The Suyo Chronicles: Falls of Happines a.k.a. Sangbay ni Ragsak

A week ago, I heard that my rider buddies were planning to go on a long ride to Sagada, Mt. Province. I was pretty ecstatic when I found out about it because frankly, I haven’t been to Sagada yet. Unfortunately, they figured they’d do it on a Sunday. I wanted to go so badly but no matter how much I strategized, I just can’t pull it off without compromising my Monday. With a heavy heart, I told myself to just stay at home the whole weekend and sulk at the fact that I was left behind.

October 9, 2016 (Sunday). I received a text around 3AM informing me that they’re already getting ready for the trip. I couldn’t go back to sleep after that. The memory of yesterday’s inactivity haunted me so I got up, packed my things and did some last minute planning.

I was a little anxious. This was going to be my first biglaan, bahala-na-si-Batman solo backpacking trip. The only weapon I had with me was the fact that I can speak Iloko… and that I have an impeccable charm. [Wag kang ano. Blog ko ‘to. Haha.]

I got on a bus around 5AM and went on my way to Bitalag Junction, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. My journey to Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls has begun.

[caption id="attachment_336" align="alignnone" width="3000"] Iniwan. Gumising ng maaga. Lumarga ng mag-isa.[/caption]

HOW TO GET THERE:

Via Commute:

• From Vigan, take a bus going to Cubao, Pasay, or San Fernando, La Union.


• From Manila, take a bus going to Vigan, Laoag, Candon or Abra.


• Ask the kundoktor to drop you off at Bitalag Junction, Tagudin Ilocos Sur


• At Bitalag Junction, hire a tricycle that will take you to Suyo, Ilocos Sur. Look for trikes that are painted white and green. The standard fare to Suyo is P25.00 but you may pay for the whole trike for only P150.00. Maximum capacity per trike is 5 pax.


• Once you've arrived at the Municipal Hall of Suyo, ask the driver to drop you at the nearest jump-off point which is in Brgy. Patoc-ao. From there, you will see a trail leading to the falls.

Via Private Vehicle (Or if you want to hike all the way to the falls):

• If you're riding a private vehicle, follow the main road until you see the Urzadan Bridge. At the end of the bridge, there's a junction. Following the main road will lead you to Cervantes while taking the smaller road to your left will take you to Brgy. Patoc-ao of Suyo.


• Continue going along that road until you reach the Bailey Bridge. Cross the bridge and drive on until you see a marker saying you're approaching Brgy. Patoc-ao. There's a merging road at the back of the waiting shed near the marker. Follow that uphill road until you see a dirt path to your left that goes off from the main road. It's all left, left, left, basically. Keep walking the trail until you reach Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls. Enjoy!

TRAVEL DETAILS:

I arrived at Bitalag Junction around 7AM. I bought some energy snacks then decided to hire a tricycle to Poblacion Suyo for only P150.00.

[caption id="attachment_338" align="alignnone" width="3000"] Off to Suyo, Ilocos Sur...[/caption]

There are stores in front of the Municipal Hall so you can just buy food there if you want. RV Mamihan and Kainan was my temporary abode for the day. Kuya Julius and his wife was very welcoming. I asked about the trek to Sangbay ni Ragsak and if there's anyone that they could recommend as a guide. They recommended their nephew, Kuya Jackie.

 

Before we went to Sangbay ni Ragsak, I first registered at the Municipal Hall. I was travelling solo so I had to take extra safety measures. Left my name, address and contact person. I suggest you do the same every time you travel. Then make sure to give them a heads up once you're done exploring the place.

[caption id="attachment_330" align="alignnone" width="3000"] Welcome to Suyo![/caption]

Kuya Jackie was still fixing his motorcycle so his daughter, Inday, accompanied me to my first destination which was the DAWARA FALLS.

[caption id="attachment_332" align="alignnone" width="3000"] Inday...will follow you. LOL[/caption]

The trek to the place was easy. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see the falls up-close because the trail was obscured by the landslide that occurred months ago.

Here's a sneak preview of Dawara Falls:

[caption id="attachment_333" align="alignnone" width="3000"] Babalikan talaga kita. Swear[/caption]

I insisted on looking for another trail to get to the falls but Inday relented. I understood that she may be a little wary since it was just the two of us so I'm just going to put Dawara Falls on hold for awhile.

