"To those people who are afraid to visit Abra, think twice. Abra is the place with real best-kept secrets."

I've been receiving several queries from my e-mail, blog comment section and social media accounts about the province of Abra so I decided to write this post to answer the queries, once and for all. The most frequently asked question I've been receiving are: What to do in Abra? or, What to see in Abra? Admit it, but to someone who haven't been here, not much is known about the province. Unlike it's neighboring provinces wherein thousand of information and photos are available online (key in Sagada, Banaue, Baguio), Abra remains relatively mysterious. With this post, I'm going to share my discoveries in this province I will label as "The Province of Pure Adventure."

[BANGUED] The Abra Valley as viewed from Cassamata Hill

Remember, Abra has 27 towns. As of this post, I've been to 23 towns and currently crossing fingers to visit all the 27 towns before the end of this year. Aside from the following destinations I am going to feature, there are another 100+ destinations hiding in the province I've yet to see. For the mean time, I am going to talk about the places I've discovered, by far. I will, for now, just write a basic description of each destination because this post might get too long if I'll include a how-to-go, how-to-get-there or travel-guide-and-tips sections. Each destination included here is worthy of a separate and more detailed post in the future. I have a separate story and experience for each spot and I'm going to write them soon. For now, let's check this out.

(1) ABRA PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

[BANGUED] The Capitol Building located in the capital town of Bangued

Let's start with the Provincial Capitol in , the capital town of Abra. To someone who loves chasing after structures and public buildings, the provincial capitol is likely the most notable landmark in Abra. Start your Abra tour from here. Have a courtesy call (optional, but highly recommended) and start the ball rolling.

(2) BOLO RIVER

[SAN JUAN] Shallow, clear, clean and fresh river in Brgy Abualan

Enjoy the clear, cool and clean Bolo River in Brgy Abualan, San Juan. The photo above was taken 2 days after a heavy rain, yet the river is shallow. This is a 30-minute trek away from the jump off point from the village. Have picnic with friends, swim and plunge. Remember not to leave any waste. Don't leave the place without taking out your mess.

(3) HOLY CROSS PARISH CHURCH

[LAGANGILANG] This church has a charming façade.

Holy Cross Parish Church is located 30-40 minutes from Bangued along the Abra-Kalinga Road. The church provides a classic ambiance. It's façade, made of red bricks, is charming up close.

(4) MT PUSUEY NATIONAL PARK

[BOLINEY] This photo of Mt Pusuey was taken from it's adjacent Luba town

To someone who loves mountain climbing, Mt Pusuey in Boliney town is the answer to your desire. This mountain has been declared as a national park. It has a rich biodiversity. To climb this mountain, contact the Boliney LGU. This mountain is a mainstay in legends of towns located near it.

(5) TUMBAL RIVER

[LUBA] Boatman in Tumbal River

Tumbal River is a tributary of the greater Abra River. This river has several purpose. It is a fishing ground, a river highway (people cross this river to reach the next town) and also a favorable place for camping and/or picknicking with friends.

(6) UTIP or OTIP RIVER

[TUBO] Refreshing view of Karayan Utip in Poblacion

Utip river, aside from being a rich source of a local fish called palileng and edible eel (igat), it is also a place where one can fight the summer heat away. See how the kids enjoy the fresh and clear water of Utip. This portion of the river is located just behind the Tubo Town Hall.

(7) BOTIK RIVER

[TUBO] Crossing the river via motorized balsa

Botik River has the same character with the Tumbal River I've mentioned above; only that it is shallower.

(8) BUCLOC RICE TERRACES

[BUCLOC] The rice terraces after harvest

The town of Bucloc is located in a river valley. The long stretch of the river is lined with rice terraces. Imagine yourself road tripping in a remote town and all you see along the way are rice terraces - that's the character of Bucloc + a beautiful valley with the river therein.

(9) MANABO IRRIGATION PICNIC GROOVE

Manabo Irrigation Tunnel Picnic Groove: Manabo, Abra

[MANABO] Man-made pool

If you ask the people of on where to go in town, most likely they will suggest "Tunnel." The term tunnel is used by them to refer to the Manabo Irrigation Project with a kilometer-long irrigation tunnel that has helped the town gain it's title as the rice bowl of the province of Abra. The place has a pool and a picnic groove. It requires at least 20 minutes of trekking to reach the area. The place is quiet and relaxing.

