La Paz Sand Dunes — When Desert Meets Sea in Ilocos Norte

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Hello and Mabuhay!

Welcome to Finding Utopia — your trusted guide to exploring the wonders of the Philippines and beyond.

In this edition, we bring you inspiring stories and essential travel insights to fuel your next adventure:

• La Paz Sand Dunes — When Desert Meets Sea in Ilocos Norte

• Corong Corong Beach — El Nido’s Sunset Coastline & Calm Escape

• The Philippines — Global Guardian of Wings & Wetlands

Wherever you're dreaming of going next, we're here to guide you closer to your utopia.

Enjoy the read!

— The Finding Utopia Team

La Paz Sand Dunes — When Desert Meets Sea in Ilocos Norte

Imagine a place where golden sand ridges ripple under an open sky, and the roar of the sea meets a landscape that feels more like desert than tropical Philippines. At La Paz Sand Dunes, a sweeping 85-square-kilometre stretch just outside Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, that surreal vision becomes reality. Whether you come for adrenaline, sunset views, or a quiet moment in windswept calm, this desert-by-the-sea offers something wild, beautiful and unforgettable.

Wind-Sculpted Dunes & Coastal Drama

La Paz isn’t a beach in the usual sense — it’s part sand desert, part shoreline. Over time, wind, sea-spray, and shifting coastal currents carved dunes and ridges that rise and fall like waves frozen in place. The result: dramatic sand slopes that end abruptly at sea — a rare fusion of desert terrain and coastal vista.

This ever-changing terrain reminds you that you’re walking on land shaped by air and water — the dune contours shift with seasons and weather.

A Protected Geological Gem

La Paz has earned recognition as a natural monument: its geology tells a story of wind-driven sediment, sea patterns, and time — making it not only a playground, but a living case study of landscape evolution.

Adventure, Rhythm & Quiet — The Many Faces of La Paz

• 4×4 Jeep Ride — Nothing else summons your senses like a dune-ride: bumping over ridges, arms raised against dust and wind, heart pounding as the jeep surges up and down steep slopes. For thrill-seekers and groups, this gives a real “desert rollercoaster” feel under Philippine skies.
  

• Sandboarding — Strip off shoes, pick a board, and slide down sandy slopes with the sea breeze at your back. It’s surf-meets-desert, on sand not water — playful, liberating, and uniquely Filipino.
  

• Sunrise & Sunset Photo Sessions — Golden light on shifting sand, dunes casting long shadows, and the vast South China Sea on the horizon. Whether you’re a photographer or simply a traveler with time to pause, early morning or late afternoon transforms the landscape into pure magic.
  

• Chill Walks & Nature Appreciation — After the thrills, slow down. Walk barefoot across quiet ridges, feel the wind, peek at coastal vegetation patches — those small signs of life sprouting even in sand. It’s the kind of place where nature feels ancient and alive at once.

Practical Travel Tips & How to Respect the Sands

• Getting there: La Paz is only around 15–20 minutes from Laoag City via tricycle, jeepney, or hired vehicle — perfect for a half-day or day-trip.
  

• What to bring: Sun protection (hat, sunscreen), water, sunglasses, closed shoes or sandals with grip, and a spare change of clothes (after sandboarding, dust is everywhere!).
  

• Best time to visit: Dry season (November–May) ensures firmer sand ideal for rides and board sports; aim for early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and dramatic light.
  

• Respect the land: Stick to marked tracks or guided tours — the dunes are fragile; avoid littering, vandalism, or damaging vegetation. Use the “leave no trace” mindset: take photos, leave footprints only. 

La Paz Sand Dunes is more than a destination — it’s an encounter with nature’s power to shape land, a playground for thrill-seekers, and a quiet canvas for those chasing sunsets. Whether you come for the adrenaline or the silence, you’ll leave with sand in your shoes, wind in your hair, and memories etched in golden dunes.

Read the full blog post: La Paz Sand Dunes, Laoag – An Unforgettable Adventure on the Sands of Ilocos Norte

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Corong Corong Beach — El Nido’s Sunset Coastline & Calm Escape

Hidden just minutes from town, Corong Corong Beach offers a contrast to the lively bustle of El Nido’s main port — a place where time seems to slow, waves whisper, and the horizon glows golden as the sun sets. Here, under coconut palms and beside calm seas, travelers find a gentle rhythm, serene panoramas, and a quiet invitation to linger.

A Shoreline Where Peace Meets Beauty

Tucked along the quieter edge of El Nido, Corong Corong offers sweeping views of Bacuit Bay’s limestone karsts, distant islets, and boats gently bobbing on turquoise water. The beach’s calm shoreline and soft golden sand make it ideal for barefoot strolls, wading, or simply sitting back and breathing in the ocean breeze.

As afternoon light fades, Corong Corong transforms into one of Palawan’s most magical sunset spots — the sky turns shades of orange, pink, and purple, mirrored by the sea, and the silhouette of islands on the horizon frames the scene like a painting.

For travelers seeking balance — easy access to town, tours, and amenities — yet wanting to escape crowds and pace, this beach offers just that: serenity within reach.

What to Do — From Island Hops to Lazy Evenings

Depending on your mood, Corong Corong can shift from quiet retreat to springboard for island adventure — or stay mellow and simple:

• Island-hopping launch point — Many island tours around the famed Bacuit archipelago depart directly from Corong Corong’s shore. From there, you can reach hidden lagoons, dramatic limestone cliffs, sandbars, and remote islands with ease.
  

