Showing posts with label La Union. Show all posts
Showing posts with label La Union. Show all posts

OKKALONG FALLS

OKKALONG FALLS


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Location: Cabalitocan, Luna, La Union, Philippines
Major Jump-Off Area: Municipal Plaza, Luna, La Union
Contact Person: Tito Gorospe (Tourism Officer): 09158072728 (Mobile No.) OR (072) 607 0099 / 607 1132 (Landline)
Registration Fee: Php10.00
How to Get There:
·         From Manila or Baguio City, take a bus bound to Laoag, Vigan or Abra. Drop at Municipal Plaza, Balaoan, La Union. Take a tricycle near the Seven-Eleven Store to Luna town proper. Regular fare is Php10.00 while Php50.00 if you hire the tricycle. Take another tricycle to Okkalong Falls at Php200.00 round trip fare with waiting time. One-way travel time is about 20 minutes.
·         From San Fernando City, La Union, you can take a Luna-bound jeepney. Otherwise, follow the travel plan for those coming from Manila or Baguio City. Bus ride from San Fernando City to Balaoan costs Php30.00 for ordinary buses. Travel time generally takes about 45 minutes.

Description
Okkalong Falls (also Ukkalong Falls) is located in the mountainous barangay of Cabalitocan, Luna, La Union. Contrary to its name, it is not actually a water fall but an about 10-feet water cascade draining to a pool about the size of a half volleyball court. The pool is surrounded with tall trees, thus, getting sunburnt is less likely a problem. The area is obviously well-kept and is dotted with ornamental plants and orchids. Interestingly, there is a monkey in collar near the sari-sari store, probably for additional attraction purposes.
Amenities in the area include a small sari-sari store, a makeshift comfort room, and a shed with tables and benches. The shed is built primarily as a haven when raining.
Probably due to its size, Okkalong Falls is not as popular as Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, La Union. However, locals flock to this area during summer and holidays.
Please be honest in paying the registration fee. The meagre registration fee goes to the maintenance of the area. Though Okkalong Falls is a small tourist attraction, it is regularly maintained even during off-peak season.
There is a footpath from Okkalong Falls that snakes up to the mountain. About 30-45 minutes uphill walk would lead you to a clearing that gives a panoramic view of the municipality with the sea as the horizon. Give another 30-45 minutes uphill hike and you will be blessed with a 360-degree view with the mountains of Bangar, Balaoan and Bacnotan in the eastern part.
Other notable tourist attractions in this municipality are the pebble-covered beaches, Baluarte ruin (Biyak na Bato) and Bahay na Bato.

Reminders:
·         If there is a sudden heavy downpour during the rainy season, do not linger in the river as it may swell to a dangerous level at any point in time. Cancel your trip if there is a continuous heavy downpour in the municipality.
·         Do not vandalize the stones by marker pens or etching upon it.
·         Stones along the river could be slippery.
·         Do not climb beyond the water cascade.
·         Do not wash things such as used plate, oily hands, etc. in the pool. Use the lower part of the river near the entrance for such activities.

Gallery

Okkalong Falls is quite popular among Luna locals. If you want solitude in a fresh water park, this is more convenient than the heavily-populated rivers and water falls in La Union.

The pool is about half a volleyball court and not deep.

Halfway to the top of the mountain, about half an hour uphill trek from Okkalong Falls, you can have a panoramic view of the municipality with the West Philippine Sea as the horizon.


At the top of the mountain in Cabalitocan, about an hour uphill walk from Okkalong Falls, the mountains of Bangar, Balaoan, and Bacnotan gives a breath taking panorama.

LA UNION CENTENNIAL TREE (ALSO KNOWN AS CARCARMAY ACACIA TREE; VICTOR ORTEGA TREE)

LA UNION CENTENNIAL TREE (ALSO KNOWN AS CARCARMAY ACACIA TREE; VICTOR ORTEGA TREE)