(10) CASA REAL

[BUCAY] Façade of the old Abra Capitol

Bucay is geographically the center of Abra. The same is also the old capital of Abra. Standing in the Bucay Poblacion is a lonely ruin of the old provincial capitol of the province. It's façade is still standing beautifully though.

(11) SAYOYONG RICE TERRACES

[TUBO] These rice terraces is located near the Utip River

This is the first set of rice terraces I've ever seen my whole life (those from Banaue proper, Batad, Bontoc and Sagada were seen by me later). As far as I am concerned, this is the most beautiful (subjective) of all the rice terraces I've seen in Abra. Although some people here say that Alangtin rice terraces are far more beautiful. I haven't seen the latter yet.

(12) QUINTIN PAREDES ANCESTRAL HOUSE

[BANGUED] Birth house of a Philippine Senate President

Now inscribed as a national historical treasure, this house is the birthplace of Sen. Quintin Paredes who used to serve as the President of the Senate of the Philippines during his time. This house is just a few blocks away north of the Abra Provincial Capitol.

(13) PINAING or PINPINAING

[PEÑARRUBIA] This is a sacred place for the Tinguian people

In the lowland Tinguian town of Peñarrubia are stones placed under a huge tree (commonly balete tree). This concept is called Pinaing or Pinpinaing. This is a sacred ground for a Tinguian sub-tribe called Inlaud (or Illaud). The latter sub-tribe is one of the last sub-tribes from the ~dozen Tinguian tribes to practice such concept. They believe that their gods and dieties reside in this Pinaing to take charge of their village and to give them bountiful harvest. Take note that not everyone is allowed to see these sacred grounds. On how I was able to enter this sacred and secluded place is a story I'm going to share in the future.

(14) CASSAMATA HILL NATIONAL PARK (VICTORIA PARK)

[BANGUED] Overlooking downtown Bangued

is a geographical name referring to the long stretch of a hill under public domain located at the east portion of the Bangued town center. Victoria Park, on the other hand, is a man-made park located at one of the highest parts of the Cassamata hill; got the difference? Victoria Park is a perfect place to view the Bangued downtown, the Abra River, the Abra Valley and the Sleeping Beauty Mountain.

(15) SABNANGAN FOOT BRIDGE

[LUBA] Will you rather cross the bridge or the river?

Sabnangan Footbridge in Luba town is said to be the longest footbridge in the Philippines. That river under this footbridge is the Tumbal River.

(16) SALLAPADAN RICE TERRACES

Sallapadan Rice Terraces: Sallapada, Abra

[SALLAPADAN] A verdant environment

Sallapadan Rice Terraces is the name I'll be using for the series of rice terraces you'll be seeing in town whenever you get there.

(17) CARIÑO MUSEUM

[TAYUM] Tracing the Gabriela Silang Trail

Cariño Museum is a historical landmark in Abra. This house is where the revolutionary fighter Gabriela Silang sought refuge to escape the Spanish colonizers who were trying to capture her during the World War. Gabriela reached this house by riding on a horse. Gabriela's descendant, who is still alive (although he is now in old age) is taking charge of this historical house. The latter is also a former ambassador of the Philippines.

(18) TALOBOY RESORT

[SALLAPADAN] Good for camping, as said by the locals

They call this place Taloboy Resort although there is no concrete establishment here where one can stay. This space is located near a river where one of the legendary footprints of a mythical giant Angalo is also visible during summer. One local told me this place is a favorite picnic area of the locals and visitors of the town as well as a camping site.

(19) BRILLANTES ANCESTRAL HOUSE

[TAYUM] Witness an abode of a Spanish-era elite family

The town of Tayum has numerous ancestral houses with historical significance. One of them is the Brillantes Ancestral House showcasing the abode of elite families during the Spanish era.

(20) TAYUM PARISH CHURCH

[TAYUM] St Catherine of Alexandria Church

Tayum Church is around 15 minutes away from Abra's capital town of Bangued. It is a national cultural treasure. It's yet another religious structure that survived the opposition of the tribes. The tribes of Abra already had a system of belief before the introduction of Roman Catholicism.

