Isle of Wight is a well-known local tourist destination in England. Of the popular places to go, The Needles in Alum Bay is among the most searched online as a testament of its beauty.
The place is very family friendly. You can also bring your dogs on lead.
There are a lot of activities in the area aside from visiting the tip of the island where the Needles are located. Among them are 4D Cinema, a chairlift to the sea side, glass demonstration, games, and a small jurassic adventure golf in Alum Bay. You can also walk to Tennyson Down, a very scenic foothpath, which leads to Freshwater Bay.
You can easily reach this destination with the public bus operating in the Island. You can visit the Northern Vectis website for updated information of bus schedule and fees. The place also has a good-sized car park if you want to travel in your own wheels. The Island’s official webpage for The Needles and Alum Bay is also a good place to start especially for guide fees and activities.
The following are images I took on my multiple visits to The Needles in Alum Bay.
The wooden stairs leading to the dirt road going to the seaside in Alum BayThis footpath leads to the sea side and the platform where the chairlift ends. From this vantage, you can see the Needles.One side of Alum Bay seen from the stairs connecting to the stairs.The Needles as seen from Alum Bay.Closer look of The Needles on the other side.The other side of The Needles.
In conclusion, the The Needles and Alum Bay is still a good place for family relaxation. It is best enjoyed though during late Spring, all throughout Summer, and early Autumn.
Pagudpud is located in a coastal town at the northwestern tip of Luzon. Its beaches have become one of the hottest white sand beaches in the country. In fact, tourists have been dubbing it as the “Boracay of the North”. However, it offers more than meets the eye.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!
Pagudpud is located in a coastal town at the northwestern tip of Luzon. Its beaches have become one of the hottest white sand beaches in the country. In fact, tourists have been dubbing it as the “Boracay of the North”. However, it offers more than meets the eye.
When you want to get a rebreather away from the busy city life, lying in one of the Pagudpud beaches might be the answer. Pagudpud beaches are hidden gems up north in the country. It is a PARADISE! The sand is fine and white. The water is calm and crystal clear. And the water is shallow. These factors make it a very family friendly place. P.S., the locals are very nice.
There are a lot of activities in Pagudpud beaches. Aside from lazing under the sun and swimming in its pristine waters, the longest zipline over water is found in one of them. Some theme parks are also constructed in couple of beaches. Snorkeling in its calm waters is also one of the best options. Fresh fruits and seafoods are also abundant along nearby roads.
Lastly, I wouldn’t dare compare it to Boracay. Pagudpud beaches maybe covered with white sand but its atmosphere is totally different. It is not highly commercialized and definitely not jam-packed with tourists. On the other hand, do not expect a five-star hotel accommodation.
The Blue Lagoon is one of the heavily populated white sand beaches in Pagudpud.
Left: Dos Hermanos islands are two islets in the Blue Lagoon. Right: The northern part of the Blue Lagoon Beach is covered with limestone.Over the shallow, pristine, clear, blue waters of Blue Lagoon is the longest zipline over water in the world! I tried it and it was uh-may-zing!!!The wind turbines in in Bangui Bay are visible to the naked eye in Saud Beach.They say that Pagudpud beaches have that ‘boracay’ feel. I say ‘NO’. It is more than just white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Well, aside from the fact that it is less crowded.Pagudpud Beaches are very friendly to the family as it is calm and shallow.
In conclusion, Pagudpud beaches deserve to be at the top of your list when you want to “de-city-fy” and de-stress. It is one of the best place to get your family for a wholesome and quiet vacation.
Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.
The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is just a small portion of a major sedimentary basin in the country. This small portion had been mostly carved by winds and wave for centuries. This process revealed and smoothed the ivory part of the limestone boulder.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!
Ilocos Norte is known to be a tourism magnet for its natural and man-made wonders. Aside from pristine beaches, the province also boasts some rock formations. Within the last decade, the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation became viral on social media.
