What are the must-see tourist spots in Abra, aside from the iconic Kaparkan Falls? Find out more in this detailed guide. We also included the off-beaten destinations and the best things to do.
Abra, just like Kalinga, stands witness to the historic struggle of the people against corporate aggression. During the Martial Law regime, the Tingguian tribes resisted the Cellophil Resource Corporation from logging their mountains.
Despite years of civil unrest and insurgencies, Abra is now rising to the scene as a premier ecotourism destination.
Yes, Abra offers more than its historic churches or cultural sites. Its vast landscape also hosts countless natural wonders waiting to be discovered.
If sustainably managed, these could help boost the local economy while preserving the natural environment and the people’s rich cultural heritage.
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Behold Abra Province Tourist Spots
1. Sapilang Falls
Sapilang falls now greets and welcomes every nature lover to its rustic realm. From barangay Sagap, it takes around 30 minutes of quite an easy trek to get here, passing across forested trails.
Oh, you will also be crossing a river so expect your feet to get wet. The falls are called such because they cascade in one place. However, they are not identical.
The first falls to see is tall, thin, and has multi-layers. The second falls, on the other hand, descends on a broad and bare rockface. Sapilang Falls is one of the remotest tourist spots in Bangued.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Sagap, Bangued
- Trekking Time: 30 minutes
- Guide Fee: Php 200
- Contact: 092 777 258 56
2. Kaparkan Falls
This is perhaps one of the most famous tourist attractions in Abra. Unlike most popular falls in the country, Tineg is bizarrely unique. It cascades in a terraced-like manner on bare limestone rocks.
According to the locals, the waters do not turn murky even during the rainy months. That is because they emanate from an underground spring. Collectively, the falls measures around 500 meters high and 60 meters wide.
The surrounding forests also add beauty to the sight. No wonder, some locals tag the place as “Mulawin.” By the way, Kaparnakan falls feeds the Tineg River.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Caganayan, Tineg
- Best Time to Visit: August & September
- Contact: 09953446934, 09068366056
3. Piwek Rock Formation
It is quite a challenge to get here. But the view and pleasure it gives are simply beyond words’ description. Biyahe ni Andrew once featured this among the tourist spots in Abra.
Similar to Tinipak River in Rizal, Piwek Rock Formations are a cluster of white rocks and boulders along the river.
The turquoise and clear waters of the river makes this even more alluring to visit. The rock formations are becoming popular jumping spots.
The highest of which is around 11 meters. Well, the locals love jumping from this point. And many tourists tried it already.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Alaoa, Tineg
- Trekking Time: 30 minutes
- Guide Fee: Php 200 for 5 persons
- Contact: 092 777 258 56
4. Tagpew/Tagpao Falls
Tagpew falls majestically on the face of a massive cliff. It measures around 120 meters high, making it one of the highest falls in Abra province.
To get here, one has to hike for three to five hours from sitio Batayan of barangay Alangtin. Thick pine forests cover much of the trail.
To date, only a few locals and hunters glimpsed of the falls’ pristine beauty. By the way, Tagpao, in the local dialect, refers to a woman’s organ of copulation.
According to the locals, the rock formation at the base of the waterfall resembles the shape of the said woman’s organ.
- Location/Jump-off: Tubo
- Trekking Time: 7 hours
- Guide Fee: Donation
5. Kili Falls
One of the rising tourist spots in Abra, Kili falls projects a rejuvenating view. It is a small fall, measuring around 15 feet high.
But don’t be deceived. The falls has a huge water volume and a powerful force that it formed a wide and very deep pool.
Oh, this pool is inviting especially in the middle of the day. Its sparkling and crystal-clear waters offer a soothing bath or swim. The rocks surrounding the pool provide good jumping or diving platforms.
There is also a nearby hot spring. Oh, the awesome sight of the falls and the rustic environment simply makes this spot a must-see for every nature lovers out there.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Kili, Tubo
- Entrance Fee: Php 50
6. Libtec Crystal Cave
This is one of the famous tourist spots in Abra. It is also called Quiling Crystal Cave. According to the locals, the cave was already popular among hunters and trappers from a nearby community.
The cave hosts numerous bats locally known as kurarapnit. Unfortunately, their population dwindled due to overhunting.
