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  • About

Tangadan Falls, and more surf at La Union

8/3/2014

16 Comments

 
Where: San Juan & San Gabriel, La union
Who: Mr, Mrs & Little Miss Wanderlust
When:  July 2014 (Long Weekend!)
What: Surf trip at San Juan and trekking to Tangadan Falls

Conquer Tangadan Falls by diving from a cliff and drop into its soothing cold and fresh running spring water.. Worth the risk and trek! For more info click Read More!
We have heard that it is going to be a long weekend due to a declared public holiday, YAY! And our 5 year old girl has been talking about her past surf experience last April. But many factors prevent us from being sure, there was this storm, and also a scheduled apocalyptic like traffic jam on the North Luzon Expressway that afternoon. But in the end, our wanderlust took over and we left really early.
How to get there:
To get to the awesome Tangadan falls, the same route is to be traveled (see our previous post when we went surfing in San Juan, La Union).  Please note that for you to be able to get to the falls, it will include a total of 45 minute to 1 hour trekking each direction, which means walking through paddy fields, mud, then once the trail ends, prepare for slippery rocks, uneven terrain, slopes, climb huge stones and have to cross rivers so prepare to get wet (depending on the weather if it is rainy, the current is bigger). Locals also say that it is a lot easier to trek in summer as it is less muddy and slippery however the paddy fields wouldn't be all green since soil is too dry.


So as mentioned above it is strongly advised to refrain bringing children and be sure to talk to a local knowledgeable guide who will be able to bring you there without getting lost in the woods. Price range depends on how many heads will join the trek. But prepare a budget of around 500php  per head or $25.

Our guide was a Baguio native, dread locked guy named Daniel Marley we linked his profile so you can see his page, and if you are looking for a surf instructor and a guide to Tangadan Falls, he is probably the best contact you can look for, as he is also a good surfer that can rip waves and making his own name also as a tattoo artist in La Union. 

Or you could do it the hardcore way with no guides. Good luck. :)

1. From surfing areas in San Juan take a jeep going North to San Gabriel (has a sign in front says going to San Gabriel). For around 20 minutes.

2. Hire a motorcycle taxi to take you to the falls area. Usually there are drivers waiting in San Gabriel town. The roads are steep so tricycles usually can't take you further up. Arrange time when they would pick you up. Price range from 200php up per head for this 30 minute ride.


3. They will drop you off at a waiting shed and from there you start walking downhill, follow the road until it turns into a muddy track, then smaller track going to the rice fields. 


4. Follow the tracks to the pilapil (middle of rice fields), then once you see the irrigation water follow it further until you get to a dam, then from the dam, you cross the river then just follow the stream of river to get to the falls.

Good luck and bon voyage, explorador!

*Protip: If it has been rainy the past 24 hours, you can expect the water in the falls to be a bit brownish in color due to soil erosion, and if it has been sunny and dry the past days, then expect the water in the falls to be on the bluish hue. 


Watch the short video clip of the jump.
Where to stay:
There are a lot of resorts to choose from in San Juan surf area in La Union. However if you plan to be stay closer to the falls, there are no place to stay in that area as houses are really secluded, though according to locals in times of hard rain / storm where some tourists gets trapped and can't leave, there are a very few houses there, but if you see one in time of trouble they willing to help and shelter you for a while. Where exactly are their houses located, you might ask? We have no clue as we don't plan on getting stuck there.

This trip we chose San Juan Surf Resort. The resort (as i have observed and asked) are owned and operated by father and son tandem. The son is half Australian pro surfer and has a built a good reputation for the surf resort.

Mr & Mrs. Wanderlust's Reviews

San Juan Surf Resort / School

The vibe i get for this resort is that it was built for the love of the surf. And since then it has been growing (new constructions for new rooms, and planning to add a new swimming pool and move their restaurant from its current location facing the beach.