The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is located in the rocky coast of Burgos, around a kilometer and a half from Laoag, Ilocos Norte. In fact, it is only around a ten-minute drive from the historical Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and within the Burgos Wind Farm grid. Going further north along the coastline, the famous Bangui Bay and its Windmills can also be seen. The fifth class municipality is on the northwestern tip of Luzon.
The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is just a small portion of a major sedimentary basin in the country. This small portion had been mostly carved by winds and wave for centuries. This process revealed and smoothed the ivory part of the limestone boulder. The bared color of the limestone hence gave birth to its name Kapurpurawan from the local term “puraw”, meaning white.
A study on 2017 also suggested that this rock formation is a part of Burgos Formation, a sedimentary basin that is formed even earlier than its nearby counterparts like Laoag Formation and Pasuquin Limestone [1]. They arrived at this conclusion by dating the calcarenites in the area.
When you plan to visit the area, make sure to bring sun and eye protection as the ivory limestone is very bright under the sun. Also, make sure to bring a bottle of water.
From the Pan-Philippine Highway, follow the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation access road. At some point, you will pass by a cluster of solar panels to the left of the road and wind turbines strategically scattered. At the end of the access road, there is a parking space and some food and trinket shops. Follow the cemented path going down to the coastal area. A portion of this path is canopied by some local foliage.Once you are out under the foliaged pathway, you will be greeted by a clearing on the coast with horses grazing on the grasses.I find the contrasting dark limestone, green grasses, horses, and the blue West Philippine Sea more worth the trip than the rock formation itself.On the way to the rock formation, this piece of art catches your attention in the center of a small marsh area.Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is actually just a small portion of the Burgos Formation.
The limestone has been carved mostly by wind and waves, giving the dazzling ivory color.The norther side of the formation is also a delight to the eyes.
In conclusion, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a good place to include in your Ilocos Norte itinerary. This gives break to the history-laden list of places in this province.
Manila buses bound to Laoag City are Partas, Dominion Bus, Aniceto Bus, Viron Transit, Florida Bus Line, Fariñas Trans, Maria De Leon Bus Lines, RCJ Bus Lines and F. Franco Transit. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route. There are tricycles and vans for hire which usually covers a group of tourist destinations in the province.
By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.
Ilocos Norte is known for its rich culture, wind farms, and beautiful, pristine beaches. And when you say beaches, they are of different characteristics, free and easily accessible. Of the miles and miles of continuous Western Philippine Sea beaches within Ilocos Norte, Bayog beach is yet to hit the eyes of beach-lovers.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experience as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!
Under the Spell of Bayog Beach’s Blue Water and Dark Rocks
Ilocos Norte is known for its rich culture, wind farms, and beautiful, pristine beaches. And when you say beaches, they are of different characteristics, free and easily accessible. Of the miles and miles of continuous Western Philippine Sea beaches within Ilocos Norte, Bayog beach is yet to hit the eyes of beach-lovers.
Located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, the beach along the stretch of Bayog community is easily accessible to travelers. It is just along the national highway in the 5th class municipality of Burgos. The town was initially known as Nagparitan, meaning, to prohibit, before it was fused to Bangui then back to an independent municipality.
The beach along Bayog is not your common sandy seaside. Interestingly, the beach is covered with dark rough stones with the turquoise water on the background. When I went to Pagudpud, I saw this stretch of beach and kept in mind to drop by when I go home.
On my way back to Laoag from Pagudpud, we finally stopped by to rest.
There were a couple of shanties, trees that gives shade to some areas, and livestock grazing at some grasses.
What caught my attention is the beautiful contrast of the turquiose water and the dark stones on the beach. It looks so unique from the usual sea-and-sand beaches. Initially, I thought that swimming might not be a good idea as the beach is rocky. However, I saw some kids and adults enjoying on one area.
Sharp and rugged stones cover majority of the beach. This makes swimming high risk. Thus, make sure that you only wade after getting information from the locals.
The beach is easily accessible from the main road.
In conclusion, this stretch of beach has a potential of getting more footfalls from tourists tired from long-hour ride. While it is free, you might as well want to have a look.
From Baguio City, you can take a Partas bus near SM City Baguio or the ordinary mini-buses in Bayanihan. Make sure it is bound to Laoag, though most of these buses also have Vigan to Laoag trips.