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Location: Carcarmay, Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines
Major Jump-Off Areas: Poblacion, Bacnotan, La Union and Bitalag Junction, Bitalag, Bacnotan, La Union.
How to Get There:
·         From Poblacion, Bacnotan, La Union. There are three options:
ü  Hire a tricycle directly to Carcarmay Elementary School. Tricycle hire is Php80-100; or
ü  Ballogo route: take a PUJ bound for Paraoir or Darigayos. Drop at Ballogo Junction. Take a tricycle to Carcarmay Elementary School; or
ü  Bitalag route: take a north-bound mini-bus (Vigan, Laoag, or Abra). Drop at Bitalag Junction and take a tricycle to Carcarmay Elementary School.
·         From San Fernando City, La Union. There are two options:
ü  Take a north-bound minibus or PUJ bound to Bacnotan or Luna. Drop at Bitalag Junction and take tricycle to Carcarmay Elementary School; or
ü  Take a PUJ bound for Paraoir or Darigayos. Drop at Ballogo Junction. Take a tricycle to Carcarmay Elementary School.
·         Bus from Manila or Baguio City bound to Laoag, Vigan, or Abra or vice versa.
ü  Drop at Poblacion, Bacnotan or San Fernando City Plaza and take any of the above schemes; or
ü  Drop at Bitalag Junction and take a tricycle to Carcarmay Elementary School.


Description
A silent witness of peace, war, and development, the La Union Centennial Tree in Barangay Carcarmay, Bacnotan, La Union is continually adding up years in its existence. With a trunk of about 8 meters, it easily gives shade to a very wide area of the Carcarmay Elementary School where it has rooted.

The tree’s age’s traceability and its mute part in the locality’s history is highly notable. In 1896, the late Innocencio Mendioro, a Grade 3 pupil of the then nipa hut primary school, planted this acacia tree (Rudio, 2014a). Interestingly, this is the age of Dr. Jose Rizal’s execution. During the World War II, the shade of the Centennial Tree had been a sanctuary of the Japanese soldiers and their Filipino friends from the heat of the day. In time of peace decades later, one of these Japanese soldiers even used this as a marker in locating their former base (Rudio, 2014b). Rudio also cited that locals even have belief that treasures could be buried beneath its ground. In 2013, the caring and protection of the La Union Centennial Tree was officially transferred to Carcarmay Elementary School.

The La Union Centennial Tree was proclaimed as one of the 13 other Philippine Centennial Tree under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 98-25 on 03 June 1998. This AO also proclaims these centennial trees as Protected Trees. This also mandates a multi-sectoral effort in protecting these trees and the provision of corresponding penalties and for damage or injury to the tree (Rudio, 2014a).

Reminders:
·         The school where it is located is open for tourists even during weekends and holidays. It highly advisable though to go there outside class hours to avoid disturbance and to ask permission from the locals or school teachers.
·         As the tree serves as shade to the program and activity ground of the school, please maintain cleanliness and moving any equipment, furniture or things within the premises is highly discouraged.
·         Do not climb the tree.

Gallery
You need to go through the entrance of the Carcarmay Elementary School. It highly advisable though to go there outside class hours to avoid disturbance and to ask permission from the locals or school teachers.

The marker is also pursuant to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 98-25 dated 03 June 1998.

This tree served as a shade under the sun by pupils, soldiers, and community locals alike in parts of the Spanish colonization, Japanese and American invasion.

The circumference of the trunk is about 8 meters.

Branches branching out! Well, this is how it covers more than a quarter of the school premises.


REFERENCE LIST:
Rudio, O. O. (2014a). News Item: MINDA Park Blessing & Turnover Ceremonies Held. Retrieved on March 15, 2016 from Probinsial Gobierno ti La Union Opisyal nga Website: www.launion.gov.ph/iloko/print.php?newsnews.416.

Rudio, O. O. (2014b). La Union Centennial Tree. Retrieved on March 15, 2016 from Provincial Government of La Union Official Website: www.launion.gov.ph/page.php?165.

Tangadan Falls



TANGADAN FALLS


Updated article is migrated in this link:



