Kaparkan Falls: Enchanted Paradise of Abra Province

Introduction

Kaparkan Falls also known as Mulawin Falls is a limestone terrace in the province of Abra. Kaparkan Falls can be found exactly at Sitio Kaparkan, Barangay Caganayan, Tineg, Abra. According to its past history, it was discovered in the year 2015 by the locals nearby and photos of it went viral online. As a result of its gaining popularity in the country, it got featured in popular TV travel shows such as Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, and Biyahe ni Drew.

As of today, Kaparkan Falls is considered to be the most photogenic waterfall in the Philippines. A destination that is surely worthy of your itinerary, time and money. Moreover, it is the most famous tourist attraction in the province of Abra. It may be located in a lesser-known part of the Philippines but it’s totally worth the visit. 

Inside the Kaparkan Falls is a huge Balete tree that gives an astounding backdrop of the surrounding which attracts many local tourists to have their once-in-a-lifetime adventure and photo taken in the refreshing water of the falls. Also below the falls is a blue and deep basin-like pool where visitors can jump into. The water in Kaparkan Falls eventually drains down to Tineg River. There are numerous waterfalls in the Philippines but there’s none quite like the beauty and uniqueness of the Kaparkan Falls.

Name: Kaparkan Falls
Location: Sitio Kaparkan, Barangay Caganayan, Tineg, Abra, Philippines
Feature: a remarkable view of the enchanted waterfall

My trip to Kaparkan Falls

My Facebook friend invited me to join the Kaparkan Falls Daytour event. It was two weeks after the typhoon had passed Northern Luzon. At first, I didn’t know about Kaparkan Falls, so I Googled if it’s worth it to go to Kaparkan Falls and I found out it is located in Tineg, Abra, it was too far away from Manila but when I saw a few pictures of Kaparkan Falls on the internet, I was amazed that I also wanted to go there, so I decided to join the event.

Even though I have scheduled to work in the office that day, I don’t really mind. I just leave and went on the trip because I know I won’t be remembered working in the office, I just remembered the days that I traveled and go on to adventure. I’m ready to take a break from the office work.

I followed the itinerary within the group chat and I left the house at 9 pm. At 10 pm, I arrived at the meet-up place on Mcdo Panay Avenue near MRT Quezon Avenue. I bought some food at the 7-Eleven convenience store because I found out it was a long drive to get to Kaparkan Falls, which is located in Tineg, Abra. Then the van left at 10:45 pm and in the van I slept. We arrived at Tangadan Tunnel, Abra Pasalubong center at 5 am and I thank God for waking me up this morning. We snap some photos of the place. Then at 6 am we were in Bangued, Abra and there we had our breakfast.

Around 7 am we reached Victoria Park where the “I love Abra” marker is located. It was worth the time since we’ll get to see Bangued municipality which is the capital city of Abra province. Indeed it is the best view in town. Even so, there are not many regular activities there except for picture taking. So, you can consider it a place just to pass by. Moreover, it is considered one of the highest points in Bangued municipality where you can view the entire town. Therefore, we take a lot of group pictures there.

Around 8 am we arrived at the registration area to sign a waiver, listen to the orientation, and board the Monster Jeep. For the first hour, we traveled on the concrete road. Then I saw the Don Mariano Marcos Bridge which is the third-longest bridge in the Philippines. For this reason, I was amazed by the beauty of the Abra River, municipalities, and the greeny hills of Abra.

Then at 9 am the Monster Jeep stopped and we were instructed to take off the Monster Jeep. The driver and his companions put the chains on each tire for the remaining muddy trail road to Kaparkan Falls. Then the driver of the monster jeep said that our tires were chained to cling to the mud. After putting the last chain, we got on the truck and the remarkable 3-hour bumpy ride started.

It is a combination of long up and down hills with some flats. The road is rugged. It is really uncomfortable but we have so much fun, we share some jokes and thoughts because most of us this is the first time we ride this kind of jeep on a muddy road that requires your hand to stay gripped at the handle all the time. In addition I could feel the pain in my ass every time it hit the seat of the jeep. From my perspective, it is the most extreme and thrilling road adventure I’ve ever experienced. I feel like my soul has been separated with so much shaking inside the monster jeep we rode. Also from time to time, the muddy ground has almost eaten the big wheels of the monster jeep.

The road going there is super muddy and rocky wherein the Military truck feels like it will turn around but to my surprise, the driver really knows what he’s doing so we don’t need to worry about that. Then there was a part where we need to get off the truck again because the first truck was stuck in the deep mud and we had to wait.

