Terraces of Wonder at Kaparkan Falls in Abra

The province of Abra boasts an enticing and mysterious landscape. Despite being part of Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region, Abra...

The province of Abra boasts an enticing and mysterious landscape. Despite being part of Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region, Abra had a reputation for political strife for many decades, which made tourists hesitant to visit. However, in recent years, the peace and order situation has significantly improved, gradually opening up tourism. Probably the most popular attraction in Abra at the moment is Kaparkan Falls. This majestic fall has drawn weekend travelers eager to experience this wonderful natural stairway firsthand.

Where is Kaparkan Falls?

Kaparkan Falls also called Mulawin Falls is located at the elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level in the municipality of Tineg, the northernmost municipality of Abra. It is approximately 450 km away from Metro Manila.

Visiting Regulations

While the falls are located in Tineg, the designated jump-off point is at the Silaoen Tourist Registration Center in the municipality of Lagayan. From here, it’s another 6.3 km trail to the falls, which can be reached through a 2-hour hike on muddy and dirt trails or a 1-hour rough ride via a Monster Truck.

The falls are usually open during weekends and holidays as most of the guides and staff have regular day jobs during the weekdays. Visits are regulated by the local government to keep Kaparkan Falls pristine. Only up to 100 visitors per batch are allowed at a time and are given only 3 hours to enjoy the falls. It is best to register your slot ahead of time via AbraMazing Tours.

Best Time to Visit

The rainy season is the best time to visit Kaparkan Falls when water is abundant, and the cascades flow beautifully from July to September.

My Visit to the Terraced Wonder of Abra

For a long time, I had wanted to visit Kaparkan Falls but never had the chance. After weathering the pandemic and catching the tail-end of the season when Kaparkan Falls finally re-opened, my fellow travel blogger friend, Kara of Travel Up, and I decided to visit the famed falls.

We joined an organized tour to Abra. The van left late in the evening, and by daylight, we were already at the Silaoen Tourist Registration Center. Our group wanted to be early so we could hike to the falls. The advantage of hiking is there are fewer crowds when reaching the falls since the first Monster Truck leaves Silaoen around 9 am.

The 2-hour hike on a gradual slope dirt road was easy to moderate in intensity. Often, we would be by the roadside where the surface is more stable. Excitement built when we heard the cascading waters and caught a glimpse of the falls. Immediately, we made our way to the cascades after leaving some of our stuff in a nearby hut.

Kaparkan Falls is truly one of a kind. There may be similar falls out there, but nothing as picturesque and beautifully terraced as this, as if it were man-made. The stairway seemed like it was carefully carved out from the mountainside, allowing the waters to flow into little turquoise pools. In the midst is a large banyan tree that may have lived there for more than a century, guarding this oasis in the forest. Enchanting indeed.

How to Visit Kaparkan Falls

Visiting Kaparkan Falls as a solo traveler is possible but can be expensive. The easiest way is to join organized tours from Manila. There are already tour groups organizing Kaparkan Falls tours during the weekend, like Gala PH which I recommend since I personally know some of their coordinators.

One can also make their way to Abra and book a Kaparkan Falls tour through AbraMazing Tours. The Php 1,999 fee includes Monster Truck transportation to and from the falls, municipal and environmental fees, and guides. Follow their page for updates.

Bus from Manila to Abra

These are direct buses to Bangued, Abra from Manila:

• Partas Transportation Co., Inc (Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City)
• Florida Bus Line (España Blvd, Sampaloc, Manila)
• Dominion Bus Lines (EDSA Cubao, Quezon City)

Travel time is approximately 8–10 hours.

Self-drive

If you prefer driving, you can rent a car or use your own vehicle. The journey involves traveling through several provinces and can be a scenic drive. Suggested Route:

1. Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) northbound.
2. Merge onto Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and continue to Tarlac.
3. From Tarlac, take the MacArthur Highway (National Highway) through Pangasinan and La Union.
4. From La Union, head towards Abra via the Abra-Ilocos Norte Road.

Travel time is approximately 8–10 hours.

Travel Tips and Reminders

• Book your visit in advance and expect the weekends to get crowded during peak season.
• If you wish to avoid the crowd, take an early hike before the monster truck crowd arrives. It is possible to take the Monster Truck back to Silaoen
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes or sandals and bring swimwear 
• Bring sunscreen for the hikes and insect repellant for the bugs
• Eating at the falls is not allowed. There are huts where eating is allowed so bring snacks and drinks.