Location: Amontoc, San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines

Major Jump-Off Area: Poblacion, San Gabriel, La Union

How to Get There:
·         Public transportation:
1.       Via San Fernando City, La Union. Take a PUJ (terminal at the northern side of the San Fernando City Round Market bound to San Gabriel. The regular fare is Php26.00. All San Gabriel-bound PUJs will stop at Barangay Poblacion with 30 minutes to an hour duration depending on the traffic. Preferably, you need to go to the San Gabriel Municipal Hall for arrangement of tour guides and transportation bound to Tangadan Falls parking area in Barangay Amontoc. For DIY transportation arrangement, you can ask the locals where to hire a PUJ or a motorcycle. Round trip hire including waiting time is Php1500.00-Php2000.00 for PUJ and Php350.00 for motorcycles. PUJ ride usually takes about 20 minutes; this is typically shorter when riding a motorcycle. From the parking area, you need to hike downhill on uneven [some parts are paved] foot path at least 10 minutes [for fast hikers] or [usually] longer depending on your pace. Going back may take thrice as much since you’ll be hiking uphill. (Take note that there are no PUJs going to the area on an hourly basis. Usually, there is a single Poblacion to Amontoc trip during or after lunch hours and Amontoc to Poblacion trip only in the morning. Thus, there is a need to hire a PUJ or motorcycle in a round trip basis if you don't have your own transportation.)
2.       Via San Juan, La Union. Wait for San Gabriel-bound PUJs at the national hi-way crossing north of the San Juan Municipal Hall. There is a small sign “→ San Gabriel” along the crossing. Fare is around Php16.00
3.       Via Bacnotan, La Union. Take a PUJ from Poblacion, Bacnotan to Poblacion, San Gabriel. This is the least suggested itinerary since there is a limited Bacnotan-San Gabriel trips.
4.       Via Bucao, San Gabriel, La Union. This route is highly advisable when your transportation budget is limited. Take a tricycle from Poblacion, San Gabriel to Duplas, San Juan (via Bucao). Tricycle fare is PhP80.00. The hike, however, may take about an hour or even much longer to those who have a slower pace. This has a longer hike time than via Amontoc and thus not advisable to those who have no patience in exerting physical effort. On the other hand, this route might be more interesting to adventurous pips.
·         Private car: Google map suffices for direction. Also, asking the locals is highly advisable. 
1.       Via San Juan, La Union.
2.       Via Bacnotan, La Union.

Description
Tangadan Falls is located in Amontoc, San Gabriel, La Union, a predominantly mountainous municipality in Region I. The name of Tangadan Falls is derived from an Ilokano root word “tangad,” which means to look up, probably due to the about 40–feet high water plunge.

Via Amontoc: Strenuous the hike as it may be, your physical effort will be rewarded with the mesmerizing cascade-to-pool and waterfall-to-pool series. From the parking area, you need to traverse a downhill footpath for at least 15 minutes. This may take longer depending on your pace and the condition of the path. Halfway, you will hear the roar of the water. During rainy season, the unpaved parts of the path tend to be muddy and slippery. Also, during this season, you may be rewarded with green vegetable gardens and rice paddies in you trek. Your bodily exertion during the hike will be rewarded when you reach your destination: clean, clear and invigoratingly cold water in a short cascade-to-pool-to-waterfall-to-pool series.

Via Bucao: About an hour walk from the turning point, you will pass by farms, irrigation dikes, and generally the river snaking up to the glorious Tangadan Falls. To nature-lovers, the rivulet, naturally-occuring pools, fishes (especially the abundant locally-termed "Bunog"), underwater grasses, diving cliffs, and low-height falls are but a few of the many delights en route.

Tangadan river could be divided into two levels: upper and lower. The upper level is composed of a short cascade of about 7 feet high and 4 feet wide. The width of the cascade narrows or widens depending on the season and amount of rainfall. Through the steep stone slope, water cascades to the narrow pool below. The pool is deep and about 30 feet wide by 90 feet long. It is surrounded with steep stone walls. The lower wall is easily accessible and serves as the diving and jumping point. The water from the first pool exits through a narrow outlet that splits into two. The smaller outlet exits as a narrow cascade to the right of the precipice. The bigger outlet flattens as it moves above the rock ledge and plunges down to the wide pool of the lower level. The size of the pool could easily engulf two basketball courts. As of the beginning of 2016, there are three bamboo rafts (“raket” or “balsa”) which can be hired. You may ask the operator to take you near or under the falls, which tourists usually do. This is common because the jets of falling water gives a natural massage. Unlike in hand massage, you control the pressure by your proximity to the waterfall. You can also exhaust yourself swimming in this pool because of its size, thus the need for life vest for those who are not good and non-swimmers. The water from the second pool flows out through slippery rocks and exits to a gentle, wide, long, and 2-4 feet deep basin. Somehow, this is more conducive to children who does not know how to swim and those who wants to learn how to swim.

