Amazing Burgos: Discover & Have Fun @ Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

The White Gem of Burgos, Ilocos Norte

It was a long tour ahead but it never stops me discovering great things here in Ilocos Norte. Solo travels taught me on how to interact with people and at the same time discovering places and share them to everyone. After spending in Bangui, Kuya Rey advised me to proceed to the next town, Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Sun remained present during my journey and I enjoyed it.

Burgos, Ilocos Norte. Source: Wikipedia

The town was situated 45 kilometers north of Laoag City. Burgos is a fifth class municipality with a population of only 8,000+. Former name was Nagpartian until it became Burgos due to the name of Father Jose Burgos who is famous because he was executed during Spanish era together with two other priests due to revolt against Spaniards which lead to a revolution. It was quiet town and a jump point to Bangui and Pagudpud for tourist spots until residents were able to find great things within the town. It was a nature drafted along South China Sea and it was striking due to color white rock formation. Due to its color, it was named Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Trivia: The name Kapurpurawan came from an Ilokano word puraw for "white" or in Tagalog word, "kaputi-putian". It was not a man made structure built on this place but a nature built through its forces: wind, heat and other elements. 

Welcome to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Kuya Rey mentioned that this place was part of itinerary so many tourists flocked especially during Summer and Christmas. Travel time from Bangui Wind Farm to this place was 30 minutes. There was a sign mark along the national highway that leads to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. The challenge part was the dirt road going to the main attraction. It was more of an adventure because of scenery until we reached the entrance part. No fees to be collected once we arrived. For me, it was more on a hiking. 

There were two options on how to reach the rock formations. First was through walking in which I and Kuya Rey did. Good thing that there was a path going to the rock formation. 15-20 minutes hike will do. Second was a horse back riding for PHP100. It will take you 10 minutes until you reach the attraction. So we choose the first option because I do love walking and taking photos. :)

closer to the rock formation

walking along the improvised road

I was very excited to discover as we moved closer to the attraction. Nevermind the heat of the sun, it was a great journey to this place and it shows a lot of potential for tourism. The moment we arrived, it was breathtaking. God created it and Mother Nature made it flawlessly. :)

moving closer

over there!

rock formation

picture of me

presenting...Kapurpurawan

Rock Formation

Went to the other side

solo shot

stand those rock formations

thanks Kuya Rey!

happy me

smile! :)

There were some tourists including their guide touring around the rock formation. I joined and listened to the explanation. According to him, the rock formation was already here thousands of years ago and it was only discovered few years ago. These lime stones were moved by nature and it was formed by this creamy white color that fascinated the beauty of the rock formation. Unlike before, you may move closer to the main attraction that looked like a sphinx in Egypt but it was prohibited by the authorities. They avoided people to draw closer for it might ruin the beauty in which I fully understood during his explanation. I also noticed some structures at the back of the site. He explained that these were only imitations, and it was filmed a movie starring Vic Sotto and Sen. Bong Revilla's "Si Agimat, Si Enteng at Si Ako" which was shown last year's Metro Manila Film Festival.

these are man made structures

created for a film

some built strucrures

looks like you were in a tribe

Burgos Coast line

Facing West Philippine Sea (South China Sea)

Make sure to include this place in your itinerary in Ilocos Norte. This place is worth to visit. You will appreciate the beauty and explore the greatness of nature only here at Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. :)

How to get there?

Travel to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is very easy.  Here are some of the options:

via car / van - once you reached Laoag City, head to Manila North Road by passing Gov. Segundo Avenue. Travel along the highway until you reach Burgos town. There was a direction to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation but it was a dirt road. Travel time from Laoag City to the main attraction is at 1.5 hours.

via commute - ride a bus at the terminal which located at the back of the Provincial Capitol. Buses usually bound to Pagudpud. Fare costs PHP40. Tell the bus driver or conductor to drop you off to the road going to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Once you drop off to this place, look for a tricycle and hire it back and forth. Do a price haggle from PHP100 to PHP150. Expect dirt road especially on its way to the destination.

More Ilocos trip to the next blog! :)