I feel like the north of the Philippines is almost always ignored by tourists, both local and foreign alike. It could probably because the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines are found in the Visayas region like Boracay island and Chocolate Hills in Bohol. I grew up in the north and I would try to post the beauty of the north in my blog as much as I can. Philippines is full of natural wonders and beauty and we should appreciate not just the beautiful beaches of the Philippines but other natural wonders like the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation I am about to show you.
We left Pangasinan on the 23rd of December at dawn to head to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. On the way there, we stopped by the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. We paid Php 10 (approx. $0.25) entrance fee per person. Since it was lunch time, we decided to eat our packed lunch there and we had to pay Php 100 (approx. $2.50) for the rental fee of the table and chairs. From the parking lot to the rock formation, it was about a ten to 15 minute walk. Pony rides are also available if you do not want to walk. Since it was not too far and we were trying to save money, my family and I decided to walk. It was so windy, which makes total sense to have the Bangui windmills just nearby.
As we got closer to it, my breath was just taken away. It is so beautiful like nothing I have ever seen before! I feel like it would be a great location for a movie like The Hobbit.
In the local dialect of the Ilocos, called Ilokano/Ilocano, “puraw” means white. Hence the name Kapurpurawan which best describes the rock formation. The beauty of this rock formation is caused by the strong wind and the waves of the nearby sea.
My aunt Carol who went there a few years before we did, said that they were able to walk as close to the rock formation as they wanted to but when we went there in December of 2013, we were not allowed to do so anymore. There were fences set up that allows tourists only up to a certain point but still close enough to get a nice photo. The reason for this is to avoid vandalism.
Expenses: Php 10 (approx. $0.25) entrance fee per person. Php 100 (approx. $2.50) table and chair rental fee. Php 5 (approx. $0.12) to use the washroom to pee and Php 10 (approx. $0.25) to use the washroom to poop.
I prefer when a place is not so much crowded because I can enjoy much more the quiet life and I can do normal things as the local does. And this place seems a perfect place for slow travel.
I agree that going to a less populated place could be more relaxing and you could explore more of the city, without the crowds! Nice article!
I haven’t been to the Philippines yet, but my friend’s wife is from there. He LOVES the food that his in-laws make.
It really helps put things into context when you realize you only paid $0.25 to enter the park. For many people around the world $0.25 is a lot of money, yet it seems like an afterthought to most Americans.
Lee @ BaldThoughts recently posted…Kids Fly Free on British Airways, Do These Before You Fly, Citi Prestige Worth $450?
I agree with you! Isn’t that crazy? Traveling to a third world country, having the ability to afford activities and tours like that but the locals can’t, it really gives you a different perspective.
The scenery looks really stunning. I was in the Philippines last November but alas only went out to the islands.
I haven’t heard of this place, it never came up in any of my researches about Philippines. You’re right,it’s probably because it’s not popular amongst tourists. Very pretty though ! Philippines is such a gorgeous country, from pictures. I need to visit !
Medha Verma recently posted…How we evolved as travelers
Wow those rock formations are magnificent! How incredible to see in person, very impressive. This seems like a very different landscape of the Philippines to what is usually popular and promoted to tourists, but in some ways I prefer the more rugged, raw landscape you have shown here. Beautiful!
Juliette | Snorkels to Snow recently posted…Skiing & Snowboarding in Japan: Day Trip To Kiroro Ski Resort