Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Introduction

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the northwestern section of Ilocos Norte. It is exactly located right next to the popular Bangui Wind Farm in the coastal municipality of Burgos and is just a 1.5-hour drive from Laoag City. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is known for its fluffy and white sleek limestone formations with the backdrop of the blue seas and towering windmill. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation came from the Ilocano word “puraw” which means “white”. According to locals, the limestone formation was named as such because of its color, especially during extensive daylight when the ray of the sun touches the rock formation and it turns a white color.

According to its history, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is a sedimentary basin that was formed millions of years ago by natural phenomena over a longer period of time such as diverse weather intensities in the region, strong waves and winds, and oceanic forces in Ilocos Norte. This process was revealed by the geologist in the past decades by dating the calcarenites composition in the area and found out that as the years go by the ivory part of the limestone boulder is smoothed. Presently, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is the pride of Burgos municipality and visitors can reach the white rock formation by walking two kilometers along the rugged path or riding a horse to see it up close.

Name: Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Location: Burgos, Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Features: big and unique white limestone formations

My trip to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

After we finish exploring the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte, our van headed towards our next destination in our Ilocos tour. It was 2:34 pm Saturday when we arrived at the parking space of Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. The moment when we stepped outside I was in awe because I have an up-close view of the imposing windmills. For this reason, I stare for several minutes and I take several videos and photos as my remembrance of this fantastic place.

After that, we pay the entrance fee amounting to 10 pesos each and we start moving forward going to the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. We follow the cemented path shaded by local vegetation going down to the coastal area. After two minutes we reach the green grasses where we can see several local and foreign tourists riding a horse going to the white rock formation. Also, we are greeted by the sound of the bluish sea and the cool wind breeze which is good for the body.

Then a few moments, we continue walking to the right side of the trail that leads to the viewing deck of the iconic Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. While walking, I can see the fascinating statue of the Biag ni Lam-ang which is an epic story of the Ilocano people. A few minutes later we have group pictures of our beautiful sun-kissed faces with the background of the windmill, the bluish sea, and the white rock formation at the platform.

After that, some of the group members decided to walk for a few meters to have an up-close view of the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation while others just headed back toward the drop-off point because of the intense heat at that time. When I touch the rock formation I found out that the texture is like sand. Undoubtedly, it is a notable geological formation along the rocky shoreline of Burgos.

To be honest, I want to stay longer at the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation to wander and daydream while staring at the majestic view. Also, I find the horses, windmills nearby and the view of the blue sea more worth the trip than the rock formation itself because it creates a picture-perfect scenery. Nevertheless, it’s very beautiful to see this in close-up because of its natural color on a very sunny day. I feel like I’m embraced by nature and no wonder this place has become one of the most visited in Ilocos Norte. It’s really worth visiting.

How to Go to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

By private car

1. From Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, drive across the Pan-Philippine Highway (AH26) and turn left at the Kapurawan Rock Formation access road.
2. Drive straight until you reach the drop-off point and parking space near the entrance area and then walk for two kilometers going to the rock formation.
   
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips

• The entrance fee for Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is 10 pesos per head.

• If you want to save your energy then you can ride a horse going to the white rock formation. The back-and-forth horseback riding fee in Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is 100 pesos per head.

• During the summer season, it is highly recommended to bring sun protection things such as an umbrella, hat, cap, bottled water, jacket, sunblock, and shades.

• The best month to visit Kapurpurawan is from February to May to see its glorious white rock formation and to have good photos.

• Sari-sari stores can be found near the entrance area where visitors can buy empanada, snacks, fresh coconut juice, mineral water, soft drinks, and meaningful souvenirs such as ref magnets, picture frames, t-shirts, and windmill keychains.

• Wide parking space is located at the main highway and at the drop-off point.

• Picking any plants along the trail and climbing the rock formation is not allowed.
  
  
  

There you have it, nature lover. Traveling leaves you speechless and later turns you into a storyteller. On the whole, I hope that this blog made you want to visit this amazing rock formation and enjoy life.