  1. Good spot, basic accommodating rooms with a/c & bathroom, and cheaper if fan room and common bathroom.
  2. Just a few steps away from the beach.
  3. Food is alright, but nothing special, a bit more expensive than the usual.
  4. Good and cool surf instructors, mostly locals. Board rentals are 200php and another 200php if you want an instructor.
  5. They have a small bar within their restaurant that is with the nice beach view, and beer is reasonably priced at 57php 

I have to note that I also left my laptop there, and they kept it until had someone available to get it. So +++ points for the honest staff.

***Rating:

Price:  $$
(2,600php for A/C room for 4 with bathroom)
Service: 5 star (supposed to be 4 but due to the honesty of staff, automatic 5)
Facilities & Amenities: 4 star (all is good, just a bit of under construction and still has no pool)
Restaurant (foods): 4 star
Bar: 4 star
________________________________
Overall: 4.4 /5
What to do:
> Surf - just be sure to check out the waves before renting a board to make sure there are waves. (also use surf and wave tracker programs ) 

> Paddle board, skim board, surf kayak, and enjoy the big waves.
> Eat drink and be merry
> Chill and watch locals surf after a hard day's work
> Explore and Trek Tangadan Falls
> Beach bum


Bonus: The usual travel montage ;) and if you like that, you might want to check other travel videos at the Sights & Sounds page. Cheers!
16 Comments
alkhalid
9/1/2014 14:38:18

Awesome, where is that place to jump. I like to go there!!

Reply
joshua link
6/27/2016 23:59:58

09073570537 contact number for a tourist guide..if your group has a count of 5 persons below only 800 pesos package deal..and if you have 10 persons below 1200 pesos only...last if you will be having 10 persons above its just only 100 pesos per head..he is a guide since 2010

Reply
joshua miranda link
8/22/2016 08:00:57

additional 09972940367 for globe user thank you godbless

closetnerddom
9/1/2014 14:40:18

That's sick! Nice jump!

Reply
joshua link
6/28/2016 00:00:46

09073570537 contact number for a tourist guide..if your group has a count of 5 persons below only 800 pesos package deal..and if you have 10 persons below 1200 pesos only...last if you will be having 10 persons above its just only 100 pesos per head..he is a guide since 2010

Reply
Moshsauce
10/10/2014 03:33:15

Sweet! Such a nice hidden gem in La Union. With the bonus rush for the jump!

Reply
joshua link
6/28/2016 00:05:33

09073570537 contact number for a tourist guide..if your group has a count of 5 persons below only 800 pesos package deal..and if you have 10 persons below 1200 pesos only...last if you will be having 10 persons above its just only 100 pesos per head..he is a guide since 2010

Reply
Anj
5/2/2015 09:27:15

Hi! Would like to know how'd you get in contact with guides for this? Thanks!

Reply
joshua link
6/27/2016 23:53:32

09073570537 contact number for a tourist guide..if your group has a count of 5 persons below only 800 pesos package deal..and if you have 10 persons below 1200 pesos only...last if you will be having 10 persons above its just only 100 pesos per head..he is a guide since 2010

Reply
Juris
7/1/2015 07:04:34

How high and deep is the cliff and water?

Reply
CHELSEA
3/2/2016 18:31:36

I heard they have 15 / 25 / 40ft

Reply
joshua link
6/28/2016 00:06:36

09073570537 contact number for a tourist guide..if your group has a count of 5 persons below only 800 pesos package deal..and if you have 10 persons below 1200 pesos only...last if you will be having 10 persons above its just only 100 pesos per head..he is a guide since 2010

joshua link
6/28/2016 00:11:10

the cliff dive is having a 18 ft. height and for the water level deep is 20 to 25ft. so it is safe to jump here if you want to visit here is a info,,09073570537 contact number for a tourist guide..if your group has a count of 5 persons below only 800 pesos package deal..and if you have 10 persons below 1200 pesos only...last if you will be having 10 persons above its just only 100 pesos per head..he is a guide since 2010

Reply
joshua miranda link
6/27/2016 23:47:42

going there is too risky without a tour guide and if you want to hire a tourist guide simply contact this number 09073570537 a licensed tourist guide,,a guide since 2010 no issue of accidents from his costumers he is a good speaker you will be not bored and he is a helpful tourist guide..if you want for any details just contact him,his name is KUYA KULOT again hus contact number 09073570537

Reply
joshua link
6/28/2016 00:27:57

here is a info about TANGADAN FALLS which is located here in SAN GABRIEL LA UNION PHILIPPINES

La Union has been known for it's waves and beaches perfect for surfing. But another attraction is currently making waves to adrenaline-junkies: trekking and cliff diving in Tangadan Falls, San Gabriel La Union.