• Sunset watching — As the day ends, the beach is perfect for sunset rituals. Grab a drink at a beachfront bar or restaurant, feel the breeze, and watch as the sky dissolves into colour — a serene, unforgettable close to the day.
  

• Beach strolls & calm swims — With gentle waves and soft sand, Corong Corong invites barefoot walks, quiet swims or simply lounging under coconut trees. Ideal after a day of exploring or hopping between islands.
  

• Sunset dining & relaxed nights — Coastal cafes, seafood spots, modest bars, and beachside inns line the shore — perfect for a laid-back dinner with a view of the sea, the sky, and the curving coastline.

Why Corong Corong Works as Your Base in El Nido

• Close enough to town for convenience, far enough for peace. A short tricycle ride from El Nido proper and still a world away from urban bustle — beach calm by night, island-hop freedom by day.
  

• Best sunsets in town. With a west-facing coastline and open horizon over the bay, Corong Corong delivers golden-hour magic almost every evening.
  

• Flexible travel style. Cozy beachfront resorts, budget-friendly inns, backpacker-ready stays — whether you crave comfort or simplicity, Corong Corong offers options.
  

• Gateway to El Nido’s natural wonders. From here you can easily reach islands, lagoons, reefs, and hidden coves — all while returning to a tranquil beach for quiet evenings.

Tips for a Respectful, Memorable Stay

• Visit during the dry season (roughly November to May) for reliable sea conditions, clear skies, and the best chance of a picture-perfect sunset.
  

• Bring a reusable water bottle — and help minimize plastic use. Local businesses often run on cash, so have some pesos on hand.
  

• Choose small, locally run restaurants, cafés, and tour operators: you’ll support the community while enjoying authentic, sustainable hospitality.
  

• For island-hopping, use life vests, respect coral and marine life, and avoid littering — your care helps keep Palawan pristine for future travellers and locals alike.

Corong Corong Beach reminds us that paradise doesn’t always mean crowds or luxury — sometimes it’s the gentle sway of a boat, the whisper of waves at dusk, and a horizon that glows gold. For those who travel with curiosity, respect, and a love for the simple joys of nature, this unassuming coastline of El Nido offers magic.

Read the full blog post: Corong Corong Beach, El Nido – The Sunset Coastline of Palawan’s Paradise

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The Philippines — Global Guardian of Wings & Wetlands

When nations gathered recently under one sky, the Philippines stood at the centre of a global call to protect migratory waterbirds — a signal that our archipelago is not just a waypoint, but a sanctuary where global ecosystems meet. The landmark meeting hosted by the Philippines underscores how rich biodiversity, community stewardship, and international cooperation converge in a shared commitment to protect feathered travelers.

Why This Meeting Matters

For decades, migratory waterbirds have traced ancient routes across continents — from icy northern wetlands to tropical shores like ours. These migratory patterns depend on stopping points along coasts, bays, estuaries and wetlands that must remain healthy and intact. Hosting this global forum puts the spotlight on the Philippines’ duty: to safeguard habitats not just for local species, but for birds whose journey spans hemispheres.

The meeting aligns global conservation efforts with local contexts, offering opportunities to share science, policy frameworks, and community-based protection plans. For the Philippines — rich in mangroves, coastal wetlands and islands — it’s a chance to lead, learn, and reinforce commitments to ecological stewardship.

What It Means for Nature, People & Travelers

• Ecological importance — Healthy wetlands and shorelines support birds, fish, crustaceans, and many marine creatures. Protecting waterbird habitats helps preserve ecosystems that sustain fisheries, coastal protection, and biodiversity.
  

• Community impact — Local fishing, coastal villages, and communities living near migratory bird sites benefit from restored mangroves and wetlands, which can buffer storms, reduce erosion, and support sustainable livelihoods.
  

• Cultural value — For many Filipino communities, coastal wetlands and marshes are part of ancestral lands and livelihoods. This conservation push reinforces respect for those traditions and the natural heritage of the islands.
  

• Travel & eco-tourism potential — As travellers drawn to nature, you might find renewed interest in bird-watching and eco-tours. Sanctuaries and protected wetlands — viewed responsibly — can offer bird-watching, nature photography, and a deeper connection to the environment.

How You Can Help When You Travel

When visiting wetlands, coastal zones, or islands in the Philippines:

• Stick to marked trails, avoid disturbing nesting or resting birds — even a small noise or flashlight can stress them.
  

• Use reef- and wildlife-safe sunscreen, and avoid single-use plastics — debris often ends up in coastal areas, harming birds and habitat.
  

• Support locally run eco-tourism operators who prioritise conservation, community benefit, and respectful wildlife viewing.
  

• Spread awareness: encourage friends and fellow travellers to treat wetlands, mudflats, mangroves, and coasts not just as scenery — but as living ecosystems with migrating guests.

The Bigger Picture: Wings Connect Us All

This global meeting on migratory waterbirds is a reminder that conservation isn’t local or isolated — it’s international, shared, interdependent. The fate of a bird that rests today in a Palawan lagoon may ripple across continents on its migratory path. By protecting habitats here, we help sustain a journey begun thousands of kilometres away.

For travellers, nature lovers, and global citizens — the meeting reinforces a truth: caring for wetlands and coastlines isn’t just about protecting the Philippines. It’s about protecting global heritage.

Read the full PNA news article: PH hosts landmark global meeting on migratory waterbird conservation.

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