Saud Beach

Introduction

Saud Beach is the most beautiful and attractive beach in the province of Ilocos Norte. It has a two-kilometer length composed of soft white sand, coconut palms, and crystal-clear turquoise water at the northern tip of Luzon. It is an 11 to 12 hours drive from Metro Manila but it’s all worth coming here. Saud Beach offers tourists a relaxing vacation and a serene environment perfect for nature lovers.

According to its history, Saud Beach was listed as one of the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world by Travel + Leisure which is a popular travel magazine based in New York USA. It is the only beach in the Philippines to make it to the list and it is one of the only three Southeast Asian beaches included in the list. The other two are the clean and peaceful beach of Bai Dam Trau in Vietnam and the well-known Railay Beach in Thailand. For this reason, the Department of Tourism (DOT) agency is delighted with the prestigious award and vows to support more tourism projects in the region.

Subsequently, Saud Beach was proclaimed as Asia’s leading beach destination at the 27th World Travel Awards in the year 2022 because of its pristine waters and magnificent shoreline. It is often tagged as the Boracay of the North for its fine powdery white sand beaches. Presently, Saud Beach is visited by thousands of tourists every year and it is a perfect getaway for family and friends who want to relax and simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. So if you like to swim in the pleasant wave, see the unspoiled white sand pitches, and have breakfast and lunch under a thatch-roof cabana under the palms then visit Saud Beach as soon as possible.

Name: Saud Beach
Location: Barangay Saud, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Features: crystal-clear turquoise water, coconut trees, and soft white sand

My trip to Saud Beach

It was Sunday morning around 8:20 am when we started walking towards the beach. Since the beach is not far away from our rented transient house, it took us only ten minutes to arrive at the beachfront. Then I noticed that the beach is not so crowded and commercialized unlike in Boracay. Instead of local shops, tall coconut trees border the beach and offer shade to beachgoers. Although there are nearby resorts, the beach vibe is peaceful and laid back. Also, the picturesque clear blue waters are so comforting to the eyes.

As I look around I can even see the Bangui Windmills on the other side which is definitely a good backdrop while enjoying my time on this super mellow beach surrounded by absolute beauty. As a result, I capture many perfect postcard-worthy panoramas of this picture-perfect place with gorgeous scenery.

Then we changed our clothes into white color and after that, we have our group picture taken by our newly found friends. After that, we started to make a playful dip in the cool crystal clear water and I said to myself that this beach is so impressive. No wonder why it was selected as Asia’s best beach in the past years because of its unblemished and unsophisticated surroundings that attract many tourists, movie producers, and fashion photographers coming from different parts of Luzon. From my perspective, it is a lovely beach, and it’s one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to.

The turquoise blue sea is so welcoming as well as the soft white sand. It is perfect for sunbathing and all angles are Instagram-worthy. Also, swimmers can see the multicolored coral reefs as well as colorful fishes in the deep waters. Truly, the place is paradise and an ideal summer getaway and also it might be the best beach in the entire Luzon Island. In my opinion, Saud Beach is much way better than Boracay because of its powdery sand and a very good looking beautiful relaxed beach that is picture perfect. Furthermore, the calm seas give us a sense of satisfaction and I will feel more relaxed and rejuvenated just by staring at the horizon.

The views here are heart-stopping and the ambiance is so unique. I loved the palm tree canopy and the cottages and the cleanliness of the sea is pleasing to the eye. Also, the serene water and gentle waves are perfect for swimming even for kids, especially in the summer season. Undoubtedly, this beach is unveiling serenity and it’s a perfect place to wind down that is left in its natural state, pristine water, white powdery sand, and the gentle sea breeze as it touches my dark brown skin.

Then I ponder for a little while that Saud Beach is the best destination to chase sunsets because of its wide and long stretch of shoreline. Anyway, I love the bonding moments we have and I love all the cheerful and laughing faces I saw on the beach. Our group stayed at Saud Beach for one hour and fifteen minutes even though the sun is gleaming high at that time. Without a doubt, being at one with nature can indeed bring a sense of contentment and fulfillment to all of us. Nature has a way of connecting us to something greater than ourselves, providing a sense of awe, tranquility, and harmony.

On the whole, my trip to Saud Beach sums up this straightforward quote “We don’t remember days, we remember moments”.

How to Go to Saud Beach

By commute

1. From Partas bus terminal in Cubao Quezon City, ride an airconditioned bus bound for Laoag City Ilocos Norte. The estimated travel time is around nine hours.
2. Then from Laoag City, ride a van going to Pagudpud Municipal Hall, and from there ride a tricycle going to Saud Beach resort.

By private car

1. Open your Waze app and pin the Saud Beach Resort and Hotel.
2. From Laoag City, pass through the Bararra Bridge and follow the Pan-Philippine Highway (AH26) until you reach Pagudpud municipality.
3. Then when you see the John Fritz Bakery on the right side of the road, turn left to go to Burayoc Road and continue driving until you reach the Saud Beach resort. Note: if you’re coming from Metro Manila it would take around 11 to 13 hours of driving and it will depend on your stopover and the current traffic situation.
   
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips:

• The entrance fee in Saud Beach is 20 pesos per head in order to maintain the cleanliness of the place.

• The cottage fee for 7 people is 150 pesos.

• Please ask for permission before having a camping trip where you need to pitch your tent because some areas don’t allow camping.

• There are many resorts near Saud Beach where you can stay overnight such as the Saud Beach Resort and Hotel equipped with fully air-conditioned rooms, a mini-refrigerator, a coffee table, and a private shower and toilet. Also, you can consider the Hakuna Matata Saud Beach Resort where you can enjoy your time and you want a truly relaxing stay in Pagudpud. Their rooms are clean and the service is good.

• Outrigger boats are available for hire near the wooded entrance area of the beach.

• If you want to buy a variety of fresh fish then go to the beach early morning around 5 am to 6 am.

• Last but not least, bring enough cash with you.
  
  
  

There you have it, beach lovers. We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us. Also, don’t settle for the familiar, the world is full of endless possibilities just waiting to be discovered. All-inclusive, I wish this travel blog made you want to visit the nicest beach in Ilocos Norte.