"I was lost for words, I have nothing to say but amazing!"
My trek guide was too fast making me left behind. But he already stopped walking upon seeing a very small waterfall, yet beautiful. I asked myself, is this the result of my 6-hour land trip and 40-minute trek? Yes, he just stopped and I thought this is the end of the trek because for the past minutes, my guide trekked without pausing.
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| Balay Anito Falls in Alilem, Ilocos Sur was just hiding behind. |
Linger, there is a huge rock blocking our way. But I believe there must be something surprising out there... behind that rock.
Great! My guide didn't really stop the trek and it was not yet our final destination. He was just looking for a better way to go to Balay Anito Falls hiding behind.
He walked at the side of the rocks, slippery, wet, no real trail as such. He wasn't calling me, he just continued. I was busy taking photos because I thought the small waterfall I am seeing is already the Balay Anito Falls on which I have to reach riding on a motorcycle and trekking in barefoot.
My guide was gone, so I decided to follow where he is going.
Suddenly, I thought it was raining, but no, I realized it was not.
As I am going closer to the source of that loud sound of gushing water, sprinkles of water kept coming. It was cold, it was refreshing, it feels like rain!
Finally saw the waterfalls! Ahhhh! I shouted joyously... "ang gondohhhh!" I was just standing speechless aside from the fact that I shouted a while back with glee. Wow!!! The waterfalls cascade vertically into one huge rock then drop into another rock below making it so exciting and beautiful!
The pool below remains unrested. It was continuously moving as the waterfalls consistently pour out the blessing of freshwater given by nature... by God.
No regrets, I have finally seen Balay Anito Falls in the town of Alilem... and Alilem is my 28th town in Ilocos Sur. It is making me closer to the goal of exploring the 34 towns/cities of Ilocos Sur and I have 6 more left to see after seeing this hidden natural wonder of Alilem town.
As I am going closer to the source of that loud sound of gushing water, sprinkles of water kept coming. It was cold, it was refreshing, it feels like rain!
Finally saw the waterfalls! Ahhhh! I shouted joyously... "ang gondohhhh!" I was just standing speechless aside from the fact that I shouted a while back with glee. Wow!!! The waterfalls cascade vertically into one huge rock then drop into another rock below making it so exciting and beautiful!
The pool below remains unrested. It was continuously moving as the waterfalls consistently pour out the blessing of freshwater given by nature... by God.
Now I am confident to say, the trip is "all worth it!"
My eyes bulged wide open. Around the waterfalls is a magnificent view.
The towering verdant mountains were just refreshing.
It looked like to be a natural wall, tall rocks, all wet, continuously pouring fresh highland springs.
For that 40-minute jungle trek, on which I slipped 3 times, almost bumped my head to rocks, almost slipped directly to the cliff and trekked to some parts of the trail barefooted because I really had to, this natural masterpiece made me forget all the efforts and misadventures.
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| With Kuya Royel, my trek guide. |
Near the waterfalls, I was also able to spot beautiful wild flowers growing. The adventure made the day complete. I can not ask for more, I feel thrilled, amazed, contented. /end
- From Sudipen Public Market in La Union to Start of Trek Site: 30 minutes
- Trekking to Falls: 40 minutes (it depends upon your speed, this is for an average speed)
- Time spent at the waterfalls: 30 minutes
- Trekking back down: 40 minutes
- From Trek Site to Sudipen: 30 minutes
Absolutely doable for 1 day!
Travel Tips and Guide | How to go to Balay Anito Falls of Alilem, Ilocos Sur?
Travel Tips and Guide | How to go to Balay Anito Falls of Alilem, Ilocos Sur?
1. (a) From Manila, take a northbound bus going to Laoag. (b) From San Fernando City, La Union, take any Vigan-bound PUV or bus. (c) From Vigan or Laoag, take a Manila-bound bus.
3. From Sudipen Public Market, take either a motorcycle or a jeep. Jeep ride is way cheaper but time-consuming because you have to wait for other passengers. Motorcycle ride is more thrilling since you'll have the chance to enjoy the view.
4. Motorcycle ride costs 120 pesos (solo one way) from Sudipen Public Market going to the starting point of the trek, 240 pesos (vice versa). The motorcycle can accommodate up to 3, the more, the cheaper since you have to share for the fare.
5. I advice you to hire a motorcycle driver that knows how to go to the falls and is willing to guide you. Your driver may ask for additional tip as guide so just prepare, but for me, I wasn't given additional charge. Look for Kuya Royel, he was my guide. If you are traveling to Ilocos or La Union, you can make Balay Anito Falls as a side trip.
Total Expenses: 460 pesos Vigan-Sudipen Bus Ride (non A/C): 110 pesos Motorcycle ride from Sudipen to Balay Anito Falls, vice versa: 240 pesos
Alilem #TownExploration Series
Map Showing the Location of #Alilem
This is beautiful! I have a thing for water! and just by seeing these photos, you really wowed me! :D
ReplyDelete@Pauline, thnx :)
ReplyDeleteWala din akong masabi.. napakaganda ng lugar na yan.. ganda ng falls.. di pa ako nakakapunta sa ganyan kagandang waterfall.. ang swerte mo.. hehe
ReplyDeleteGanda ng wall nya! And those mini falls beside are just awesome! sarap mag long exposure!
ReplyDelete@CNA. yip Yeah! Ganda much! Hope you can pay a visit too someday :)
ReplyDelete@sir Ding! Correct, yan din ang naiisip ko noong time na yun kaso hindi kaya ng powers ng point and shoot ko ang long exposure. Hahaah..
ReplyDelete