The impulsive character of my family strikes again. I guess its the excitement that goes with the idea of driving North without any plans that tickles our emotions. Cagayan was a part of our list when we were discussing where we are heading, its either Aurora, Cagayan or Caramoan with 2 provinces being a location of Survivor I knew it was going to be awesome but I was thinking about the travel time and the twisting road that lead us to Aurora.
We left Dinadiawan beach by 10:45 a.m. and reach Baler by 12 just in time for lunch. We had lunch at the Rolling Stores and because it is Saturday it was crowded. It is nothing compared to our previous trips. I suggested checking the new resort we passed by because the idea of a long drive is coming to my senses now. I knew Slim will be tired but they are determined to go there.
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| Bye Aurora |
We had gas somewhere in Cabanatuan and went on a detour. We were on a blank track in Waze and after 20 minutes we are back on the road.
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| Wrong turn? |
We were driving the whole day and by 5pm we were going to the mountains again this time we are passing the road to Banawe.
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| Baguio Vibe a few more turns would direct us to Bontoc. |
I felt like going back, even going home. It started to rain when we passed by Santa Fe Nueva Viscaya and another zigzag road but it is nothing to the Zigzag of Aurora what annoys us the most is how traffic it is. I was dozing on and off because of exhaustion but fighting it since I'm navigating and making sure Slim has someone to talk to. By 8pm we had dinner at Jollibee, my tummy wasn't feeling good. A lot of road construction is ongoing (hello? government) and it rained so hard that the traffic is so bad. By 10pm we passed by a hotel. My brother stopped for a short meeting and we talked about sleeping there for a night .We were also having engine problems and we were so exhausted.
The hotel looked expensive but I was surprised that the rate is 4700 for 12 and the room is good for maybe 30 people. The hotel is Villa Diana in Cordon Isabela
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| The room has 2 restrooms. |
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| Room Deck |
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| 12 Double Decks |
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| Longest bed I've seen |
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| Reception |
We had beer to help us sleep sometimes being too tired won't let you sleep. There are local celebrities checked in here too. We woke up at about 8am. They were planning to check out and have breakfast on the road. I wasn't entertaining the idea since we are not familiar with the place.We had breakfast and left by 10. Our whole stay is just 12 hours!
What I like the most is the unlimited refill of Iced Tea less than 100. I ordered it the night before and still got a refill at breakfast.
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| Restaurant Entrance |
The place is nice, the price is affordable and the hotel itself is classy. I felt like we got the place so cheap. Never judge the book by its cover.
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| The restaurant |
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| Claim to fame with Teddy |
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| Tree house for accommodation |
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| Our room |
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| Bye Isabela! |
An hour of driving got us at Tuguegarao, and then passed by Kalinga apayao. Kalinga Apayao is amazing.
I haven't seen the Chocolate Hills in Bohol but it felt like that here. We had lunch somewhere in Kalinga and the food is okay but I didn't like it.
I don't know why but this part of the North has weird cooking. I felt like my I'll have stomach issues here. I was bloated, nauseated and so EXHAUSTED.
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| Almost there! |
The drive to Cagayan is so long I want to go home again. We got to Jotay Resort by 4pm.
The sand in Sta.Ana is black and uninviting. My mother was hesitant to stay there. She didn't know that Anguib beach is just a boat away and that it is the real Boracay of the North. I was dismayed; annoyed that I didn't object when she said we will go to Pagudpud. I was so disappointed that we wasted 4 hours. I will go back I promise. I'll see you again Cagayan.
My brother drove back Slim was able to nap and I gave him Anti Histamine tablets as he is getting rashes.
By 7pm we had a quick stopover and refilled our tanks. Slim woke up and continued the drive. I was dozing off from exhaustion when we passed Patapat Viaduct, by 9pm we are in Casa Consuelo Pagudpud.
We are staying here for the night.
Hello again CASA CONSUELO.
Is Cagayan doable by car? YES!!!!
ESTIMATED EXPENSES:
GAS = 2800
FOOD DAY 2 AND 3 = 2350
VILLA DIANA = 1567
TOTAL = 6700 (3 PEOPLE)
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