Tags: Natural Wonders, Vacation
By Anna Valmero
PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE – If you think you’ve seen the best of Ilocos, you’re probably missing a lot if you haven’t experienced a sunset (or sunrise) yet in the majestic sand dunes of Suba.
Stretching 800 meters wide, the sand dunes of Suba is the only place where you can find a desert in this tropical country. The place was the setting for memorable movies like Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July and Temptation Island, that famously campy 1980s film by Joey Gosiengfiao. It is also where Nora Aunor uttered the now-immortal line “Walang Himala!” in the Ishmael Bernal classic Himala.
Ilocos Norte’s unique sand dunes and stretches from the municipality of Currimao in the north and winds it’s way to La Paz in Laoag City then to Suba in Paoay and finally in Pasuquin in the south.
Cebuano blogger Estan Cabigas recommends going there just before the sun rises over the Cordillera mountains and describes what he saw: “Soft, beautiful light wraps the sand dunes and just be amazed as how the place is transformed from purple to golden in just a few minutes. Darkness retreating to give way to light.”
Some would say it’s better to go during sunset. The upside, though, of heading there first thing in the morning is that you could stay longer after before hitting the beach again. You can also take photos of local farmers grazing their cattle, like what photographer Erwin Lim.
But if you prefer the sunset, I bet you would be bowled over when the first stars come out of the sky. Without the bright lights of the city, the stars, constellations and the moon could be viewed at their magnificence. Just be sure to bring a flashlights or a lamp along with your telescopes or binoculars.
For those in the mood for a long walk and exercise, the sand dunes can be reached from Fort Ilocandia, a nine-hectare resort hotel in Barangay Calayab. Walking the sand dunes felt like meditating, according to travel blogger Anton Diaz. “The sky feels a little bit closer. It is an awesome place for reflection,” he says. See more of his photos in his blog Our Awesome Planet.
For the adventure types, Suba is also a place for sandboarding, what could be the closest alternative to snowboarding in the Philippines. It is also a destination for off-road enthusiasts, similar to Dubai and other cities in the Middle East.
Blogger Ivan Henares posted his sandboarding experience in Suba and included contact information for those interested to try it out. Those interested to try sandboarding may contact Reny Tan of the Laoag Eco-Adventure Development Movement at 0918. 7355516 or bennyarce@yahoo.com
Partas Bus Company operates daily trips from Manila to Laoag City call (02)725-7303 or 724-9820 for reservations). From Laoag, take a local bus bound for Paoay. Photos taken by Erwin Lim, Estan Cabigas and Anton Diaz via Our Awesome Planet
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