Updated: September 1, 2017
Majestically rising 40 feet, Tangadan Falls, hailed for having the cleanest inland body of water in La Union, is situated in Sitio Bulala of Barangay Duplas, San Gabriel.
The cascades are surrounded by a dense rainforest and are difficult to reach because of their hidden location. Tangadan Falls is magnificently beautiful, it was known before to be the “hidden paradise” of the province but it was already found and is very famous, especially today.
This picturesque fall looked like a wall of brown satin threaded with silver. It is huge yet lovely. It was roaring down into the pool like a gigantic water spout.
I visited Tangadan Falls for three main reasons:
- We were required to have an Eco Walk in one of my courses and we chose Tangadan Falls.
- I heard about the place several times and I am eager to visit it.
- Since I was born and raised in La Union, I must go and see the hidden gem of my province.
HOW TO GET THERE?
- Ride a bus going to La Union/ Vigan/ Laoag/ Abra/ Candon. (When you are from Baguio, Metro Manila, Pampanga, Pangasinan)
- Drop off to San Fernando, La Union Plaza.
- Walk a few meters (at San Fernando Market) to the jeepney going to San Gabriel.
- The jeepney will drop you to the town proper of San Gabriel.
- From San Gabriel town, ride a tricycle heading to the drop-off point going to Tangadan Falls.
WHAT TO EXPECT THERE?
Long Tiring Hike. The trek to Tangadan Falls is really hard, you need to exert effort to leap, balance, and walk but after this, it will surely be worthwhile. The trek can last for an hour or two. There will be steep trails (rain forests), muddy paths (grasslands), and several cobbles and boulders (rivers). The hike doesn’t require hiking equipment. I used a pair of slippers since there are times that you will get wet.
Multitude. Since it is an emerging tourist spot, expect a large number of visitors, especially on weekends and holidays.
Convenience. There are life vests, salbabidas, and bamboo rafts to be rented if you want to. There are also several stores going to the Falls and in the area itself so you can buy all the things you need there at reasonable prices. There is also a comfortable room for you to change clothes and do some necessities.
Exhilarating Experience. Expect to have a memorable experience. All the things you will experience will be worth remembering because the beauty of the waterfalls is surreal. The water is clean and has a strong pounding sound. The bliss pool at the bottom was varnish clear and cold.
WHAT TO EXPLORE THERE?
You should try the following to completely enjoy the Tangadan Falls experience.
Cliff Diving. You can jump at the cliff diving point 15 minutes away from Tangadan Falls. There are options to choose whether to jump at 20 feet, 8-10 feet, or if you don’t have the courage you can just watch someone else do so.
Sight Seeing. You can go to the top of the Tangadan Falls’ cliff, here you can view the whole cascades and try to dip into a series of mini falls and mini pools.
Shower at the Falls. This is a must. You should try to shower under the falls by (1) swimming to approach the falls, but I’m telling you it is hard, or (2) by bamboo raft.
Rent a bamboo raft. It’s cheap yet very fun and exciting.
Swim. Relax, unwind, and just feel the ice-cold water Tangadan Falls has to offer.
Diversity. There are several floras and faunas to see there. While hiking, you can see a variety of animals and plants. You can hear the birds chirping and the bamboo trees swaying with the wind.
WHAT DO YOU NEED THERE?
- Hydration
- Food
- Swimwear and extra clothes
- Camera if possible the underwater camera
HOW MUCH TO SPEND THERE?
- Fare going to San Fernando: 80 php- student from Baguio (Partas Air-conditioned bus)
- Jeepney going to San Gabriel: 26 php
- Tricycle going to drop-off point: 10 PHP per person (3-5 people per trike)
- Tour Guide: According to what is agreed, probably 100 php per person. (Not required)
- Registration Fee: FREE, just write your name and the place where you came from.
- Nipa Huts: 300 pesos
- Life Vest Rate: 50 php per vest
- Bamboo Raft Rental: 20 PHP per head (Bamboo Rafts are per batch, we are only 5 so we waited for other groups to be with us, we were 11 in the raft when we used it, but it is okay since it is big, and sturdy)
WHY SHOULD YOU GO THERE?
Tangadan Falls is a place where you can fall in love. You can see its rainbow, you can hear its songs and you can feel its boldness. It is a masterpiece of the Lord. It is the cascades falling from the blue sky.
UPDATES:
- Nipa Huts are not anymore available.
- Guides are now required.
- If you are tired of the trek, there’s another option, you can ride a habal- habal or jeep. Habal-habal costs around PHP 250 for 2 persons. The jeep could cost around PHP 1500.
- The tour guide costs PHP 500 good for a group of less than ten.
- There is now a registration fee.
Visit last August 28, 2017:
