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Top 20 Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots: Host of the Heritage City of Vigan

What are the fascinating tourist spots in Ilocos Sur for the curious traveler aside from the world-famous Vigan City? Included are both popular and off-beaten places to visit and include in your itinerary.

I just resigned from a job after some months of exhausting and hectic engagements. That was my first job in the sprawling Manila metropolis and I never thought it could be that stress-filled for someone like me who got used to living a simple life in the mountains.

I badly needed a break and travel was my ultimate respite. Instead of going back home, I chose to explore the eco-cultural wonders of Ilocos Sur, one of the provinces of Region I.

If you’re also planning for an immersion there, here are the must-see tourist spots to see. Take note. Most of these are off-beaten, thus, suited for those who don’t like touristy destinations. Let’s go!

Behold Ilocos Sur Tourist Spot s

1. aw-asen falls.

Aw-asen falls is one of the newly discovered tourist spots in Ilocos Sur, located on one of its remotest barangays namely, Santo Rosario in Sigay. Expect humps and bumps along the road to the barangay as it has not been fully paved.

The challenge does not end there. From the barangay’s nearest drop-off point, you ‘ll have to hike steep terrains and cross rivers before finally catching sight of majestic Aw-asen falls.

Aw-asen falls measures more than 142 feet (43 meters). It carved a wide and very deep pool. It’s crystal-clear and cold waters provide an instant relief after the arduous hike of getting here.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Santo Rosario, Sigay, Ilocos Sur
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
• Guide Fee: Negotiable
• Best Time to Visit: Summer Months (February to April)
• Contact: 09276754613 (Bacardi Quitor, Office of the Mayor)

2. Bantay Bell Tower

One of the iconic tourist destinations in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Bantay Bell Tower, stands on a hill overlooking Vigan City and the towns of Bantay.

Locals say that it was a favorite dating site of Diego and Gabriela Silang, both are local heroes who led revolts against the Spanish regime.

It is just 10-15 minutes of ride from Vigan. It is also adjacent to the St. Augustine Parish Church, known for its baroque-gothic architecture.

• Location/Jump-off: Bantay, Ilocos Sur

3. Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls

Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls is an Iloco term, which means “Falls of Happiness.” Though it is one of the remotest tourist spots in Ilocos Sur, it is also one of the most picturesque.

It’s best to come here during the rainy season as the falls is in its full force. Patches of rainforests surround the falls, giving it a rustic view.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Patoc-ao, Suyo, Ilocos Sur
• Trekking Time: 15 minutes
• Guide Fee: Donation
• Entrance Fee: Php 20 per head
• Cottage Fee: Php 150 for 24 hours

4. Dawara Falls

If you’re planning to visit Sangbay ni Ragsak Falls, you can also side trip to Dawara Falls. You can do that in less than a day! Dawara falls cascades like heavenly drizzles on the face of a massive cliff.

Even without soaking in the pool, you’ll eventually get wet because it sprays caressing mists.

• Location/Jump-off: Poblacion, Suyo, Ilocos Sur
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes
• Contact: LGU Suyo- [email protected]

5. Baluarte Resort and Mini-Zoo

If you’re looking to see exotic animals, check out Baluarte Zoo, a hundred-hectare zoological park, and resort complex. Here, you can find leopards, Bengal tigers, white lions, camels, zebras, and ostriches. You’ll feel like you are in Africa here.

• Location/Jump-off: Quirino Boulevard, Tamag, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur
• Opening Time: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Entrance Fee: None but there’s a Php 50 fee per person for an e-cab tour
• Contact: (077) 722-7186

6. Yamashita Cave

The cave is named as such because it served as a barrack of General Yamashita during World War II. Locals say that the Japanese hid treasures beneath the cave which has a range of 64 meters.

To get here, expect to hike across pine forests and cross brooks. Along the way, you’ll catch sights of grasslands, high meadows, and different flora species such as orchids.

• Location/Jump-off: Cervantes, Ilocos Sur
• Trekking Time: 45 minutes

7. Calle Crisologo

Calle Crisologo takes you back to the Spanish times. It’s one of the most popular historical tourist spots in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Old Spanish-style houses and shops line the cobbled street.

Here, you can ride a calesa to get you around. The surrounding shops sell Filipino weavings, handicrafts, soft brooms, sculptures, and many other interesting products. It’s best to visit here during Vigan’s Festival of the Arts, celebrated every May 1.

• Location/Jump-off: Vigan City

8. Cabugao Beach Resort

This is one of the best-known beach resorts in Ilocos Sur. Enjoy surfing and diving on the adjacent beach. You’ll also catch sight of stunning sunrise and sunsets. The resort offers a spectacular swimming pool for both adults and kids.

