Hey there! I know I promised to talk about our Malapascua Trip on my recent blog post about Kalanggaman Island, but since we are still on Enhanced Community Quarantine, I have yet to access my Malapascua Photos which I left back at the office. So instead, let me pull something out of my backlogs and tell you about our (not so long ago) trip to Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, La Union!

Yes, you've read that right. Our favorite go-to Elyu has something more to offer aside from the already crowded (but still very worth it) San Juan beach. Not very far away from San Juan is this very pristine waterfalls in San Gabriel.

For this blog however, I'm not just going to tell you about our experience, but also how to properly arrange your trip to the area. We unfortunately did some unforgivable tourist mistake, which we hope nobody else follows. So here we go.

How to get there?

We booked our Airbnb at San Juan area, very near the beach. From there, you have two options which you can take to go to San Gabriel. First is hailing a tricycle which is faster but definitely pricier, and the second option, which is the first on our DO-list is to ride a jeep bound for San Gabriel which will only cost you about 19 PhP.

Where to alight the jeep?

This one is where we got it wrong. Despite our research prior to the trip, we still had a bit of a rough time trying to figure out our way going to the drop off point for Tangadan Falls. So... we asked the jeep driver and our fellow passengers for help (this is not a bad thing to do considering the locals supposedly know the best about their area), and they told us to alight at a tricycle terminal where we can hire a tricycle and a guide to take us to the falls.

What should we have done? When we arrived at the end of the trail, we met a guide who was assigned to another group. He asked us where we got our tour guide and to our disbelief, the tourism office of San Gabriel actually has designated tour guides which are authorized to give tours to visitors in a much lower price than what we paid for ours. Second on our DO-list, research about the tourism office in each place you're about to go to, the guide which we were able to talked to showed us an ID which was issued to them by the LGU, meanwhile ours never showed nor worn an ID. We were lucky that we had no problem with the guide that we were able to have but it is still better to be safe next time.

What to wear?

The trek to the falls isn't that extreme, and may take up to 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace. We were a bit slow because we were talking and taking photos and were definitely not fit enough to hasten our pace. Third on our DO-list is to make sure you wear comfortable clothes which you are willing to soak on water, also make sure that your slippers are sturdy enough to last the trek (one friend of mine broke hers during the trek and had to go barefoot before being able to buy another at a store in the middle of the trek), you can also opt to wear aqua shoes, just make sure that it also has enough grip to avoid slipping.

What to bring?

We started our trip quite a bit late in the morning and the sun was glaring upon us for the most part of the trek. Luckily I was able to bring a light scarf to help ward of the sun's heat. That being said, fourth on our DO-list is to bring sun protection, we were lucky to have thought to put on sunscreen before heading out from our airbnb that morning!

Also, if you're a heavy snacker like me, and is worried that you might get hungry and thirsty during the trek, worry not, because there are a lot of stalls where you can buy food and drinks along the trek. Of course it doesn't hurt to bring your own baon-- just don't get too carried away, a pack of biscuit can do it!

Don't forget

Since we have covered almost every do's for the trip, we should always remember to keep Tangadan Falls as the pristine tourist destination that it is. Don't forget to throw your trash properly during the trek and while in the bathing area (actually, throw your trash properly wherever you are!), refrain from vandalizing the area, and take only photos and memories with you!

Also, don't forget to take care of yourselves and your companions, avoid jumping on shallow waters, avoid running during the trek, and make sure every step you take will land you on a sturdy stone!

See you on the next blog post!

2020 has definitely hit us hard even though we haven't even passed its first quarter! Hopefully, you are all doing well and are staying safely in your homes. In the meantime, let me tell you about my last beach trip for the year 2019-- it took sometime for me to get back to blogging, but here we are!

Kalanggaman Island in Leyte has always been one of my dream places to visit, but it always seemed too faraway to go to. Finally, last year, together with one of my college best friends, we were able to go to the island, with just a phone number of the guide in hand! No detailed plans whatsoever!

Our entry point was in Tacloban. Though based on the other blogs I read, accessing the island from Malapascua in Cebu is much easier.

My friend stayed overnight at the Zpad Residence, where I was supposed to join her but, unfortunately, I needed to defer my flight for another day to be able to attend my classes in Quezon City.

From the city center, you can hail a tricycle to bring you to Abucay Van Terminal where you can ride a van going to Palompon. You will be dropped off at the Palompon Terminal where you can walk or ride a tricycle going to the Palompon Ecotourism office where you can ride a boat going to Kalanggaman.

We booked a tour package going to the Island but please know, (and I sincerely recommend) that you can totally DIY this trip. We spent 2,400 PhP each (inclusions: Lunch upon arrival to Palompon, Boat Ride, Dinner and Breakfast in the Island, Tent, a souvenir, and Tables and Chairs) but you can spend way less if you go DIY. Tents, tables, water for bathing, cooked food, and liquor, are all available in the stores in the island-- you can also bring your own food and drinks, there are grilling areas available as well. 

Anyway, the island surely won't disappoint, and any disappointments which you may have had on your travel going there will surely be forgotten upon seeing the view!

Upon arrival and setting up the tent, we immediately made our way to the west side of the Island, there
were less people in the area and there are Teepee huts for rent! The sunset is definitely something you must catch here!

Meanwhile, the tent area can get very crowded especially in the afternoon, looking for a good area to pitch your tent is an actual skill.

One downside to travelling all girls though is that we somewhat had a lot of awkward encounters with the other tourists. Don't let the creeps get on your nerves, just don't mind them or call for security if they won't stop. Securities are available in the island especially at night. 

The view, made even better with the moon!

Grainy sunset photo!

Didn't even need to edit this photos aside from the watermark! All are raw and taken from my trusty  Note 8.

Make sure to bring your reliable sunscreen (and make sure it's reef-safe!) and flip flops because the heat can really be scorching. We tried taking photos while sitting on the sand and we could not even sit for long.

Taken with Go Pro Hero 5

All in all, our Kalanggaman Island experience was definitely worth the travel! The Island was definitely breathtaking, and I'm not even exaggerating here, if you are planning to spend chill island vacations with your barkada, this is the place to go to! Clear waters, amazing view, and did I mention that they clean their comfort rooms every chance they get?!

Our one night was still bitin but we got to go on a side trip to Malapascua on our second day in the island! I'll tell you all about it on a separate post!

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!