For a weekend getaway, we planned a target destination: Pinsal Falls and Badoc Island.
We started our travel at 7a.m. from Burnham park, Baguio City and reached Savemore, Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur around 11:30 a.m., where we purchased foods and things we needed since the trip was decided a night before the travel thus, we only prepared our personal belongings.
We had our lunch first at Ally’s Restobar, which is located just beside savemore before continuing our trip to Pinsal Falls around 12:30 p.m. and reached the destination at 1 p.m.
➤Pinsal Falls is a hidden scenic spot located in the town of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. It will take 20-30 minutes’ drive from the main road (Landmark: Savemore). The road is concrete thus; the location is easily accessible up to the boating area going to the falls.
It’s really worthy of a road trip destination since aside from its remarkably well maintained beauty; fees are reasonable which I personally admire.
Fees:
Parking Fee: Php30.00/vehicle
Boat fee: Php10.00/head (Back & Fort: Php20.00)
The stairs going to the top of the fall where the "small pools" are located.
⇓View at the top of the Falls. There are lots of small pools where you can dip/swim.
The water is NOT freezin' cold unlike other falls I've been to, so we really enjoyed swimming.
sobrang ganda mag picture dito 😊
After exploring Pinsal falls, we continued our travel around 4 p.m. to Badoc, Ilocos Norte. We planned to have an overnight at the Island however; it was already dark when we reached Sinait. We therefore decided to go to the Island the next morning. We looked around where we can pitch our tent, we inquired at Sinait Floating Cottage and it will cost you Php550.00 overnight. We drove further until we reached La Virgen Milagrosa Chapel, it has a wide beachfront where we freely pitched our tent; we only gave donation to the Brgy. Tanod for the Church. The church is also a landmark to one of the boating area going to Badoc Island that costs Php1, 200.00 (6pax).
In the morning, we went to Pagsanahan Norte, 5-10 minutes’ drive from La Virgen Milagrosa Chapel where you can actually view the whole Island. Boating fee here cost cheaper (Php1, 000.00/6pax). We were informed that boats will start at 9-10 a.m therefore; if you wish to go earlier you need to coordinate beforehand. We then went to Badoc Public Market for Breakfast that is 10-15 minutes away, then returned at 8:30 a.m. to the boating area.
Badoc Town Proper
Boating area to Badoc Island (Pagsanahan Norte)
➤Badoc Island is an uninhabited island located about 1km away from the mainland. Badoc has crystal clear water, and powdery sand that has lots of shells and rocks. During our visit, we only saw 2 sheds wherein we used one for free although, I am not sure if it’s the same during peak season. You must buy everything you need before going there since there were no stores around. One good thing if you camp there is that, you can go around the Island and hike early in the morning since the sun is scorching hot as early as 9 a.m. otherwise, you can explore the island if you don’t mind the sun.
Badoc Island view from the mainland
Badoc Island experience
We head back at 12:30 p.m.; by the way, there are shower rooms near the boating area that costs Php 20.00.
Travel date: November 17-18, 2018
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