Indeed, this ride in the Monster Jeep was one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. The hell ride to paradise will give you insights into the beautiful greeny mountainous part and verdant rolling hills of the Abra province.

After three-plus hours of roller coaster Monster Jeep ride, we arrived at Sitio Kaparkan, from there we need to walk for at least twenty minutes to reach Kaparkan Falls. It is relatively easy and a nice break after spending about three hours seated and holding on for dear life. The trail is a combination of rocks and some puddles. It’s a gradual descent all the way to Kaparkan Falls.

On the way down, our local guide told us that there are actually two routes going to the waterfalls. The simple and challenging route. And of course, our group took the simple route via the monster jeep ride. The challenging route is via ten to twelve hours of hiking and going to the falls without riding the monster jeep. In my point of view, the challenging route is one hell of a hike. As we get closer, I can hear the gushing sound of the waterfalls, it’s an indication that we’re almost there. After twenty-three minutes of hiking, we finally reach our main destination.

Upon arrival at the area, I saw the Kaparkan Falls with my own eyes. I can say that the long trip is worth it. The scenery is breathtaking and majestic. The feeling that you are in another world. It’s totally awesome wherein you can witness spring falls terraces just like this. Also my photos couldn’t justify its beauty in person. The waterfall plunges over numerous limestone terraces that seemed curved by nature. It looks like a stairway of the gods and goddesses. All I can say is wow! Abramazing. 

Undoubtedly, it is the most beautiful falls I have ever seen in my life. The clear and cold water from the spring on top of the mountain cascades on large white rocks, embraced by the roots of the Balete tree which is approximately a hundred years old.

The entire area is surrounded by trees that provide shade while the sound of the rushing water gives tranquility to the area. In the middle, there is a gigantic Balete tree that gives an enchanting view.

Kaparkan Falls is a gorgeous place and a masterpiece created by God. It is 500 meters in length from the spring source down to the Tineg river. This is a massive water terrace, with pools varying in size and depth. Several lagoons can be found near the bottom just before the final fall to the river. Unfortunately, our guide told us that we can’t go to the lagoons because of the strong current and for our own safety.

Also, our local guide said to us that we can actually jump to the blue lagoons below. Too bad we couldn’t jump over the falls. Nevertheless, the cold and clear water refreshes me from all my anxiety and stress. The same feeling also to other members of the group. Sometimes all we need is a short break to enjoy a moment of life just like this.

Kaparkan Falls is beautiful in any direction you look. The place is so peaceful and serene. Indeed it is one of the best places on earth. It is a ride from hell but the reward is to soak in the enchanting pools of gods.

We stayed in the falls for more than two hours. It is not slippery as I thought. It’s very relaxing. I noticed also that the water level goes up in water basins as I go down Kaparkan Falls, some of them are five to six feet deep. We bathed in pools, refreshed, climbed down the terraces, took a lot of pictures and videos, and enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime Kaparkan Falls trip. After that, we took our boodle lunch at the small cottage beside the falls.

We share some thoughts about the falls and some of the members said that they will definitely go back to these enchanting falls. Also, we talk about the road going to Kaparkan Falls and they said that the road will be improved in the next couple of years because the falls are now becoming popular for local tourists.

We wanted to stay longer in Kaparkan Falls but we had to be in Bangued before nightfall. Our group really enjoyed the waterfalls that we forgot that it was already 2:40 pm. So we started hiking again for 20 minutes and the heavy rain started to pour on us, it’s added to our thrilling adventure in Abra. Moreover while leaving the falls, one tourist told me that the Kaparkan Falls didn’t seem to be made by humans, it was made by aliens. It was around 3 pm when we boarded the Monster Jeep again back to Bangued municipality. Then the three hour bumpy ride started and I am freezing in my wet clothes and later on the road I want to pee but I couldn’t, so I just endured it. We go through deep muddy trails and rocks again.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the thrilling adventure once again with this Monster jeep ride because I saw the beauty of Abra province once again. We wash up in Bangued and had our late dinner on the way back to Manila. Also, I have a long road trip with good old songs inside the van. The next day, we finally got home safe and sound. Thanks be to God for letting me see this beautiful place at its finest. God’s creation is simply astounding. The most treacherous road I’ve experienced led me to the most beautiful falls I’ve ever seen.

To the people of Abra, thank you for sharing your hidden paradise. Because of Kaparkan Falls, we appreciate the beauty of Abra and the people. Kaparkan Falls is like no other. A definitely must-try travel spot during the rainy season. I advise you to visit this majestic marvel in Abra once in your lifetime.