• Location/Jump-Off: Brgy Pug-os, Cabugao Ilocos Sur
• Contact: 639178334148 – Queenie S. Paras, +639177992677 – Mr Fernando U. Lazo
• Category: Ilocos Sur Beach

9. Burnay Pottery Making

Jars from Vigan City has been gaining popularity in recent years. In the Iloco language, these are called burnay. They are made by hand from a grade-A clay which is abundant in the area.

The industry dates back to pre-colonial times and the burnay has been used for drinking tea and as a container for local ingredients.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Pagburnayan, Vigan City

10. Vitalis Villas

Dubbed as the “Santorini of the North,” Vitalis Villas is the Philippines’ version of the famed Santorini in Greece, featuring cubiform villas painted in a wash of white and blue. It’s one of the most elegant accommodations in Ilocos Sur, overlooking the beautiful sea.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Sabangan, Santiago, Ilocos Sur
• Business Hours: Check-in: 3 p.m. / Check-out: 12 p.m.
• Contact: 02-373-333, 077-604-6868
• E-mail: [email protected]

11. Ken Ngilawen Burial Cave

When we speak of burial caves, the first thing that would come to mind is Sagada in Mt. Province. But you can also find them on a mountainous part of Ilocos Sur.

The Ken Ngilawen Burial Cave is a huge boulder with a wide crevice underneath where the log coffins are piled. Some coffins feature sculptures of a head resembling a serpent, cow, or lizard.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Apaya, Alilem, Ilocos Sur
• Trekking Time: 10-15 minutes

12. Baey Anito Falls

One of the least known tourist spots in Ilocos Sur, Baey Anito Falls is a sheer beauty to behold. “Baey Anito” is a Kankanaey term that translates into “House of spirits/gods.”

Locals say that the falls is a dwelling place of stories, thus, they named the falls as such. But no worries, that’s just a myth.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Anaao, Alilem, Ilocos Sur
• Trekking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour

13. Pikkang Falls

Pikkang Falls compose of several cascades with the highest measuring around 30 feet high. It has small and shallow pools.

Thus, its best to enjoy the falls by sitting or standing on the base while letting the drizzles caress you. It’s one of the most pristine waterfalls of Ilocos Sur, owing to its distant location.

• Location/Jump-off: Brgy Malamin, San Juan, Ilocos Sur
• Trekking time: 30 minutes – 1 hour
• Guide: Donation

14. Vigan Cathedral

Also called the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Paul the Apostle, the Vigan Cathedral played an important role in the history of the Ilocanos. It’s one of the recognized historical tourist spots in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, designed by Juan de Salcedo. It’s just a walking distance from the famous Calle Crisologo.

15. Tirad Peak

Tirad Peak towers over the historical Tirad Pass where Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar and his 60 men made their last stand against the invading American forces.

While atop, you’ll catch a panoramic view of the provinces of Abra, La Union, Benguet, and the municipality of Quirino. From time to time, a sea of clouds emerge.

• Location/Jump-off: Poblacion, Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur
• Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
• Registration Fee: Php 25 per person
• Contact: +639265331076 ( Mr. Macario Burgos, tourism officer)

16. Kayapa Falls

Cascading on one of the most laid-off locations in Ilocos Sur, Kayapa falls features a 7-tier beauty. It’s cool waters emanate from forests upstream which used to abound with different wildlife species such as deer and wild pigs.

The river leading to the falls also thrives with shrimps and small fishes. It is a new tourist spot in Ilocos Sur.

• Location/Jump-off: Quirino, Ilocos Sur
• Trekking time: 2 hours

17. Mira Hills Park

Mira Hills Park is Vigan city’s highest point and is the only remaining eco-park within the metropolis. It offers a rustic respite from the hustles and bustles of the city.

Here, you’ll find a swimming pool, an amphitheater for outdoor activities, and the Buridek Museum.

• Entrance Fee: Php 50 per person

18. Govantes River

Locals claim Govantes River as the “face” of Vigan City because it’s the first river you’ll see before entering Vigan City proper. The local officials have been eyeing to turn it into a boating park.

Hopefully, that will help abate the worsening quality of the river due to household and industrial pollution.

19. Padre Burgos House

It’s the home of Padre Jose Burgos, one of the Filipino priests shot during the Spanish times for allegedly leading a revolt. The house, therefore, signify the heroism of the Ilocanos.

20. Syquia Mansion Museum

The mansion is said to represent the wealth of some locals in the past. These locals were active players during the Galleon Trade. Inside, you’ll find ancient furniture, relics, and paintings.