Inside the cave, you’ll find wonderfully-formed stalagmites, stalactites, straws, drapery, and flowstones. These formations portray the shape of a horse, a bird, a banana blossom, and many more.
Unlike in other caves, spelunking here is relatively easy. You don’t need to wade on water, rappel, or crawl into narrow openings.
- Location/Jump-off: Dolores
- Trekking Time: 30 minutes
- Entrance Fee: None
- Guide Fee: Donation
- Contact: Barangay Chairman- 0926-403-4485
7. Abualan Cave
You may think of this as an ordinary cave because of the narrow entrance. But beyond this, there are large chambers and columns inside.
Numerous stalactite and stalagmite rock formations can be found. It is somehow similar to Longog cave of Kapangan, Benguet.
According to the locals, the cave provided a safe haven for the residents during World War II. By the way, it is sometimes called Guano cave because of the presence of bat pooping. Yes, numerous bats dwell here.
Up to this date, however, the cave remains largely undeveloped. Hopefully, the local authorities will manage it sustainably as it can help in boosting community development.
The cave is now one of the emerging tourist attractions in Abra province.
- Location/Jump-off: San Juan
8. Manambor Falls
The falls measures around 30 feet high. Its waters carved a beautiful pool, fit for swimming and cliff jumping.
But did you know that the locals consider it mystical? They say that there is a kingdom underneath the pool of the falls. For that, they say that the kingdom is responsible for the drum-like sound of the waterfall.
- Location/Jump-off: Tineg
9. Mt. Poswey
Standing at more than 1,546 meters above sea level, Mt. Poswey ranks among the highest mountains of Abra. The trail presents challenges before one can finally assault the summit.
For one, there are steep and uphill parts of the trail. Fallen trees and eroded portions also add to the menace. Further, leeches abound during especially during the rainy months.
However, the views all along are rewarding. What more if one gets to the top? Mt. Poswey is a prime biodiversity area. In fact, the critically-endangered Philippine eagle has been sighted in the area.
This mountain, therefore, must be given attention and protection. Mt Poswey is one of the off-beaten tourist spots in Abra.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Bao-ayan, Boliney
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
10. Panaclisan River
This is one of the numerous rivers found in the province, all leading to the famed Abra River. Its waters are crystal-clear. Further, it teems with different marine species such as paliling and igat (river eel).
Paco/pacpaco (wild, edible fern) also thrives along its banks. But what is more interesting about the river is the presence of numerous lagoons and deep pool pockets. It also hides several rapids and waterfalls.
Stunning, white rock formations surround some of these. A more popular one is found at barangay Nalbuan. The falls is similar to Kili falls in Tubo. It measures around 8 feet high but its powerful water volume created a wide and deep pool.
- Location/Jump-off: Licuan-Baay
11. Apao Rolling Hills
Apao Rolling Hills casts a view of the mountains like the grassy meadows of European hinterlands. From the viewpoint at Vira, one can gaze on wave-like hills as far as the eyes could see.
Grasses and a few shrubs and trees cover these hills. During summer months, the hills appear brown. However, they turn green during the rainy months.
Either way, the views of it are simply breathtaking. Different activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and climbing.
According to the locals, however, vast forests covered these hills. However, they were heavily logged during the Marcos regime. Apao Rolling Hills are now one of the famous tourist spots in Abra.
- Location/Jump-off: Tineg
- Contact: 092 777 258 56
12. Mt. Bullagao
Mt. Bullagao projects the shape of a woman lying prostrate on her back, her breasts sharply contoured, and her reclined head facing the sky.
From Bangued, provincial town of Abra, the mountain looks like a woman giving birth. That is why the Mt. Bullagao is popularly known as Abra’s Sleeping Beauty.
Near the summit, there is a small plateau, covered in grasses. There are also small patches of secondary forests.
From the top and along the trails near it, one can view the surrounding mountains and plains of Ilocos Sur, Abra, and the mighty Abra River.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Malapaao, Langiden
- Brgy Fee: Php 50
- Guide Fee: Php 1000 for a group of utmost 5
- Note: Minimum of 2 guides required for security purpose
13. Kimkimay Lake
Kimkimay lake covers an approximate area of one hectare. A local legend tells that the lake used to be a small community of seven families.