(21) DON MARIANO MARCOS BRIDGE

[DOLORES] Abra's longest bridge

The presence of the Abra River and of it's tributaries has intensified the need of the province of Abra for more bridges that will interconnect the towns and villages. The longest of the many long steel and foot bridges in Abra is the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial Bridge connecting the towns of Tayum and Dolores. It used to be one of the 10 longest bridges in the Philippines after it's construction. However, longer bridges have been constructed thereafter.

(22) LIBTEC UNDERGROUND RIVER

[DOLORES] Entrance to an underground paradise

If you wish to visit this underground river and have a selfie beneath the earth, be sure to have a waterproof camera. The minimum requirements you'll have to do are get wet, hug the rocks and be dirty. Be sure also to get an expert guide who's familiar enough in navigating the subterranean area. Get a GPS-enabled device and tell your family you're going here just in case you'll get stuck below. Also, charge your phone and hope to get a signal from down under for you to call for help just in case.

(23) TANGADAN TUNNEL

[SAN QUINTIN] This is my first selfie with the Tangadan Tunnel taken some years ago

is your dark entrance to Abra. But as the saying goes, "There's a light at the end of the dark tunnel." This is probably the most photographed landmark in Abra. This tunnel, after it's completion couple of decades ago, has relatively connected the province to the modern world (before this tunnel, people from the lowlands sail through the Abra River to reach this landlocked province bordered by mountains and great rivers).

(24) ANGALO FOOTPRINT / TUGOT NI ANGALO

[SAN QUINTIN] The most popular of the several mythical giant Angalo footprints

The town of has been dubbed as Abra's mystical town for having a unique geologic formation (a depression on an area of the mountain) that shapes like a giant footprint. The people regard this as the footprint of the giant Angalo who used to roam the area according to the legends. There are many footprints left by that mythical giant in Northwestern Luzon area and the most popular of them is this one. To reach the footprint, cross this river with your own effects. Consider yourself lucky if you'll find a river fisherman or a RIVER FARMER who is willing to take you to the other side of the river.

(25) NAGUIRAYAN AT THE ABRA RIVERSIDE

[PIDIGAN] Selfie Jumpshot using tripod + camera-on-timer

I don't know how they call this particular area but it is under the jurisdiction of Brgy Naguirayan in Pidigan town. I just landed here accidentally after chasing the Abra River (because I am following this river's trail hopefully up to where it originates). This place gave me WOW!-reactions after I saw a wide grazing space with cattle all around and gently rolling terrain - the kind of Marlboro Country. The view is infinite, no obstruction. So wide and clear and beautiful!

(26) STO TOMAS CAVES

[MANABO] Entrance to one of the caves in Sto Tomas

Santo Tomas Caves is a group of several explored and virgin caves located in Brgy Santo Tomas in MANABO town, Abra. The most accessible of them is a few minutes hike away. However, due to it's accessibility, anyone can just go, even the irresponsible visitors. You'll see crystalline rock formations turning to black due to human-intervened combustion inside the cave. Vandalism is also plenty. If you want the less disappointing caves (those that are less explored, hope for a virgin one), it would require a 3-fold (or more) effort. Ask an expert guide about it who resides from Santo Tomas.

(27) BANAGAN RIVER

[MALIBCONG] A remote river destination in Abra

Banagan River is very remote to become a must-see destination. However, if you'll be given a chance to visit the remote Gacab Village in MALIBCONG town, don't miss to swim in one of this river's natural pools. This river also abounds with gigantic white-washed rocks. Bouldering is also a great activity here!

(28) TUBONG FALLS

[LICUAN-BAAY] Take Note: See this during rainy season

In Sitio Tubong, just along the Abra-Kalinga Road is a beautiful waterfall that unleashes it's full grandeur during rainy season. This waterfall has meager water during summer. They also call this 'Patubigan.'

