Situated at the town of San Gabriel La Union, the Tangadan Falls is at least one of the top waterfalls chasing by travelers. Its cold water emanating the hinterland of Cordillera mountains.
The lower cascade of the falls is the main icon with a 50 feet high and apporoximately 100 feet wide. It has a catch basin with a natural deep perfect for a quick swim. The upper level of the Tangadan Falls is smaller but deeper, and it is best for cliff jumping and diving.
How To Get there:
From Manila, ride a bus bound to North (Ilocos, Vigan, Candon, La Union). Hop off from People's Town Plaza of San Juan La Union. From the town of plaza, hop on a jeepney with a signage going to San Gabriel, fare is 20php and 30 minutes travel time.
From the town of San Gabriel, the easiest way to reach Tangadan Falls is to hire a motorcycle which will cost you 300 php per head, with a 10-15 miutes travel time. If you want a thrilling adventure, you can do a trekking from Barangay Duplas, San Juan for approximately an hour of walking. This will require you a guide with a 500php fee.
Tips and Tricks:
1. Riding motorcycle is fun but life is valuable. Talk to the motorcycle driver to be careful because you don't want to die on a vehicular accident or having an amputated legs. Seriously, the road going to the falls was scary.
2. Never on weekends! I know that weekends are the best but the place was crowded. It was a mistake when we went there Saturday morning, the falls was packed.
3. Don't bring too much food, there are tremendous stores along the way. They sell snacks, packed-lunch and you can rent a life jacket. Since I'm not really a good swimmer, I rent my own life jacket which cost 50 php.
4. Enjoy the freezing water. At first dip, it was super cold but as you swim on deeper part of the falls, your body will adapt to the temperature.
5. I don't know if its practical to rent a bamboo raft and took a picture while riding on it for 30 minutes which will cost you 450-500 php/group of 5-10 person. But if you want experience, I suggest you better try. There's no harm in trying and took a good photo of you in the middle of a rushing water.
6. For added fun and thrill, do the cliff jumping! I tried, since it was one of my "to-do-list". It was a heart-pumping experience but it was amazing! Do it the proper way because you might get bruise when you land on the water.
7. Is it safe for kids? I suggest that if you bring your kids with you, watch them closely, especially on slippery rocks, and on deep waters. Is there any other way to go to the falls, without riding motorcycle? Yes, actually, private cars and jeepney can pass by the road of San Gabriel going to the falls.
It was my first waterfall experience together with great people. We had so much fun for 4 hours. I believe that La Union has a lot to offer aside from beaches and palatable food. It was an adventure of a lifetime.
