Ilocos is not only known for its UNESCO Heritage sites like Paoay Church and Calle Crisologo in Vigan. Aside from the said attractions, a lot of tourists visit the famous desert environment here in the Philippines that is considered as National Geological Monument — La Paz Sand Dunes in Ilocos Norte, an 85 square kilometers sandy coastal desert. It spans from Currimao to Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte and La Paz is just a part of a long stretch of the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes.

Because of its massive spread of sand and mesmerizing landscape and view as well as powdery desert overlooking the beach, one of its bragging rights is that it was used as location not only of Mel Gibson and Tina Turner-starred Hollywood film, but also for “Born On The Fourth Of July” headlined by Tom Cruise. (reference: manila bulletin) Numerous iconic films in the Philippines namely Panday, Pedro Penduko and Nora Aunor’s Himala were also shot there. 

Right after paying Paoay Church a visit, our group headed straight to Sand Dunes to satisfy our cravings for adrenaline rush.

We rented a 4x4 jeep together with our co-travelers for 2,500 php (well technically, we paid them 3,000php since 6 of us shelled out 500php). Being that was our first time, we came unprepared. Little did we know we’ll face one of the greatest adventures of our lives. 

Our ride started smoothly until a few meters away, we heard screaming from other 4x4 riders. By then, our driver-slash-photographer (he takes good photos!), Kuya Teptep warned us to hold on tight and save ourselves from being thrown out in the vast desert. We faced high slope sands and bumpy ride without having a care in the world (actually, we did care a bit) if the sun is burning our skin. 

Lucky enough, we got a generous driver-slash-guide-slash-photographer with us. There were parts where we made a stop to have photo ops and to savor the view of the enormous La Paz sand dunes.

Riding 4x4 and ATVs are not the only activities that the place can offer. You may also try rolling in the sand and filling your body with it or the so called Sand Boarding. Totally not kidding in the rolling and filling your body with sand part because if it’s your first time trying it and you can’t manage to balance, that’s what you’ll end up doing. ;)

Twinny and I tried it while standing at first and we both failed miserably. On our second try though, we succeeded on reaching the end while remaining standing!