GMW Liner and Florida Liner have buses plying a vice versa Abra and Tuguegarao with a stop in Laoag City route.
By air. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines flies from Manila to Laoag International Airport.
Bauko is a nature-gifted municipality in the highlands of northern Philippines. Mountain trekking is one of the favorite tourist activity as the municipality offers picturesque mountains. During rainy season, however, increases the volume of flow in different bodies of water and gives life to one of the unique spots Bauko has to offer: the Pangayapang Falls and its natural infinity pool.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal and/or vicarious experiences as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!
Contact the Municipal Tourism Office for updates and specifics. Mostly, they charge Php600.00/pax for 2 days and 1 night trekking and camping (includes different tourist spots in the municipality).
Pangayapang Falls in Poblacion, Bauko, Mt. Province
Pangayapang Falls is found in Poblacion, Bauko, Mt. Province. Like other parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Bauko has a lot to offer especially culture-related as well as natural sites.
This pride in Bauko is a good example of a cascade, a type of waterfall. Accordingly, a cascade consists of water descending over rocks or boulders [1]; thus, it is still correct to call it a waterfall.
Pangayapang waterfall is a cascade, one of the more beautiful and gentle types of falls [2]
The water from the cascade plunges to a half basketball court sized pool. The pool has steep walls made of stone. In some photos, it may look like it is a small pool only good for 2-3 people in it. However, it can accommodate way much more as seen in the Facebook post below.
Above photo shows the outer lip of the natural pool.
What is most interesting about Pangayapang Falls is its infinity pool. While submerged in the pool, you can have a spectacular view of some parts of Bauko. The following photos cannot give justice to the view from the falls.
Other notable activities of interest in Bauko includes a tour of the indigenous pottery-making, Cotcot Aso, Nentingli, Spanish Trails, Toktok Allan, Layaan Burial Cave, and Mount Polis.
In conclusion, Pangayapang Falls is without contest a not-much known natural wonder in Bauko. It has a cascade, a medium sized natural pool which has one side overlooking to some parts of the municipality. It would be a great addition to your itinerary if you plan on going to Mt. Province, especially Bauko.
Please contact the Municipal Tourism Office (as listed above) and look for Ms. Arsenia Addon before planning to go there for a smoother itinerary and prevent delays as well as for them to be prepared.
Get to Baguio City if you are coming from the lowlands. There are a lot of options of buses and vans going to Baguio from the lowlands. Another option is to take a Codas Lines Bus bound to Bontoc. From Bontoc, take a van bound for Bauko.
From Baguio City
GL Trans Bus (5:00AM-3:00PM) in Dangwa Station (behind Baguio Centermall) via Bauko [temporarily while the road slide in Sabangan is not yet fixed; once fixed, their buses will not ply through this route].
Rising Sun Trans Bus (5:30AM-3:30PM) and Lizardo Trans Bus (3:00AM-2:00PM) in Slaughter Compound via Abatan-Poblacion, Bauko. Inform the conductor to drop you off in Bauko.
Van (3:00AM-3:30PM) bound to Abatan, Bauko (take note IT IS NOT Abatan, Buguias). Their terminal is at ENCLEAN Gas Station near D’ Rising Sun in Baguio.
The author wants to acknowledge Leon Saleoan, Jr. and Nomadic Highlander, both Mt. Province locals, for the images used in the article. You can find them on Facebook (http://facebook.com/leonjrs [Leon Saleoan, Jr.], Twitter (@igorotforlife [Nomadic Highlander]) and YouTube (Nomadic Highlander).
Kaparkan Falls (also known as Mulawin Falls) is a limestone terraces hidden for centuries in the landlocked province of Abra. This travertine rose to fame in 2015 when images of the terraced water gours were uploaded in the internet.
Kaparkan Falls (also known as Mulawin Falls) is a limestone terraces hidden for centuries in the landlocked province of Abra. This travertine rose to fame in 2015 when images of the terraced water gours were uploaded in the internet.