Surprisingly, one of the relics was a gift of a Chinese emperor during the Ming Dynasty. During the presidency of Elpidio Quirino, the mansion served as the Malacañang of the North.

Because of that, the museum is one of the historical places to go to in Ilocos Sur.

• Entrance Fee: Php 20 per person

For Your Information:

If you need more information that may help in setting your itinerary to the tourist spots in Ilocos Sur, do contact Sure Ilocos Sur, a local tour organizer, through:

• Contact Number:  0776440135
• Via Email: [email protected]

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Hi there fellow traveler! My name is Daniel although you can call me Kumafor. That's my indigenous name. I grew on a remote village called Lias in Barlig, Mountain Province.

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11 BEST Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots + Things to Do

Located in the northern part of the Philippines, Ilocos Sur is a province rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Notably, it’s also home to Vigan City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most popular destination in Ilocos Sur. Beyond Vigan City, you’ll find more interesting sights and activities to do here!

In this guide, we’ll take you to the best Ilocos Sur tourist spots and activities that you can do with your family or friends.

1. Vigan City

2. bantay church bell tower, 3. santa maria church, 4. pinakbet farm, 5. aw-asen falls, 6. pinsal falls, 7. santiago cove, 8. sangbay ni ragsak, 9. paracad view, 10. baluarte zoo, 11. buy pasalubong, where to stay in ilocos sur:, what to read next:.

Vigan City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture. Whether you’re visiting here for a day or staying overnight in one of its heritage hotels, you’ll surely enjoy strolling across Calle Crisologo , taking in the sights of houses, kalesa (horse-drawn carriages), and souvenir shops selling food and other takeaways.

Don’t miss empanada at Irene’s, visiting the ancestral home-turned-museum Syquia Mansion, and the Dancing Fountain in Plaza Salcedo at night.

For a complete list of activities, check out our Guide to Vigan City .

Located a short distance away from Vigan City is the Bantay Church Bell Tower, one of the landmark attractions in Ilocos Sur.

The structure was constructed in 1591 adjacent to the Saint Augustine Parish Church (also known as Bantay Church), one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It originally served as a lookout point and defense fortification against pirate attacks and other external threats during the Spanish colonial period and then again as a lookout point against invading forces during the WWII.

Bantay Tower has a beautiful neo-gothic facade, making it a popular spot for photos.

Unfortunately, in 2022 an earthquake damaged the bell tower. As of 2024, going inside the bell tower is still not allowed due to reconstruction efforts, but you can still see and take pictures of the Bantay Tower from outside.

By now, we know that Ilocos Region is home to a number of beautiful heritage churches, right? Santa Maria Church (also referred to as Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion) is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a beautiful brick façade and a cylindrical bell tower.

The church is located atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

It gets busy on weekends on holidays, so if you want to go there for quiet and reflection, schedule your visit on a weekday.

A visit to Ilocos Sur won’t be complete without going on an gastronomic adventure. And so, next up on our list is Pinakbet Farm, a riverside restaurant located in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur.

Pinakbet Farm is a fantastic place to enjoy Filipino favorites, including their IsKarGu set meals (isda, karne, gulay) served with KBL (kamatis, bagoong, and lasona). While savoring the dishes cooked from farm-fresh ingredients, take a moment to appreciate the peaceful river and farm setting. You can also watch a cultural dance performance daily, starting at 12:30 NN to 1PM.

The food at Pinakbet Farm is delicious and reasonably priced. It’s perfect for everyone, from couples to large groups, making it a part of our best Ilocos Sur tourist spots.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rex Lim Lim (@rexlimlim)

For those who like off-the-beaten-path adventure, one of the Ilocos Sur tourist spots that you should see is Aw-Asen Falls. Standing about 121 meters high, Aw-Asen Falls is considered the highest waterfall in the Ilocos Region. It’s tucked away in the mountains of Sigay, away from the main tourist crowd, making it a great spot for nature tripping.

To get here, you will need to go on a short but tiring trek for almost an hour. The trail mostly consists of mountain path and thick vegetation. Once at the waterfall area, don’t miss the chance to take photos of the majestic waterfall in its glory and take a dip in its cool, deep basin. It is said that the waterfall is fed by a spring uphill, so the water is safe to drink.

The best time to visit Aw-Asen Falls is from November to May.

Next up is one of the best-kept attractions in Ilocos Sur: Pinsal Falls.

Located in the town of Sta. Maria, Pinsal Falls is an 80-foot waterfall with a wide emerald-green basin for swimming. Locals also refer to it as “Twin Falls,” since the flowing cascade separates into two.