(29) MT PATOC MINING TUNNELS / GOLD MINES

[LICUAN-BAAY] A cart of stones-with-gold

If you want a destination that is uncommon in the travel industry, why not climb Mt Patoc and see the mining tunnels made by some small-scale gold-diggers from the town. Take note that you're not going to see a grand tourist attraction here. This place is only for those who are curious in exploring. The effort you need to exert in going to this mountain requires a high level. So if you're expecting to see grand temples and towering waterfalls here, you might get disappointed. All you have to see are the 'ways' of the people, how they dig out gold and process them. Interested for this kind of adventure? Be ready to get interrogated, seriously. These are private gold mines owned by private local residents. These individuals don't want outsiders to intrude to their livelihood (I hope you get what I mean; Gold trade is a multi-million industry attracting multi-national investors; Just leave these mountains to them... for their living).

(30) QUILING CRYSTAL CAVE

[DOLORES] Inside the Quiling Cave

The Quiling Crystal Cave is the most publicized cave in Abra. It's relative popularity has attracted visitors from nearby towns. The entrance opening of this cave is so small that it requires you to bend down or crawl if you're not flexible. Bats also abound inside.

(31) LIPIT CASCADES

[DANGLAS] The cascading waters drop to a cool natural pool

Lipit is an Ilocano term which means "a narrow passageway." The people of Brgy Nagaparan call this area as Lipit to describe a narrow part of the river where the water flows. The cascade is taken from a higher portion so it looks dwarfed. It actually looks graceful and taller up close.

(32) NAGAPARAN WATERFALLS

[DANGLAS] One of the many waterfalls of Nagaparan

"Nagaparan Waterfalls" is the name I'll be using for that group of many unnamed waterfalls located in Brgy Nagaparan in Danglas town. Most of these waterfalls feed the Bandi River (see below).

(33) BANDI RIVER

[DANGLAS] Fresh, cool, refreshing river

Bandi River is lined with numerous waterfalls that feed it. Because of the cleanliness of this river, we used it's waters to cook the food we ate that day. Also, we used the river's water to cook the soup we sipped. Yummy!

(34) GUANO CAVE

[SAN JUAN] Column inside the cave

This cave also has a narrow opening but underneath the ground are numerous large chambers and a column. It is said by the elders of the town that this cave used to be the hiding place of the residents during the World War II. This is the most beautiful and cleanest cave I've seen in Abra by far. Taking care of this natural wonder is a community effort. How nice! To reach this cave, cross the Bolo River (See #2)

(35) SAPILANG FALLS

[BANGUED] A natural wonder inside the capital town

Located in Brgy Sagap highlands is the Sapilang Falls accessible only through hiking for 1-2 hours from the jump-off point. Sapilang Falls is multi-layered and has several natural pools in each layer. The grandest drop is located at the highest portion of the falls.

(36) ROCES CAVE

[BUCAY] Spelunking with the aid of an expert guide

Roces cave is 30-minute trek and hike away from the main road in Brgy Pakiling. It has several chambers, crystalline rock formations, white-washed cave ceilings and bats. There are also several openings in some parts of the cave allowing the light to enter creating a dramatic effect.

(37) OLD PIDIGAN CHURCH

[PIDIGAN] The almost ruined Old Pidigan Church

The Old Pidigan Church has been a victim of fire and a witness of tragic incidents from the past but it was not able to survive the ageing process brought by time. Due to it's oldness (original materials have become debris that may fall aytime), the church has been abandoned. The church might collapse anytime, in part, or as a whole. A new church has been built right beside it.

(38) BANGUED CATHEDRAL

[BANGUED] Cathedral of St James

Standing majestically at the heart of downtown Bangued is the Cathedral of St James located across the town plaza. Beside the church is the old convento-turned-school.

(39) LA PAZ PARISH CHURCH

[LA PAZ] The 100+ -year-old La Paz Church

The town of La Paz is known to be the weaving town of Abra. Aside from the weaving industry, La Paz also has a century-old church. Beside this church is a private Catholic school managed by the clergy.

(40) SAN LORENZO RUIZ SHRINE

[BANGUED] Campo Santo: Bangued's cemetery chapel

Named after the first Filipino saint is this cemetery chapel popularly known in Bangued as the Campo Santo. This church is linked to a certain "Rosa Balitoc" who accidentally dug a jar filled with gold thought to be buried by the Japanese during World War 2. The gold was surrendered to the priest and they decided to use the gold in building this cemetery chapel.

