Sand dunes of Ilococos norte: SAND DUNES OF ILOCOS NORTE

SAND DUNES: A Phenomenon Of Wind

Introduction

The accumulation of windblown sand marks the beginning of one of nature's most interesting and beautiful phenomena. Sand dunes occur throughout the world, from coastal and lake shore plains to arid desert regions. In addition to the remarkable structure and patterns of sand dunes, they also provide habitats for a variety of life which is marvelously adapted to this unique environment. Picturesque dunes against a sky of blue or a full moon, with perfectly contoured shadows of ripples and undulating crests, have always been a favorite subject of photographers. Dunes have also been the subject of many desert movies, and have historically been a formidable barrier to vehicular and rail travel. Depending upon one's particular situation, they can be one of the most incredibly beautiful, thrilling, eerie, treacherous or just plain inhospitable places on earth.

THE LA PAZ SAND DUNES

The La Paz Sand Dunes or Bantay Bimmaboy consists of an area of approximately 85 square kilometers (52 square miles) of protected sandy coastal desert and beach close to Laoag City, the capital of the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. The area is known locally by the name Bantay Bimmaboy, a name which refers to the common perception that the dunes resemble pigs in shape. The area is also popularly known as the Desert of the North and is a popular location for shooting films.

DESCRIPTION

The height of the dunes ranges from 10 to 30 meters. The dunes themselves are scenic but a panoramic view of the South China Sea can also be seen from them.

With its dramatic landscape, the La Paz Sand Dunes is a popular site for shooting local and foreign films. It was used as a location for the Philippine movies Himala and Panday and for segments of the Hollywood films Mad Max and Born on the Fourth of July. A few people inhabit the area, as can be seen from the nipa huts that dot the dunes.

GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The La Paz Sand Dunes forms a part of the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes (INSD), which stretches from the town of Currimao north of Laoag to Pasuquin, south of Laoag. The INSD was identified as one of the National Geological Monuments or significant geological formations in the Philippines by the National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS) on November 26, 1993. A marker erected by the NCGS in Barangay Calayab in Laoag City gives recognition to the uniqueness of the desert environment in the Philippines and its scientific and educational value. The sand dunes of Ilocos were created by the interaction of the wind, sea, and river that together cause erosion and deposition. The size of the dunes varies depending on a number of factors, including the currents, weather conditions, nature of winds, amount of sediment, and type of vegetation in the area. The dunes that directly face the coast of the South China Sea are not as old and tend to be more volatile. Sand dunes in some of the more sheltered areas of the INSD can reach as high as 90 meters.

LOCATION

The sand dunes are found in the coastal village of Barangay La Paz, which lends the site its name. The dunes lie to the west of Laoag, between the city and the coast, and to the south of the riverbank where Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino is located.

GETTING HERE
As the La Paz Sand Dunes begin just outside Laoag, they are easily accessible from the city. The sand dunes are just 15 minutes away by either motorized tricycle or public jeepney. It is also possible to walk to the La Paz Sand Dunes from Laoag, although it may take a trek of more than an hour in order to traverse the entire stretch of the beach. A rugged 4-wheel-drive vehicle may be used to drive over the sand.

THE PAOAY SAND DUNES

Paoay Sand Dunes along the tropical coast of Ilocos Norte

INTRODUCTION

In the middle of Paoay Sand Dunes, one of the many thirsty lands in Ilocos. On the plane while approaching the Laoag runway, my eyes were treated to view of spectacular landscapes, which are patched with many mini-deserts. This place was one of those. Paoay Sand Dunes is an 88 sq km parched paradise that lies adjacent Suba Beach. It is one of the two most popular sand dunes sites in the province, the other one being La Paz in Laoag City.

DESCRIPTION
Experience the newest coolest crazed sand dunes adventure and sport via sand boarding and dune bashing at Paoay Sand Dunes, Paoay, ilocos norte. This is the fastest spreading sport and adventure not found in any part of the country and only here in Ilocos. It is an exciting game practiced all over the sand dunes that has attracted so many Filipinos from different ages. This is the place where they shot the movies Ang Panday, Temptation Island, Himala, Born on the Fourth Day of July and many more.

LOCATION
Near MALACANANG OF THE NORTH (2 minutes drive).

GETTING HERE
From Laoag, one option is to take a tricycle to Paoay Sand Dunes. Here, you may rent a 4×4 jeepney. The cost of the tour is usually P2500 inclusive of the ride, guide fee, and the use of sandboard. The jeep can carry up to 5 pax so you might want to divide the cost among the group if you’re part of one.