[Notice how I didn't give a travel guide on this? I already scheduled my trek to this place so watch out for it on my next post! *wink*]

We left for Dawara around 9AM and came back less than 30-minutes after. Yes. It's that near.

At 10AM sharp, we went on our way to Sangbay Ni Ragsak Falls.

[caption id="attachment_406" align="alignnone" width="640"] Roadtrip![/caption]

We followed the main road 'til we saw the Urzadan bridge.

 

Take the smaller road going left and drive on. Feast your eyes on the picturesque view of the river down below.

[caption id="attachment_370" align="alignnone" width="3695"] Toblerone topped with the remains of Dyesebel. LOL[/caption]

[This triangular rock may remind you of a piece of Toblerone but look closely and you'll see what seems to be... Yes. A Mermaid.

There are, however, no horror stories behind this. Some mischievous locals thought it would be funny to perch a mermaid prop (used during their fiesta) on top of this memorable rock.]

Just follow the road until you arrive at the Bailey bridge.

[caption id="attachment_359" align="alignnone" width="3000"] The Bailey Bridge[/caption]

Go straight until you see the Brgy. Patoc-ao Marker.

[caption id="attachment_393" align="alignnone" width="3695"] Brgy. Patoc-ao Marker[/caption]

Near the marker you will see this...

[caption id="attachment_360" align="alignnone" width="3000"] Tribute to the Veterans[/caption]

Take this uphill road, which will lead you to Brgy. Patoc-ao, until you see a dirt road branching off the main road. [Man, I really need to think of another term aside from 'road'.]

[caption id="attachment_media-18" align="alignnone" width="3695"] The trek begins here.[/caption]

You are now at the jump-off point.

Keep following the trail. There is an entrance fee but I didn't pay 'cause of my charm. Wag ka ngang ano. Blog ko nga' to. LOL

[caption id="attachment_386" align="alignnone" width="3695"] Pwedeng pambayad ang charm. CHAROT. HAHA.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_385" align="alignnone" width="3695"] Trek is less than 15 minutes. Yakang-yaka. No sweat. *wink*[/caption]

And viola!

[caption id="attachment_391" align="alignnone" width="3695"] Love at first sight.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_382" align="alignnone" width="3695"] Sangbay ni Ragsak a.k.a. Falls of Happiness[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_390" align="alignnone" width="3695"] Action cam. Tripod. Autoshoot. Solve.[/caption]

The place was breath-taking. It really looked like a 'ROOK' chess piece overflowing with water.

 

 

Be careful though, the dried up river bed leading you near the falls can be quite slippery. I had a few cuts here and there but it's all good.

 

 

The river was just the right amount of cold and the depth was around 6-7ft. Swam for a few minutes, went under the falls (Super fun! A little dangerous but definitely worth it) and just chilled with the locals who were there for a Sunday picnic. Called it quits around 11:30AM.

[caption id="attachment_381" align="alignnone" width="3695"] The Men of Suyo. :D[/caption]

I love conversing with the locals. Aside from making new friends, I get to know more about the history of place. Also, they told me they discovered another falls in Suyo. They're still establishing a trail but they told me that if I wanted to go there, I just have to give them a heads up so they can prepare the 4x4 needed for the trip. Ohhhh.

 

 

 At around 1:30PM, I alighted a tricycle back to Suyo. Even the ride back to Bitalag Junction provided a good rush!

[caption id="attachment_392" align="alignnone" width="3695"] Sa simula lang masaya... Ganun naman palagi eh. #Hugot[/caption]

I'm going to come clean though. I only enjoyed the first 5 minutes. The rest, I was fighting the urge to puke. *laughs*

 

 

I arrived at Bitalag Junction past 2PM. By 5:30PM, I was home safe and sound.

[caption id="attachment_418" align="alignnone" width="4608"] 'Til we meet again...[/caption]

Suyo, Ilocos Sur easily became a personal favorite. Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls is definitely a must-see. But I have yet to see the grandness that is Dawara Falls. I know there are a few more unsung wonders of the place and I can't wait to see them all. But for now, let's call it a weekend. ;)