Aw-Asen Falls

Introduction

Aw-Asen Falls is the highest waterfall in Region 1 or Ilocos Region and it’s one of the finest tourist destinations in the municipality of Sigay in the province of Ilocos Sur. It has a height of 120 meters.

My trip to Aw-Asen Falls

It was Saturday evening when our private van departed from Metro Manila going to the municipality of Sigay in Ilocos Sur. After eight hours of a road trip, our group arrived at Suyo, Ilocos Sur, and from there we rode a jeepney going to the municipality of Sigay. Some of the group members positioned themselves at the top of the jeepney to have a memorable trip and an awesome view of the province. The jeepney ride lasts for forty minutes and after that, we start trekking.

Our group passes a long hanging bridge, a wide open trail, panoramic ricefields, and a series of small streams that lead to the forest side. I must say that the trail going to the Aw-Asen Fall is composed of thick vegetation, ten percent uphill, twenty-five percent flat, and sixty-five percent downhill which is so easy and fun. The ambiance while trekking feels like I’m in a Jurassic Park setting because of the well-preserved forests and I can’t see any bald mountains here, pure plants and trees only.

After forty-five minutes of trekking along the three-kilometer terrain, we reach the spot where we can see the imposing height and beauty of Aw-Asen Falls. It is just a stunning view to marvel at and for this reason, my heart felt warm and I shed tears of joy. The long road trip is worth it. Aw-Asen Falls is so beautiful and enchanted and I feel like I’m in another country. Finally, I saw the tallest waterfall in Ilocos, and another paradise was found and I was truly in love with this fall. It’s a hidden gem and a promising tourist destination in Ilocos region. Without a doubt, it is one of the most stunning waterfalls I have seen this year so far.

Then one group member even flies his DJI Mavic Air 2 drone to see the whole surroundings of these majestic falls and to have unforgettable aerial shots. I noticed that the waterfall is situated in a very remote area and far away from the urban areas which is good for keeping the place away from all types of pollution and it preserves the ecosystem for a longer period. Then I had a conversation with our tour coordinator and he told me that the water basin of the falls runs deep and during the summer season, even non-swimmers can enjoy the place. On the other hand, during the rainy season, the waters from the falls might get unpleasant but they give visitors a sublime view of the falls. He continued and told me that the water from the falls came from a spring uphill and it was so fresh that it could be drunk.

Anyway, after a few more minutes we decided to go down and I found out that the water here is so clean, cool, and refreshing. Some of the group members decided to swim while others just mesmerized and stared at the mystical Aw-Asen Falls and captured some amazing photographs. Without a doubt, it’s an amazingly beautiful place even though it’s so far away from civilization. The long walk and effort to get here are meaningful. Then I said to myself that the scenery in our country is amazing, especially in Northern Luzon. We stayed at Aw-Asen Falls for around one hour and fifty minutes.

Sample itinerary to Aw-Asen Falls

9PM – Assembly at the designated place in Metro Manila
10PM – Departure going to Ilocos Sur
8AM – Start trekking
8:45AM – picture taking and swimming at Aw-Asen Falls
12:30PM – going back to the parking area of the van
4PM – going to the side trip in La Union (possible overnight)

Note: this sample itinerary is just a basis and will not be 100% accurate due to many factors such as group pacing and delay.

Things to bring:

Trail food
Bottled water
Small bag
Camera and smartphone
Extra clothes
Hiking sandals or slippers

Reminders and Tips:

• Check the weather forecast on Ilocos Sur before planning to visit this fall because if it’s raining in the region, the path going to the falls is so slippery, and it’s difficult to trek. It is better to go to the falls about three days after it rains so that the water in the falls is strong and the ambiance of the place is better when there’s more volume of water pouring from the falls. The best month to visit Aw-Asen Falls is from November up to April. 
• Follow the leave no trace principle and put your trash in the right place.
• From Suyo, Ilocos Sur, the road going to Aw-Asen Falls is super steep however there is an option to just take a jeepney going to the municipality of Sigay and it’s safe to leave your car on the board of a passing jeep but take note that the schedule of the jeepney ride is early in the morning. Also, make sure you arrive at the jump-off point near the bridge around 8 am to 10 am so you can enjoy the place while trekking.   
• If you’re coming from Manila, I highly encourage you to get an organized package tour online when you plan to visit Aw-Asen Falls for convenience. Included in the Aw-Asen Falls event fee are roundtrip van transfer, jeepney ride, environmental fee, driver’s fee, and tour guide fee. The exclusion in the event fee is shower fee, and personal food and drinks.
  
  
  

There you have it, waterfalls lovers. The power of pounding water makes you love the sound and fall in love with this place.