Amenities (rental prices may vary or increase without prior notice):
·        Parking fee: Php10.00
      Cottage: Php200.00-300.00.
·         Life vest or salbabida: Php50.00.
·         Bamboo raft (“raket”): Php400.00 (maximum of 10 pax)

Reminders
  • Cancel your trip if there is a continuous heavy downpour in the municipality.
  • Registration is a must to all tourists.
  • Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and clothes.
  • Strictly no cooking, grilling, and the likes. Take pre-prepared foods including water.
  • Life vest is a must for those who cannot swim in fresh water. Drowning is higher in fresh water than sea water.
  • Do not vandalize the stones by marker pens or etching upon it. As of late February 2016, the extent of etches upon stones have yet to abate.
  • Eating and throwing of garbage or food scraps along the river is prohibited.
  • The Municipality of San Gabriel is a Red Orchid Awardee and also awarded by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Health as the Best LGU Implementer of Smoke-free Program in Region 1 (CSC, 2013). Most of the tourists in Tangadan Falls do not know this and are unendingly a-huffin’ and a-puffin’ clouds of cigarette smokes in and around the cottages.
  • When riding a PUJ to or from Tangadan Falls, “topload style” is allowed, as this is not uncommon among PUJs bound to the municipality’s mountain barangays. Make sure that you are secure and to always be vigilant in your grips. Take note, however, that the locals are used to this and are aware to strengthen and secure their grips in parts of the ride. Though, no accidents involving tourists on “topload style” is reported yet, do not be the first in the local statistics.
  • Do not go or cross cordoned areas (barricaded with bamboos or branches).
  • Stones along the river could be slippery.
  • If there is a sudden heavy downpour during the rainy season, do not linger in the river as it may swell to a dangerous level at any point in time.

Gallery


This is the start of the downhill trek. The surface of the unpaved footpaths can be easily powderized under your shoes during summer. However, it is muddy during rainy season. In both cases, you need comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Non-hikers need to be careful in these unpaved footpaths.

The stretch of paved footpaths is increasing each year as Tangadan Falls visitors increase. There is even a plan of extending the paved road nearer to the waterfall.


This is the first view which invites you to go nearer.

The upper part consists of a short cascade and a narrow pool. The lower wall of the pool serves as a diving and jumping point.

The upper pool narrows down towards the water exit.

 
A complete view of the upper level.

The water from the first pool exits through a narrow outlet that splits into two. The smaller outlet exits as a narrow cascade to the right of the precipice.

The shallow part as the water exits from the upper pool towards the plunge.

The water from the first pool exits through a narrow outlet that splits into two. Above is the bigger outlet before it flattens near the ledge.


The water from the first pool exits through a narrow outlet that splits into two. The bigger outlet flattens as it moves above the rock ledge and plunges down to the wide pool of the lower level.

The great plunge and the narrow cascade.

 
View from near the water exit of the second pool.

Two of the three bamboo rafts (“raket” or “balsa”).

You can hire a bamboo raft and try the back massage under the waterfall.

A closer look at the narrow cascade.

 
This cascade has a more brute force and greater volume during rainy season. 



Careful! The rocks are slippery.

The water from the second pool flows out through slippery rocks and exits to a gentle, wide, long, and 2-4 feet deep basin. Somehow, this is more conducive to children who does not know how to swim and those who wants to learn how to swim.



The organic cottages is but one of the reasons why cooking with fire is prohibited in the area.


The shower facility. But then again, why do you need one? The water you’re going to shower is the same water you’ve waded minutes ago!

Well, don’t get too tired while swimming. Remember, you’ve got a steep climb ahead!



REFERENCE LIST:
CSC (2013). Best Practices [PDF File]. Retrieved from http://www.csc.gov.ph/phocadownload/PMU/bestpractices.pdf.


Bahay na Bato

BAHAY NA BATO



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Location: Nalvo Norte, Luna, La Union, Philippines
Coordinates: 16°50'51.3"N   120°21'01.6"E

Jump-Off Area: Municipal Hall, Luna, La Union
Contact Person: Tito Gorospe (Tourism Officer): 09158072728 (Mobile No.) OR (072) 607 0099 / 607 1132 (Landline)
Entrance Fee: Php20.00/pax
How to Get There:
  •  From Manila or Baguio City, take a bus bound to Laoag, Vigan or Abra. Drop at Balaoan, La Union. Take a tricycle near the Seven-Eleven Store to Luna town proper. Take another tricycle to Bahay na Bato.
  • From San Fernando City, La Union, you can take a Luna-bound jeepney. Otherwise, follow the travel plan for those coming from Manila or Baguio City.

