The Great Amianan | Saud Beach, Ilocos Norte
Saud Beach, characterized by its ivory to cream colored sands earned the title, “The Boracay of the North”. It is because of its sand reminiscent that of Boracay in Aklan, only a notch lower.
Upon returning at our homestay, we still had one last beach that we had to visit. It is only 5 minutes away from where we were staying in Pagudpud.
The Boracay Of The North
Located in Barangay Saud, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, it has a one kilometer long stretch of fine sand beach dotted with numerous coconut trees. Some outrigger boats are docked near the swimming area and some nipa huts are scattered where one can rest for a while.
The serenity along its crystal clear waters facing the Bangui Bay has became a backpacker favorite. Also, for its raw beauty and lack of the usual amenities found in Blue Lagoon. We spotted the windmills of Bangui and Burgos Windfarms from a distance.
The sun perfectly set right before us. The bright hues of yellow and orange painted the sky in ominous streaks of light that mar the once cool blue atmosphere into a warm orange. What a way to cap-off our Ilocos Norte adventure as our second day was about to end.
We returned back to our room and made haste to tidy up so we can catch the 7pm Manila bound Florida bus in Pagudpud town proper. Around 6:30pm, Kuya Vhong, our guide, brought us to the humble abode of Ate Maricel who sells authentic Pagudpud Longganisa (Filipino Sausage) for 250php/kilo. This variant was far from the little garlic infused Vigan Longganisa as this one was huge and Ate Maricel claims that they are made from the only finest parts of pork and no fats were included.
As the day came to a close, we rode the overnight deluxe bus for 700php/each back to Manila and arrived by 5:00am the following day.
Surely, Ilocos Norte will keep you coming back for more, there is still more to discover aside from the shortlists of travel aficionados. More waterfalls, beaches and mountains are still waiting to be revisited. So much for this two-day Ilocandia Adventure!
How To Get There
- From Manila, take any Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte bound buses (Partas and GV Florida), travel time takes 12 hours.
- Alight at the Pagudpud Municipal Hall and take any tricycle to your accommodation of choice at Brgy. Saud
