The last travel story I shared was about our trip to Hungduan, Ifugao, where we had a wonderful time with our extended family. It was a memorable experience that you can read:
Hungduan Ifugao, A destination you must consider visiting.
Now, I’m excited to share the next part of our adventure—this time, we’re heading to the beautiful province of Ilocos Norte.
Why We Chose Ilocos Norte
Living in Isabela, we often look for nearby beach destinations when we feel like taking a break. Our go-to place is usually Dinadiawan Beach in Aurora, which is about a 3-hour drive from our home. It’s the closest beach we can visit by land, and we’ve had great experiences there—especially our recent trip with extended family.
However, during that trip to Dinadiawan, we realized we didn’t get to fully enjoy the experience. Since we were with many relatives, it wasn’t as relaxing as we hoped. That made us decide to plan another beach getaway, this time just with our immediate family, so we could spend quality time together and unwind.
At first, we considered going to Casiguran, Aurora. But we also wanted something new—somewhere we hadn’t been before. While looking online for beach destinations, Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte caught our attention. We saw photos posted by a friend on Facebook, and the white sand beaches looked amazing. That was enough to convince us to head north for our next adventure.
Road Trip to the North
We decided to leave early in the morning so we could enjoy the scenic drive during daylight. We didn’t book a hotel in advance because people we contacted said there were plenty of available rooms in Pagudpud.
Excited for the trip, we hit the road. It was supposed to be a 7-hour drive, but with all our stopovers to enjoy the views and stretch our legs, the travel time extended to almost 9 hours. We finally caught a glimpse of the northern sea around 7 PM, and it felt like a reward after a long journey.
Arriving in Pagudpud – Tired and Hungry
By the time we reached Pagudpud, we were exhausted and starving. Our first priority was to find a hotel, but since we didn’t reserve a room earlier, most of the beachfront resorts were already fully booked. We first tried Arinaya White Beach Resort—it was our top choice because of its location—but they had no rooms left. We checked a few more places nearby, but everything was full.
Eventually, we found a hotel a bit farther from the beach. It wasn’t our ideal location, but at least we had a place to rest.
We then looked for somewhere to eat, but since it was already late, most of the restaurants were closed. Luckily, we remembered passing by a small eatery earlier and went back there.
Food Expectations vs. Reality
We expected to enjoy fresh seafood since we were by the beach—but to our surprise, the restaurant we went to didn’t have any. We also hoped to try the famous Ilocos longganisa, but it wasn’t on the menu either.
Since it was late and we were starving, we just settled for whatever was available—tapsilog and hotsilog with somewhat hard rice. It wasn’t the meal we imagined, but we were grateful to finally eat. We were also their last customers for the night.
Morning by the Beach – Breakfast at Saud
The next morning, we took a short walk from our hotel to Saud Beach. The fresh sea breeze and calm waves were a perfect way to start the day. We found a nice spot for breakfast at Casa Victoria Hotel, where we finally got to enjoy freshly brewed coffee and the much-awaited Ilocos longganisa. That simple breakfast by the beach was one of the highlights of our trip.
First Drone Shots at Bangui Windmills
After breakfast and a quick swim at the beach, we headed to the famous Bangui Windmills. I was excited to capture aerial shots using my drone. I checked online and around the site for any signs or rules against flying drones but found none. So I took the chance to fly it—and the drone footage turned out beautifully!
Later on, I saw a post in a drone community that some parts near the windmills may restrict drone flying. So, for those planning to take drone shots there, it’s best to check with local authorities first.
The Search for Seafood
After visiting the windmills, we set out again—this time determined to find a good seafood restaurant. However, by around 1 PM, most of the restaurants we saw on Google Maps were either closed or out of stock. So once again, we ended up at a regular eatery. It wasn’t what we hoped for, but it filled our bellies.
Day 2 – Beachfront Stay and Sunset Swim
On our second day in Pagudpud, we were finally able to transfer to a beachfront hotel. This time, it was exactly the experience we were hoping for. We spent the afternoon swimming and watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon. It was one of the most peaceful and beautiful moments of the trip.
Here’s a 360-degree drone photo we captured during sunset:
Final Thoughts
Our Ilocos Norte trip didn’t go exactly as planned—we didn’t book a hotel in advance, and we couldn’t find the seafood we were craving. But despite those hiccups, we truly enjoyed the experience. The white sand beaches, the golden sunsets, the longganisa breakfasts, and the sight of the windmills were all worth it.
Before heading home to Isabela, we made sure to buy some Ilocos longganisa to take back with us—something to remind us of our short but meaningful escape.
If we ever return—or if you’re planning your own trip to Pagudpud—here are a few tips:
- Book your hotel in advance, especially if you want one near the beach.
- Look for beachfront accommodations like Hakuna Matata Saud Resort, Casa Victoria, or Arinaya White Beach Resort for the best views and access, Breakfast also included.
- Don’t expect seafood to always be available, especially late in the day—plan your meals ahead if you’re craving something specific.
