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Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Ilocos Norte: Sandboarding and 4x4 ride in the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes


Ever heard of sandboarding? Sandboarding is the newest adventure activity in Ilocos Norte, which has its very own desert of sorts - the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes.

An already popular activity are 4x4 jeep rides in the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes. We were supposed to ride into the sunset on 4WD jeeps. But since we arrived late from Pagudpud, we rode the jeeps in the dark which was a fun experience too.

But we definitely couldn't sandboard in the dark. So we decided to wake up early in the morning to do it.


The next day, we were at the sand dunes in Paoay before sunrise. It was an experience riding the jeeps through the sand dunes. You could hear screams of excitement from the group as the drivers went full speed through bumps and up hills.

Our drivers parked by the slope where we were going to sandboard down. Sandboarding is very similar to snowboarding. The only difference is that it's done on sand dunes rather than snow-capped hills. So you can do it anywhere there are sand dunes.


While most people sandboard down the dunes standing-up, like in a skateboard, our guide tipped me that it's faster sitting down. So I gave that a shot too and enjoyed the fast slide down. Others do it lying down on their stomachs as I've seen in some videos, which looks equally thrilling too. The first time I saw sandboarding was when I visited Mui Ne, Vietnam. It's a good thing the LEAD Movement introduced sandboarding in Ilocos Norte.

It costs Php2,500 per hour for a maximum of four persons, transportation included, if you want to sandboard in the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes. But please check since prices may change. It's definitely an experience!

LEAD Movement (Sandboarding and 4x4)
Reny Tan (0919) 8735516
Glenn Guerero (0908) 8853669

Paoay Off-roaders and Adventure Group (4x4)
Gilbert Santos (0928) 9473518

Mira de Polaris Hotel
Ventura Street, San Nicolas
(077) 6761647 / 6706830 / 6706700 to 04

Thanks to Bong Bajo and Bikoy for the photos!

5 comments:

  1. giselle cruz4.2.10

    Hi Sir Ivan! :) Do you have an idea where I can check on (legit and affordable) tour packages for Ilocos? Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm not quite sure. You might want to consider Ultimate Philippines. It's not really in the bracket of affordable. But you get the works: http://ultimatephilippines.com/the-abcs-of-ilocandia-antiques-bagnet-and-churches-2010

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous8.10.10

    hello...just have a question. the cost P2500 is that per person or for all 4persons/hour? thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Best to call them up. Rates may change. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete