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Bucket List: Things to Do and Best Places to Visit in Abra Province, Philippines
What was once a civil war battleground has become an upcoming premier tourist destination for everyone to discover. Abra is an excellent combination of history and Mother Nature. The province’s wonders can be seen through its bodies of water, caves, and museums.
Kaparkan Falls
Abra is a province located in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. It is known for its scenic mountain ranges, rivers, and waterfalls. Here are some of the top tourist spots in Abra:
Swim in Kili Falls
Tourists cannot afford to miss the waters of Kili. Kili Falls is a place to swim and be isolated from the world, as you are surrounded by rocks and cliffs. This is because Kili Falls is located in the remote town of Tubo in Abra.
You can expect that the waters will be cold and clear. While swimming in Kili Falls, you will notice how the scenery is complemented by smooth gray rocks and the continuous bursts of water near the cliff edge. You might also encounter locals looking to catch fish from the falls.
Relax in Kili Hot Spring
If you prefer a more relaxing swimming experience, the Kili Hot Spring is around the corner. The Kili Hot Spring is located on the right side of Kili Falls. This hot spring is a man-made Spa. However, the water comes from below the Earth’s surface, heated by the surrounding local rocks.
Kili Hot Spring is a great place to relax; you can dip in warm water while watching the fast-flowing Utip River. Staying in this hot spring is also an excellent way to gain potential health benefits.
Pass by the Kili Rice Terraces
Before you reach Kili Falls and Hot Spring, you get to pass by the Kili Rice Terraces. This tourist spot is complemented by scenic views of mountains, trees, and riverbanks. The retaining walls make the rice terraces sustainable, making it possible to pass by. There are also plenty of rice terrace linings in this area.
If you plan to see more and take pictures of the rice terraces, you can ask your habal-habal driver to pass by certain viewpoints to get a better look at this tourist spot.
Experience Kaparkan Falls
Kaparkan Falls is a sight to behold because of its unique structure compared to other waterfalls. The falls consist of multi-layered white limestone terraces, with water flowing continuously downward. This tourist spot resembles a set of stairs leading to aqua-blue lagoons. The usual color of the water is emerald-green.
However, Kaparkan Falls should only be visited during the rainy season, from July to September, when the water flow is constant. Visiting this spot is not recommended during the dry season because the water will be muddy. Kaparkan Falls is locally recognized as Mulawin Falls.
See the Apao Rolling Hills
The Apao Rolling Hills are Abra’s most majestic hills. The hills provide a panoramic view of the entire scenery. One of the things you will immediately notice in the hills is the wave-like pattern. These hills have a consistent color of brown land and green grass.
The Apao Rolling Hills have become so popular that tourists must register at the Municipal Hall to visit and receive advice from local tourism officials. You must be mindful not to litter to preserve the hills’ natural beauty during your stay.
Swim at Pinsal Falls
Pinsal Falls is a body of water near another tourist spot, Tugot ni Angalo. Tugot ni Angalo represents a historical belief among the locals of Abra. Tugot ni Angalo is the footprints around Abra left by a giant named Angalo. In Abra’s view, Angalo was the first human.
According to local myth, the footprints are the result of Angalo’s search for his woman, Aran. He drank water and occasionally rested during his search, leaving the giant footprints. As of now, some of the giant footprints have become new tourist spots. One of these is Pinsa Falls, located in one of the footprints.
Take Pictures at the Piwek Rock Formation
The Piwek Rock Formations provide some of the most picture-worthy spots in Abra. Given that you are headed into a rocky area, expect the journey to be arduous. Some of the obstacles you will encounter include crossing the Binongan River and climbing huge boulders for approximately half an hour.
The best spot to take pictures is the white limestone area, with peaks and valleys. After climbing boulders, you can go to the cliff jump area to dive towards the calm blue waters. Since your journey requires tremendous physical activity, do not forget to bring climbing and swimming gear.
Take a day trip to Bangued.
Bangued is the capital city of Abra Province. This city is the perfect place to visit historical museums and parks. You can visit Bangued’s Cassamata Hill National Park to view Abra’s natural wonders.
