This is the second day of our Ilocandia Tour and we are going to try La Paz' Sand Dunes with its 4x4 ride and sand boarding. Call time is at 8am, but this time, we're all recharged and ready to take the adventure ahead of us.
First, we went to Marcos Mausoleum but I didn't have decent photos for the place. First, we're not allowed to photograph President Marcos in his crystal encasement. At the same time, there's no electricity that day so the museum was closed for all visitors. So we only stayed for 15-20 minutes and will now check One of UNESCO's World Heritage Site, the Paoay Church.
During that day, there's a series of weddings that were scheduled for that day so we only settle to see the church from the outside.
Since we were given enough time for this site, we spent most of our time staring this humongous architecture while munching 'empanada' across the street.
We skipped some attractions that were included in our itinerary and were so excited for the 4x4 ride and sand boarding adventure. I though it's similar to Dubai's desert safari but the sand dunes in La Paz, Paoay is next to an open ocean.
This is a first for me and it really did squeezed out the adrenaline rush in me. The 'oohhhs' and the 'ahhhs' were non-stop and it felt like the 4x4 will turn up side down in any moment.
And of course, we have to do a pit-stop for photographs. It's best if you have an action camera with you to capture the experience. Aside from the driver, there's an assistant who will give instructions on the do's and dont's of the ride; at the same time, he'll be the photographer/videographer of the ride.
To be honest, this is one of the reasons why I really wanted to visit Ilocos ever since. The 4x4 ride seemed like forever maneuvering the sand dunes. Make sure you have a strong grip so you will not be overthrown from the shaky ride. You may also choose to take the front seat if you're doubting yourself not finishing the ride without a fractured bone. Just kidding!
In the middle of the ride, you also get to experience unlimited sand boarding. I had 3 attempts and doing a sit-down on my first try. I tried to stand on my second but I was knocked out midway down the slide. As I don't wanna leave without successfully doing the sand boarding experience, I was able to find my balance in my third attempt. Though unlimited, the scorching heat of the sun on sand and the effort in climbing uphill after a slide will make you weary and charge it to experience that you've done it once in your life.
Suddenly, there's an earthquake and our drivers hurried us up to safer grounds. We have to cut short our photo shoot along the shores in case water will rise or a tsunami might just swept us. Later we knew that it was a 5.5 magnitude that jolted Laoag City.
Good thing nothing bad happened. Actually, I never felt a shake in the ground at all. Maybe my body is still adjusting after a somehow 'rollercoaster' 4x4 ride.
We then proceed to the Malacañang of the North. I enjoyed most here is the empanada being sold outside the entrance. They are using unripe papaya and Vigan longganisa as main ingredients.
Someone is doing a tour and giving a lecture about the mansion. It's very informative and give us an idea how the Marcoses used to live their lives in Ilocos. The mansion is also situated overlooking the Paoay Lake.
One of the rooms inside the mansion is Ferdinand Marcos' office. I was not able to take as much photos because there are a lot of tourists occupying each and every room.
Lastly, we visited Fort Ilocandia Resort. Unfortunately, I no longer joined the rest of my team as I am already exhausted for a jam-packed itinerary for that day.
We were supposed to visit some historical sites but we chose to go back to Vigan, almost 4-hour ride from Laoag, where our accommodation was situated.
Here's the full itinerary for our Laoag Tour.
Marcos Mausoleum
Paoay Church
La Paz Sand Dunes (Optional Activities 4x4 ride and unlimited sand boarding -2500php good for 4-5pax)
Malacanang of the North
Paoay Lake
Fort Ilocandia Hotel and Resort
Sta. Monica Church
12:00NN Lunch on Pax Account
Sinking Bell Tower - skipped
Aurora Park - skipped
Ilocos Norte Capitol - skipped
St. William's Cathedral - skipped
For the total expenses, go to ILOCOS: FROM NORTE TO SUR (DAY 3 - VIGAN)
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