Paoay Sand Dunes

Background

Paoay Sand Dunes is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province of Ilocos Norte. It is exactly located at Barangay Suba in the municipality of Paoay. Paoay Sand Dunes has a size of 88 square kilometers and it’s an ideal spot for tourists to ride a 4×4 vehicle.

According to its history, Paoay Sand Dunes was formed by the wave on the seashore during high tides which is the main reason for the sand and silt deposited offshore to form sand bars. Then during the low tides, sand bars that are near the seashore are dried up and moved by the strong wind and sun which resulted in sand dunes. As a matter of fact, only the strong wind coming from the West Philippine Sea can make the sand dunes move eastwards towards the land and change the formation. In addition, the dimension of the sand dunes will differ depending on a number of factors such as the current weather conditions, the type of winds, the volume of sediment, and the type of foliage in the region. As the years go by, Paoay Sand Dunes has been a filming location for local movies such as Ang Panday starring Fernando Poe Jr. which is considered by many as the King of Philippine Movies, and Himala starring one of the most famous Filipino actresses and film producers named Nora Aunor. During the 1980’s decade, it is also the filming location of international action movies such as Mad Max starring Mel Gibson, and Born on the Fourth of July starring Tom Cruise. As of today, Paoay Sand Dunes are visited by thousands of tourists during the summer season to experience the adrenaline rush while having activities such as off-road 4×4 rides and sandboarding.

Name: Paoay Sand Dunes
Location: Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Features: thrilling 4×4 ride and sandboarding

My adventure to Paoay Sand Dunes

It was Saturday morning around 8:30 am when our van arrived at the Onse Reef registration point in Bacsil, Paoay. Since we are thirteen in the group and the capacity of a 4×4 vehicle is up to six people only, we decided to divide our group into three in order for us to enjoy riding the 4×4 vehicle because it’s not crowded and we have more space to move. We register and paid the necessary fee in boarding the 4×4 vehicle.

After that, our group consisting of 13 people enter the 4×4 vehicle. It was the start of our adventure and I’m so excited. The initial pathway of the 4×4 vehicle is on a paved road with lots of trees and local houses can be seen. Afterward, the pathway becomes a vast arid land full of stirred dust and the mixture of exhilaration and anxiety begins. At some point, while having an up-and-down ride across the sand dunes we were shouting so hard and I struggled to keep a good grip on the safety bars because I was at the end of the 4×4 vehicle. Nevertheless, I managed to keep my composure and look around the vast desert which is very akin to Dubai Sand Dunes.

After nine minutes of a 4×4 ride, we stop for a brief moment in the middle of sand dunes to snap unforgettable photos and videos with the background of the vast desert and the seashore from a distance. The driver also helps our group to take great pictures in the photo-op stations in Paoay Sand Dunes. After our photo session, we continue our adventurous ride and after five minutes we reach the seaside. For this reason, we get off in the 4×4 vehicle and we started taking pictures again of the turquoise blue sea. In my perspective, the place is worthy of praise because it reminds me of the appealing Jumeirah Public Beach in Dubai.

To be honest, I was in awe seeing the Paoay Sand Dunes and the pristine seaside even though the waves are strong and it was kinda hot at that time and the place is not ideal for swimming. Every group picture we take is picture perfect and I appreciate more the beauty of the planet Earth. After staying for nearly ten minutes at the beach, the driver called us and it was time for the continuation of our unique 4×4 adventure experience going to the sandboarding area.

Most of the time it was a big challenge for the group to take photos and videos because the 4×4 ride is like a rollercoaster with its sharp turns, tumbling down the broad blankness of the sandy escapade, and quick drops in the twenty feet sand dunes. Nevertheless, we enjoy the 4×4 heart-pounding ride and I like the experience overall. The drivers were so professional and skilled and for me, they knew how to excite their passengers. Also, it was so unforgettable because of the thrill in every ups and downs of our 4×4 ride. We reach the sandboarding area around 9:15 am.

As I wait for my turn, I drink water to conquer my thirst and look at the whole sandboarding area. Then I noticed that the skateboard has straps and handles that will help skateboarders to balance while sliding downhill. Then after a few minutes, it was my turn, I sit on the board while our guide adjusted the rope and the position of the skateboarding. A few seconds later he let me go and I reached the base of the sandboarding area without touching the ground. At this point, I feel like I’m the best skateboarder in the world. Just kidding. To be honest, the sandboarding was beginner-friendly because you have control of your movement as you slide down.

Then I wait for the other members of the group to finish sandboarding so I stayed at the bottom and snap pictures and videos while they try to slide down in perfect motion. Some of the group members even attempt to stand on the skateboard but halfway down they lose their balance and faltered. Even so, after a second attempt, they managed to go all the way down without even crashing. So it’s time to climb back up and I noticed that we were having a hard time going up because of the powdery and loose sand. We stay at the sandboarding area for twenty-one minutes and it’s time to take a 4×4 ride again going back to the registration point.

When the gigantic wheels roll on the rugged terrain again, we at the back of the 4×4 vehicle could feel every muscle in our body tremble as if we were in those fancy massage chairs. The difference is it was not relaxing at all. At some point, we needed to hold on tight for our dear lives as the drops is a steep descent. It is quite funny that while I stood there having a bumpy ride, I had this awful feeling that my body would get sore that day. Fortunately, it didn’t happen.

Overall the 4×4 ride was a very fun and crazy experience as I feel the adrenaline rush as we make our way across the Paoay Sand Dunes. Without a doubt, this is the main highlight of our Ilocos trip as we enjoy one of a kind thrilling experience and utmost adventure.

Things to bring on your visit to Paoay Sand Dunes:

Jacket
Cap
Pants
Pocket money
Sunblock
Sunglasses
Bottled water

Reminders and Tips:

• The thirty-minute 4×4 vehicle ride in Paoay Sand Dunes cost 2500 pesos and it’s good for four to six people. Note: the 2500 pesos are inclusive of the driver’s fee and the use of the sandboard. 

• The laid-back thirty-minute ATV ride cost 1000 pesos and it’s good for two people. For a one-hour ride, the cost will be 2000 pesos and this will allow you to go around a vast expanse of sand dunes with no obstacles.

• The best month to visit the Paoay Sand Dunes is during the summer season from March to May as there are limited chances of rainfall so the sand dunes remain smooth and dry. Additionally, the best time to visit the sand dunes is in the early morning to avoid the direct heat of the sun and in the late afternoon to have a picturesque sunset view.

• Walk-in is allowed, just prepare the exact amount of money to be collected at the registration site.

• Bring sunblock or sunscreen just in case you arrive late in the morning as it’s definitely getting hot, especially in the dry season. Wear shades to protect your eyes from sand while riding across the sand dunes and doing sandboarding. Also, wear pants or leggings as the blowing sand can be sometimes painful to your legs.

• There is a small sari-sari store in the sandboarding area where you can buy water and snacks.

• In order for you to go to Paoay Sand Dunes, you will need to ride a tricycle from any point in Laoag City. Note: if you’re coming from Southern Luzon or Metro Manila, I highly suggest you book a package tour that will take you to Ilocos Norte.

• Last but not least, after exploring the Paoay Sand Dunes you may visit Malacanang of the North to see the beautiful Paoay Lake.
  
  
  

There you have it, thrill seekers. If you don’t do wild things while you’re young, you’ll have nothing to smile about when you’re old. From top to bottom, I aim that this Paoay Sand Dunes blog has been laudatory to you and to your friends. Enjoy life, travel, and have fun.