Tangadan Falls – San Gabriel, La Union (Travel Guide + Tips)

TANGADAN FALLS

La Union has become one of the tourist spots Filipinos love to visit because of its vicinity from the metro and the developments that cater to a chill and vibrant lifestyle. Bars, restaurants, cafes, and BNBs sprouted in the area one by one throughout the years. La Union has become known for surfing and lively parties. Aside from these activities, travelers can go to one of the numerous waterfalls in La Union called Tangadan Falls.

Its name is derived from the Ilocano word “Tangad” which means “to look up” or “Tingala” in Tagalog. Looking up is what you will really do upon seeing this amazing waterfall. It is 40 feet high and has a strong current flowing to the pool below. What’s more amazing about this waterfall is that it is a 2-tier waterfall.

Going to Tangadan, we chose the adventurous trail instead of riding a habal-habal or jeepney that goes near the falls. The scenery there was breathtaking even if it was an hour’s walk, the heat of the sun and the tiredness didn’t matter. There is also a point on the trail where we have to cross the Baroro River. We crossed the river via a concrete path. As we made our step forward, the cool water passed through our legs and feet. It was very refreshing. The rural view there is very calming.

2-TIER WATERFALL

We arrived at Tangadan Falls and I was very amazed by its marvel. Huge amounts of water fell into the plunge pool. Behind the waterfall is a small space wherein you can sit there and feel the rushing downward flow of water. Huge crowds started to come and we were told that there was also a pool above. We were surprised that there is another pool on top of Tangadan Falls filled by a small waterfall. The top plunge pool is small compared to the one below but it also has a lesser crowd. We spent our time swimming there. What made it more exciting was that there is a huge boulder on the side wherein you could jump into the pool. Life vests can be rented so we didn’t worry too much.

Visiting Tangadan Falls is the kind of travel that I seek. An adventure to a tourist spot surrounded by nature and also with a kick of adrenaline. If you also seek this kind of travel, don’t forget to visit Tangadan Falls whenever you come to La Union.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MORE DESTINATIONS IN LA UNION, YOU CAN ALSO CHECK MY BAHAY NA BATO GUIDE.

TRAVEL GUIDE & TIPS

LOCATION:

• Barangay Bucao, San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines

HOW TO GET THERE:

• Take a bus from Cubao (PARTAS or VIRON) in Metro Manila OR you can check KLOOK BUS TRANSFER FROM MANILA TO LA UNION
• From People’s Park in front of San Juan Municipal Hall, ride a jeep or tricycle bound for San Gabriel and drop at San Gabriel Municipal Hall. (Travel Time: 30 Minutes; Fare: ₱25.00 (Jeepney), ₱500 for tricycle-roundtrip-solo)
• Register at the municipal hall and get a guide at the tour guide station.
• Rent a habal-habal or jeep that will take you to the jump-off of Tangadan Falls. (Travel Time: 10 Minutes; Fare: ₱400.00 per person (Habal-habal – roundtrip),  ₱120-₱150 per person (Jeepney), ₱1800 for the whole jeepney if you are a big group)
• Trek from the jump-off to Tangadan Falls. (Travel Time: 15-20 minutes)

THINGS TO DO:

• Swimming
• Cliff Jumping
• Picture Taking

RATES:

• Environmental Fee: ₱30 per person
• Guide Fee (For 1-7 persons): ₱700.00, additional ₱100.00 per head beyond 7 pax
• Life Vest Rental (Optional): ₱50.00
• Parking Fee: ₱50.00 for vans/cars; ₱20.00 for motorcycles

ACCOMMODATIONS:

• AUREO RESORT LA UNION
• THE CIRCLE HOSTEL – LA UNION
• THE ESCAPE SAN JUAN
• P AND M FINAL OPTION HOTEL
• THE LITTLE SURFMAID RESORT
• THUNDERBIRD RESORTS – PORO POINT
• EL NAVI SURFTOWN

POWER PACK:

• Swimwear
• Insect Repellant
• Sunblock
• Mini Fan
• Dry Bag
• Hat
• Beach Mat
• Sunglasses
• Water Bottle
• Extra Clothes

CHECK OUT THESE DISCOUNTED/PROMO RATES FROM KLOOK:

• Boracay Parasailing
• Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour
• Boracay Sunset Cruise
• Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour Palawan
• Oslob Whale Shark and Cebu Canyoneering Adventure

Klook.com

CONNECT:

• Facebook Page: San Gabriel La Union Tourism Office
• Contact Numbers (San Gabriel Municipal Hall): +63 72 687 0125/0916 479 6253
• Contact Numbers (San Gabriel Police Station): 0928 780 2268

NOTES:

• Operating Hours: Opens Daily from 6:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
• Tour guides are required. No tour guide, no entry.
• Keep your official receipt from the Municipal Hall for proof.
• Walk-ins are allowed but to ensure a slot, arrange the tour days before your visit.
• There is a parking area but come early to secure a slot.
• A souvenir and food stall can be found in the parking area.
• The best time to visit is during the rainy season (June to November) when the flow of water is strong. The trail can be muddy so it’s better to go 2 days after a rainfall.
• Visit on a weekday if you want to avoid big crowds.
• The trail to Tangadan Falls can be challenging for seniors and those with mobility issues as the trail has ascending and descending steps.

©CHASEJASE