Lakbay Norte 2: PUGAD's Extreme Adventure at Pugo, La Union

PUGAD Zip Line 2 I think the Filipinos are getting more adventurous these days and have a growing number of adrenalin junkies. The sudden em...

PUGAD Zip Line 2

I think the Filipinos are getting more adventurous these days and have a growing number of adrenalin junkies. The sudden emergence of numerous zip lines all over the country can attest to this. If a place is capable of installing one, no matter how short or low it is, they’ll put up one just to satisfy and attract people for that whiff adrenaline rush. I’ve been through several good zip lines but they are found in the Visayas and Mindanao. And with this Lakbay Norte 2, I was pleased to find a new adventure destination in La Union that offers another scenic zip line and more.

PUGO Adveture can pickup guests at Flying V along Marcos Highway

From Hotel Elizabeth, we made our way down to Pugo, the last municipality of La Union down south at the border of Benguet and Pangasinan named after the small Pugo (Quail) bird. It was a quick ride which makes me think this would be a nice side trip when visiting Baguio. From the Flying V gas station, we were fetched by a coach from PUGAD (PUGo ADventure) Park which has developed an area in Pugo to be an adventure destination. The ride took only around 15minutes.

the 380m Superman Zipline 1

High rugged cliffs, clean flowing river and verdant greenery surround the grounds of PUGAD Adventure Park. There are constructions on a few spots showing the park site is still in development, in fact it is still in its “soft opening” stage right now which started last October. So far the facilities are functional especially the pool and reception area. We filled up the waiver form first and foremost and ticked on my choices of activities like the 3 Zip Lines, ATV, and Wall Climbing.

Zipping through line 2 PUGAD's Fastest Zipline

We got suited up first for the zipline then were whisked away for a short ride and hike up a-top off a cliff about 200 feet high. The 1st line is what they call the Superman Zip Line since you have to be in the superhero’s pose. The site views is not in par with Lake Sebu Zipline of course but I thought the 380m long ride is quite scenic enough with the river and also a small waterfall.

Hanging on tight at Zipline 2

The 2nd line is said to be their fastest zipline, fastened on the waist for a seated position ride. I didn’t feel the speed that much on this line since I was busy trying to keep myself on the right angle tugging on the rope sides. The 3rd zip line is low and pretty basic. If I were to do the zip lines here Zipline 1 and 2 would be worth the money.

The exctiting ATV ride at PUGAD

The ATV was next. I like the dune buggies more since they are safer but their buggies are not ready yet so I went with the ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). Their machine seems to be in good condition being new in operation. The track was well designed, I enjoyed going through the turns and bumps of the course.

The ATV Track has some challenging Tracks

And lastly, to get more adrenaline rush I tried out the wall climb. It’s been years since I tried it. I think I was too ambitious with my first attempt to try out the overhang and didn’t get past through it. I tried the regular wall and finished it in good time.

Strateggizing the next step of the wall climb

Late lunch was served and the ceremonies were held with the presence of the Martin Family (the owners of PUGAD) and DOT 1 representatives Ms Dadat and Mr Gesmundo. PUGAD Pugo Adventure has a lot of potential since it has one of the better zip lines in Luzon along with other extreme activities in one area. After sweating it all out from the rides and activities, the pool is a nice place to cool down as well. I’m sure in the few months, people would start flocking in this area for the some extreme fun. Make sure you a lot a whole day for this.

Wall climb at Zipline 2 end

Pugo Adventure (PUGAD)
http://pugoadventure.multiply.com

—

Join our Backpack Photography Workshop, Photography 101 at Banaue at March 4-5, 2011 and Island Hopping Photo Tour in Batanes on April 17-23, 2011.