Patapat Viaduct. On the way to the Blue Lagoon, a sea arch can be seen. Coconut trees line much of the town's coast. On a clear day, the Batanes Islands are visible from Patapat National Park.

The Patapat Viaduct, elevated 31 meters over sea level, is 1.3 km concrete coastal bridge that connects the Maharlika Highway from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley Region. It rises along the town's coastal mountains, which is the starting point of the Cordillera Mountain Range that snakes through Northern Luzon. It is the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines. Located more than 16 kilometers from the town proper, it offers a scenic view of Pasaleng Bay- a view that leads towards wide and pristine beaches backed by mountains with breathtaking waterfalls Kabigan and Mabaga, along with the many cool, refreshing springs waiting to be discovered within.

 

 

Pagudpud is located in the northwest most tip of Ilocos Norte, Luzon. It is a long 350 miles north of Manila so for a weekend traveler like me, the fastest way to Pagudpud is to take a plane, Cebu Pacific, to Laoag. At Laoag International Airport there are downtown bound jeepneys that can take you to the Pagudpud bus terminal. 

  

 

Some bus companies will take you straight from Manila to Pagudpud. The trip is long and you’ll be traveling about 350 miles, mor or less equal to the distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Ordinary buses often stops to unload passengers or pick up new ones. If you leave Manila at 7:30 p.m., expect to arrive in Pagudpud anywhere around 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. getting a Deluxe, air-conditioned bus makes things a lot more manageable — and a lot speedier because of fewer stops.

 

A night trip isn’t a bad idea; just fall asleep, and when you wake up, you’re there. If you must get-off in Laoag, you can continue the trip to Pagudpud by taking a mini-bus, renting a car or hiring a private vehicle. Commuter buses depart from Laoag every half hour, sometimes more or less frequently, depending on how quickly they fill up. The fare is reasonable, and the trip takes about an hour. If using this route, just take a tricycle to the Pagudpud bus station.

Flight schedules to and from Laoag, the provincial capital of Ilocos Norte, are not that easy to get. Things keep changing. Philippine Airlines formerly have connecting flights to and from Manila. Air Philippines used to fly there, too. Laoag International Airlines has or used to have operations there. There are some carriers that fly directly from Taiwan. The province has long talked about upgrading its airport to increase tourism, but so far it’s just that.

 

 

 

On the northwestern-most tip of Luzon Island, along the beautiful Bangui Bay in Pagudpud Ilocos Norte, you will find long, uninterrupted stretches of white sand beaches, with crystal blue waters and magnificent coral reefs. With its spectacular white sand beaches, the place has gained the reputation as the "Boracay of the North"...only more charming. This entire coastal area is lined with many coconut trees, making it a truly picturesque scenery and an ideal place to stretch and unwind.

 

The most popular beaches are in Saud. Beyond Saud, there are other shores that are growing in popularity, including Blue Lagoon, Burayoc, Ayoyo, Patapat and Pasaleng. The scenic municipality of Pagudpud is only an hour's drive from Laoag City and is fast becoming a favorite tourist destination in Ilocos Norte. Yet, it remains quiet (except for the soothing sound of nature), un-crowded and unspoiled.

 

Oh so peaceful! Some areas do enjoy mighty winds and strong waves similar to Hawaii's - perfect for surfing! Staying here makes you feel as if you're in your very own private island, where you are free to relax or indulge in your favorite water sports. Kayak, scuba dive, and surf to your heart's delight! Or simply laze or take a quiet stroll along the beach, soak in the remarkable view and watch the sunset. And make sure you feast on fresh, succulent (and inexpensive) lobsters!