KAPARKAN FALLS, ABRA.

KAPARKAN FALLS, ABRA.

It's a terraces of natural pools of overflowing water that stretched its way down among some trees at the mountainside with a big balete tree at one area. These pools are of different sizes for wading or a little bit of immersing. 

The falls is at its grandest during rainy season when water is plenty.

WHERE EXACTLY IS ABRA:

Abra is a landlocked province in the Cordillera Administrative Region in the Philippines. The province is bordered by Ilocos Norte on the northwest, Apayao on the northeast, Kalinga on the mid-east, Mountain Province on the southeast, and Ilocos Sur on the southwest.

HOW TO GET THERE:

(Detailed information on how to get there provided by George Anthony Lalin)

By private vehicle:

• For those travelling in private vehicles, Bangued is 408 kilometers from Rizal Park or Kilometer Zero.
• It is a 7-8 hour drive via NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX and the Manila North Road.
• Turn right at the Manila North Road and Abra-Ilocos Sur junction 4 kilometers after Narvacan town proper in Ilocos Sur, to head towards Tangadan Welcome Tunnel, the gateway to Abra.
• Other entry/exit points are the Abra-Kalinga Road in the east which traverses from the town of Malibcong, Abra to Balbalan, Kalinga and, Abra-Ilocos Norte Road in the west which passes through the towns of Danglas, Abra and Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte. Public transportation on these highways are not yet available.

By public transportation:

• From Metro Manila, there are three bus companies plying the Manila/Cubao/Pasay-Bangued route, namely Partas Bus Company, Viron Transit and Dominion Bus Lines.
• A typical bus trip from the country’s capital, Manila, lasts about 9 to 10 hours.
• Fare is about P600.00. All bus terminals are located in the capital town of Bangued.

GETTING AROUND:

Tricycles are the main mode of transportation within Bangued and adjacent localities. The minimum fare is P10.00. Going to other municipalities would require a jeepney ride. Terminals of all passenger jeepneys are likewise stationed in Bangued. Upland travels have only one trip per day, whereas the lowland trips go by the hour.

A lot of the more interesting sights in Abra require long land travel to get to, so it’s best to have your own vehicle. Some areas in Tineg can only be navigated by dirt bikes or 4 x 4 vehicles or military trucks because of the terrain. If you’re just going to stick to the capital Bangued and nearby towns, you can hire a tricycle or habal-habal motorcycle taxi to take you around.

Some destinations are located far-flung areas without commercial accommodations and regular public transportation. It’s best to coordinate with the tourism office of Abra at the Provincial Capitol in Bangued before your visit.

WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO IN ABRA:

Piwek Rock Formations

Piwek Rock Formations is a scenic natural rock formation in a river in Tineg. Getting here and back involved a rough jeepney ride, river crossing, hiking and scrambling down the rock surfaces. The whole place resembles Tinipak River in Daraitan, Minalungao in Nueva Ecija, and Siitan River in Quirino. It’s a beautiful natural spot. Visiting this was the highlight of our trip to Abra.

For cave enthusiast, a newly opened Sibud-Sibud cave should be part of your itinerary. Located at Tineg Abra, this cave is still considered to be unexplored by many and is reachable along the road going to Tineg proper. Just like other caves, several rock formations can be seen. However, one should be creative enough to imagine these rocks do look something. As of the moment, further exploration of the cave is recommended in order to properly manage its existence.

Just a concerned tourist reminder, be prepared by bringing appropriate gears and to proper take care the cave by not damaging or writing anything in it.

NOTE: As of now, there’s no entrance/environmental fee to visit the Piwek Rock Formations. However, the area is not accessible to regular vehicles. Getting here requires renting a 4×4 jeepney (30 pax max): P4,000. Guide fee (Piwek): P200/5pax. Allot a whole day for your visit.

Apao Rolling Hills

On our way back from Piwek Rock Formations in Tineg, we stopped along the rough road in the mountainous area of Apao to see this view. The lookout point along the road offers a dramatic landscape of rolling hills. Because of the high elevation, it can get really cold and foggy here.

Kaparkan Falls (NOTE: closed until August 2017)

One of the rising attractions in Abra (made popular by the TV show Byahe ni Drew) is Kaparkan Falls (also known as Mulawin Falls), a terraced waterfall in the interiors of Tineg. During our visit in late November 2016, the road going there was under construction and we were told that the park would not reopen until August 2017. To fully appreciate the falls, you’ll want to schedule your visit during the rainy season, because according to locals, there’s not much to see during the dry season from November to May.

Abra (Ilocano: Probinsya ti Abra; Filipino: Lalawigan ng Abra) is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital is Bangued, and is bordered by Ilocos Norte on the northwest, Apayao on the northeast, Kalinga on the mid-east, Mountain Province on the southeast, and Ilocos Sur on the southwest.

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