From Manila, Pagudpud is a good 14-hour drive. The scenic view and the numerous intersting stop over opportunities make the long trip worthwile.
Stop over at Laoag and try their meat empanadas by the town center. Go to their wet market ("talipapa") and buy native sausages ("longganisa") and deep fried crispy pork ("baget"). I recommend the fish sauce to go with the "baget".
Keep your eyes open for the lighthouse that offers a breathtaking view of the South China Sea.
When you reach Pagudpud, white sands, blue sea, and refreshing air welcome you. This is the quiet version of Boracay. Ask one of the boat men to take you to what they refer to as the "Blue Lagoon". There, expect white powdery sands, amazing peace and quiet, fresh breeze and blue waters. . . Try setting a beach towel in one of the small boats ("banca") and sleep to the lull of the ocean water and sea breeze. Lovely!
Quick Tips:
Best Way To Get Around:
Pagudpud via Public Transport -- Travel Tip by Kith (www.biyahero.net)
Buses going to Tuguegarao will pass by Pagudpud. There are 2 Bantay-Tuguegarao trips for the Florida Bus: 6am and 4pm. So, from Vigan, ask a tricycle to bring you to the Caltex Bantay bus terminal for Php 10.00.
You can ride the Florida bus to Pagudpud for Php 80.00 (aircon) or Php 130.00 (aircon). There is no set schedule for the a/c bus. You're just plain lucky if it happens to be the one waiting for you in the bus terminal.
Buses from Tuguegarao going to Bantay leave Tuguegarao at 4am. If you want a ride back to Bantay, make sure you're at the bus stop around 10am. There's another bus in the afternoon, but it's never certain if they'll reach Bantay. It depends on the number of passengers, it seems. To be sure, just ride the 10am bus.
From Bantay, ask a tricycle to bring you to Vigan for Php 10.00.