magapit suspension bridge

Experiencing the bridge was short but meanigful. It was like seeing the San Francisco suspension Bridge of the Americans. It is nearest to the farthest KM marker up North of the Philippines-KM 714.It is an achievement passing thru this way by land after barely 4hours from Pagudpud. It also serves us the boundary between Ilocos region and Cagayan. And i never imagine one day in my life to see Aparri.

The journey started in Baguio City, Benguet. I was supposed to be in Ilocos Norte for a series of business meetings with the president of our company. Unfortunately, I had unfinished business in Cauayan, Isabela so what am I to do? Baguio to Nueva Vizcaya is approximately 109 km via Ambuclao Road. This scenic road will let you pass two (2) view points the Ambuclao Dam view point and Agno River view point. You can stop over these points to rest your legs and arms if you are driving the snake like road of Ambuclao. The end of this road is Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya, which is approximately 262 km to Tuguegarao, Cagayan. On the way to Tuguegarao you can pass through a series of tourist spots like just keep your eyes open, and this will mean another 30-50km off the road. Mostly caverns and parks. When you get to Santiago City, Isabela, I would suggest you take the Roxas road to Tuguegarao, 20 km longer, it is more scenic and gets you a glimpse of the trip going to Tabuk Kalinga. Once in Tuguegarao, its time to rest since it has been a 9 hour travel. While here, don't forget to try their Batil Patong Pancit, around Php 50-80 per serving good for two. Hotel rates here ranges from Php 800 - 1500 and you have a lot of choices. In the morning, get up early to visit the Callao Caves, Php 500 for a tour. Then off to Aparri. At the end of this road, you'll see the Magapit Bridge, an old suspension bridge, one of its kind in Asia as well as the Philippines, once you cross this bridge (which is currently under construction and passable only to light vehicles) its just 3 hours to go to Region 1. It was a good ride, thought there is not much to see. But everything changes once you get to Claveria, Aparri. The view of the Claveria Cove was amazing, almost postcard quality. I was not able to check out the beach since I was on a business trip but a friend of mine says that rates of the resorts would range around Php 1000-1500. Another hour after Claveria, you will be greeted by a familiar sign "Welcome to Ilocos, Norte. Say hello now to Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte and feast your eyes on the scenic Patapat, Bridge. Don't forget to drop by as well to the white sand beaches of Pagudpod. Rates more expensive but there are other options like homestay or transient houses. After Pagudpod, is Bangui, where you now see the famous Windmills....and a few more kilometers the Boreador Light House....then 45 minutes more, you are in Laoag, Ilocos Norte and has basically traversed have of CAR, all of Region 2 and Region 1 (on the way back to Manila or Baguio)Whew....but it was worth it.0