(41) TINEG RIVER

[TINEG] Bluish-green water of Tineg River

Settlements near Tineg River is said to be the place where Abra's Itneg (Tinguian) tribes originated. The word i-Tineg (meaning 'from Tineg' or 'living in Tineg', taga-Tineg in Filipino) which was used to describe the people living therein is said to be the origin of the name of their tribe Itneg. So this river gave birth to the Itneg tribes now settling to as far as Kalinga province and in the mountainside villages in Ilocos.

(42) TUMUNGPA RIVER

[SAN JUAN] This river is resource-rich

During summer, coordinate with the locals and see them catch fresh eels (that could even be longer than your body) from this river. Their catch is sold in San Juan town's poblacion and usually are sold-out just before they reach the market in the capital town Bangued. So buyers go directly to San Juan to purchase. Some resell them to their respective towns now with profit. Also during summer, huts pop-out beside this river to accommodate picnic-goers.

(43) NINI HOT SPRING

[SALLAPADAN] A little spillage of a hot spring from the mountains

In Brgy Bazar of Sallapadan town is the Nini Hot Spring. The hot spring is just a little spillage of hot springs coming from the mountains going to the Ikmin River. You can take a warm bath (with caution) through a man-made water collector that spills out continuously a scorching water.

(44) SALAGPAT RICE TERRACES

[TINEG] Harvest season

The Salagpat Rice Terraces is one of the most rarely photographed rice terraces in the Cordilleras for being located in a remote village not often visited by tourists, even backpackers. I would prefer to let it that way to at least keep the rice terraces the way and the purpose it was created. The essence of the existence of this set of rice terraces remains pure and authentic since they are designed to fit the people's real way of life, and not for the convenience designed for tourists.

(45) MAPASO HOT SPRING

[DANGLAS] A spring on a volcanic bowl

Mapaso Hot Spring is one of the things you can see and experience in Nagaparan, Danglas. A hot (potentionally scorching) spring water comes out the stone where the man in the photo is standing. The hot spring directly flows to the cold Bandi River though since the natural catch basin of the hot spring has been altered now by human (according to the locals).

(46) BANI HOT SPRING

[BOLINEY] The smoky rock is the source of the hot spring

Bani Hot Spring in Boliney town is more discernible compared with Mapaso Hot Spring above. That huge rock where the man is standing is the source of the hot spring that directly flows to the cool Ikmin River (see below). Dip with caution, I got minor skin burn by unwittingly dipping my right foot to the boiling spring. Bani Hot Spring is also a part of the town legend of Boliney.

(47) IKMIN RIVER: BOLINEY SEGMENT

[BOLINEY] The Ikmin River in Boliney

This portion of the Ikmin River is a rough one suitable for an extreme white water rafting. It is adjacent to the Bani Hot Spring. Uma (remember Pinoy Big Brother Season 1?) has been here for their late night travel show Trip na Trip in ABS-CBN (I'm not sure if this show is still on air).

(48) IKMIN RIVER: SALLAPADAN SEGMENT

[SALLAPADAN] The river turns brown during rainy days

The Ikmin River flowing through Sallapadan is more gentle that it's segment in Boliney. It's gentleness has attracted picnic goers to set-up a friend-zone at the banks. The water turns brown during rainy season (like the one on the photo). When it is not raining, the water is clear.

(49) ABRA RIVER IN SAN QUINTIN

[SAN QUINTIN] Abra River as seen in Brgy Palang

The Abra River in San Quintin has a sandy river shoreline (although some are made of pebbles). It is also a fishing ground. The water is calm during summer so it is an ideal place for boating and/or kayaking. Some Abra residents have experimented an Abra boating adventure from this area until they reached the river delta in , . In some cases, the Abra River in San Quintin serves as a river highway to some Abra residents to cut short their trip to .

(50) LOBOT ECO-PARK

[SAN JUAN] A watershed and a natural paradise in one in Brgy Baug

Lobot Eco-Park is a watershed in San Juan town and a source of water the townsmen use at home. The nature park has plenty of cascading spring waters flowing through thick foliage. It has 2 major waterfalls called Sinublan Falls and Sinminublan Falls (see below).

(51) SINUBLAN FALLS

[SAN JUAN] This guy is lucky for this selfie (he's actually my friend)

Sinublan is located in the lower parts of the Lobot Eco-Park. Sinublan Falls is a triplet waterfall divided into 3 separate parallel drops. Big tubes collect the water coming from the waterfalls.

