My trips usually go on a “more or less” kind of arrangement. That’s one, if not the best perk, of travelling solo. The “second day” of my North Luzon Loop Ride ended early at 3PM in Laoag City. I still have plenty of daylight left so I continued heading north. From Laoag City, “north” means Bacarra, Pasuquin, Burgos, Bangui and Pagudpud.
Bacarra is a town of Ilocos Norte just 10 kms from Laoag. Different versions of folktales suggest that the name was derived from either a fish (bacbacarra), a cow (baca) or a rice basket (bacar). Sadly, this town is often skipped from tours in the Ilocos Region. But just like the sundials of Tagudin or the Juan Luna Shrine in Badoc, Bacarra also has a must-see tourist attraction. See what’s left of it..
BACARRA BELL TOWER
So, you think you’ve had enough of bell towers in Ilocos? Just because you might have already seen the Bantay Bell Tower (which I skipped) in Vigan, the bell tower of the famous Paoay Church, and the sinking Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag doesn’t mean you’re gonna skip this one. BELL-lieve me it’s worth the stop!
It’s only 1.5 kms from the National Road anyway.
The tower is near the city hall and town plaza.
It was built in the 1830’s and an earthquake in 1931 damaged the structure and caused it to tilt a little sideward. On August 17, 1983 another earthquake completely wrecked the dome and it became known as “The Domeless Dignified Bell Tower of Asia”.
The 50-meter tower was reduced to 2 storeys, leaving debris at its foot. This is the perfect example why bell towers are constructed a few meters away from the church itself.
debris from the dome of the tower
They may be where they aren’t supposed to but they still complete the bell tower
Not only is it domeless, it is also sinking (as per the caretaker watering the plants)
MUSEO DE BACARRA is just beside the church but I didn’t have enough time to check it out. I still have a long way to go. Before leaving town, I refueled and reviewed my route.
Looking at it from a distance, the base seems not wide enough (like Laoag Bell Tower) for something that tall
The museum is something I have to visit on my next visit.
The blue-themed City Hall of Bacarra
Since I started the day back in Vigan, I’ve been on the motorcycle almost all the time. Indeed, it was an experience learning about the famous Ilocanos, visiting tourist destinations, and even attempting to ride in the desert or get to other islands but there’s something missing. I miss the non-stop ride with nothing but the throttle, the gear shifter, and the brakes against the road up ahead.
The coastal road of Pasuquin. The highlighted road is 30 kms long.
It’s time for some serious riding and Pasuquin made it even better with a nice view of the sea and the beach. Sexy Beach known for having an S-curve shoreline was definitely the highlight of this leg. I enjoyed the view going over 80 kph so no pics for you. Second placer would be the cage that “raced” me for over 25 kms. I think we had at least six lead changes. We exchanged friendly beep-beeps as he passed me for the last time as I pulled over to the side of the road. I have reached Brgy. Paayas, Burgos – home of a famous lighthouse.
CAPE BOJEADOR LIGHTHOUSE
Sitting 160 meters on top of Vigia de Nagparitan is the most visited lighthouse in the Philippines, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse or also know as Burgos Lighthouse.Since it began operation in 1892, this lighthouse is still functional and is considered a cultural heritage structure. It guides naval vessels in the northwestern-most point of Luzon. It overlooks the vast South China Sea and the rugged coastline of Burgos. This station has the common features of lighthouses: the light tower, serviceable quarters and a courtyard.
The steep spiraling road leading to the top of the hill where the lighthouse is.
A short staircase leading up to the light station.
A couple of reminders
another staircase up to the tower
I wonder if there’s really something inside this room marked “museum”
This octagonal stone tower is 20 meters tall
Cultural heritage huh??
Not really well-maintained but the “old” feel of the lighthouse is really something
It’s almost 5PM and the sun is about to set. I’d better get moving.
A tourism map of Burgos
Like what it shows on the map, I missed the Dragon Fruit Farm and Kaangrian Falls, among other tourist spots. I may visit them on the next time I’m in Ilocos instead.
The rocky coastal road of Burgos
So, I’m running out of daylight and I really don’t have any idea where to spend the night. But I’m not worried about that at the moment since I still have one more stop to make… and as I’m about to find out, a lot of walking too! Read about it on the next post.
That is a cool ride! We have the same kind of “art work” on many of our important sites. Ride safe!
Too bad these losers exist.. Thanks for dropping by.
Oh wow! I’ve read many of your posts and thought you must be rich to have got all the time in the world to be on the road 🙂
Keep safe on your travels, Domes, and have fun always. God bless!
Yikes! Not at all.. Traveling on a motorcycle is very cheap. It’s also very convenient so I can get around easily. Thank you, N!