It is a paradise where crystal clear and cool water is free-flowing on terraces. Thus, social media sites and travel blogs helped it to become one of the top destinations in the North. According to the tsimis, there are a total of 200 terraces from the top to bottom. Each of the terraces or pools is filled with water, overflowing and creating a relaxing sound. Plus, it is really safe to walk on the surface of the pools because they are covered with minerals.
How to Get to Kaparkan Falls:
Situated in the Municipality of Tineg, Province of Abra, part of the Cordillera Administrative Region, travel would be a bumpy ride yet enjoyable because of the stopover. Traveling from Manila to Bangued, the capital of the province, is more than 8 hours plus another 2 -3 hours off-road to Sitio Kaparkan. As I always say: "time is just a number" but the reward will be a breathtaking and a stunning body of water.
We met at our favorite meeting place, Jollibee - Greenfield, Crossing. Of course, as always, HI and HELLOs are just normal. Estimated Time of Departure: 21:30. We had several stopovers by the highway but had a few hours of sleep, as a result, a headache. Estimated Time of Arrival in Bangued: 0500. Our first stop was the "I Love Abra" signboard. On this spot, there's a grotto, an open theatre, and a wide view of the Municipality. The weather was cool and the area was almost covered with fog.
After the signboard, we proceeded to Acosta Pancitan, a restaurant who serves their famous local dish, Pancit Miki na may laman. Sabi nga eh, kung walang laman yun, malamang aabutan lang kami ng bowl at kutsara, kami nalang bahala mag-isip ng laman. Their pancit miki is similar to Batangas lomi, however, they differ on the noodles. According to the tsismis again, they create and manufacture their own noodles. At ang mga spices ay kinuha pa ng mga babaeng lokal sa ikalimang bundok ng Siera Madre at ikinarga sa anim na puting birhen na mga kabayo - hahaha - syempre joke lang yun! Naisip ko lang bigla si Jang Jeum. In fairness, the consistency of the soup and the texture of the noodles are really good, the laman and the other ingredients are well cooked - so it was a YES for me. After the sumptuous breakfast, we proceeded to DPWH to register, secure the waiver and to make sakay on the military truck. Estimated Time of Departure - DPWH: 0727.
Entrance, Advantage of Joining a Tour Package: For the first hour, we traveled on the concrete road, at a fast but friendly speed. It was still in the morning, so, a few people were walking by the highway. Then, at 0837, the military truck stopped and we were instructed to get off the truck. The driver and his friends put chains on each tire; this is the best way to fight against the slippery and muddy-ness road to the waterfalls. After putting the last chain, we got on the truck and the remarkable off-road travel started.
Things to Remember: Trails and Difficulty: Honestly, I consider this road as the worst but the most remarkable and extraordinary off-road travel experience in my 19 years of existence. There were two typhoons outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility that day, thus, affected the weather conditions in Luzon. The photo above describes how deep is the mud. There was a part where we needed to get off the truck again because the first truck was stuck in the deep mud. We're already halfway to the falls, so we're worried that the trip will be canceled due to this scenario, but the drivers were talented in handling the wheels.
I chose to stand than sit on the bench because I was literally a "pain in the ass." While standing and holding onto the iron rails, I felt the pains in my arms, legs, and shoulders but, instead of focusing on the pain, I was laughing every time I heard the harmony of the screams, mixed with the high pitch and the head tones AAAHHHHH!!! Those were music in my ears.
The off-road travel game is over. At 1133, we arrived at the jump-off and the next part was a 15-20-minute walk on a downhill trail to the falls. The trails are surrounded by trees and grasses that provide a relaxing ambiance. The sound of the water falling is an indication that we're almost there and upon arrival at the area, got my camera, left my dry bag on the side, and started taking photos while the tourists are still a few.
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| A photo of the stunning Kaparkan Falls. |
This waterfall got the attention of many travelers because of its unique pool formation. As I mentioned earlier, according to the tsimis, the entire waterfalls have 200 pools or terraces on different levels. In the photo above, I was wearing Lamiran sandals, I can definitely walk fast or even run on the surface of the pool without being slipped. This is because the white surface is covered with minerals with a rough texture - which I really love.
The entire area is surrounded by trees that provide shade while the sound of the rushing water gives tranquility in the area. Not only that, the surrounding forest area is a sanctuary of birds and other animals. In the middle, there's a gigantic balete tree that gives an amazing backdrop while the unlimited fresh water falling from the top is cold and crystal clear - even the weather wasn't good. The pools or the terraces are irregular in shape creating a big picture of an art naturally curved by nature.
We had our lunch at the cottage by the falls when the rains started falling but the other groups couldn't be stopped taking photos. As much as we want to stay, however, we need to be in Bangued before sunset. At 1445, we got on the truck and departed the jump-off. We headed back passing on the same challenging road. I thought it would be the same experience, but I was wrong. The rain showers started and the cold wind blew - as a result???? Ayun, sumakit ang rayuma ko sa lamig!!!
In fairness, I enjoyed the adventure when we were heading back because I witnessed the beauty of the province; the artistic shapes of the mountains from afar are noticeable while the fresh cold wind blowing. When the driver stopped and removed the chains on the wheels at 1645 - it ended the "pain in the ass" adventure. Next was traveling on the concrete road to DPWH. The people here are friendly, in exchange, I was smiling and waving my hands to them, like a politician having a motorcade. At 1752, we reached DPWH. Tidy up, had our dinner, and headed back to Manila.