Kapurpurawan Rock Formation Site and Bantay Abot Cave in Ilocos
We’ve been to so many beautiful sites in Ilocos, but my top two favourites were the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation site and Bantay Abot Cave.
We dropped by both sites on our way back to Laoag, where our B & B was, from Maira Ira Beach in Pagudpod. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation site is in Burgos, while Bantay Abot Cave is located in Barangay Baloi.
(READ: Getting to know Ilocos in 3 Days)
I’m not exactly geographically adept, so I can’t tell you how to go there, but I think that it’s along the way to Pagudpud where the Blue Lagoon is.
So if you’re taking a trip to Pagudpud, I’m pretty sure that adding these two sites will fit right into your itinerary because that’s what our tour guide did.
(READ: Historical Churches and Bell Towers of Ilocos)
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is said to have been created by the strong waves of the wildly lapping waters of the sea. From the entrance point, you can rent a horse and take in the windy, sigh-worthy scenery that greets you as you emerge from the vine tunnel leading to its beaches.
There’s actually a narrow bridge leading to the actual site, but trust me, you are not going to regret getting on that horse, Khaleesi!
The wind was strong, and the view, majestic! And I couldn’t help but thank the LORD for the opportunity to see his beautiful works in our own soil.
(READ: The Food of Ilocos)
Bantay Abot Cave is a hole on a tiny hill that was formed due to a very strong earthquake many years passed. I saw photos of it being all green, but it wasn’t that lush when we were there, perhaps because it was amihan (trade winds) season in that part of the region.
It was still beautiful and the wind, just like it was at the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, was gushing and wild.
I loved it!
Before I forget, when we came back from the rock formation site, there was a photographer waiting for us and taking our photos where the horses would stop. These photos were up for sale at PHP 150/each. Our photos turned out well, so I bought three, except the one with me in it because I didn’t like how I looked, hahaha!
The thing about these two sites is that you need to watch your step because you might lose your balance and hurt yourself. With us in the tour were millenial siblings -a girl and a guy – who took a lot of risks and did some death-defying poses.
”Death-defying,” of course, is a bit of an exaggeration on my part, but dude, they did some really scary balancing acts just to get the IG-ready photos they want. The guy even took off his shirt while at the highest point of Bantay Abot Cave at some point, to flex his muscles for a shot. The winds blew his shirt and sunglasses down the rocks. Fortunately, the sunglasses landed near the feet of my children, so they just picked it up and handed it to him as he scrambled down the rocky hill to catch them.
Jay and I would smile often just seeing them having such a blast. But they also prompted me to warn my kids about being smart about their safety when they travel.
For both sites, you have to do a little climbing to get the best photos. We had to wait a little bit for the crowd to leave to really enjoy the sites, but it was worth the wait. So breathtaking!
“In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land” Psalm 95:4 – 5.
22 Comments
Phoebe
So nice peer! Did u dunk your feet in the water? Is swimming allowed? We want to go back to Ilocos too. Last time we were there was when King and I were still engaged. 🙂
May De Jesus-Palacpac
Hi peer. I don’t think swimming was allowed kasi walang lifeguard or caretaker eh. Saka mejo rocky siya. Pero siguro wading was allowed, di lang namin ginawa kasi si Judah baka hindi na namin mapaahon, hahaha! And we just came from the beach.
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Purple Pieces
Last time nasa Ilocos kami na-miss namin puntahan ito. There’s horseback riding din pala 🙂
momi berlin
Reading your post reminds me na talagang sometimes, acts of Nature help in the formation of new islands or in the case of the Bantay Abot Cave, its the strong earthquake many years passed. Anyway, would love to visit that place as well hanggang the boys can still have fun with their parents. Time will come tlaaga, they will prefer to be with their friends na e.
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Adam Belda
Having visited Kapurpurawan Rock Formation Site and Bantay Abot Cave in Ilocos, I can attest to the sheer awe-inspiring beauty of these natural wonders. The surreal rock formations and the mysterious allure of the cave create a captivating experience that immerses you in the rich geological and cultural heritage of the region. A must-visit for any nature lover!
Beth
Oh, wow! The trip there is just as beautiful as the destination! I would love to make that trip with my family.
Kimberley
Wow, what an incredible adventure! Exploring Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and Bantay Abot Cave seems like an unforgettable experience. The way you’ve shared your journey and the stunning visuals make me feel like I was right there with you! Thanks for taking us along on this thrilling ride!
Stephanie
Wow, what an awesome place to visit! We love adventures like this and would definitely go out of the way to visit.
Jennifer Prince
Rock formations near water always amaze me. It looks like a lovely place to go, and you had a great time, it seems!
Richard Lowe
This reminds me of when I visited the Channell Islands in California. Lots of great scenery and memories. Thanks for sharing.
Rosey
I wouldn’t have wanted those risky people on my tour, esp. if I had kids. Smart to use it as a conversation for safety.
Ntensibe Edgar
Nnniiccceeee…these are really breath-taking views from up there. I haven’t been to a cave before. I haven’t sat on a horse or donkey before for a ride. So, we can hit two birds with one stone! Thanks for sharing about this.
Sonia Seivwright
It sounds like you had quite the adventure with those millennial siblings! While it’s great to see people having fun and taking risks, it’s essential always to prioritize safety. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget about the potential dangers around you. I’m glad everything turned out okay with the guy’s shirt and sunglasses, but it could have been much worse. It’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and watch your step, especially when exploring new places. That being said, I’m glad you could enjoy the breathtaking sites despite the wait. Stay safe on your future travels!
Monidipa
I absolutely loved your article about the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation Site and Bantay Abot Cave in Ilocos! Your vivid descriptions and stunning photos took me on a virtual tour of these beautiful places. It made me want to visit them right away! 😍🌊🏞️
Marysa
This is an incredibly scenic place, and it really is amazing how powerful nature is. Those cliffs are just beautiful, and it is neat to think that they were formed by waves.
Fransic verso
Very cool and love the view as well. This is a great trip and place. Would love to visit it soon and do these fun stuff.
Catherine Shane Cabuhat Rojo
That place is worth visiting! I didn’t know that Ilocos has so much to offer, I would definitely add this to my bucket list!
Bedabrata Chakraborty
Breathtaking is the word! I have not been to the Philippines. But when I do get an opportunity, I would love to visit both Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and Bantay Abot Caves.
Blair Villanueva
The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation looks breathtaking including the entire view. I’ll add this to my Google Map and hope to visit this as well when I visit again the Philippines.
Ankita Sharma
This is amazing pllace I’m a travel-loving person So, I would like to visit there.