Our Full-Packed Ilocandia Tour: La Paz Sand Dunes

Another treasure of Ilocos.

It’s our final day and we are all first timers to visit La Paz Sand Dunes. It’s actually an additional tour for all of us before we left Ilocos.

Kiko and Carlo with the surf boards. 

From the hotel, it was just a quick 10-15 ride to La Paz. It’s very unique because we really do not have deserted areas here in the Philippines and this is the closest that we’ve got in Asia to resemble a deserted place such as in Middle East countries and Africa. It is around 85 square kilometers desert like safari with sand dunes of around 10-30 meters tall. I immediately remembered and realized that this is where several local movies where shot like the “Panday”, “Himala”, “Pedro Penduko” and some Hollywood films. I am amazed. 

Though at some point I assumed that there should be no plants (or should I say I expect a very few plants or grasses) in the area but there is. It’s maybe because it was not that summer period and it was raining yesterday and so they are green, not really sure about that. =)

Alfie, Julie and Carlo on their surfer pose

Several activities are available here such as ATV and 4x4 ride and of course sand surfing. We do not have enough time (and budget! :p) for a 4x4 ride so we just had a free Sand surfing lesson with our driver and guide.

And so we are all excited to try, should I rephrase, almost all of us because some are nervous already! For me, I am not afraid to try but I am worried to get hurt when I fall. I am such an adventurer and missing this Sand Surfing is not on me. So hit it!

I tried and I literally had cheeks to cheeks on the sand on my first try, but it was super fun! We tried the wider surf board first in sitting position for starters and then the thinner board that is for standing position.

Kiko is the best Surfer as he just nailed it the first and second and succeeding attempts. Me, I am glad that I was able to do it the following tries. 




Remember to bring extra clothes as you’ll definitely sweat walking and surfing. It also doesn't matter what shoes to wear as I bet you’ll remove it for a better grip on the board. 

Get ready to get dusty and dirty too!

And here's how I nailed it. Though I guess I should've stand straighter here. ;p

Lean back, hold your breath and then scream hard!  

And below are the rest of the gang. 

A dusty way to end our Ilocos trip! 

And that ends our Ilocos Tour; we actually had a short trip at Juan Luna’s birthplace and also went back to Vigan for a street food hunt and last minute shop for Ilocos Longanisa and Bagnet. We also had tried eating Bagnet Pizza c/o Carlo. Indeed a memorable trip for all of us. And also, remember to include Sand Boarding upon your visit to Ilocos! 

Here's the list of the entire Ilocos posts:
Vigan Tour
Northern - Pagudpud
La Paz Sand Dunes
And check here for our itinerary.

_____________________________________

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. "

~ Helen Keller