Kapurpurawan Rock Formation of Burgos, Ilocos Norte

Located in the municipality of Burgos, Ilocos Norte lies the rock formation called Kapurpurawan Rock Formation (simply, Kapurpurawan). Kapurpurwan is one of the best and a must-see tourist destination when visiting the province of Ilocos specifically, Ilocos Norte. It is situated in the coastal part of Burgos and were said to be formed by the combined forces of the ocean waves and the wind.

How did I get here?
The hotel we stayed-in offers a complete Ilocandia tour (Ilocos Norte and Sur). As for our group of 5, we paid 2,990 pesos/pax (price varies depends on the head count) which includes a private aircon van transportation to Laoag-Vigan-Pagudpud, a hotel accommodation for 2 days and 2 nights, a daily set of breakfast, entrance fees, toll fees, driver's meal, and as well as airport transfers. Airfare is not included. Oops, before I forgot, the name of the hotel is UKL Ever Hotel and it is located in Laoag City. It is also 15 minutes away from the airport.

The actual site of Kapurpurawan can't be reach by vehicles. People are require to walk from the jump off point in order to see it. It will take less than 15 of minutes walk...well still depends on your pacing. Or if you have some spare bucks, you may rent a horse to take you there. Horse ride is 100 pesos (two-way).

Off we go!

Kapurpurawan comes from an Ilocano word "puraw" which means white and there's no doubt why it is so called like it due to its evidently creamy white rock formations. I was able to see it half way from the jump off point because of its stunning white form. Locals say that the best time to go here are during summer season. Though it will be extremely hot because it is in an open area, the rock formation will be in its whitest form due to the direct rays from the sun plus it will be super dry.

I prefer to walk than rent a horse :)

Reminders along the way

And another one...

Extending the windmills construction reaches this area. They called it Phase 3

I was overly amazed as I reached Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. I must agree that this spot is a must visit destination in Ilocos or should I say in the Philippines. The elements of the white, tall and striking rock formations and the ocean view makes Kapurpurawan enticing to the eyes of its visitors. I/we actually didn't mind staying long under the sun. We posed and took photos everywhere as the whole place is picture-perfect.

Presenting the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Idle time at Kapurpurawan

How can you resist a groupfie?

Selfie... can't blame me for having one. Haha

Tamayo's Tower... Really don't know what it is

Chalk-like texture rock formation

I noticed that visitors come and go from time to time which I think a positive sign that the governance of tourism of this place is implemented correctly and on track. I just hope that despite the increasing numbers of tourists visiting Kapurpurawan, the local government will still be able to support and maintain the cleanliness and the whole look of the area and so future generations can witness it as well.

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A City Tour: Different Tourist Spots in Cebu City

Before I head on nature tripping at the province of Cebu, our group decided to explore first the city. Aside from being the second largest city next to Manila, Cebu City is also the oldest city of the Philippines which makes it a significant cultural capital of the country. Wherein the sign of Spanish cultivation is distinct in different parts of Cebu.

Looks like Manila huh? (photo from William Bryan Cua)

As for our tour in the rich culture of Cebu, we mainly visited churches and museum alike to get to know well the city, the people, and the province as well. By the way, the group rented an ac-van which costs us 3,250 pesos. It picks us up from the airport, driven us down to our hotel to drop off our luggage, a whole-day city tour, and it drove us back again to our hotel at the end of the tour. We're 11 in group so it is only around 295 pesos per head. Commute-free and air conditioned tour, not bad!

So let the city tour begin!

The Taoist Temple

Look at those very intricate design

Residing in Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu City, this temple was built by a Cebu Chinese community. Unlike the the nearby temple named Phu Sian which was also built by a Chinese Community, Cebu Taoist Temple is open to public. So even non worshipers alike can visit the temple. However since this place is a Taoist Sanctuary of Prayers and Meditation, all visitors should also observe solemnity. Taking pictures of the Gods and inside the prayer room is strictly prohibited. Please abide rules to prevent confiscation of your gadgets. Aside from that, you can take pictures anywhere around the temple.

Seems like it was shot in China. By the way that's Anna (Author of Stupid Banana)

The Taoist Temple is comprised of a chapel, a library, a souvenir shop and a wishing well and it stands at 300 MASL. The balcony offers the downtown Cebu and Mactan. The Taoist temple is open from 8am-5pm. Temple facilitators were said to be strict when it comes to time so don't go there if you think you will reach the place beyond 5pm.

More tourists shot pose. Aizel (left) and Rina (right)

My very own tourist shot pose.

