Abra is an excellent combination of history and mother nature. Abra has numerous attractions for tourists this province is absolutely a great destination for your next Southeast Asia adventures.
10 Best Places to Visit in Abra.
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1. Piwek Rock Formation
Piwek Rock Formation is one of the most picture-worthy spots that can be found farther down the road from the Apao Rolling Hills.
It is just an hour’s drive further along from Apao Rolling Hills is the village of Alaoa. This natural beauty is a group of white limestone rock formations situated along the riverbanks of the Tineg River.
Getting there you can either hire a local guide that takes you across the river on a bamboo raft from Barangay Alaoa in Tineg.
There are more exciting and harder to get there which involves a rough jeepney ride, river crossing, hiking and requires a bit of rock climbing over large boulders. Bear in mind that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations, trust me it definitely worth it!
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2. Kaparkan Falls in Abra
Kaparkan Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the Philippines. The multi-tiered wonderland stretches of Kaparkan Falls are one of the highly recommended to add to your list of things to do in Abra!
Kaparkan Falls is a sight to behold because of its unique structure compared to other bodies of water. The falls consist of multi-layered white limestone terraces as waters flow continuously downwards.
Admiring this unique and beautiful waterfall from afar is one thing, but having the chance to swim at this waterfall is an experience that you certainly can’t resist.
This is not your typical waterfall where you take a short trek in, go for a dip and take photos, but rather an adventure as it requires a 4×4 ride along very rough roads and once you arrive there all the pain and hardships are forgotten as you immerse yourself in the legendary pools, walk down to the Tineg river to see the waterfall, and enjoy jumping and swimming in the Blue Lagoon.
The ride from Bangued takes around 2 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions. Trust me, this is a place you can’t afford to miss when you visit Abra, it is truly magical!
3. Apao Rolling Hills Abra
The Apao Rolling hills are a series of wavelike rolling hills which is a famous tourist spot in Tineg, Abra. From the viewpoint across the high valley, you can enjoy a cool breeze & beautiful scenery of dry grassland topped mountains.
The hills provide a panoramic view of the entire scenery. It is more popular during sunset and sunrise when you can spectacular daily occurrences from viewpoints 650 meters above the Abra River Valley below.
The Apao Rolling Hills is popular for different activities like hiking, mountain biking, and climbing because of its picturesque trails and witness the majestic panoramic view of Abra.
A little trek through these hills will give you many viewpoints which are perfect for your photography session.
4. Kili Falls & Hot Spring
Kili is already home to an amazing collection of natural waterfalls, hot springs, rice terraces, and scenic views of the valley.
The Kili Falls is one of the natural attractions that you must visit in Abra. The Kili Falls attracts visitors all year round from far and wide.
This is a truly magical waterfall that will take your breath away once you lay your eyes on it and its surroundings.
You will notice how the scenery is complemented by smooth gray rocks and the continuous bursts of water near the cliff edge. What’s amazing about it is you can expect that the waters will be cold and clear.
The main attraction here is not just the waterfall there is a hidden hot spring that flows into a river, you will experience the perfect balance of hot and cold.
The hot spring waters are filled with high sulphuric mineral content, that great for easing tense muscles and good for the skin.
Moreover, hot springs can offer a sense of relaxation when you want to deal with stress on a daily basis in your life, and this provides you with just the right thing to do and feel you will be refreshed and full of energy.
5. Tayum Church & Heritage Houses
Tayum Church also known as The Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish Church is a 19th-century Baroque church located in Abra, Philippines.
Tayum Church was constructed in the early 1800s by the Augustinians and was dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
|The town of Tayum celebrates its town fiesta every 25th of November in honor of its patron saint.
Tayum Church was identified as a National Cultural Treasure for its cultural significance and distinctive architecture. One of the remarkable features of the church is the use of Burnay jar motifs on the church’s facade.
The church ground is wide and expansive and at the side are century-old trees with cement tables and seats which is perfect for a late afternoon visit and just gazing at the beautiful architecture. An old convent, now unused is in front but outside the perimeter fence.
6. Don Mariano Marcos Bridge Abra
Don Mariano Marcos Bridge is the third-longest bridge in the Philipines. This bridge is located along the Abra Kalinga National Road, which connects the towns of Barrio Bumagcat, Tayum, and Barrio Mudiit, Dolores.
You will pass through it on your way to Tineg. You can stop on the Don Mariano Marcos Bridge for scenic views of the riverbanks, and mountain views and watch sunrises also sunsets.
7. Teofilo Garcia Tabungaw Guord Hats
One of the things you shouldn’t miss when visiting Abra is to strive to meet Teofilo Garcia, the National Living Treasure of the Philipines.
He specializes in making the traditional Kattukong or Tabungaw Hats in San Quintin. Mr. Garcia is one of the last Tabungaw hat makers left in the Philippines. He may be the very last who still makes these unique masterpieces.
He has been invited to give talks and demonstrations in the Philippines and abroad, and teach local school children the art of Tabungaw making.
You get to meet him to learn a lesson on how to make the traditional gourd hat made from Tabungaw or Upo gourd also known as Bottle Gourd or White Pumpkin at his workshop and you can also buy a hat in support of keeping the traditional Tabungaw-making alive and vibrant.
8. Pinsal Falls
Pinsal Falls is an 85-foot waterfall located in the town of Santa Maria, which is also the home of the UNESCO-inscribed Santa Maria Church. Pinsal Fall also known asl “Tugot ni Angalo” by local. According to local myths, the biggest among these pools is said to be the footprint of a giant named Angalo, who was in search of his wife, Aran.
Locals also call it “Twin Falls” as it reveals magnificent cascading water separated into two. You can trek to the top of the waterfalls where you get to see the beauty of the falls and enjoy the countless natural pools.
Trekking at Pinsal falls to get to the top can be quite challenging but it’s definitely worth it. It will definitely be a fun experience on a bamboo raft and getting close to the falls!
9. Gabriela Carino-Silang Gallery of Fine Arts
Gabriel Silang Gallery of Fine Arts is located along Teodoro Balmaceda Street in Poblacion, Tayum. It is a few minutes walks away from the Tayum Church.
The Gabriela Silang Gallery of Fine Arts provides a glimpse of Filipino history, especially during colonial times when Spaniards ruled the Philippines.
The gallery is located in a house formerly the refuge home of one of the country’s national heroes, Gabriela Silang (the first female leader of a Filipino movement for independence from Spain)
The gallery is full of a priceless impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, artifacts, documents, and books. There are other authentic art pieces made by famous Filipino and foreign artists such as Pablo Picasso, Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Domenico Ghirlandaioto as well as paintings made by the retired Philippine Ambassador Rosario V. Carino. Some of the other relics are furniture, ceramics, and chinaware.
10. Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a new tourist spot located in Casamata Hills, also known as Cassamata Hill National Park. The park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the municipality of Bangued, Abra.
You will be rewarded with panoramic views of the small town below as well as the whole expanse of the Abra River valley flanked by the Cordillera Central and Ilocos mountain ranges. The park is a perfect spot where you can watch the magnificent views of sunrise or sunset.
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Vlog Smarter says:
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