Overall, my adventure to Kaparkan Falls sums up with this quote: “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”

Sample 1 Day itinerary to Kaparkan Falls

Day 0
10PM – Assembly, meet-up at a designated location
10:30PM – ETD from Metro Manila going to Bangued, Abra

Day 1
5AM – ETA Abra
5:30AM – Tangadan Tunnel, take breakfast
6:30AM – Victoria Plaza, I Love Abra marker, picture-taking
7:30AM – Orientation at Tourism of Abra, registration, sign waiver
8AM – Monster Jeep Ride to Kaparkan Falls
11:30AM – Arrival at the falls, explore Kaparkan Falls, and take lunch
3PM – Departure from Kaparkan Falls, ride a monster jeep
6:30PM – Arrival at Bangued
7:30PM – ETD going back to Metro Manila (Dinner along the way)

Sample 2 Day itinerary to Kaparkan Falls

Day 0
10:30PM – Assembly at Cubao
11PM – Departure from Manila going to Abra

DAY 1
6AM – Arrival at Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, take breakfast
7AM – Departure going to Kaparkan Falls
10AM – Arrival at the falls, swimming, take pictures and lunch
2PM – Departure from Kaparkan Falls going to Bangued
5PM – ETA Bangued, tidy up
6PM – Departure going to the side trip in Vigan
7:30PM – Check-in at Nightlife Transient House, night visit at Calle Crisologo, Vigan
11PM – Lights-out

DAY 2
6AM – Wake up call
7AM – Breakfast
8AM – Visit Bantay Bell Tower, RG Jar Factory, Hidden Garden, Baluarte Resort and Mini Zoo, Sta Maria Church, and Calle Crisologo
3PM – Arrival at Gapuz Grapes Farm, La Union, buy souvenirs
4PM – ETD going back to Manila, dinner along the way
11PM – ETA Manila, home sweet home

Note: this sample itinerary is just a basis and not absolute or will not be 100% perfect due to many factors such as the weather condition, group pacing, traffic, emergencies, extended time of photo ops, etc.

Things to bring on your visit to Kaparkan Falls:

Extra clothes and extra pocket money
Swimwear or a rash guard
1 to 2 liters of bottled water
Snacks, trail food, and packed lunch with spoon and fork (utensils)
Camera
Drybag
Power bank
Garbage Bag for your trash (Leave No Trace Principle)
Personal medicine
Sun protection like sunblock or sunscreen
Toiletries
Towel
Alcohol
Waterproof case for your cellphone
Emergency stuff like whistle or flashlight (optional)
Neck Pillow for the long ride (optional)
Poncho or raincoat (optional)

Tips:

• If you go to Kaparkan Falls, don’t visit on weekends because there are too many people, it’s overcrowded, just go on weekdays and also please bring garbage bags for your trash. This is very important. It’s good to keep the place clean because it looks really enchanted when you’re there. 

• I highly recommend getting a packaged tour when you plan to visit Kaparkan Falls for convenience. Don’t DIY or or Do it yourself. Inclusion in the Kaparkan Falls package tour is a roundtrip private van transfer from Manila to Abra and vice versa, toll fee, roundtrip monster jeep ride, tour coordinator fee, toll fees, parking fees, drivers fee and meals, local guide fee, entrance fee, tourism fee, event bag tag and environmental fee. On the other hand, the exclusion in the package tour is personal meals and restroom fees.

• Tour organizers need to make sure to reserve in advance and secure slots before being permitted to visit Kaparkan Falls. They may contact the official Facebook page of ABRAmazing Tours – https://www.facebook.com/abramazingtours for the slots and tour package.

• Kaparkan Falls is only open for visitation during the rainy season. This starts from July to October, as the falls dry up when there’s no rain. The best month to visit Kaparkan Falls is during the month of August to September because the water is overflowing.

• After arrival at Kaparkan Falls, you may get a guide to further climb down the falls and lead you to the blue lagoons below.

• Just pack light. Make sure to waterproof your important things. You can use ziplock or drybags. You can buy dry bags at the Tactics Water Gear store or at the online store (Ocean Pack brand).

• The first trip of the monster jeep ride going to Kaparkan Falls is around 5:30 am. So be sure to arrive at the registration site as early as you can. Tourists need to register at Bangued tourism office and attend a quick tour orientation and after that tourists are transported by a Monster truck.

• The only things you will bring when hiking and going to Kaparkan Falls are a camera, cellphone, trail food, packed lunch, and bottled water. Other things you can leave in the monster truck or monster jeep.

