12 COOLEST PLACES TO VISIT IN QUIRINO (ANGAKI), ILOCOS SUR

VAN JASPER BIADO ; BSED SS

Author

Quirino (Angaki), Ilocos Sur aerial view from Barangay Namitpit. (Photo by  Van Jasper Biado)

Quirino or formerly called Angaki or Angkaki is a third class and an upland municipality in the Province of Ilocos Sur. It is also a gateway to the different Cordilleran provinces like Abra, Mountain Province and Benguet.

Because it is an upland municipality, it is expected that it is a mountainous place bounded by the Abra River and the famous Tirad Pass.

The people who live in this place have a diverse cultures, norms, beliefs and ways of life. Due to the combination of different bloodlines from various tribes and indigenous groups they are now called as the Bagbag-o or Bag-o (BAGO) Tribe which are known for their hospitality, resourcefulness, creativity, and hardworking characteristics.

Buanos View early in the morning at Poblacion, Quirino, Ilocos Sur. (Photo by Van Jasper Biado)

The travelling period depends on what place you ride from. When you are from Baguio City it took seven hours of travelling by riding the D’ Rising Sun Transport System bus which offer a single schedule only in a day via Halsema Highway. So you must wake up early and be at the terminal 5:00 in the morning. When you are coming from Candon City, Ilocos Sur, the travelling time from Candon to Quirino took about 2 hours riding a van via San- Emilio Road. There are only three scheduled trips of van.

Sunset at Pantar, Poblacion, Quirino, Ilocos Sur. (Photo by Van Jasper Biado)

But wait…. If you wish to travel in this municipality, you must experience this 10 coolest places in Quirino.

TWELVE COOLEST PLACES AND DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN QUIRINO, ILOCOS SUR

1.    THE SKYLINE

The Sea of Clouds of Skyline. 

It is also known as the “Sea of Clouds” located at the municipal boundaries of Quirino, San Emilio and Gregorio Del Pilar. It is also considered as the highest point in the entire province of Ilocos Sur and due to its geographical location and high altitude you will experience a “little Baguio” type of climate.

Another view of Skyline Sea of Clouds. (Photo by Jolina Ramirez)

The best time to witness the Sea of Clouds is early in the morning and if you wanted to see the sunset you must there 4:00 in the afternoon.

A view from the Skyline View Deck. (Photo by Van Jasper Biado)

You may also have a camp and build tent to experience the cold climate and witness the City of Lights during the night. And if you are also fan of telephotography then ready your camera for the Milky Way view.

2.    THE KAYAPA WATERFALLS

This is the best picture of the Kayapa Waterfalls.

Want a combination of mountaineering, nature engagement and water activities? Kayapa Waterfalls is the best place for you! Kayapa Falls or also called as the Matong Falls is considered as the second highest waterfalls in the entire province of Ilocos Sur next to the famous Sigay’s Aw-asen Waterfalls.

It took two to three hours of walking from the rice fields to river crossing, mountaineering and lastly rock climbing. As you travel up to the destination, you will also encounter different varieties of insects, reptiles and animals including wild plants.

When you arrive to the waterfalls then ready for swimming and cliff diving. Enjoy the ice cold like water and feel the essence of nature.

Just a reminder: Beware of snakes. You might encounter them on the road.

3.    THE LEONCIO BRIDGE

The longest hanging footbridge of Ilocos Sur. (Photo of Van Jasper Biado)

Leoncio Bridge (Photo by Van Jasper Biado)

The Leoncio Bridge is known for his formal name Patungcaleo-Poblacion Foot Bridge and entitled as the longest foot bridge in Ilocos Sur. It connects the barangays from the mountainside and the riverside. Under the bridge is the famous Abra River or also known for his local name “Karayan Libeg”. It is also very beneficial for the locals during rainy seasons and to transport goods and town products from far flung barangays. Experience and walk from point to point and have a picture of it.

4.    THE BALSA DE TONGAY

The Balsa De Tongay. (Photo by Jemimah Petines)

Riding bamboo raft in the Abra River? Why not try the Balsa de Tongay. Balsa de Tongay has a great contribution to the locals because it also transport motorcycles and citizens from different barangays from the North. Always keep safe and enjoy it!

