KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION | ILOCOS TOURIST SPOT

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION | ILOCOS NORTE TOURIST ATTRACTION

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The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is standing on the rocky coast of Burgos, located between two popular tourist destinations: the Cape Bojeador lighthouse and the Bangui Windmills.

Burgos is located on the northwestern tip of Ilocos Norte. The place is known for its creamy white and unique limestone formations, which have been sculpted by different oceanic and weather forces.

That was around 11 AM when we arrived at Kapurpurawan. Sunlight was at its peak, that’s why when you plan to visit don’t forget to bring along with you a bottle of water and don’t remember to wear your sunblock and sun visor too.

Upon reaching the jump-off area, we waited for a while before we hike down a cemented path leading to the open field.

Along the way, we pass through some thorny bushes which gave shades to the trekkers. Then a few minutes after… viola, we were greeted by the view of the vast South China Sea which is now known as the West Philippine Sea.

Few minutes of hiking passing through coastal rocks, pools of seawater and from where we were standing, Kapurpurawan Rock can already be seen. We continued for a few more minutes of hiking passing through the coastal rocks, pools of seawater and bonsai-like mangroves, a scenic view of this unique site become more alluring.

Lam-ang Sculpture at Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

A sculpture that depicts the “BiagNii Lam-ang” (Life of Lam-ang), an Ilocano epic can be found on your way to the rock formation. I was quite amazed seeing a formal toilet constructed for the tourist visiting the place.

Then we finally get to its base, the splendor of the whole place immediately captivated us. The view it gives from, where we stood, was truly spectacular.

The beauty of having a tour guide when on tour is the “storytelling” part which makes any trip more meaningful. According to our guide, Kapurpurawan is an Ilocano word which means “kaputi-putian” (whiteness) in Tagalog.

He added that these rock formations become even whiter during April and May. The Rock Formation is a work of art made by the forces of nature. The strong wind, sedimentation, and weathering shaped this grand scenery. I also noticed that one side of the rock formation is soft and has a chalk-like texture.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is known for its distinctive white limestone formation in the coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

HOW TO GET TO KAPURPURAWAN ROCK FORMATION

By Plane

Entry point via plane to Ilocos Region is through Laoag in Ilocos Norte. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is 45 km north of Laoag and 10 kilometers after Cape Bojeador.

By Car (Private Transport)

Travel time from Manila to Laoag is 12 hours. That is if you won’t consider stopovers. From NLEX, exit to SCTEX, then head towards north to Tarlac Exit, the last door of SCTEX. From Tarlac Exit, turn left to Sta. Rosa Tarlac Road. Turn right on MacArthur Highway.

Follow this highway northward passing through the Tarlac towns of Gerona and Paniqui and through the villages of Pangasinan (Urdaneta, Binalonan, Pozzorubio, Sison, and Rosario).

When you reach Rosario in Pangasinan, watch out for the important crossing on the road. The right way of the fork will lead you to Baguio. Take the left path going to further Pangasinan towns and Ilocos (this is still MacArthur Highway). From there you will pass by the Pangasinan towns of Sto. Tomas, Agoo, Bauang, San Fernando City, Candon, and Narvacan.

Before reaching Laoag, you will pass by the cities and towns of Ilocos Sur (Vigan, Cabugao, Batac) and finally Laoag. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos is 45 km north of Laoag and 10 kilometers after Cape Bojeador.

By Bus (Public Transport)

Partas Bus, Philippine Rabbit, Fariñas, and Dominion Bus are the most common buses that travel to Laoag. Check their travel schedule at least a day before your trip:

Partas Bus Pasay Terminal: (+63 2) 852 – 8194
Partas Bus Cubao Terminal: (+63 2) 727 – 8278
Dominion Bus: (+63 2) 741 – 4146 ; (+63 2) 727 – 2350 ; (+63 2) 731 – 4780