(52) SINMINUBLAN FALLS

[SAN JUAN] It has amazing intricate rocks you wish it's yours

Sparkling, crystalline and intricate rocks will welcome you on your way to the Sinminublan Falls. This area is where you can literally experience a rainforest. The rocks spill out spring water to make you feel like it is really raining. Bring a waterproof camera because the trail in this part of the eco-park will shower you with spring water and excitement.

(53) PANACLISAN FALLS

[LICUAN-BAAY] Short drop, yet it has a deep natural pool

is around 30-minute trek and bouldering away from the jump-off point. It has a short drop but the gigantic rocks around make the setting dramatic. It's an ideal place for bouldering. You can also dive to the deep portion of it's natural catch basin (just have caution, be sure you know where is the deep portion).

(54) THE CASCADES OF SINMIMBAAN

[DOLORES] One of the cascades in Sinmimbaan

Sinmimbaan is the destination I would confidently recommend to all types of travelers and tourists whenever they go to Abra. The only problem here is the accessibility and the availability of guides. However, if the adventure is arranged beforehand, every effort will be of worth. This place is my personal favorite in Abra. Check out below for the continuation.

(55) SINMIMBAAN ECO-ADVENTURE TRAIL

[DOLORES] Gorges are just lovely herein

I asked my guide what is the name of this place. He answered me "Sinmimbaan." Just that. It's a one-word name. So to give some travelers and adventure-seekers an idea what this place is all about, I'm adding something - Sinmimbaan Eco-Adventure Trail. I think the addition is just right since Sinmimbaan is actually all about bouldering, trekking, waterfalls-chasing and hiking while following a specific trail that will lead you to a great river.

(56) MT ITLOG aka IMMITLOG HILL, BANTAY ITLOG

[DOLORES] Egg-shaped mountain with crosses

This mountain is actually the first mountain I ever climbed in Abra. It shapes like egg from afar, hence the name Itlog which means 'egg.' The three crosses therein is the result of 3 dreams (that thing you experience during sleep) dreamt by three persons from 3 different occasions (Do you think it is co-incident?). When these 3 people met, they realized they have seen the same thing in their dreams prompting them that it is a sign to turn the dream into reality. The 3 crosses were built as these 3 men have seen in their dreams.

(57) BOROKIBOK SPRING RESORT

[BUCAY] Entrance fee is 10 pesos

Borokibok Spring Resort harnessed the beauty and power of nature to develop a resort with a man-made swimming pool. The water that feeds the pool comes from the spring. The resort is managed by the Bucay LGU.

(58) PANACLISAN RIVER

[LICUAN-BAAY] Simple, peaceful, so laid back

Abra abounds with rivers. Panaclisan River is a peaceful place to relax or have picnic with friends. During rainy days, Panaclisan River looks more beautiful and mighty. Don't miss the chance to catch a palileng fish here, given the chance.

(59) WILAWIL FALLS

[LICUAN-BAAY] This can be seen along the road

Located along the unpaved (as of this post) Lagangilang-Baay Road is the . It has a short drop but you can never be short of words to say. The setting is just secluded and lovely.

(60) QUIRSODAN RIVERPARK

[LAGANGILANG] A riverpark with floating cottages

Floating huts with videoke therein are present in Quirsodan riverpark in San Isidro, Lagangilang. Enjoy the setting. It could be remote but it will surely let you escape the stress of the city.

(61) ANITO

[TINEG] Gigantic rocks by the river

A certain portion of the Tineg River is a place they call as 'Anito' composed of boulders and river cascades. This is located in Brgy Agsimao in Tineg, Abra.

_______________________________

To those people who are afraid to visit Abra, think twice. Abra is the the place with real best-kept secrets. Also, to those people claiming that there's nothing to see and do in Abra, *facepalm* - show them what they've missed. You've never explored Abra unless you've been to at least 50 of these destinations.

Which destination is your favorite herein? I appreciate a feedback. I'm not yet done with this series of Abra Travel Guide posts but in case you have questions, let me know.

Do you find this post helpful and cool? Like, share and tell your friends about the beauty of Abra./end