The unassuming province of Abra is located in the Cordillera Administrative Region of Northern Luzon. Abra has gained attention in more recent years because of the stunning Kaparkan Falls which is truly one of its kind in the country. But aside from Kaparkan Falls, there are other Abra tourist spots you can enjoy.
Manila to Abra
Land travel from Manila is around 8 hours. You can choose to drive or take a bus from Cubao bound for Bangued, Abra. Abra is used to be part of the Ilocos region and many Ilocanos chose to live and therefore inhabit the province.
Where to Stay in Abra
Here are some top-rated accommodations in Bangued, Abra that you can consider booking:
• Abrassi Hotel and Restaurant
• Anton & Isabel HomeStay Bangued
Tangadan Tunnel and Abra Welcome Park
Before you explore Abra province tourist spots, you will pass by Tangadan Tunnel which is the gateway to the province. Adjacent to the tunnel is Abra Welcome Park complex featuring Gabriela Silang’s monument.
Note that across Abra Welcome Park is a Pasalubong center where you can buy some goodies to bring back home.
People would often make a side trip to Abra just to visit just the famous Kaparkan Falls. But if you have a weekend to spare, here are Abra tourist spots you can consider.
Top 6 Abra Tourist Spots
Victoria Park
Do you like a quick walk in the park? You can easily climb Casamata Hill where Victoria Park is located. This is where you will find the I Love Abra signage. This Abra tourist spot will spoil you with a panoramic view of Bangued city. Better if you can go during sunrise or sunset. It’s nice to relax here while enjoying the view.
There’s also an installation of street lamp structure here (resembling the famous Urban Light in Los Angeles) where you can get Instagram-worthy shots.
Pantoc Falls
Pantoc Falls is located in San Quintin, Abra. It can be easily accessed from the main road with very minimal walking involved. You can take a nice, quick dip here. Pantoc Falls is surrounded by a nice green field that’s quite refreshing to see.
Tiggalay Falls
Another tourist spot in Abra you can explore is Tiggalay Falls that can be found in San Isidro, Abra. It is one of the stunning waterfalls in the province with only minimal trekking involved – just around a 50-meter walk.
Tiggalay Falls is a limestone terraced waterfall. If the weather is not so good, it can be a little challenging to navigate the falls but the local guides will be there to help you.
The remarkable beauty of Tiggalay Falls is a combination of its mini waterfalls, limestone pools and cliffs, cascading waters, and nice rock formations. If you enjoy exploring waterfalls, it is definitely one of the Abra tourist spots you should not missed.
Lusuac Cold Spring
Lusuac Cold Spring is located in Lagayan, Abra. The clear and cold water of this man-made pool comes from an underground spring. Lusuac cold spring is also chlorine free because the water is constantly flowing in and out of the pool. You can definitely get a relaxing swim here.
Leila’s Loom Weaving
Abra tourist spots does not only include natural wonders. You can also explore the rich, cultural heritage of the province through their traditional craft of weaving.
The town of La Paz is home to traditional loom weaving and Leila’s loom weaving has empowered the community to continue this practice while also providing them livelihood.
If you get to visit Leila’s loom weaving, you’ll see how beautiful, intricate, and complex their craft is. You can also try loom weaving for yourself which is a really fun experience. Check out their souvenir shop as well where you can buy really nice handwoven products.
Kaparkan Falls
The list of Abra Philippines tourist spots will not be complete without mentioning the stunning Kaparkan Falls.
Kaparkan Falls located in the province of Abra is made up of several limestone mini pools cascading in multiple levels. Some say it looks like rice terraces and so it’s also being referred to as Kaparkan spring terraces. This also makes Kaparkan Falls one of the most unique Abra tourist spots you can visit.
Your Kaparkan Falls adventure actually starts with a fun monster truck ride. Monster or military truck pick up starts at the town of Bangued. Monster truck ride last around 3 hours and the journey involves a muddy and rugged terrain.
There used to be a mandatory stop to put chains on the wheels of the monster truck so that they will not get stuck in the muddy trail – that is how bad the road going to Kaparkan Falls is before. Since the path was significantly improved, putting chains on the wheels is no longer needed.
You can also opt to walk instead of riding the monster truck. This will take a 2-hour trek from the jump-off point. Some do it for a different kind of adventure and also because monster truck ride is limited.
After the monster truck ride, you will reach the Kaparkan Falls signage. From the signage, there’s a 20-min trek to finally reach Kaparkan Falls.
Unlike the normal waterfalls, Kaparkans’ water remain clear even after a heavy rain. Its water comes from a spring from the mountain top flowing through the limestone rocks. The limestone rock are not slippery to walk to and the trees surrounding the waters make the vibe of Kaparkan Falls more enchanting. It’s unbelievable how beautiful Kaparkan Falls is. And the sound of gushing water is nothing but music to your ears.
Bonus – Don’t Forget to Try Abra Miki
After all your exploration of Abra tourist spots, you should try the delicious Abra miki. You can try one at Acosta Panciteria located in Bangued. Abra miki is a noodle soup made of thick egg noodles cooked in a rich pork broth colored with annatto seeds (atsuete). You can have fried bagnet or steam pork (or both) to go with your noodle soup.
Acosta Pancieria uses their homemade noodles for their simple yet delicious miki noodle soup. You can also choose to add egg and chicharon. They also have this chili sauce that is so good to put on your miki noodles (just add with caution because it’s really spicy!). Abra miki noodle soup is perfect for Kaparkan rainy season!
Acosta Panciteria
Address: Zone 1 Bangued, Abra
Sample Abra Itinerary
Day 0
Travel to Abra from Manila
Evening – Start land travel to Abra (approximately 8 hours)
Day 1 – Arrival + Explore Abra
Morning
• Tangadan Tunnel
• Pantoc Falls
• Victoria Park
• Tiggalay Falls
Afternoon
• Leila’s Loom Weaving Center
• Lusuac Cold Spring
Day 2 Explore Abra + Travel back to Manila
Morning
• Kaparkan Falls
Afternoon
• Travel back to Manila
An excellent touring experience even in one’s armchair relaxation.