We took another tricycle going now to St. Joseph Bus Terminal which parks their own buses and Claveria Tours Bus for our trip to Pagudpud. Either of the two will bring you to Pagudpud. If you will stay at Isabel Suites, it's just a walking distance from there. We found out that when we took a tricycle and after a few minutes, we were already there. Mautak na driver, di man lang sinabi sa amin.
The bus left at 4:30pm. FYI, last trip is 6:00pm. It's a trip going to Cagayan kaya ibababa ka lang nila sa highway at sasakay ka na lang nang another tricycle going to where you will stay in Pagudpud. It took us 2 hours for the travel. Northern part naman ang Pagudpud nang Ilocos Norte. P70.00 per person ang bus fare. This trip gave us our closest view to a rainbow. Spectacular!!!
6:30pm na kami dumating sa Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud. By the way, di pala airconditioned ang bus ha. A taste of local bus adventure. Okay na rin. Mabait ang kunduktor, hininto nila kami where we requested to be dropped off at kinuhanan pa kami nang tricycle. Madilim na nga kasi. Sabihin niyo lang sa kunduktor na ibaba kayo sa Gaoa, sa may Bing Bong's restaurant (a small restaurant). Tapos may mga tricycle na dun.
Feeling namin, dadalhin kami sa NPA camp kasi sobrang dilim, maambon pa, wala kaming makita at maliit at may trapal pa yung tricycle. It took us 15-20minutes to get to the resort. Dadaan ka talaga sa bundok. But arriving at Kapuluan Vista Resort was so comforting. Worth it. At safe pa pala kami. Haha. Hindi advisable ang bumyahe sa gabi, di niyo ma-eenjoy ang view.
The staff of KVR are really nice. They welcomed us at the gate like we were lost kids out in the forest. They were worried because it was late already and we're not yet checked in. They even called me twice just to check if we're doing fine and on the right road. Nice! We got a Standard Room for P2,000.00 per night (off-peak season rate). And I'm telling you, you'll be amazed the way we were when we got inside our room. It was nice.
But the best catch in Kapuluan Vista Resort is their spacious zen-type bathroom with a garden inside. Now that is sick!!!
I've read so many good things about this organic, Bali-inspired, boutique-type resort that's why we chose it over the big Hannah's resort. There are only 3 major resorts in Maira-ira or Blue Lagoon, there's Punta Azul, Hannah's and Kapuluan. Ang maganda lang doon sa dalawa is beachfront ang blue lagoon. The distinct feature of KVR is that, it is very private, peaceful, and has a serene set-up for the guests. Perfect for retreats and honeymoon.
Anyways, after placing our bags, we went to their nice restaurant and had dinner. There were other foreigners at the resort. We were then given with their welcome drinks which is their famous Alma's Margarita which is super duper sarap! A must try. It was my first taste of margarita. Haha. And the first experience gave me a whole lot of meaning to it. Perfect!
I had a Veggie big Empanada which was yummy and costs P180.00, and hubbee had Chicken Breast Grill which costs P250.00. The food was so great! What's good about their restaurant is that they prepare their cuisine in a healthy-fashion without compromising flavors. They do not cook with MSG and only use organic ingredients from their very own garden, the first and only in Pagudpud. That's the reason why you don't feel bloated after eating.
Our room does not come with a TV. It was simply designed for a healthy retreat where you can really spend time with each other. We just bought a magazine at the restaurant so we can have something to read after. So after dinner, we went to our room to settle in, relax, and just spent time with each other and actuallly reminisced good times of all the adventures we had together. This trip was actually our Chapter XIV celebration.
More Ilocos story coming up...
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