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It was around 5am when we started our hike to one of the popular hiking destinations in Ilocos Sur. Although my dad is from the province, this was the first time that I set foot on the mountainous area of Ilocos Sur. This was going to be my 2024 yearend travel and I was sharing the experience with my little lady. We were out to conquer two falls - Aw-Asen Falls in Sigay and Sangbay ni Ragsak in Suyo.  Exploring the hinterlands of Ilocos Sur was our travel year-ender for 2024! When we mention Ilocos Sur, the city of Vigan will always be the first to come to mind. The well-preserved cobble stone street and Spanish-period houses along Calle Crisologo is THE main tourism draw of the province. Little is known about the wonders the mountains that protect the province from the east. But the rugged terrains of Ilocos Sur hold natural wonders that have started to get traction in local tourism. Thanks to social media… what was previously hidden is now being introduced to the world. Aw-Asen Falls, Sigay The dawn was breaking when we started our hike from the jump-off point. It was going to be roughly a 45-minute trek through rice fields, across rivers, and mountain trails to get to the highest waterfalls in the province of Ilocos Sur. The fresh and cold December air greeted us as our eyes were treated with rustic views of Ilocos Sur’s hinterlands. This is the first time that I am seeing this side of the province.  Asher and I enjoying the view of Aw-Asen Falls from the famous view point along the trail. Located along the Cordillera mountain range, Sigay is popular among adventure seekers and mountaineers for its rustic attractions. Locals believe that the town is as old as any pre-Spanish settlement in the region, a claim that still needs to be verified by historians. There are two stories as to how it got its name but, in both stories, there is reference to the local word “sigay” which is a type of fish net used by locals. Now, Sigay is starting to gain traction in local tourism with its prime icon - the Aw-Asen Falls.
Standing at a height of 120 meters, Aw-asen Falls is the highest waterfalls in the province of Ilocos Sur. Cold water flows from a spring at the top of the falls down into a steep rock face into a deep pool at its base. Watching the majestic steep cascade of the water will keep you in awe as you enjoy the droplets on your skin. The cold water on your feet is a refreshing reward after the hike. If you are the type that loves the cold water, you can opt to take a quick dip in its ice cold water.
There are three view points of Aw-Asen Falls. The first is along the trail where you get a side view of the lake as you come out into the opening from the trail. The most popular view point is from a rock formation facing the waterfall. This is often the viewpoint that you would see on social media. The last is from the base of the waterfall where you get a full view of the falls and its surrounding ravines. I highly recommend that you get there early, like we did, to avoid the crowd and lining up for that IG-worthy shot. Sangbay ni Ragsak, Suyo Suyo is another town that lies along the mountain range on the east side of Ilocos Sur. Its name was derived from the Ilocano word “naisuyo” which means thrown because the town was built from the accumulation of soil after the river floods the riverbanks. The rugged terrains of the municipality have kept its natural beauty hidden from plain sight. With the rising popularity of Aw-Asen in Sigay, it is not surprising that the attractions of Suyo is also gaining traction among travelers.  Feeling the happiness of watching the cascade of Sangbay ni Ragsak with my little lady, Asher. Sangbay ni Ragsak is one of the many attractions in Suyo. Originally called Burayok, it was renamed Sangbay ni Ragsak in 2007 which is an Ilocano phrase for “Waterfalls of Happiness” and it does give you that smile when you see it up-close. With water cascading from a height of 30 meters, a shallow basin at the base of the falls collects it where tourist can wade in its cold waters. It is relaxing while you enjoy the view of the falls and its surrounding forest covers.  Asher and me at the base of the cascade of Sangbay ni Ragsak. One thing that really amazed me was how one can get close to its waters as it cascades down the rock face wall. You can enjoy a massage or a quick shower right at the base of the falls. Just be extra cautious when heading up to the base because the rocks are slippery in the area. Sangbay ni Ragsak gives a totally different experience to its visitors. POST TRAVEL NOTES Social media has been instrumental in bringing to the front destinations that were once hidden from the spotlight. This was the case for Aw-asen Falls where it was once enjoyed by only a few who dared explore the mountains of Ilocos Sur. Now, we have more people getting interested with seeing it up close and getting that social media savvy picture or video to share with others. It continues to gain interest that has now expanded to include Sangbay ni Ragsak in Suyo. That is the power of today’s technology.  We started 2025 with the beat and the beach! There seems to be more interest in exploring off-beat destinations nowadays with local travelers. Social media posts have been fundamental towards this direction. This is good for local tourism as we start exploring and discovering more which would mean more opportunities for local communities. The challenge for local governments is how fast they can adapt to changes and help promote sustainable tourism in their localities. Watch out for the release of our #JournalsOfTheTravelingDaDA Aw-Asen adventure video on my Youtube Travel Video soon. #MahalinNatinAngPilipinas Getting there: Our travel to Aw-Asen Falls and Sangbay ni Ragsak was organized by Baguio-based FB Travel Organizer - Highland Mountain Movers. Exploring both falls can be quite a challenge if done DIY hence I recommend that you go with joiner groups for the trip to be convenient and economical. Shoutout to my travel buddies - HULL & STERN Dry Bags for keeping my stuff safe and dry during my travels and MAGWAI for their alternative and eco-friendly products for my local travels.
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Marc del Rosario
I believe in education, entrepreneurship, and caring for the environment. 
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