Description:
Bahay na Bato (stone house) is situated in a 35,000-populated municipality of Luna (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2010). In reality, it is not a house made entirely from stones, although the concrete walls are plastered with stones and the floor is strewn with large, smooth, flat pebbles. Adornments of carved stones, woods and World War II items are seen inside the house. Of the two private rooms in the ground floor, the one facing the beach is sometimes open to the public. This room has a double-door access to the beach. Carved stones of different sizes and figures are strategically positioned along the hallways. The floor is also covered with smooth, pebbles and flat quarter-palm sized stones. Woods carved with faces are also mounted on the upper portion of the inner wall of the receiving hall. World War II items such as charcoal iron (de uling na plantsa), kerosene lamps (lampara), water canteens (kantina), carbide lamps (de kalburong lampara), wooden trunks (baul), and Stainless Steel mess kit dishes are also being showcased in the house.  The second floor offers a panoramic view of the pebble-blanketed beach and stone carving-strewn lawn. Big stone carvings resembling lizard, heart, sea creatures, flowers, man, hand gestures, etc. are positioned to augment or create a landscape. Though there is a minipool for children on the southern part of the house, the main attraction is still the house and its stone carvings.

The house, built in 2000, was initially intended to be a resthouse for Dr. Edison and Dra. Purita Noble; however, Luna Mayor Marvin Marron, seeing the tourism potential of the property, persuaded them to open it to the public (Marbella, 2015). The property was then opened in 2014 attracting a multitude of tourists. The local tourism office has recorded a staggering number of visitors to the new attraction. In December 2014, it registered more than 10,000 visitors, and another 7,800 for January 2015 (Marbella, 2015). 

If you visit this place, you have a big chance of meeting the sculptor of the stone-carvings, Mr. Vong Kim. He is a Korean married to the Luna native manager of the place. He usually stays at the registration booth. 

Other notable tourist attraction of this municipality is the pebble-covered beaches, even coming in different colors. According to a resident near the beach, the pebbles are believed to be living and has the ability to grow. Baluarte ruin (Biyak na Bato) and Ukkalong Falls are also gaining popularity in the place.

GALLERY:

    
Here's the admission fee and open house hours as of February 2016.

The receiving hall’s floor is covered with large flat pebbles.


The receiving hall window overlooking the beach.


The upper portion of the walls is also lined with woods carved with faces.


The hallway leading to the two private rooms and the stairs.


One of the private rooms. This rooms is sometimes opened to the public.


The eastern wall at the second floor is adorned with World War II utensils.


 Close up of the WWII utensils.


A wooden trunk as a centerpiece at the second floor.


Stone carvings in the ground as seen from the second floor window.


 Stone and wood carving in a hallway.


This carving obviously depicts the Oriental culture of the carver. 


Stone-faced? Call what you want. 


Your name might be in this table too. 


I actually wondered how they did this.


Emotions etched upon stones. 


Yes, its not slimy. Its smooth. 


Homo erectus(?) with glasses. 


One of the best places outside the house. Don't just linger in the middle of the heat.


 A monster fish, perhaps.


The beach without sand.


Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed  at the beach near Bahay na Bato. The waves are strong and the beach is deep.


Pebbles and not sand. How is sunbathing done here? 


 Pebbles of different colors can be picked near the Baluarte ruins.


According to the locals,during the war, this structure is connected to a nearby building through a tunnel, making it a means of escape. 


But I love the view! 


The Baluarte ruins as seen from the beach. Concrete posts are used to fortify the structure preventing it from collapsing. This structure is becoming an icon of Luna. 


Accordingly, the structure has split during a previous typhoon. 






REFERENCE LIST:
Marbella, J. P. (2015). Stones bring solid tourism in La Union. Retrieved on April 2, 2015 from http://www.launion.gov.ph/news.php?extend.687.1.
Philippine Statistics Authority (2010). 2010 Census of population and housing. Retrieved on April 2, 2015 from http://web0.psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/pressrelease/Ilocos.pdf.