The families, however, were engaged in vices, angering the gods who inhabit the place.
As a punishment, the gods submerged their community into cold water. Today, the lake is a popular picnic and fishing spot among the locals.
To get here, one needs to travel along the 32-kilometer winding Penarrubia-Villaviciosa- Pilar Road.
Within the same municipality, there is another lake called Limbo. Kimkimay Lake ranks one of the best tourist spots in Abra.
- Location/Jump-off: Villaviciosa
14. Tugot ni Angalo
Tugot ni Angalo literally translates to “footprint of Angalo.” Based on a local legend, Angalo was a giant, considered to be the first man to inhabit Abra.
Accordingly, he roamed the Ilocos Region and Abra endlessly in search of Aran, his love. He would sometimes kneel to drink water, causing his footprints to go deeper.
That is why locals claim that the pools atop the famed Pinsal fools are the footprints of Angalo.
The main footprint in San Quintin measures around fifteen meters long, five meters wide and ten feet deep. It can be viewed from a distance during clear, sunny days.
- Location/Jump-off: San Quintin
15. Boliney Hot Spring
Boliney Bani Hot Spring lies at barangay Bani. To get here, one has to ride jeepneys for some 32 kilometers of dirt road from Bangued. The place is a perfect spot for swimmers.
The thermal waters directly flow to a river with cold, and crystal-clear waters. Thus, the place offers a chance for both cold and warm bath.
In addition, the locality offers a memorable experience of surrounding mountain views. In fact, Mt. Poswey can be seen from here.
- Location/Jump-off: Brgy Bani, Boliney
16. Abra River
Abra River is one of the longest and largest in the Philippines. It emanates from the mountains of Mankayan, Benguet as well as the municipalities of Bauko and Tadian in Mountain Province.
Collectively, it has a drainage system of 5,125 square kilometers and a length of 178 kilometers. As it passes along Abra, numerous rivers such as Tineg River and Boliney River join it.
Even before the Spanish invasion, the river already played an important role among the local communities. It teemed with various marine species such as eels and fishes.
Today, however, the operations of Lepanto Mines and commercial farming are causing the gradual degeneration of the river.
Urgent actions need to be done to address the issue and save the Abra River.
Other Abra Tourist Spots to See
17. Ikmin River
- Location/Jump-off: Boliney
18. Mt. Tomoy-ok
- Location/Jump-off: Boliney
19. Bandi River
- Location/Jump-off: Danglas
20. Botik River
- Location/Jump-off: Luba
For Your Information:
If you need further information that may help in setting up your itinerary to the tourist spots/attractions in Abra, do contact:
- ABRAmazing Tours: 09277725856, Dyane Kathleen Molina, Tour Operator
You can also message us on our facebook page namely, Daniel’s Eco-Travels. I will be more than glad and willing to answer them whenever I can:)
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- Benguet: Top 20 Must-See Tourist Spots
- Top 20 Mountain Province Tourists to Visit Now & Best Things to Do
- 20+ Best Ifugao Tourist Spots: Home of the Famous Banaue Rice Terraces
- Apayao: Top 20 Must-See Tourist Spots
Disclaimer: This is a work in progress. If you are knowledgeable or familiar with the tourist spots/attractions in Abra province, you may suggest additional information. Iyaman!
visit also, Mapaso Danglas Hot Spring, Lusuac Dam in Lagayan, Bolibey Hot Spring,, Sipud Sipud Cave in Tineg, Lombo lake in Villavisiona, Sagsagakat Hot Spring in Pennarubia Abra,
Sir hello. Thank you for this informative post since I am interested visiting abra. Just want to ask if these tourist spots are far from each other. Can u recommend a contact person in Abra since we plan to do a DIY visit
Halu po. You can try calling this number: (074) 7528118 (Provincial Capitol of Abra)
Hi Daniel! This is a very thorough and informative list, thank you. I have to admit, Abra wasn’t high on my travel bucket list. But after reading your post, I am convinced that it deserves a higher spot. I am an aspiring blogger and traveler, and I’m hoping I can explore Abra soon.
thank you for your remarks:) yes, there’s countless more worth visiting especially on Abra’s remote locations