• Last but not least, only visit Kaparkan Falls after the heavy rain and typhoon had passed away in the region. Probably two weeks after the heavy rain in the region. In general, the best time to come here is when the rainy season is at its peak.

Reminders:

• Respect the locals. We are only there to visit the falls. Always be in a good vibration. Just relax and enjoy.

• Kaparkan Falls is a very wonderful place. Please help us to keep it this way and preserve it for future generations to see. 

• Keep your trash with you and put it in the garbage can in a proper manner. Do not throw your garbage anywhere in the forest. Always follow the Leave No Trace (LNT) principle. This is very important. Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, and keep nothing but memories. 

• Bring your own trash bag. Respect the place. Keep it clean. For preservation and waste management no picking, destroying, or collecting of any kind of rocks, flora, and fauna. No use of shampoos, soaps, detergents, or any other body wash within the falls. Clean as you go, anything you bring, you must take it back with you. Do not throw your wastes anywhere, along the trail road within or outside the falls. Also, the discharge of human waste within the falls and bringing of pets are not allowed.

• To help maintain the precious beauty of Kaparkan Falls, never wash your trekking shoes, boots, or sandals at the falls. 

• Visitors must bring minimal spare clothes. Also, no eating and drinking inside Kaparkan Falls.

• Do not vandalize the rock formation and tree trunks.

• No bringing of cigarettes, matches, lighters, and other combustible materials.

• Single-use plastics, breakable beverage bottles, drugs, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.

• For order and safety measurements deadly weapons are not allowed, you will be reported to the nearest police station for questioning. Intoxicated persons are not allowed.

• Persons with illnesses that can be triggered by strenuous activities are not allowed.

• Each batch is given only 2-3 hours to enjoy the Kaparkan Falls.

• As of June 2023, the road going to Kaparkan Falls is partly cemented. It is estimated that six kilometers of paved road have been finished by the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways). It was in the year 2018 when the DPWH started building the road to Kaparkan Falls. According to the DPWH, the road project is 11 kilometers long and has three parts. The purpose of this project is not only to speed up the travel of many tourists who want to visit the falls but as well as speed up service on the part of Tineg and transportation of local products. That’s good news for visitors who want to visit this majestic place but it can be boring to others who want to experience a thrilling adventure because it’s no longer a hell ride going there.

• After the cemented road tourists will need to walk for two to three hours to reach the falls but it will depend on their pacing. In addition, there are signboards along the trail so visitors know they are on the right path.

• Effective on August 5, 2023, Kaparkan Falls is officially open for tourism activities this rainy season according to the municipality of Tineg. Please take note that only 3 slots or 36 pax only per day are allowed for the whole season.

• Above all, no tour guide is no adventure going to Kaparkan Falls.

How to Get to Kaparkan Falls, Abra

By commute

If you’re coming from Metro Manila then you can ride a Partas bus in Cubao bus station going to Bangued, Abra. Then take a tricycle going to the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) compound. After that board a military truck or jeep to get to Kaparkan Falls.

Note: the bus fare would vary and would depend on the type of bus you get to ride on. The approximate travel time from Manila to Abra is approximately eight to ten hours with various stops and the bus fare is 780+ pesos.

Note: If you’re coming from the city of pines then there are direct trips by Partas bus from Baguio City going to Bangued, Abra. The travel time is approximately four to five hours and the bus fare is around 300+ pesos.

More Places to See in Abra

Many tourists travel to Abra for Kaparkan Falls but when your group do overnight in Abra, there are a few more places that are worth a visit in this province. Here are the notable places to see:

Layugan Garden with its 10,000 artificial tulips in vibrant colors.

Apao Rolling Hills – to see the 360 degrees of wave-like hills and breathtaking view of Tineg. The best time to visit here is during the rainy season when the grasses are green.

Gabriela Carino Silang Gallery of Fine Arts – to see a very interesting collection of historical arts, paintings, artifacts, and antiques by Gabriela Silang. It’s perfect place for Art lovers.

San Lorenzo Ruiz Shrine – Well preserved brick church in Bangued which is located at the Catholic cemetery but was transformed into a shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz.

Nature is one of God’s beautiful creations. Once you learn to travel you never stop, because it is so addictive. Overall, I hope this Kaparkan Falls travel guide has been helpful to you and inspired you to try visiting the falls. Moreover, don’t forget to share this with your friends, groups, your loved ones, and co-workers if ever you plan on visiting Kaparkan Falls too. Remember sharing is caring. Until next time. God bless you in all your future travels and hiking adventures. Thanks for reading.