How to get there:

From Manila - Bus or Private Vehicle Going to the following :
Laoag, Vigan, Candon, Abra .
Get down to any of these places in La Union namely:
San Fernando or San Juan.
From San Juan, you can hail jeepney via San Fernando-San Gabriel route.
From downtown San Gabriel, La Union go to Bucao, Duplas
Hire a tricycle to bring you to Duplas which passes through Barangay Bucao.
Just tell the tricycle driver that you are going to the Drop-off point to Tangadan Falls at Barangay Duplas - upper (Duplas is a part of San Juan, La Union) near Dagup

Tips:

If you are new to this kind of adventure, hire a guide. The trail going to the falls is quite tricky. It requires you to cross the river 3 or 4 times (I lost count :P).


So ...

rule 1: GET Ready to Be WET!
Tangadan Falls is part of the Baroro River which stretches across the La Union Province. Part of the trek is crossing the Baroro River along its river banks. Depending on the season, the water may rise up above your waist.

rule 2: Cliff Dive/Jump if you really know how to swim!
There are spots there perfect for cliff diving along the Baroro River. The river may be 20 to 30 feet deep so be careful and during the rainy season, the river current is strong. Don't get distraught thou, just float and follow the current until you reach somewhere near the river banks

rule 3: Ready for a long trek ahead!
1 hour at least of trekking the rocky and wet trail of Tangadan Falls. Bring atleast 1 liter of water and some sun block if you don't intend to get burn by the sun. Even though its a long trek, you will hardly notice it because of the spectacular scenery aroung the river. Towering trees coupled with huge boulders of rock are scattered the Baroro River. Not to mention crossing rice fields and some plantation fields for crops are added bonus for nature viewing.

rule 4: Go there during Ber-Months AND SUMMER
I must say this, chasing waterfalls experience is best be done during which the flow of water is strong. This is true for Hulugan, Buruwisan, and now Tangadan Falls.

rule 5: Try the water theraphy thing
If you want free and all natural massage from nature, hire the bamboo raft costing to 20 pesos per person! Truly a must!

You can call him for a must smoother experience as he has been tour guiding for more than 5 years now. He knows what he's saying. Like he warned and prohibited us to cliff jump the Tangadan Falls. ALWAYS follow the locals' advice. Wag Bida Bida OR IN ENGLISH SUPERHERO! He will instead suggest alternative cliff diving/jumping site for your cravings to be satisfied.

GUIDE: JOSHUA MIRANDA
CONTACT NUMBER: 09073570537

GUIDE FEE: 100 PESOS PER HEAD
IF YOUR GROUP HAS THE COUNT OF TEN BUT IF NOT WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT..THANK YOU


Reply
zeny link
10/12/2016 20:10:04


A LICENSED TOURIST GUIDE from the MUNICIPALITY of SAN GABRIEL LA UNION,,always remember trust from the LICENSED not to the COLORUM ,,im JOSHUA MIRANDA aka KUYA KULOT,,im a tourist guide since the falls is not yet popular,,im sayin that im a good guide because there are no case of accidents in my customer, it will be done if you were be listening to my local advice,,some tips for going there
1st-get ready to be wet because we will cross the river 3 times
2nd-dont get heavy things
3rd-wear a shorts and rubber,water shoes (or slippers) for a comfortable treking

for the other information you want here is my:

CONTACT NUMBER: 09073570537,,09972940367

GUIDE FEE: 100 PESOS PER HEAD

Reply



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