Reaching Kaparkan Falls requires good physical and mental sturdiness. Located in a province 9-10 hours ride away from Manila, this travertine paradise can only be reached through off-road vehicles. Sometimes, these tough vehicles carrying tourists even falter along the way. If you are lucky that these monsters of vehicle will not give up, you need to endure a harrowing, bumpy, and muscle numbing ride for a few hours.
The video below will show you the arduous ride to Kaparakan (Kibad[a], 2019).
The “hell ride to paradise” will give you insights of the mountainous part of the province. You’ll notice that limestones are scattered along mountain slopes. Caves are often found under these terrains which is corroborated by the Libtec Crystal Cave in Dolores and Sibud-Sibud Cave in Tineg, maybe even more in some areas waiting to be discovered. Several trees such as duhat,banaba, etc. will also delight the visitors aside from the picturesque plains and mountaintops.
Upon arrival at the drop-off point, you’ll need to walk around 10-20 minutes, depending on your pace. We made it in 10 minutes including refilling our water containers from a spring along the way. If you need to empty your bladder or bowel, there is a facility near the entrance
The grounds at the entrance of the falls is a delight itself. There are picnic tables and benches under the trees. You can leave your bags on these tables. Your lunch and snacks should be taken also in this area as no foods are allowed in the water.
Walking further will lead you to the breathtaking Kaparkan Falls. The falls covers a wide water paradise [yeah, a kilometer!] until it drains to the Tineg River. For the purpose of an organized presentation, the picture will be grouped into levels: the upper level, the lower level, and the blue lagoon and ‘mother’ falls near the Tineg River.
The upper level consists of shallow gours. This starts from the uppermost terraces, which are off limits, until the gours draining to steep and several-meter high pools, just below the balite tree. The images ends on the video posted by Nomadic Highlander (Kibad[b], 2019) in YouTube.
The lower level has greater pool heights than those at the upper level. Further, there are portions of this level which are restricted to tourists unless accompanied by local guides. I highly suggest that you take a local guide as they will even accompany you to the blue lagoon and ‘mother falls’ below.
The lower level of the Karakan Falls requires a little bit of walking down a slope under the forest trees and bamboos and going up following the cascades up to the balite tree.
Initially, the guide told us that the blue lagoon is off limits. Later, I came to understand that such restrictions are done when the water level is high as it may be risky to tourists. I was lucky to ask another guide why the lagoon is restricted and got a response that tourists need to be accompanied on those particular days because of previous heavy rainfall.
So, we asked for assistance and they accompanied us down after getting permission from the head guide. Going down is easy but it may be treacherous to some, hence the need of the guide. Moreover, you will not retrace your steps when going back after the blue lagoon and ‘mother’ falls. These guides will lead you through the cascades, indicating which parts are safe to tread. This will lead you up to the hidden pools and gours of greater heights than those at the upper level.
The first two videos were taken by the author. The third one was uploaded by Nomadic Highlander (Kibad[c], 2019) will give you more details of the lover level of this wonder including the Blue Lagoon and Mother Falls.
Diverse Flora and Fauna
There is a diverse flora and fauna in the Kaparkan Falls. To protect this, the tourism council of Abra has created policies including no collection of endemic flora and fauna in the area. Further, the LNT prnciples were also being discussed during the orientation prior to loading in the vehicles. It was noted by guides and the council that some previous tourists were collecting plants and insects.
House Bill No. 2651
With the allure of the Kaparkan Falls to local and foreign tourists, House Bill No. 2651 (2019) was filed by Rep. J.B. Bernos of Abra, which seeks to declare this place as an official ecotourism site. Once the House Bill is approved and enacted, funding will be made available, enabling faster development of the area. The House Bill was received at the Bills and Index Division of the House of Representatives on 24 July 2019.
Get to Bangued, Abra (by land only; the nearest airport is in Laoag)
From Manila: Partas Bus (Cubao and Pasay; fare and schedule here), Dominion Transit Bus (Cubao), or Viron Trans (Cubao or Sampaloc) bound to Bangued. Approx. trip duration: about 9-10 hours. Get to Bangued, Abra. From the bus station, take a tricycle to the agreed meeting place (usually DPWH Compound or at Blugas Station).
