After a couple of days in Vigan, we proceeded to Laoag in Ilocos Norte where we stayed for another night. We visited various attractions like the Malacañang of the North, the Marcos Museum, and the historic Church of Paoay before capping it off with a wild ride over the sand dunes of La Paz. Mirroring the hectic pace of the contestants of the Amazing Race, we hustled the next day to continue our northern road trip to Pagudpud.
A Pit-Stop at Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Reaching the next leg of our journey shouldn’t last more than two hours, however—with the imaginary Phil Keoghan dictating our wanderlust quirks—we decided not to skip the interesting places along the way. One of which is the magnificent rock formation of Kapurpurawan.
Kapurpurawan Rock en Roll to the World
Battered and sculpted by the waves of the West Philippine Sea for thousands of years, the milky white rock formations of Kapurpurawan bulge along the stony coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte like the starboard of a submarine, manning the shoreline as a mock nature lookout.
Sculpted by Time
A process known to science as sedimentation explains the natural forces behind the elements that shaped Kapurpurawan—a combination of wind, sea water, and numerous other tiny Earth particles. Just by staring at it, you get the drift of how old our planet is. Our lifetime is just a tiny blip in its unending trajectory of life.
Protecting the Formation
Going near the main rock formation of Kapurpurawan isn’t allowed anymore—which is the correct call—since it started to show signs of shedding. We hung out at the pebbly shore for almost an hour, just listening to the harmonious hissing of the wind and the swells of the ocean banging against the solid walls of Kapurpurawan.
As we made our short hike back to the town’s main road, I made sure to steal glances of Kapurpurawan by turning my head and appreciating its comely appearance. From afar, it appears as a commonplace piece of rock, but it is totally splendid when you’re right in front of it. Such a teasing slice of Mother Nature, I told myself. As I held hands with my girlfriend Monnette, we clowned our way along, pleased at how our little road trip was sending us wonderful surprises.
More Ilocos Roadtrip Guides
This guide is part of my larger Ilocos Roadtrip Series. Discover more destinations to explore in the north:
The Baroque Church of PaoayThe Heritage House of Villa Angela
Malacañang of the North
Charging at the Mad Max Vibe of La Paz Sand Dunes
Where to Stay in Laoag: Balay de Blas
Bantay Church Bell Tower
