Aside from the very popular beach in Pagudpud and the Bangui Windmills, Ilocos Norte is the place where you can find a beautiful rock formation – The Bantay Abot Cave located along the shore of the little town of Baloi in Ilocos Norte.

This interesting geological formation is not really a cave but a rocky hill that resulted from an earthquake that happened so many years ago.

Bantay Abot Caves means “a mountain with a hole.” It is an exceptional formation embracing the clear blue sea. The whole sight of the little mountain is an image of a green whale resting ashore.

Going to Bantay Abot Cave will take about 30-45 minutes from Bangui Windmills. You have to get down from the main road to get close to the spot.

You will surely be amazed by the breathtaking view of the site. The cave is enclosed by rock structures and the top is wrapped by green shrubbery which is very relaxing to the tourists’ eyes.

The beach is very rocky and the waves are very strong, that’s why the area is not ideal for swimming. You can still enjoy walking on the shallow waters, though. Bantay Abot Cave is an ideal place for photo ops and pictorials.

If you are planning to visit Pagudpud, you shouldn’t miss to drop by the Bantay Abot Cave.

Take care and have a happy trip!

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How to go There

From Manila, ride a plane, Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines, going to Laoag, Ilocos Norte. The fare usually ranges from 1,100-1,500 pesos.

If you plan to travel by land going to Ilocos Norte, you need to ride a bus in Manila because there are regular trips going to the place. Trips to Laoag usually range from 700-800 pesos. The travel time takes about 10 hours.

Accommodation

If you want to stay in the province for many days, you can check out the nearest hotels in Pagupud.

• Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel

Brgy. 37 Calayab, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines

• Pamulinawen Hotel

National Highway, Brgy. 22, 2901 San Nicholas, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines

• Java Hotel

Laoag (Ilocos Norte) 55B Salet Gen. Segundo Avenue, Laoag City, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines

• Pannzian Beach Mountain and Resort

Barangay Pancian, Pagudpud (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines

• Plaza Del Norte Hotel and Convention Center

15 Suba, Paoay, Laoag (Ilocos Norte), Ilocos Region, Philippines