Exploring Abra: Tourist Locations You Need To Travel To

How much do you know about the province of Abra? Geographically, it is in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its neighboring provinces include Apayao on the northeast, Ilocos Norte on the northwest, Kalinga on the mid-east, Ilocos Sur on the southwest, and Mountain Province on the southeast. With a total land area of 4,165.25 sq.km, it serves as home to around 240,000 people.

Economy is agriculture-based. Pasture areas and extensive grassland are used for livestock production. In terms of major crops, the province is known for producing corn, rice, root crops, and vegetables. They also export products such as coconut, tobacco, and coffee.

Sounds like Abra is thriving, right? Well, it is. You may want to visit this province in your next trip with family and friends. Abra offers beautiful destinations perfect for those who want to unwind and have a break from all the stress of the city life. Here are some suggestions of places to see and things to do in when you set foot in Abra:

Apao Rolling Hills

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Many people still haven't discovered Apao Rolling Hills in Tineg, Abra. Here you can take as many photos as you want of the panorama of dry grassland topped mountains across the high valley. Best time for Instagram is during sunset when the mountainsides present a spectacular auburn glow.

Kili Falls & Hot Spring

You can visit this place all year round. Jump into the waterfall and enjoy the hot spring that flows into an icy-cold river. What's more is there's a chance you'll have the whole place to yourself, as people refuse to go this far and remote.

Kaparkan Falls

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Situated in Sitio Kaparkan, Barangay Caganayan, Tineg in Abra Province, this is also known as Mulawin Falls. Best time to go there during the rainy season in August and September. This 500-meter long and 60-meter wide falls drain into the Tineg River.

Piwek Rock Formations

Who's up for some gleaming white limestone rock formations? The Piwek Rock Formations wall the banks of the Tineg River. You can get here from Brgy. Alaoa in Tineg, with help from a local guide to take you across the river on a bamboo raft. Sounds so exciting, right?

Tayum Church and Heritage Houses

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During the 19th century, the Tayum church was founded and built by Secular priests to Christianize the native group Tinguians in the region, unlike most Spanish-era churches in the country

Don Mariano Marcos Bridge

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Now let's go to the capital of Abra - Bangued. Around 8 hours travel time from Manila, this tourist gateway and transport hub is accessible via bus operators such as Dominion, Partas, and Viron. Easiest way, still, is through the national highway in Ilocos Sur, North Luzon.

Gourd Hats in San Quintin

Strive to meet Teofilo Garcia when you visit Abra. He is the Tabungaw Hat Maker of San Quintin considered as a National Living Treasure of the Philippines. Learn a lesson or two on how to make unique gourd hats made from the Tabungaw or Upo gourd. The best travels are those that taught you something.

Abel Loom Weaving in La Paz

The wonder of this complex weaving style & tedious natural dyeing process. Make sure that you stop by the town of La Paz. It is home to a traditional loom weaving industry specializing in producing fine woven fabrics called Abel. The women of the village who handloom these textiles learned the craft from their grandmothers.

Gabriel Silang Gallery of Fine Arts

Another must-see in Abra is the Gabriela Cariño Silang Gallery of Fine Arts.  The place is filled with priceless artifacts. It is also the 300-year old ancestral home of the Cariño family. Trivia: this house is where Gabriela Silang sought refuge to escape the Spaniards after her husband Diego Silang's execution.

After seeing these places, you shouldn't leave Abra without having a taste of their chicken and beef mami. Yes, you can have this at every corner in Manila, but the mami in Abra is absolutely more special. Try it!

Abra is no longer a blank spot on the Philippine tourist map. Thanks to the adventurers and backpackers, people are now exploring the wonders of the province and realizing that Abra is something. It features a mix of Ilokano and a bit of Spanish due to its history. So, the next thing to do is to gather your squad and book your flight. At least, you have this list as guide when you fly to the beautiful Abra.

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