Ilocos Sur is known for its rich cultural heritage, especially its capital, Vigan City, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site named as one of the New7Wonders Cities in May 2015.
But beyond the well-preserved Spanish colonial structures, there is more to Ilocos Sur than meets the eye.
Ilocos Sur is also home to 48 stunning waterfalls, including the tallest waterfall in the Ilocos Region.
This is the Aw-asen Falls in Barangay Santo Rosario in Sigay town.
To reach the falls is an adventure in itself.
A journey of about six to eight hours by road from Metro Manila via Tagudin or Candon City, Ilocos Sur, is expected to be taken by travelers, followed by a 45-minute hike.
It includes crossing two rivers, one with a hanging bridge, and hiking a mountain to see the 110-meter-high falls.
The hike to Aw-asen Falls is more than just a walk; it’s an experience filled with breathtaking views and the thrill of adventure.
This was how Helen Alquino, a 60-year-old traveler from San Mateo, Rizal, described her hiking experience to the falls, saying it was overwhelming and exhilarating.
Despite her age, she was proud to have conquered the tallest waterfall in the Ilocos Region during her first visit.
“With this amazing experience, I will come back, maybe this summer when the water is calmer and the trail is less slippery,” she said.
Joshua Italia and Aldrin Ulanday, travelers from Bataan province, also expressed their awe at the wonder and mystery of the waterfall after reaching it.
“Aw-asen Falls is unique because of its beauty and the large volume of water cascading down,” Italia said.
Sigay Tourism Officer Balligi Quitor said that what makes Aw-asen Falls unique is the constant water flow year-round, even during summer.
This feature adds to its charm, lush green landscapes, vibrant ecosystem, and hiking experience.
The local government unit (LGU) of Sigay reported that a total of 1,226 tourists visited Aw-asen Falls in 2024.
For hiking and waterfall-goers, Aw-asen Falls has become a must-visit destination with the power of social media reaching millions of people worldwide.
Travel organizers have been hosting tours to the falls, and from Jan. 1 to 13, 2025, alone, 2,105 travelers have reached the falls.
Recognizing the increasing popularity of the site, the LGU Sigay is working to enhance the visitor experience.
Municipal Engineer Pepito Martinez said construction efforts are underway to establish a comfort room and upgrade the hiking paths.
These improvements include the installation of handrails along the trails to provide additional safety and support for all visitors.
“The local government is doing its best to develop the facilities and paths leading to the falls, especially since there are other paths that are dangerous, which is why there are handrails at the ongoing road construction. We also request our travelers to be extra careful when going up and down to the falls, especially with the ongoing construction,” Martinez said.
With these development projects, LGU Sigay ensures that visitors to Aw-asen Falls enjoy not only its beauty but also a safe experience.
Before visiting the falls, travelers are encouraged to pack essentials and reminded to bring cash to cover the environmental fee worth P50 and P750 if they ought to hire a guide.
Bringing food is also allowed, but travelers are requested to take their trash home with them and do their part to keep the waterfalls pristine by not littering.
For additional information, travelers may contact Tourism Officer Quitor at 0968 443 7926 (Smart) or 0916 443 0028 (Globe).
Don’t let this experience pass you by—include visiting Aw-asen Falls on your bucket list this year! (AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
