Sights To See When in Pagudpud: The Patapat Viaduct

On the second day of our Ilocandia getaway, we were picked up after breakfast from Kapuluan Vista Resort by James, our tour guide and driver for the day (referred to us by the resort). For a fee of P3500, he was going to take us to all the sights to see in Pagudpud in his new airconditioned van.

First on the list was the Patapat Viaduct. It’s a 1.3 kilometer elevated concrete highway (part of the Maharlika Highway) connecting Ilocos Norte and the Province of Cagayan. James told us that it was constructed because of the landslides which were frequent along the old mountainside road.

What is so special about this highway? Well, it’s right at the edge of the coast and at the foot of North Cordillera mountain range. And one can’t help but be impressed at the engineering it took to construct this. With its winding curves, it reminded me somewhat of our own San Juanico Bridge in Samar—which, like the Patapat Viaduct and the Maharlika Highway, was constructed during the reign of Marcos’ dictatorship. This is Ilocos and up to now, it is still Marcos territory after all. And I can’t help but remember how some old timers reminisce Marcos’ time and say that at least Marcos was able to build good infrastructure, especially in the provinces.

And of course, Patapat Viaduct is very scenic, with a spectacular view of the bay below. And I guess another reason why this has become a must see travel spot in Pagudpud is because the viaduct is quite deserted—which means, people can easily go down and take pictures, without being bothered by passing cars.

Where else in the Philippines can you take jump shots on a stretch of road such as this one with no other cars in sight? 🙂

Wishing all of us more travels. Cheers! 🙂

 

Upon arriving at the Laoag airport, grab a handful of the maps in the arrivals section (they’re free!) and you won’t lose your way 🙂 Just go further to the north of Pagudpud proper and Blue Lagoon.