From Baguio City: Take a Partas Bus (Php370.00*) or a mini bus (less than Php300.00*) bound to Bangued. Approx. trip duration: about 5-6 hours.
From other parts of the country: Take any transportation that will take you to Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. Tell the driver or conductor to drop you at the junction going to Abra. Hail buses or PUJs plying this route.
Private vehicles: Directions can be easily asked from the friendly Abra locals.
From Bangued to Kaparkan
The ABRAmazing team will transfer you to a 4×4, 6-wheeler, jeep, or whatever is best for the group, though usually the 6-wheeler. This will take you to Kaparkan Falls in about 4 hours as of writing. Its starts with a smooth ride for an hour along paved road. At the end of the cemented road, you will all disembark for the team to put chain on the wheels. This will aid the wheels to have better traction in the following 3-hour hyper-bumpy ride.
At the end of the “hell ride”, you will need to take an easy walk down to the Kaparkan Falls for 10-20 minutes, depending on your pace.
Bus fare (round trip): Php740.00 depends on where you came from
Abra pancit miki for breakfast: Php64.00
Tricycle from bus station (accumulated; from bus station to pancit miki resto to BLUgas Station): Php80.00 (divided already for individual fare; there were 2 of us)
Packed lunch (well, we just bought snacks); Php60.00
Tricycle to the bus station (accumulated; from DPWH compound to public ihawan for dinner to bus station): Php20.00 (divided already for individual fare; there were 2 of us)
Get in touch with the above-mentioned contacts before heading to Abra, especially if you do it DIY, to reserve a slot. The Kaparkan falls has a designated maximum capacity, the area is open seasonal (during rainy season only), as well as the availability of transpo can affect the approval of your booking. Most weekends and national holidays are fully booked, by the way.
Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
Always practice leave-no-trace principles. I have to highlight to please not leave anything, do not vandalize, and do not take any physical memento from the place. Whether it is under the protection of the DENR or not, treat nature with respect.
Please empty your bowels before embarking. One of the most common sentiments of locals in developing and developed natural tourist areas is fecal dumping of visitors.
If you are pregnant or with health problem (cardiovascular or musculuskeletal), better rebook your travel until you are physically fit to endure the ride. Well, I am used to bumpy rides along unpaved roads in the Cordilleras, however, this particular ride is was much more unfriendly.
Kibad[c], D. [Nomadic Highlander]. (2019 Sept 04). KAPARKAN FALLS Part 3| Exploring Blue Lagoon and Mother Falls [Video file]. Retrieved on 2019 Sept 04 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbOHxwMa6w0
Disclaimer: The content of this article is not perfect as fees, routes, position holders, etc. changes over time. Please do comment below for any updates and any information deemed necessary for the public to know.
Tekip Falls, a towering natural beauty located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is probably the most known waterfalls in the municipality as well as the most accessible one.
Tekip falls might be the most popular waterfall in Bakun. This is probably related to easy access from Poblacion. It would only need more or less 15 minute-easy-walk from the community, making it the most accessible among the major falls in the area.
En route, you will be amazed with the scenic view of the community area as well see one of the highest footbridge in the community.
On your way to Tekip Falls, you can see a wider view of the community with Mt. Kabunian as the backdrop.
Walking through this hanging bridge near Tekip falls will probably make you dizzy because of its height and length.
Behold the soaring heights of Tekip Falls! Standing at the base of the waterfall, you will feel that you are easily dwarfed by the fall’s immense height. Take note, however, that the best time [like other waterfalls] to see this spectacle is during rainy season where the volume is at its peak.
The beauty of Tekip Falls depends heavily on the volume of rain drops. The image above was taken on May where rainy season is still starting. Actually, it did not rain for days before we visited the site.
Images below detail the different parts of Tekip Falls. Again, the more volume of water, the better. Images below depicts a time when the place did not have voluminous rain in the past days.
Tekip Falls have multiple water streams and cascades. Rainy season has the best view of this natural spectacle.
