Wanderlust: 2nd Day Ilocos Trip: Laoag, Paoay Sand Dunes and Pagudpud

After our Vigan Trip yesterday, we expect more adventures for the 2nd day as we will be going extreme. We're going to try out Sandboarding and the 4X4 ride in the Sand Dunes. So we woke up around 4am just so we can arrive in the Sanddunes at 6am. We don't want to get burned from the sun as the sand gets hotter around 9am and chances are we might not be able to enjoy the sandboarding. It was indeed a good plan, the experience was exhilirating. The ride itself was a rollercoaster. We were screaming and laughing.

Tip:When you're going down the dunes, don't resist the gravity just go with it and have fun. Chances are when you put too much pressure on the bars, you're gonna hurt your arms. Just always maintain a tight grip to the bars during the ride.

Sandboarding was fun too though we could not make it in the standing position. The sitting position is just easy as you just let your board go down the dune. Good thing it was not windy at the time when we did the sandboarding, read from other blogs they literally eat sand. I tried it three times and gave up, the ride down is great but the climbing back is tiring. I kept on dragging my weight to the top (lol).

Next stop was the Paoay Church. I've been longing to see this place since the first time I went to Ilocos in 2007. I just have this thing with old churches, it takes me back to time. I love that they don't paint the exterior as it adds age to it. And age spans history, wisdom and knowledge.

View of the Church from the Garden

Next stop was the Malacanang of the North or the Malacañang Ti Amianan . The office was big and almost everything in there have this "Imeldific". At the back of the building is the Paoay lake which according to Kuya is said to have a sinkhole, don't know if this is true though.

Paoay Lake

Then we head off to our last stop in Paoay, in Fort Ilocandia, one of the best hotels in the region. We just had our picture taken in the signage and the front of the hotel. There is not much to see in here so I wonder why my friend recommended me to drop at this place.

Kuya guide then brought us to Batac, where the Former President Marcos is still laid. It was creepy inside as the light is dim and the background music is like one of those you hear in the suspense or horror film.

marker at Marcos Mausoleum

Then we head out to try the Batac empanada as recommended by Kuya. If you get to this area, you must try their empanadas. They have variety of choices for the fillings, they have eggs, longganisa

We head back to Laoag for our lunch. This time we tried the Eagle's Nest. It's the restaurant of the famous Java hotel. The restaurant is nice except for the fact that it is located at the back of the gas station. We literally ate our hearts out as we tried the Ilocano dishes. All were stand out except for the dinuguang chicharon. We did not like it as there is an after taste and the smell. Anyway, we had our stomachs filled as we head on to Pagudpud for the rest of the afternoon.

Next stop was the Cape Boreador in Burgos, Ilocos Sur.

Then right after it, we dropped by at the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. There is an option where you can walk or ride a horse going to the formation but we preferred to walk as the area is windy. There, after 15mins of walking in the scorching sun, the great white rock stands proudly at its throne. Umbrellas cannot stand a chance in the strong winds, better wear longsleeves and don't forget to bring hat and scarf for that extra protection.

the hole is big that we actually fit in there

The next stop- Bangui windmills. Those are really big, I think it scared me a bit staying under its blades. Wind in this area is so strong, it can literally blew you away. Wear your shades all the time as the sand gets to your eyes.

Arriving at Pagudpud. Kuya asked us to get off the van and take jumpshots at this signage. It was fun playing patintero with all the vehicles passing. The local kids served us lookouts.