To get to the actual waterfall, you can go on a fun balsa ride or walk your way through a series of stairs. If you’re feeling adventurous, trek to the top of the waterfall, which offers a better view and a series of mini-pools where you can take a dip, jacuzzi-style.

There are cottages near the falls that you can rest for rest and picnicking. There are also bathrooms and toilets for refreshing.

The best time to visit Pinsal Falls is during the rainy season, when the flow of the waterfall swells up.

For those craving sun, sand, and sea, Santiago Cove (colloquially known as Sabangan Cove) in the town of Santiago beckons with its 1 kilometer stretch of white sand and clear waters. It is often likened to Boracay in Kalibo, Aklan.

At Santiago Cove, you can relax on the shore, go for a swim, or indulge in watersports like kayaking, paddleboating, jetski, and island hopping. There are also beachfront cabanas where you can rest while enjoying the view of the sea.

Santiago Cove is a great place to enjoy the summer and it’s a family-friendly destination, too!

Click here to book discounted rooms at Santiago Cove Hotel .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Enola Mati Ciaotse (@shellaanuelo)

Another natural attraction in Ilocos Sur that you should see is Sangbay ni Ragsak , Ilokano’s own “Falls of Happiness.” Sangbay ni Ragsak is a beautiful 30-meter waterfall with a wide basin that goes approximately 6-7 feet deep, perfect for swimming. It’s a great spot for a quick dip, especially as it is lesser crowded than other tourist spots in Ilocos Sur.

Getting here is easy. From the registration point, the waterfall is only a short walk away. There are also cottages and tables along the trail that you can rent if you want to stay awhile.

Paracad View is a riverside dining restaurant built alongside a mangrove forest. “Paracad” is the Ilocano word for mangroves, and it aptly describes the tranquil mangrove forest view that you can enjoy while enjoying Ilokano favorites, including snacks such as empanada, lumpianada, and okay, as well as freshly caught seafood.

This restaurant is perfect for families. During the sunset, the place gives off a soft romantic vibe, so it’s ideal for couples as well.

Aside from dining and picture taking, kayaking activity is offered as well.

Owned by former Filipino politician Chavit Singson, Baluarte Zoo is a sprawling animal zoo located in Vigan City. Visitors can get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including tigers, ostriches, and reptiles, making it a fun-filled destination for families and animal lovers alike.

Note : I personally do not recommend any destination that engages in picture taking with captive tigers. I believe there are alternative animal sanctuaries that promote conservation. I’ve included Baluarte Zoo since it is one of the popular tourist spots in Ilocos Sur.

Finally, buy some pasalubong before your trip home! Vigan empanada, Vigan longganisa, bagnet, and chichacorn are favorite food souvenirs to take home. For recipients that love home cooking, take home a bottle or two of sukang iloko.

There are also shops in Ilocos Sur selling inabel clothing, bags, wallets, and other products.

How to get to Ilocos Sur

Here’s how to get from Manila to Ilocos Sur:

The most common way to commute is by taking a  bus from Pasay or Cubao to Vigan . Travel is around 8-9 hours.

The closest airport is Laoag International Airport in Laoag City. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines fly from Manila to Laoag on selected days.

From the airport, ride a bus, van, or taxi to your destination in Ilocos Sur.

Here are the best hotels and resorts in Ilocos Sur:

Vigan City:

• Hotel Felicidad . A charming hotel located just a short walk away from Calle Crisologo.  Read our review .

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• Hotel Luna . The first museum hotel in the Philippines, featuring beautiful rooms, a gallery with original artworks from local artists including Juan Luna, and a pool.  Read our review .
• Santiago Cove Hotel
• Vitalis White Sands

Do you have other places to recommend in our list of best Ilocos Sur tourist spots? Let us know in the comment section below!

Visiting the Ilocos Region? Read the rest of our articles!

• Best Ilocos Norte Tourist Spots
• Best Ilocos Sur Tourist Spots
• Best Vigan Tourist Spots + Things to Do
• Paoay Sand Dunes
• Burgos Wind Farm

See our hotel reviews:

• Hotel Felicidad (Vigan City)
• Hotel Luna (Vigan City )

Get discounts on your travels!

Enjoy discounts with KLOOK using our promo code: TARALETSANYWHERE

Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

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Sangbay Travel and Tours is located at: J888+RPM, MacArthur Hwy, San Fernando, La Union, Philippines.