Other Notable Waterfalls and Destinations in the Area
Option 1. Old Municipal Hall at Php80.00 per night per person. Pro: cheap. Cons: bring your own sleeping gears; food** not included.
Option 2. Sagunday Transient at Php200.00 per night per person. Pros: you get to sleep in a bed with foam, bedding, CR, and with kitchen and cooking utensils (yes, you can cook and stores are a stone’s throw away. Con: food** not included.
** You can arrange with the barangay officials to cook for you at around Php200.00.
Contact Persons
Mr. Arthur Tolito (Municipal Tourism Officer): +63 921 211 3687
Guide fee (Per guide per group [max of 6 pax per group]. In excess of 6 members, additional heads will pay Php75.00 each. However, if the total participants are beyond 8, it is mandatory to have two guides. Further, in excess of the maximum hours, the guide will be paid additional Php50.00 per hour):
Tekip falls: Php300.00 (3 hours)
There are also packages if you want to go to more than one waterfalls and/or site (valid for a day, unless specified):
Tekip falls, Bagiw river, Pikaw falls, rice terraces: Php1000.00
Tekip falls, Bagiw river, rice terraces: Php600.00
Be early taking jeep from Baguio City to La Trinidad as traffic might get heavy.
Get in touch with the contact persons listed above for to verify for any changes in transportation schedules, fees, temporary closure of sites, etc. This will also give them ample time to prepare for your accommodation.
Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
Pikaw Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is one of the major falls in the municipality due to its towering height and rainbow formation.
The route to Pikaw falls converges with part of the path going to Gedgedayan, another tourist hill destination. Going to Pikaw is an enjoyable journey itself as you will see a lot of beautiful sceneries, rice terraces, water cascades, mini waterfalls, burial cave, as well as pass through several hanging bridges.
As of writing, access to Pikaw Falls is a little bit of a challenge. Previously, the locals had created pathway for tourists bound to the area. However, it was destroyed during one of the previous typhoons. Apparently, tourists were discouraged to go there because of this, despite of the beauty of the place. Fortunately, we were able to convince our guide, Uncle Max, to accompany us. I had to admit that going there is grueling as, obviously, the old path was already covered with vegetation. I had to admire Uncle Max’s diligence to bring us there.
Our tour guide Uncle Max, the guy in blue in the lead, had to clear our way because no tourist had reached Pikaw Falls for a couple of years. The above image is actually the easiest part. Some parts hard which needs you to stoop walk under brushes and walk through cliff. Once a new safe path will be created, it would be a lot easier to go there again.
Unlike other major falls in Bakun, Pikaw Falls retains enough volume of water to maintain a reasonable view even during summer days. During rainy months, the volume of water makes even the falls more beautiful and sometimes changes its clear water to chocolate-like color during heavy downpour.
During heavy rains, Pikaw falls turns into a chocolate-colored waterfall. This is due to the soil carried by small bodies of water coming from the bulldozed road above.
The name of the falls is taken from a plant which abundantly grows in the site. The plant is Pikaw, a plant typically growing in rivers, streams, falls, and marshes in the Philippines and in neighboring countries. Its scientific name is Schismatoglottis calyptrata (Bodner & Gereau, 1988) and is a kind of a wild taro used for indigenous dishes.
Pikaw, a wild taro, commonly grows in steep and rocky portions of bodies of water. The abundance of this plant in Pikaw Falls prompted the locals to call it as such.
Pikaw Falls has four stream drops from its overhung collapse. The water drops to boulders of stones instead of a plunge pool unlike in Mangta Falls. The way to the falls might be arduous, but the beauty of the destination easily erases your curses on the way.
Pikaw Falls as seen from a mountainside on the way. At this vantage, you can see the two levels of the falls.Scaling the boulders for a better view of the falls is a little bit tricky. You need to squeeze through a space in between big rocks then scale the slippery boulders.These are two of the towering water streams.The other water streams are are more of a cascade over a wall of rock.Yup, you can see a small rainbow up close in Pikaw Falls.