Fort San Pedro

Welcome to Fort Santiago... ooops, I mean Fort San Pedro (photo from Byron Cantonjos)

One can be quite familiar to this place if you are a Manileño. It is because Fort San Pedro of Cebu is somehow resemble to the Fort Santiago of Intramuros, Manila. Fort San Pedro is situated at Barangay San Roque in Cebu City. It serves as a military defense structure during the Spanish time in the country. Now, Fort San Pedro is one of the historical spots in Cebu City and known as the oldest and smallest fort in the Philippines.

Just playing with the open door. By the way that's Paula and Edward in the photo

A nice Sto. Niño on top of the entrance

It is also converted into a museum/park wherein a 30 pesos will be given out as an entrance fee if you want to explore the area. Displayed in the fort are documents, paintings, porcelain pieces, cannons and other Spanish artifacts.

Some of the items found inside Fort San Pedro (photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Basilica Del Sto. Niño

Basilica Del Sto. Niño, old yet standing still (photo from Gladys Dizon)

Also known as the Basilica of the Holy Child. This place is the oldest Roman Catholic church built in the country. Basilica Del Sto. Niño has also been the the roof of the oldest religious image in the Philippines and that is the Miraculous Image of the Holy Child Jesus also called as Señior Santo Niño. Aside from that, Basilica Del Sto. Niño was established at the exact location where the image of Santo Niño was found during Miguel Lopez de Legazpi's exploration in Cebu way back 1565. Lots of old stuff are situated in Cebu which makes this place interesting.

Inside and outside scene of the church

Picture taking at the garden. Byron, the author of Baron the Explorer

Magellan's Cross

The famous cross of Magellan (photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Just a few steps away from the Basilica Del Sto. Niño, the famous cross of Cebu resides. The Magellan's Cross was planted by the Spanish explorers led by Ferdinand Magellan as they landed in the city of Cebu in 1521. The arrival of the cross is also said to be the arrival of Christianity in the country. Today, the cross is housed at the center of a chapel found at Magellanes Street, Cebu City. A marker at the foot of the cross stated that the original cross that planted by Magellan is encased inside a Tindalo wood. Well I guess that is their way to protect and preserve the original cross from being destroyed.

This is an interesting fact

Mactan Shrine

Mactan Shrine, located in Lapu-Lapu City, is a must see spot for those people who are interested in the history of the Philippines. It is where the battle between Ferdinand Magellan and Datu Lapu Lapu took place in 1521. Also, this is said to be the place where Magellan was killed in the hand of Datu Lapu Lapu. Today, the battle ground is now turned into a historical park where people can visit and read markings of what happened in this place a hundred years ago. Inside Mactan Shrine lies two famous shrine - the Magellan Shrine and the Lapu Lapu Shrine. Magellan Shrine is a 98 feet monument that was built in honor to the Portuguese explorer that was asked to find a western sea route to Asia -- Ferdinand Magellan. Yes, he has been an enemy by this country however his contribution as a navigator is still should be recognized.

(Left - photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Just a few meters away from the Magellan Monument is the Lapu Lapu Shrine. It is a 66 feet bronze statue of the first native Filipino who resists from being colonized by the Spanish invaders. The statue projects the Datu's braveness and fearlessness as it stands facing toward the sea and seems like still guarding the land from future attempt of colonization - which I find so cool!

Taboan Market

Let the bidding begin!!! (photo from Byron Cantonjos)

And before we went back to our hotel, we visited the Taboan Market. This is a popular place where people can buy local souvenir items and famous delicacies of Cebu (like dried mangoes, danggit, otap, others). Inshort, Taboan Market is the "Pasalubong Haven" of Cebu. The price of goods here are all negotiable so if you want to save up for your "pasalubongs" you should be good in "tawaran" or bidding. Note: At the end of your tour in Taboan Market you will smell like dried fish too. Promise! Hahaha

Additional city tour destination: Sky Experience Adventure

Conquering our fear

Please click the link for the full details of this adventure: http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2013/03/sky-walk-extreme-at-crown-regency-hotel-cebu-city.html

And that's the end of my city tour at Cebu City! Yey! There are still lots of other beautiful and meaningful spots in Cebu but I have to leave it that way just for now. I guess I have to go back again here and explore it the next time. It seems like easy but even though we had fun, this tour is really tiring and draining. So make sure to charge up and you're energize before getting in to action. Unlike us who didn't have enough sleep and drive right after we landed at Cebu (No sleep since our flight at 3:45am). Look how exhausted we are in between the tour.

Look who's sleeping very soundly... hahahaha (photo from Gladys Dizon)

But I have no regrets with our itinerary. The more place to visit, the better the tour!!! And this wrap up my entry.

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