Aw-Asen Falls, Sigay | Discovering Ilocos Sur’s Best Kept Secret

December 19, 2023December 19, 2023 Rex Lim Lim

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Sigay, Ilocos Sur: Nestled in a wide mountainous area, Aw-Asen Falls, for the longest time has remained a secret to intrepid travelers. This waterfall remains hidden in a valley in Sigay, Ilocos Sur. It is so majestic that visitors cannot fail to marvel at its stunning beauty.

In this adventure, let us take you into what seems to be the highest waterfall in Ilocos Region. Here we go!

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Table of Contents

Aw-Asen Falls
Sigay, Ilocos Sur
Major jump-off: Brgy. Sto. Rosario, Sigay
17.01617, 120.58211, 372 MASL
Hours to summit / Days required: 1 hour / 1 day – 4kms total trail length
Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

The Long and Winding Road to Sigay

I had been to Suyo about five years ago and was pleased by the number of waterfalls that the area has to offer. But what I realized at present is that what lies less than an hour from Suyo is a towering waterfall that will surely take your breath away!

After almost six hours from Manila, we turned left at the junction of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur only to be greeted with narrow twisting roads. Moreover from Urzadan, we had to turn left onto a dirt road that leads to Sigay. In addition, turning right will lead you to Bessang Pass in Cervantes.

Sigay can be reached in 1.5 hours from the City of Candon through strong-geared vehicles traversing 30 km, passing stony rivers crossing several times, and going up through mountain terrains.

Inside the Coffee Capital

The trip got more exciting as our van powered through Sigay’s tough roads. With most of its forests still untouched, the landslide-ridden road even got narrower and only one vehicle could pass at any given time. Then the longest hour went by on challenging steep dirt roads, we alighted on a paved road surrounded by rice fields.

During the rainy season, the place is isolated by swollen rivers and muddy slippery roads.

Both ends of Sigay are bounded by Quinibor Rivers at the north, and Ida, and Suyo Rivers in the south. Its type of soil is best suited to diversified crops, particularly rice, and coffee. Moreover, this earned the municipality the moniker of Coffee Capital of Ilocos Sur.

Onwards to Aw-Asen Falls!

From the jump-off point, we had to cross a hanging bridge that goes directly into the rice fields.

Then from that point, we had to cross the river which also serves as the headwater of the Aw-Asen Falls.

Soon enough, we entered a forested trail that directly snakes down into a steep cliffside trail – this is where we now heard the thunderous roar of falling water.

Massive!

I had to admit that at first, I thought that they mistakenly said that the waterfall was 120 meters tall. Here I am thinking that it must be just 120 feet from some of the photos I saw. But as soon as the cascade revealed itself, dang, it was massive!

The hike took less than an hour before we arrived at the otherworldy viewpoint of Aw-Asen Falls. A massive rock covered in moss and grass juts out from the cliffside trail which offers a panoramic view of the towering waterfall.

I was out of words the moment I saw how colossal Aw-Asen Falls was in person.

The steep drop of water flows into a deep catch basin that is surrounded by the thick foliage on sheer mountain ravines. Seeing it with my own eyes, the scene was a sight to behold.

When you think you have run out of places to discover, our country will surely surprise you. Aw-Asen Falls is something else and I am really glad to have visited it.

I hope that in the future, the Aw-Asen Falls will not be taken advantage of and will be developed sustainably. Moreover, we do aspire that all locals will enjoy safe concrete roads and other sources of income brought about by ecotourism.

Merrell Agility Peak 4

In this quick hike, I am using the Merrell Agility Peak 4 and it didn’t leave any crumbs as we swiftly managed the terrain going to Aw-Asen Falls.

What I like about this trail running shoe is the longer I use it, the better it feels even on my foot. The traction of the Vibram Mega Grip outsole is good and it is lightweight that I felt sure-footed on every stride.

• Jacquard upper
• 100% recycled laces and webbing
• Integrated lacing system for a glove-like fit
• Padded collar
• Gaiter D-Ring
• External rear sling locks in the heel
• Protective and abrasion-resistant synthetic toe cap
• Breathable mesh lining
• Removable PU footbed
• 100% recycled mesh footbed cover
• NXT lined footbed cover to prevent odor
• Rock plate for protection
• FLEXconnect® dual-directional flex grooves in the midsole for enhanced
ground connection
• FloatPro™ Foam midsole for lightweight comfort that lasts

Get yours now here Merrell Online Store or at your nearest Merrell concept stores nationwide!

How To Get There

Aw-asen Falls is located in Brgy. Sto. Rosario in the municipality of Sigay, Ilocos Sur.
Sigay is bordered on the north by the Municipality of Gregorio del Pilar, south by the Municipality of Suyo; east by the Municipality of Quirino, and west by the Municipality of Santa Cruz.
From Manila, take buses bound for Vigan or Laoag then ask to be dropped off at Tagudin Junction.
From Tagudin Junction, transfer to chartered monster jeeps bound for Sto. Rosario in Sigay. Contact Sigay Tourism prior to your target date of visit:
- Bal Quitor, Tourism Officer, Sigay MLGU – 0916 443 0028
- Facebook Page – Sigay Tourism (CLICK HERE)
- Kuya Ferdinand, Guide – 0951 308 6685

For a more hassle-free trip, you may contact Lilang Gala and check out their tour schedules going to Aw-asen Falls.
- Facebook Page Here: Lilang Gala (CLICK HERE)

It will take you approximately an hour to reach the catch basin of the waterfall on foot
Currently, there are no established commercial establishments at the jump-off. Please be advised that before arriving in the area, prepare accordingly and buy supplies before entering the road leading to Suyo, Ilocos Sur.
No data connection for all networks, signal for Smart/TNT is available at some parts near the jump-off point
Check weather conditions before the trip, start your trek early to avoid the midday sun
There are no rafts or life vests available in the area, make that you can swim as the catch basin is pretty deep
Practice LNT Principles at all time