The park has a section called Victoria Park, where you can admire the province’s plains, mountains, and rivers. This city also holds special significance for Catholics because of its unique heritage sites, such as the San Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine.
Cross the Don Mariano Marcos Bridge
The Don Mariano Marcos Bridge is one of the best places to get a scenic view of Abra’s natural gifts. This bridge is also the third-longest of its kind in history, measuring 889 meters.
Some of Abra’s natural wonders include mountains and riverbanks, such as those along the Abra River. The Don Mariano Marcos Bridge is also an excellent way to reach some of Abra’s local towns. Some nearby towns are Dolores, Tayum, Tineg, and Lagangilang.
Visit Tayum Church
Tayum Church is locally known as the Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish Church. The Augustinians built this church in the 19th century and dedicated it to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Tayum Church has a Baroque structure that carries cultural significance for locals.
This church also has burnay jar motifs. Burnay jars have been familiar to locals ever since the 1500s due to Spanish influence. Later on, the church was recognized as a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Explore Sibud-Sibud Cave
Sibud-Sibud Cave is a must-visit for cave enthusiasts and beginners as well. The cave has plenty of mineral deposits, chambers, and caverns. Trekking in this cave isn’t difficult because there won’t be much climbing during your journey.
You can also notice multiple mineral deposit formations, such as those shaped like a heart, banana blossom, and golden walls. Also, Sibud-Sibud Cave is under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protection. This means the cave can be used for economic activities, such as collecting bird nests.
Visit the Gabriela Silang Gallery of Fine Arts
The Gabriela Silang Gallery of Fine Arts offers a glimpse into Filipino history, especially during the colonial period when the Spaniards ruled the Philippines. The gallery is in a house formerly the refuge home of one of the country’s national heroes, Gabriela Silang.
This house is where Gabriela Silang hid when his husband, Diego Silang, betrayed his friends and was slain by the Spaniards. This gallery contains books and authentic artworks by famous Filipino and foreign artists, including Pablo Picasso, Juan Luna, and Fernando Amorsolo. Some of the other relics are furniture, ceramics, and chinaware.
Buy Gourd Hats in San Quintin
If you are looking for something that helps you withstand the weather’s sunlight and storms, you should buy the province’s locally made gourd hats. Gourd hats are weatherproof equipment that is part of Abra’s local culture. Gourd Hats were commonly used during times of civil unrest in Abra.
These hats are sold by Teofilo Garcia, a National Living Treasure Awardee. However, he is the only maker left of gourd hats, as the public can access mainstream hats. As a result, there is a strong chance that Teofilo’s hats will soon become the last of their kind.
See Abel Loom Weaving in La Paz
Abel Loom Weaving is a practice central to Abra Province’s culture. La Paz is known for traditional loom weaving, producing a fabric called Abel. The tradition of loom weaving is important because this art has been passed down among women from generation to generation.
Loom weaving originated from the indigenous Image Tribe. To participate in loom weaving, you can visit Leila’s Loom, which happens to be one of the largest producers of Abel. You will have the opportunity to experience the process of loom weaving and buy finished products.
Swim in Lusuac Springs
Lusuac Springs offers the perfect family fun, especially for swimmers. Lusuac Springs is a picnic resort with everything you need, including spring water, water slides, and cottages for your convenience.
The spring water is so refreshing that it is potable and safe for human consumption. You can also get a foot spa massage from fish as you dip your feet in a pool’s shallow part.
St James the Elder Cathedral
St. James the Elder Cathedral is one of the most historical places in Abra. The church took approximately 80 years to complete, with construction beginning in the 18th century and ending in the 19th century.
During World War II, it also faced destruction as the church was bombed by Americans. Later on, reconstruction was completed in the 20th century with the help of American Aid. As of now, it has become a cathedral with a unique architectural design and an off-white color.
How to Get There
There are plenty of routes you can take on the way to Abra Province. Some of the roads you can take are the Abra-Ilocos Sur Road, Abra-Kalinga Road, Abra-Cervantes Road, Abra-Ilocos Norte Road, Bangued Cadre Road, and Lagangilang Access Road. The route you should take depends on your geographical location.
Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of cheap Abra hotels and resorts via Agoda and Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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