Pristine Pinsal Falls

Located in Barangay Babal-lasioan, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, Pinsal Falls became part of our itinerary during our weekend Ilocos getaway last October 26-29, 2007. Thanks in part to the MNTC calendar hanging in my room that I found out of its existence.

More than an hour away from Vigan City, Pinsal Falls can be reached through the Municipality of Sta. Maria. From the town proper, it is almost an hour's tricycle ride away. Its location is really remote that you can't help but wonder how special it could be to be hidden from mortal eyes. Yet when we got there, we found out that locals practically pass by it in going to and from Pilar, Abra, hence the steep stone steps which reminds me of the path of Cirith Ungol in the Lord of the Rings.

Boat ride to the falls is only Php15 per person, but you have to wait a long time for other passengers. One of the locals even told us about the hot springs at the topmost part, but we weren't able to get there and soak in it for lack of time... and lack of boat to take us back. There was only one boat traversing the calm river to the falls when we were there and we seem to be the only tourists.

If only we got there a little bit earlier, then there'd probably be plenty of time for a few more hikes... But then again, there's always another time.