JM was quick to wake me up on our second day in Ilocos Norte. He's probably excited to tour around the city. We had our breakfast at McDonald's Laoag Branch.
McDonald's Laoag (selfie)
After our breakfast, we did a walking tour and took pictures of the Sinking Bell tower, St. William's Cathedral and Ilocos Norte Capitol.
Sinking Bell Tower
St. William's Cathedral
Ilocos Norte Capitol
Located just across the Capitol
I was impressed with the architectural designs of the government buildings in Ilocos Norte. It reminded me of the Spanish Era. After the walking tour, we went back to our hotel and prepared for our trip to Pagudpud.
LOST ON THE ROAD..
We took the Pagudpud-bound ordinary bus (60 PHP per person).One passenger (let's call him Kuya Pulis) told us that we should have taken the Cagayan-bound bus because it could drop us off near our destination, the Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud. After about an hour of traveling, Kuya Pulis told the bus conductor to drop us off at a waiting shed where we can take the Cagayan-bound buses.
I couldn't remember where we waited because the area was pretty isolated. We stood there for about 20 minutes and there were no buses passing through-- only tricycles. Finally, we gave up waiting (It was against my will, actually! I wanted to save!) and asked the tricycle driver to accompany us to Blue Lagoon. We paid him 220 PHP.
Lesson learned? Take the Cagayan-bound bus!
Travel time: 2 hours from Laoag
KAPULUAN VISTA RESORT, PAGUDPUD
Kapuluan Vista Resort
Being a compulsive planner, I always make sure that I reserve a hotel and pay it in advance. I chose KVR simply because it offers surfing lesson and the room that we got was very affordable. When we checked in, we were given Frozen Margarita as a welcome drink.
Frozen Margarita (FREE!)
KVR's Lobby
KVR's Lobby 
I guess this is their massage area.
We got the dorm-type fan room (650 PHP per person) w/ shared bath. It has two single beds and a small table. I love the simplicity and cleanliness of the room. If you're looking for a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, KVR is a good choice.
Our room
Dorm-type fan room
Small table with necessities.
For lunch, we ordered Sinigang with rice and Carbonara. The food was expensive but it was delicious. I appreciate how they used all-natural seasonings (from their organic garden) and their food is MSG-free.
KVR's Restaurant
Sinigang (240 PHP)
Carbonara (250 PHP)
Restaurant's Menu
For dinner, since we were on a budget, we shared one set meal-- Dinakdakan with rice and pumpkin soup. Their Dinakdakan is tastier than other Dinakdakans I have eaten.
Dinakdakan meal (250 PHP)
Pumpkin Soup (70 PHP)
Personally, I was satisfied with the food & service of Kapuluan Vista Resort and I really appreciate the politeness of the staffs. I would love to spend a week or two in this place again because of its serene atmosphere.
Day 2: BUDGET (in PHP)
Ordinary bus from Laoag to Pagudpud - 120 (60 each)
Tricycle to Blue Lagoon - 220
Lunch - 525 (Sinigang, extra rice & Carbonara)
Dinner - 495 (Dinakdakan meal, extra rice, pumpkin soup & 2 iced tea)
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Total: 1360 PHP
Note: We paid the room in advance. There's a security deposit of 1,500 (refundable upon check-out).
For more information about Kapuluan Vista Resort, visit their website:
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