MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas everyone, from cold and windy Tagaytay

Have a prosperous 2011 !

Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Burgos is most famous for the lighthouse at Cape Bojeador. On a recent trip, I detoured to Kapurpurawan, on the suggestion of a friend from Currimao.

CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE

The lighthouse at Cape Bojeador is rated by many as the most beautiful lighthouse in the Philippines, and I can only agree, having seen so many lighthouses myself. It was built in 1892 with a tower that stands 66 ft, built on a hill overlooking Cape Bojeador.

The zigzag drive up the hill can be a challenge to unskilled drivers, with portions of the road so narrow that motorists will have to give way to oncoming vehicles.

At the foot of the lighthouse are locals selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Having gone there past lunch, I had to nourish myself with some biscuits and some cold drinks. To my pleasant surprise, I was actually asked by the locals to share their packed lunch. I was too shy to join them though.

they were sharing their packed lunch with me

 

The climb up the tower is easy. However, the viewing deck at the top of the tower was closed when I visited. Still, that did not diminish my appreciation of the magnificent structure.

 

 

the structure is still good, unlike other lighthouses now in ruins

view from the porch

 

Lunch, finally

There are several carinderias at the foot of the lighthouse, going to Burgos and bangui. Cheap food, great view of the beautiful Cape Bojeador.

lunch of less than P100, $Million view

 

KAPURPURAWAN

on way to Kapurpurawan

Kapurpurawan is famous for its rock formation. A short 5-6 kms drive from the main road leads to a promontory where one can see the rock formation from a distance. But I guess no one will resist the urge to go closer. Down the trail I went, past bushy trails, until I got closer, near the shore. There are no facilities in the area. I figure some visitors stay for a couple of hous for a dip in the water. As for me, seeing the beautiful rock formation is reward in itself.

from a distance, but one could not resist the urge to get closer

 

 

HOW TO GET THERE

Burgos is in Ilocos Norte,less than an hour away from Laoag, in the direction of Bangui and Pagudpud. There are buses stationed in EDSA and in Pasay City that ply the Manila-Ilocos route several times daily.

The Windmills of Bangui

Locals were probably impressed to see the windmills as the backdrop to then candidate Bongbong Marcos, running for senator. And the windmills are really a sight, a rare sight in the Philippines.

Bangui is a small town in Ilocos Norte. It is there where all 19 windmills stand proudly along a 3 kilometer stretch off Bangui Bay.

A viewing deck can be found along the main hi-way where replicas of the windmills are sold as souvenirs.

The prefect spot for viewing, however, is right along the shore, about 5 kms from the main road. There is a small coffee shop called Kangkang Windmill Cafe.

 

the cafe with a view of the windmills and the bay

 

This spot is also the stop-over point for most tourists, and sometimes there is a busload of them. The cafe serves good coffee and snacks.

 

the storekeeper is happy to make coffee

And the bathroom is clean.

very clean bathroom

 

 

CAMPING can also be arranged with the cafe, and tents can be put up on the grounds, a few steps from the bay. The only deal is that the campers must buy their food from the cafe.

a very nice camp site

 

 

decide where to pitch your tent

 

 

The windmills are probably what define Bangui as a tourist destination, or as a side trip when one goes to Pagudpud or to Cape Bojeador. Even while on the beach in Pagudpud, the windmills of Bangui are visible, practically calling visitors to come and visit.

the Bangui Windmills, as seen from Saud Beach in Pagudpud

 

You can arrange camping thru Kangkang Windmill Cafe at mobile numbers +63927 431 8805 and +63917 9213103

How to get there:

Bangui is the town right before Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. It is past Burgos, where Cape Bojeador is.

Public transportation is available, and several bus companies with terminals in EDSA and in Pasay City ply the Manila-Ilocos Norte routes everyday. If no Pagudpud-bound bus is available, take a bus going to Laoag. From Laoag, Bangui is only about an hour away.