Abra – Natural Dye Capital of the Philippines

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part in planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into an unfamiliar places, people and culture is paramount.

Expand your horizons and set your sight to the Philippines, an off the beaten path travel site! An undiscovered paradise made of thousands of islands and white sand beaches all around! A tiny dot in the map of the world, and yet a haven for travelers, backpackers, retirees and even passersby.

It offers awesome tourist attractions, magnificent beaches, hot spring resorts, colorful festivals, hundreds of scenic spots and world-class hotels and facilities. Not to mention the tropical climate, the affordable prices as well as the friendly and hospitable, English-speaking people! You will be glad you came, and we’re sure, you WILL come back for more FUN in the Philippines!

PROVINCE OF ABRA

Photo from: wikipedia.org

Hemmed in the towering mountain ranges of the Ilocos on the west and the Cordillera in the east, the province of Abra occupies the western portion of the Cordillera region. This landlocked province is a melting pot of the lowland people of dominant Spanish ancestry and the unique ethnicity of the upland Tingguian tribe.

Insulated by the mountainous gazebo, nature has remained prestine in Abra and life goes on in a relaxed pace away from the humdrum of urban cosmopolitan living. The seat of the provincial government is at Bangued, its capital town which is four hours from Baguio City and 10 hours from Manila.

The province teems with empressive natural resources. More than half of its land are forestlands which are repository of a myriad of forest products and minerals such as gold, clay guano, rock phosphate and cement raw materials.

The province of Abra is also known as the “Natural Dye Capital of the Philippines” because it is blessed with abundant natural dye-yielding plants. Natural dyes are extracted from the barks, leaves, fruits, and roots of these plants, and used to color food, beverages, textiles, cosmetics, furniture and pharmaceutical products.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Abra River

Abra River is the most popular river among the numerous rivers criss-crossing the valleys of the province, being the biggest and longest. An ideal place for swimmers as well as those fond of fishing with spacious and clear water. Read More…

Libtec Underground River

Libtec Underground River is an enchanting underground river located in Barangay Libtec, Dolores.

From a distance, this enchanting underground river looks like a cave protruding at the surface of a seemingly empty field. Underneath the surface though is actually a flowing underground river that mirrors the jutting stalagmites. Believed to be a home to mysterious water creatures, this river is located inside a cave and surrounded by extruding stalagmites that provides both a feeling of wonder and eerie among the visitors .

Boliney Hot Spring

Boliney Hot Spring is ideal for swimming. The place boasts of its hot springs located in a rich natural setting. Traveling to the site amidst the mountains also offers a memorable experience for the tourists. Read More…

Kimkimay Lake

Photo from: philatlas.com

The Kimkimay Lake is a favorite picnic ground of both local and foreign travelers as it has clear waters suitable for family gatherings and sport fishing. This is one of the several lakes of the province located at Taquib, Villaviciosa. It covers an approximate area of one hectare amidst hills bordering barangays Taquib and Callao, both in Villaviciosa. KimkimayLake, according to legend carried by word of mouth was formerly a dwelling where several families lived. These families were however engaged in many vices so they were punished by the gods by sinking their community, submerging it in cool water. Today, the lake is a favorite place for town picnickers using the lake as a swimming pool and place for fishing. This place can be reached from Bangued travelling along a 32 kilometer winding Penarrubia-Villaviciosa- Pilar Road which as similar to the famous Kennon Road.

Tugot ni Angalo

Photo from: missosology.info

Tugot ni Angalo is located in Kabaruyan, San Quintin, Abra, Philippines. The name translates to “Footprints of Angalo,” Angalo being the Adam or First Man in Abra mythology. Locals believe that Tugot ni Angalo is the set of footprints of a real giant in San Quintin. The set measures around 15 meters long, five meters wide, and ten feet deep. On a clear day, it can be seen visibly even from a distance.

Sibud-Sibud Cave

Photo from: philatlas.com

Sibud-Sibud Cave is located along the newly constructed road of Tineg, Abra, Philippines. tourists can go spelunking at the Sibud-sibud Cave. Although the cave is little explored, the entire place however is very ideal for nature lovers as it is sited amidst lush greenery. It can be reached after a 33 kilometer or 1 ½ hour travel.

Limbo Lake

Photo from: philatlas.com

Limbo Lake is located in Villaviciosa, Abra Philippines. For travelers who wants to have a taste of the outdoors, Limbo Lake is the perfect tourist destination. It’s more accessible, and suitable for camping and hiking. While not as popular as Kimkimay Lake,it offers an ideal place for campers and hikers as it can not be reached by jeepney or bus although the distance needed to be traveled is negligible.

Tangadan Tunnel

A popular landmark, the 40-meter Tangadan Tunnel cuts through the hills in the Abra-Ilocos Sur and was made into a pop culture icon by Coca Cola’s “Carl Kalabaw” commercial (June 2005).