Aw-Asen Falls DIY Travel Guide
Aw-Asen Falls, Sigay – Ilocos Sur is one of the most underrated tourist destinations in the Philippines, not knowing that this province hides secret gems that need attention and exposure. One of these not-so-hidden gems is found in Sigay, Ilocos Sur. Aw-Asen Falls grew in popularity when it was discovered in the early 2010s.
Aw-Asen Falls DIY Travel Guide
Actually, there are a series of waterfalls along the way when going to Aw-Asen Falls. One of which is Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls (which I will make a separate blog about). Going to this falls is quite straightforward and you can either (1) ride a jeepney from Bitalag, Tagudin or (2) hire a travel guide with a motorcycle or habal-habal. On this visit, I chose the latter. I met my guide (Kuya BJ) in Tagudin and we went straight to the registration area in Barangay Santo Rosario, Sigay, Ilocos Sur.
After registering, we immediately started our hike to Aw-Asen Falls and we walked for only around 45 minutes. The trail is relatively easy and can get wet and slippery sometimes, especially after a downpour. It is best if you have trail shoes or open sandals when going to Aw-Asen Falls.
After a short-but-sweet trail, having to cross a river and a hanging bridge, I then saw the beauty of Aw-Asen Falls in the flesh! Yeees! This 120-meter (394 feet) waterfall is really a sight to see because of its strategic location, especially its ‘viewdeck’ which is a rock that protrudes right in front of the falls.
I suggest that you buy and bring your trail food beforehand so you can go hiking immediately right after registration. It is also best to go visit Aw-Asen Falls on a weekday so you can feel the place more, see the lush greens of the area, and that no lines of crowds would be present during your hike (especially during weekends and holidays).
How to get to Aw-Asen Falls
There are several ways on how to get to Aw-Asen Falls and to maximize your experience in the area:
From Manila
- Via Bus
If going to Aw-Asen Falls from Manila, ride any bus (usually in Cubao and Pasay) bound for Vigan or Laoag. Alight in Barangay Bitalag (junction) in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. Travel time is approximately 6 to 7 hours. From there, you can check-in in some inns and homestays around the area ranging from ₱ 1000 – 2000 per night, per group.
From Bitalag junction, the drop-off point to Aw-Asen Falls is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours away via motorcycle (habal-habal), 24 kilometers in distance.
- Via Private Car
If you are using your private vehicle, just type “Bitalag” or “Bitalag Satellite Market” from your starting point in Manila. You can use the NLEx – SCTEx – TPLEx paid highways for faster travel. Travel time is approximately 5 to 6 hours.
From Baguio City
- Via Bus
From Baguio City, you can reach Aw-Asen Falls when you ride a bus with a Laoag or Vigan route. Just tell the conductor to drop you off at Bitalag junction in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. Travel time is 3 to 3.5 hours, and the bus fare is approximately ₱ 250, one way.
- Via Private Car
If you are using your private vehicle, just type “Bitalag” or “Bitalag Satellite Market” from your starting point in Baguio. The fastest route is via Naguilian Road, exiting to Bauang intersection. The travel time is approximately 3 hours, depending on the traffic.
Best Time to Visit Aw-Asen Falls
The best time to visit Aw-Asen Falls, for me, is during the rainy season (from June to December) as the water pressure of the falls is much stronger, just pray that you will have fine weather on the day of your visit. You can also visit the falls during the dry season (from November to May) but expect the trail to be warm and humid. Just bring your hiking essentials and practice the “Leave No Trace” principle!
The difficulty level of the trail is Easy and is perfect for beginner hikers. The fees required to visit Aw-Asen Falls are: Guide Fee (₱ 750), and Registration Fee (₱ 50). There is also a separate fee if you avail services from a habal-habal driver (rates negotiable.)
Sample Itinerary to Aw-Asen Falls
Here is a sample 2-day itinerary when you want to visit Aw-Asen Falls:
Day 1
|
0800 – 1400 H |
Bus from Baguio (or Manila) to Vigan City | ₱ 250 – 600 |
|
1400 – 1800 H |
Explore Vigan City, Bantay, Candon City |
|
| 1800 – 1900 H | Travel Time from Candon City to Tagudin (Bitalag Junction) |
₱ 100 |
|
1900 – 1900 H |
Check-in (at Bitalag Junction) | |
| 2000 H |
Lights Off |
Day 2
|
0400 – 0500 H |
Habal-habal from Tagudin to Aw-Asen Registration Area | ₱ 1200
(depends on habal driver) |
| 0500 – 0530 H | Registration, payment of fees, orientation |
₱ 50 (environmental fee) ₱ 750 (tour guide fee) |
|
0530 – 0615 H |
Hike to Aw-Asen Falls | |
| 0615 – 0800 H |
Free time at Aw-Asen Falls |
|
|
0845 – 0915 H |
Travel to Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls | |
| 0915 – 1000 H |
Free time at Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls |
|
|
1000 H |
Back to Bitalag / Free Time | |
| 1030 – 1200 H |
Explore Tagudin Town / Free Time |
More Aw-Asen Falls Photos!
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