Balsa De Tongay (Photo of Van Jasper Biado)

5.    THE HIGH ROCK

Cliff Jumping at High Rock (Photo by Jolina Ramirez)

Experience thrill? Why not try the High Rock of Barangay Namitpit! High Rock is known for the cliff diving activities which boost your adrenaline hormone and deep river level. Most of the locals conduct picnics and family activities in this place especially during the Holy Week.

6.    THE DAGMAN’S NATURAL HOT SPRING

The Dagman's Natural Hot Spring and Dagman River (Photo from Facebook)

Want to experience how to boiled egg naturally? Dagman Natural Hot spring is the best destination for you. You will boil egg in just a minute and ready to eat. You can also swim to the river which is connected to the hot spring. You will also see the Paryok Falls as you go to the hot spring.

7.    THE PIKAW FALLS

The view of Kalipkipan, Malideg, Quirino, Ilocos Sur (Photo by Van Jasper Biado)

Wondering why Pikaw Falls? The falls name derived from a local and exotic vegetable “Pikaw” which is a variety of Gabi or Taro. It is just like Kayapa Waterfalls’ Twin but it is more challenging than the other waterfalls. You will experience extreme mountain climbing just to arrive there and you will also cross the Abra River.

8.    THE MABALILI CAVE AND WATERFALLS

The Aerial View of the Mabalili River. (Photo of Erap Brilliantes)

New for all because it is still undiscovered. Mabalili is also known for its historical value and served as the old Suagayan wherein their ancestors came from. As you travel and pack for a long trail which it took four hours of walking, trailing and mountain climbing. 

The Mabalili Cave (Photo by Jay Duli)

At the top of the mountain you will witness also the overview of the town and as you get down to the Mabalili River you will also witness the beautiful waterfalls covered by the green biodiversity of the mountains. And as you get down to the mountain you will also amaze to the Mabalili Cave which served as a shelter for their early ancestors.

View from the top of Mabalili. (Photo by Erap Brilliantes)

The Mabalili River. (Photo by Judemar Caguay)

 

At the Mabalili (Photo by Judemar Caguay)

Mountain View from Mabalili. (Photo by Judemar Caguay)

Bones from Mabalili. (Photo by Judemar Caguay)

9.    THE VIEW OF THE TIRAD PASS

Tirad Pass View from Baled Poblacion, Quirino, Ilocos Sur. (Photo by Mario Subagan)

Tirad Pass viewed best when you are in Poblacion, Mattuking, Ursadan, Cayus. Tirad Pass known for its historical identity wherein the young general and hero Gregrio Del Pilar was shoot and killed in the Battle of Tirad Pass just to protect President Emilio Aguinaldo’s scape to Isabela.

Tirad Pass View early in the morning, (Photo of Van Jasper Biado)

Tirad Pass View at Matuang Arena, Cayus, Quirino, Ilocos Sur. (Photo by Van Jasper Biado)

10.  THE MUGAO PEAK

The View from Mugao Peak. (Photo by Dian Gawidan)

Mugao Peak after the sunset. (Photo by Dian Gawidan)

Mugao Peak is also known as the Small Skyline of Patiacan wherein you can also witness both sea of clouds and sunset. You can also view the other municipalities of Mountain Province and the overview of Quirino. Here, you will experience and breath fresh air as you relax and far away from stress.

Breathtaking view from Mugao Peak. (Photo by Dian Gawidan)

Mugao Peak (Photo by Dian Gawidan)

11.  THE TWIN PEAK

The Twin Peak of Barangay Lamag. (Photo of Van Jasper Biado)

Twin Peak also called as the Laying Lady. When you open up your mind for wider imagination then you will came out that yes it is true. The Twin Peak is located at Barangay Lamag but the best place to view it is in Poblacion.

12.  THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH CHURCH

The Immaculate Conception Parish Church. (Photo by Van Jasper Biado)

Not only for devotion and prayers. The Immaculate Conception Parish Church is considered as the tallest Roman Catholic Church of the town. The design of this church is a combination of Baroque and Contemporary architecture which was established during the gubernatorial term of Governor Chavit Singson with the help of Senator Manny Pacquiao.

Inside the Immaculate Conception Church