The presence of billions of droplets from the impact of water on the stone base of the falls creates a rainbow downstream. This phenomenon, like is Pattan Falls, is common in big waterfalls where the rays of the sun reaches the area where droplets are constantly numerous.
The following videos show Pikaw Falls in its towering splendor and the rainbow formation.
Pikaw falls as seen from a high vantage point. In here, you will see the upper level (waterfalls) draining to the lower level (cascade).
If you can’t get over the rainbow in this waterfall, this video will show you how vast the droplets are which is necessary in the formation the rainbow.
Other Notable Waterfalls and Destinations in the Area
Option 1. Old Municipal Hall at Php80.00 per night per person. Pro: cheap. Cons: bring your own sleeping gears; food** not included.
Option 2. Sagunday Transient at Php200.00 per night per person. Pros: you get to sleep in a bed with foam, bedding, CR, and with kitchen and cooking utensils (yes, you can cook and stores are a stone’s throw away. Con: food** not included.
** You can arrange with the barangay officials to cook for you at around Php200.00.
Contact Persons
Mr. Arthur Tolito (Municipal Tourism Officer): +63 921 211 3687
Guide fee (Per guide per group [max of 6 pax per group]. In excess of 6 members, additional heads will pay Php75.00 each. However, if the total participants are beyond 8, it is mandatory to have two guides. Further, in excess of the maximum hours, the guide will be paid additional Php50.00 per hour):
Pikaw falls: Php500.00 (5 hours)
There are also packages if you want to go to more than one waterfalls and/or site (valid for a day, unless specified):
Tekip falls, Bagiw river, Pikaw falls, rice terraces: Php1000.00
Mt. Gedgedayan + Pikaw falls, Bagiw river: Php1200.00
Pikaw falls + Bagiw river: Php600.00 (valid for 6 hours)
Be early taking jeep from Baguio City to La Trinidad as traffic might get heavy.
Get in touch with the contact persons listed above for to verify for any changes in transportation schedules, fees, temporary closure of sites, etc. This will also give them ample time to prepare for your accommodation.
Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
Do not go there if you don’t have endurance for challenging routes.
Pattan Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is one of the major falls in the municipality due to its towering height and proximity to Mt. Kabunian.
Bakun, Benguet was initially known to tourist of its beautiful mountains. Lately, the waterfalls of this wonderful place is also gaining attention. Of the major falls, Pattan seems to have found a place in hiker’s itinerary primarily due to its proximity to Mt. Kabunian.
Unlike other waterfalls, Pattan falls has a couple of interesting points to offer. One, the height of the waterfall is towering and is approximately 150 meters, according to Uncle Max, one of the pillars of tour guiding in Bakun. This makes the sound of the water fall so loud that you can hear it several meters away even before having a glimpse of it.
Water from Pattan Falls drops from the precipice above to approximately 150 meters below.
Two, it generates an amazing RAINBOW! Yup, rainbow guys. So, if you are still trying to get that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, this is one of the right places to be.
The rainbow appears if the base of the falls is under the sun. Moreover, the best angle where to take a picture of the rainbow depends on the volume of the water and the position of the sun.The impact of the water dropping to the base of the falls creates a multitude of droplets which is necessary fro rainbow formation when sunlight passes [reflects] through.
The images below show the whole length and levels of Pattan Falls as seen from Mangta Falls.
The video below shows Pattan Falls in its towering splendor.
Option 1. Old Municipal Hall at Php80.00 per night per person. Pro: cheap. Cons: bring your own sleeping gears; food** not included.
Option 2. Sagunday Transient at Php200.00 per night per person. Pros: you get to sleep in a bed with foam, bedding, CR, and with kitchen and cooking utensils (yes, you can cook and stores are a stone’s throw away. Con: food** not included.
