Quick Trip to Tortorayok Falls of Brgy. Muraya, San Juan, Ilocos Sur
How To Get There:
- Drive to San Juan, Ilocos Sur.
- You'll get to Brgy. Muraya through Brgy. Nagsuputan. It's before 7/11. The residents of San Juan are very amicable. They would be more than willing to help you. Don't hesitate to ask where Brgy. Muraya is. *wink*
- Follow road going east until the paved road ends.
- Jump-off is near the bridge.
- Getting a guide is optional.
The Travel Details:
[Sept. 11, 2016]
We left around 5:30AM. San Juan, Ilocos Sur is less than an hour drive from Vigan so weren't in such a hurry. We had breakfast at the food court near the town's public market.
After having our breakfast, we asked around where Brgy. Muraya is. The locals kept saying, 'Ay, adayo dijay!' ('Oh, that place is very far'), so we prepared ourselves for what may be a lengthy ride.
Turns out, distance can also be quite subjective. It wasn't that far. It's a 5km ride (give or take) from the National Highway. We parked 'Buttercup' near the bridge and politely asked the locals to watch over it while we head to Tortorayok Falls. We asked this little kid named, 'Cesar', if he could guide us to Tortorayok Falls.
The trail was well-established. We passed by a mini-water fall on our way to Tortorayok. According to Cesar, his friends would often go there for a quick swim since the main falls doesn't offer a wide basin for swimming.
It took us less than 20-minutes before reaching Tortorayok Falls.
Tortorayok Falls surprised me. It wasn't your usual waterfall. It didn't have that big 'plunge' nor that vertigo-inducing height but it was beautiful in its own way. The 'face' almost looks like a massive 'nuno sa punso' and it gave off this slippery illusion. I'm still wondering why this didn't get the same popularity Pikkang Falls had. After all, the trek here is waaaayyy easier.
There was an improvised basin at the foot of the falls which only provided enough space for chill dipping. In other words, you can't swim in it.
We had our snack while marveling at the uniqueness of Tortorayok Falls. After that, we had our backs massaged by it vigorous cascade.
As we were taking our leave, Cesar mentioned that he prefers swimming in the mini-waterfalls that we passed by earlier. Mukhang nabitin ata ang bata. Haha.
We then met Cesar's friends who were already swimming in the mini-waterfalls. We asked Cesar if he wants to stay for a while and play with his friends but he was reluctant to say yes. It was still too early so we decided stay for a while. After all, a few minutes won't hurt. Besides, we really wanted a good swim.
The kids were all showing off, taking turns jumping off the waterfall. Shempre hindi kami papahuli. *wink*
[wpvideo MU3bZq3C]
At around 9:30, we packed our stuff and said our farewells to the kids.
We gave Cesar a little something as our token of gratitude for patiently assisting us that day. We came home just in time for brunch.
I'm going to tag Tortorayok Falls as a go-to place for a quick dose of nature. You can literally visit it everyday (early morning, of course) and still be able to arrive on time for your 8:30 work schedule. Sobrang lapit lang niya, promise!
I just want to remind you to always practice 'Leave No Trace' when visiting the area. Unfortunately, the place is often patronized by irresponsible people. Various groups already conducted clean-up activites and have put up a signage promoting LNT, but it was only a matter of time before the whole place got trashed again. *sigh*
This is what a human footprint looks like. *sigh*
So from one human being to another, let us all be responsible for Mother Nature. The next generation deserves to see her at her most pristine condition. Let's all take that extra mile. Asahan ko yan ha? Okay? Okay.
'Til next time!
[Photo quality has been deliberately reduced. All Rights Reserved.]
- Drive to San Juan, Ilocos Sur.
- You'll get to Brgy. Muraya through Brgy. Nagsuputan. It's before 7/11. The residents of San Juan are very amicable. They would be more than willing to help you. Don't hesitate to ask where Brgy. Muraya is. *wink*
- Follow road going east until the paved road ends.
- Jump-off is near the bridge.
- Getting a guide is optional.
The Travel Details:
[Sept. 11, 2016]
We left around 5:30AM. San Juan, Ilocos Sur is less than an hour drive from Vigan so weren't in such a hurry. We had breakfast at the food court near the town's public market.
After having our breakfast, we asked around where Brgy. Muraya is. The locals kept saying, 'Ay, adayo dijay!' ('Oh, that place is very far'), so we prepared ourselves for what may be a lengthy ride.
Turns out, distance can also be quite subjective. It wasn't that far. It's a 5km ride (give or take) from the National Highway. We parked 'Buttercup' near the bridge and politely asked the locals to watch over it while we head to Tortorayok Falls. We asked this little kid named, 'Cesar', if he could guide us to Tortorayok Falls.
The trail was well-established. We passed by a mini-water fall on our way to Tortorayok. According to Cesar, his friends would often go there for a quick swim since the main falls doesn't offer a wide basin for swimming.
It took us less than 20-minutes before reaching Tortorayok Falls.
Tortorayok Falls surprised me. It wasn't your usual waterfall. It didn't have that big 'plunge' nor that vertigo-inducing height but it was beautiful in its own way. The 'face' almost looks like a massive 'nuno sa punso' and it gave off this slippery illusion. I'm still wondering why this didn't get the same popularity Pikkang Falls had. After all, the trek here is waaaayyy easier.
There was an improvised basin at the foot of the falls which only provided enough space for chill dipping. In other words, you can't swim in it.
We had our snack while marveling at the uniqueness of Tortorayok Falls. After that, we had our backs massaged by it vigorous cascade.
As we were taking our leave, Cesar mentioned that he prefers swimming in the mini-waterfalls that we passed by earlier. Mukhang nabitin ata ang bata. Haha.
We then met Cesar's friends who were already swimming in the mini-waterfalls. We asked Cesar if he wants to stay for a while and play with his friends but he was reluctant to say yes. It was still too early so we decided stay for a while. After all, a few minutes won't hurt. Besides, we really wanted a good swim.
The kids were all showing off, taking turns jumping off the waterfall. Shempre hindi kami papahuli. *wink*
[wpvideo MU3bZq3C]
At around 9:30, we packed our stuff and said our farewells to the kids.
We gave Cesar a little something as our token of gratitude for patiently assisting us that day. We came home just in time for brunch.
I'm going to tag Tortorayok Falls as a go-to place for a quick dose of nature. You can literally visit it everyday (early morning, of course) and still be able to arrive on time for your 8:30 work schedule. Sobrang lapit lang niya, promise!
I just want to remind you to always practice 'Leave No Trace' when visiting the area. Unfortunately, the place is often patronized by irresponsible people. Various groups already conducted clean-up activites and have put up a signage promoting LNT, but it was only a matter of time before the whole place got trashed again. *sigh*
This is what a human footprint looks like. *sigh*
So from one human being to another, let us all be responsible for Mother Nature. The next generation deserves to see her at her most pristine condition. Let's all take that extra mile. Asahan ko yan ha? Okay? Okay.
'Til next time!
[Photo quality has been deliberately reduced. All Rights Reserved.]
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