Ilocos Norte's Expedition: Burgos

Because my Ilocos Norte travel was really  a long one due to many tourist destinations we visited, I chose to divide it by parts. This would definitely be the second part of my Ilocos Norte's Expedition! Bare with me guys.

Early in the morning on the next day, we went to the town of Burgos. 

Burgos, Ilocos Norte is one of the towns of Ilocos Norte wherein the famous Kapurpurawan Rock formation, Wind Farm and The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse are located. It was formerly called Nagparitan which means "prohibited" but then renamed after the martyred priest Jose Burgos who was born in the Ilocos Region. It was said that before, no outsiders are allowed to enter the town's vicinity. But now, it is open for foreign and local tourists who wanted to visit the place.

It is a long drive from Laoag City. Approximately an hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours ride via private car. Some highways are under construction that made the journey quite long.

First destination, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation.

The spectacularly beautiful bizarre-looking rock formation sculpted by the forces of the ocean and different weather conditions on the rocky coast of Burgos can be seen with a small and easy trek. 

Trail was established to make the route to the rock formation easily accesible and more convenient. If you're not a hiking goer, a horseback riding is also available for rental. Either way, both routes offer scenic view of the South China Sea on the way to the rock formation.

Just for a simple knowledge, Kapurpurawan is from an Ilocano term "puraw" which means white or pure that magnificently reflects the creamy color of the rock formation. 

In visiting the place it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. I'm happy that I used my Flossy Espadrilles from Body Action. They're really comfortable to wear and very summer ready footwear. 

To preserve its natural beauty and avoid vandalism on the attraction, climbing the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is now prohibited. However, walking on the rocks, picture-taking, and probably, climbing are allowed to do on the other phase of this rock. 

Aside from the things to wear, I strongly advice to consider the timing of your visit.  We went to the place at around 11:00 AM to 12:00PM wherein the sun is on its peak. Do not forget to bring umbrellas and wear caps to protect yourself from the sun. Apply some sunblock too to protect your skin.

I just imagined myself being part of the romantic Filipino movie "Suddenly It's Magic". It was one of their locations. Absolutely cool! 

Next destination, Burgos Wind Farm. 

Located still in Burgos, this is the second wind farm (first is the Bangui Wind Farm) built in the province of Ilocos Norte. Upon its completion, it became the largest wind farm in the country and in Southeast Asia covering 600 hectares and 3 barangays. It provides 150 Megawatt energy to the province that makes their electrical rate lower compared to other provinces.

The place is not easily accesible compared to the Bangui Windmills that tourists usually visit. In our case, I'd like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Mayor Rodolfo Garcia and Vice Mayor Crescente Garcia for accomodating us with the help of the Mayor's son, Chris Garcia. Thank you for the free lunch also, sir! We highly appreciate it! 

We were given a free VIP access to enter the top of the tallest hill wherein you can see the entire wind farm and the South China Sea. A very rare opportunity for our part. 

I saw the windmill upclose! Such a great experience. I feel so honored that it's not the usual picture that most of the tourists took with the windmills. Mine, is not taken at Bangui. It's in Burgos at the top of the hill. Love it! 

Actually, you can also see by far the Bangui Wind Farm. That is where tourists usually take pictures! 

Next destination, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

The 66 foot tall octagonal stone tower is considered to be the highest elevated still original and active Spanish Era lighthouse  in the Philippines that was first lit on March 30, 1892.

It is the most accesible of all the lighthouses in the island of Luzon. It is stately alighted atop Viga de Nagparitan Hill over a hundred years, guiding sea vessels as they pass by the northwestern part of the Philippine archipelago via the South China Sea. 

The lighthouse serves now as a museum  that offers knowledge about the history of the place.

I went at the top part of the lighthouse and i saw how scenic the South China Sea is. When the blue sky met the blue ocean, oh well, It's beyond perfection! 

After a very tiresome experience with the 3 tourist destination of Burgos, we had some quick snack at the private resort of Mayor Rey care of his son Chris. They're really accomodating.

Oops, my Burgos experience is just until here. The rest of my Ilocos Norte's Expedition will be seen on my next blog! 

For any suggestions and recommendations, feel free to leave some comments.

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-Yrag!