** You can arrange with the barangay officials to cook for you at around Php200.00.
Contact Persons
Mr. Arthur Tolito (Municipal Tourism Officer): +63 921 211 3687
Guide fee (Per guide per group [max of 6 pax per group]. In excess of 6 members, additional heads will pay Php75.00 each. However, if the total participants are beyond 8, it is mandatory to have two guides. Further, in excess of the maximum hours, the guide will be paid additional Php50.00 per hour):
Php600.00 (6 hours)
There are also packages if you want to go to more than one waterfalls and/or site with Mangta Falls (valid for a day, unless specified):
Be early taking jeep from Baguio City to La Trinidad as traffic might get heavy.
Get in touch with the contact persons listed above for to verify for any changes in transportation schedules, fees, temporary closure of sites, etc. This will also give them ample time to prepare for your accommodation.
Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
Do not dare the pool if you do not know how to swim.
Mangta Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is now drawing tourists’ attention among its former waterfalls competitors in the area because of its breathtaking beauty and natural plunge pool.
When waterfalls started to become part of hiking itineraries in Bakun, Mangta Falls is commonly not included. Unlike Pattan Falls, its remoteness from mountain hiking paths could be a big factor. In fact, the previous local tourism guideline only includes Mangta Falls in one tour package but not as an stand-alone destination. Fortunately, as of early 2019, this now has been remedied and Mangta Falls is now part of other packages and can also be visited as a single destination.
The Path to Mangta Falls
Going to Mangta Falls maybe arduous but has more rewards than your sheets of sweat. The chirping of birds, wild mushrooms, and mountain scenes are but some of the things that will divert your attention from your sore muscles.
You’ll also get to walk on foot bridges other than the typical one. This includes stairs over a giant waterpipe, stairs over gigantic hydro pipes, or just walk over these pipelines.
The Magnificent Mangta Waterfall
The waterfall is one of the major attraction of Mangta Falls. It is approxiamtely 20 meters high from the top until it drops in the natural pool. Unlike other falls that you can climb up to some extent, water falls through a steep wall that scaling it is impossible without necessary equipment. Instead, better take dip, swim or dive in its pool. Relieve your sore muscles in the clean and icy water.
The following images shows Mangta Falls in different angles.
To appreciate the beauty of Mangta Falls, the following videos captured the cascading of water until it plunges to the natural pool below.
The video depicts a close up view of the falls and of the pool.
Mangtan Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a natural pool. Also, you can have a good view of the total length of Pattan Falls.
The Mangta Pool
Mangta Falls is very unique from the other waterfalls in Bakun because of its plunge pool. The natural pool is approximately 12 feet deep and as wide as a single volleyball court. This is more than wide enough for tourists who wants to swim its clear waters.
The pool drains to a pipeline which draws water for the nearby Aboitiz hydroplant. Don’t get scare of getting swallowed by the gigantic pipe because it is located on the far right side of the pool and has safety bars across pipe mouth. Actually, be more scared of the chilly water if you want to take a dip.
Tourists can take a dip and swim in the pool of Mangta Falls. The water is clean and refreshingly cold.
Option 1. Old Municipal Hall at Php80.00 per night per person. Pro: cheap. Cons: bring your own sleeping gears; food** not included.
Option 2. Sagunday Transient at Php200.00 per night per person. Pros: you get to sleep in a bed with foam, bedding, CR, and with kitchen and cooking utensils (yes, you can cook and stores are a stone’s throw away. Con: food** not included.
** You can arrange with the barangay officials to cook for you at around Php200.00.
Contact Persons
Mr. Arthur Tolito (Municipal Tourism Officer): +63 921 211 3687
Guide fee (Per guide per group [max of 6 pax per group]. In excess of 6 members, additional heads will pay Php75.00 each. However, if the total participants are beyond 8, it is mandatory to have two guides. Further, in excess of the maximum hours, the guide will be paid additional Php50.00 per hour):
Php700.00 (7 hours)
There are also packages if you want to go to more than one waterfalls and/or site with Mangta Falls (valid for a day, unless specified):
Be early taking jeep from Baguio City to La Trinidad as traffic might get heavy.
Get in touch with the contact persons listed above for to verify for any changes in transportation schedules, fees, temporary closure of sites, etc. This will also give them ample time to prepare for your accommodation.
Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
Do not dare the pool if you do not know how to swim.
Loneprowler 