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PAOAY SAND DUNES
Countries such as Morocco and Dubai are famous for their natural sand dunes. But did you know that the Philippines have its own 52 square mile of this God-given wonder?
Countries such as Morocco and Dubai are famous for their natural sand dunes. But did you know that the Philippines have its own 52 square mile of this God-given wonder?
The Ilocos Sand Dunes Stretches encompasses the towns of
Currimao through to Pasuquin in Ilocos Norte. The La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag
City is one of the more popular sand dune destinations in Ilocos Norte. But
more recently, the PAOAY SAND DUNES is remarkably gaining popularity to
tourists travelling up north.
To start your Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure, hire a 4x4 Rough
Riding vehicle at the base of the site. A fleet of these 4x4s are at your
disposal and a professional driver will be your guide to the vast sand dunes.
For 1,500php for a maximum of 5 people per car, the driver will tour the group
at the Sand dunes for 30 minutes. Sightseeing and photo sessions can be done
for this package.
After this ride, try sand boarding where a plank of wood is your
equipment to slide over sand folds in the vast landscape. My first try was, of
course (with my inborn uncoordinated self), a fall but it was not painful at
all. The soft sand is your cushion and your defense to the fear of trying
again. If you do it once and get over the fear, I can assure that you’ll do it
over and over again. It was that much fun! The hardest and most tiring aspect
of the sport? Going up again the sandy slope after sliding down, but this will
not prevent you to try and try until you do it perfectly. This package will
cost 2,500php.
After the thrill, the guide will then drive the group down to
the beach shores along the sand dunes. It is a perfect way to end a beautiful
and exhilarating adventure. Plan your trip either in the early morning to
welcome the sunrise (open as early as 5am) or late afternoon (5-6pm) to glory
on the sunset not only because it’s marvelous but also to avoid the heat of the
afternoon sun that can reflect to the sand.
The Church of Saint Augustine of Paoay, Ilocos Norte
The Church of Saint Augustine, commonly known as the Paoay Church, started its constructions in the year 1694 and was completed in 1710 in the province of Ilocos Norte.
It is a supreme model of an Earthquake Baroque church which is designed
to withstand earthquakes as Philippines’ has a reputation of an
earthquake-prone country during that time.
Ever since I've been stung by the travel bug, I have been wanting to see
Paoay Church. Just seeing the photos of this church in the internet and
different SNS makes me wonder what more does it looks like up close and
in-person. That's why when me and my friends booked a flight to this
province, Paoay Church is one of the spots I've been looking forward to
see. And when I was there already, it doesn't disappoint me. The
beautiful structure and the mix of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs
of this church makes me fall in love with it. This is by far the number 1
church on my list.
Paoay church was built using bricks, tree sap, and lumbers but what makes it special and strong is, it is mainly built using coral stones/rocks. Huge coral stones were used in the lower portion of the church to have a great hold of its weight. Its bell tower, although it is separated from the main building, is also made in coral stones. With its striking look and architectural design, Paoay Church was proclaimed as one of UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines which took part in 1993. Other Baroque Churches in the Philippines which are recognized by UNESCO are the following: Nuestra Señora dela Asunción in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, and Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo.
Source: Geejay Travel Blog
Nice article! I would really like to try one of those adventures. :)
TumugonBurahin