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Coordinates: 16.6170796, 120.3167872

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San Fernando, officially the City of San Fernando, is a 3rd class component city and capital of the province of La Union, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 125,640 people. San Fernando serves as a gateway to trade, commerce, culture and heritage of Ilocandia. source

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Sangbay Travel and Tours

Phone Number : +63722427217

Website : Suggest Official Website

Categories : Travel agency

Address : Tabora Building, 2500 San Fernando, Philippines

GPS Coordinates : 16.61701 , 120.319 La Union, Ilocos Region, Philippines

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There is a list of nearest hotels: CV Bed n Bath La Union located at 5 Apigo Street, Lingsat, San Fernando, La Union, in 2.33 km northwest . Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point is a five stars hotel located at Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando City, in 3.57 km west . Onshore Guest House is a two stars hotel located at 245 Urbiztondo Rd, San Juan, San Fernando, La Union, in 4.25 km north . Yang House is a two stars hotel located at 01 Villa Sebastian San Juan, La Union Philippines San Juan, La Union, in 4.36 km north . Isla Bonita Beach Resort is a three stars hotel located at 117 Velasco Street, Barangay Ili Sur, San Juan, La Union, in 6.05 km north . La Union Blue Marlin Resort located at Purok 4 Canaoay West, San Fernando, La Union, in 6.07 km south . Villas Buenavista is a two stars hotel located at Ili Sur, La Union, in 6.24 km north .

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• Mt. Kabunian (1,789+) | Into Bakun’s Sacred Mountain Peak
• Mt. Igcoron (600MASL) | Scaling Valderrama’s Razor Back Mountain
• Aw-Asen Falls, Sigay | Discovering Ilocos Sur’s Best Kept Secret
• Agas-Agas Bridge | Crossing the Country’s Tallest Bridge
• Dinagat Islands: Into the Mystical Island Province of Caraga Region

TRANSIT PINAS

Philippine Adventures and Beyond

Sangbay ni Ragsak – Suyo’s Waterfall of Happiness

In this travel guide, let me take you to Suyo’s waterfall of happiness, the Sangbay ni Ragsak!

Ilocos Sur boasts more destinations that is still under the radar. The province is more than just the cobblestone streets of Vigan City since it has a good number of waterfalls and mountains worth exploring.

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The bus came to a complete stop with the conductor shouting “Yellow Market! Tagudin!” – still half asleep, I peeked out of the window, and was befuddled with the darkness outside. Realizing that this was already Tagudin and I arrived two hours ahead of time, I quickly collected my stuff and jolted out of the bus.

Arriving at the witching hour, I spent the next two hours doing nothing until I eventually flagged a tricycle who’ll take me to Suyo. It was a cold Sunday morning until I was dropped of at Urzadan after a twenty minute chilly ride.

Then it took me around  half an hour before I chartered a habal-habal that will take me to Sangbay ni Ragsak and the two other falls in Suyo for 700php. So here it goes!

Arriving at Brgy. Patoc-ao, the cemented road ended and the foot path began. It took me around 10 minutes until I arrived at the registration area and paid 20php. Then from there – the waterfall is already just a few more steps away.

Sangbay ni Ragsak is an Ilocano phrase for Waterfall of Happiness . I must say that the height of this cascade is more impressive than in the photos. It resembles the Rook chess piece because of its seemingly castle tower shaped rock formation. Water flows at three sides of it and might be more powerful during the rainy days.

Swimming in here is a must try! The water level at its deepest is just around 6-7 feet and icy cold! Don’t worry, there are rest rooms around so you can change right after  quick dip. Locals and travelers alike spend their weekends here just relaxing and having their picnics.

Several huts and cottages line up the trail going down to the waterfall and can be rented at the registration area. There aren’t any stores around so might as well bring snacks and water with you to avoid inconvenience.

I spent around an hour in here before I packed up and descended back.

Next stop! The towering Dawara Falls !

How To Get There

• From Manila, take any bus headed to the Ilocos Region, primarily Candon City, Vigan City, Laoag City or Bangued, Abra. (Partas, Viron, Dominion, Florida)
• Alight at Bitalag Junction in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, just a few hundred meters from the Tagudin Yellow Market. Fare starts at 500-650php, travel time is 5-7hrs depending on the time of the day.
• You can alight at the Municipal Hall to register, then charter another tricycle going to Brgy. Urzadan.
• Or ask the tricycle to take you directly to Brgy. Urzadan.
• From Brgy. Urzadan, landmark is an eatery and waiting shed after the bridge, ask the locals where you can hire a habal-habal to bring you to Brgy. Patoc-ao, the jump-off point for Sangbay ni Ragsak. Fare is around 50php per way, travel time is around 10 minutes (3 kilometers).
• Upon arrival, at Brgy. Patoc-ao, take a short trek going to Sangbay ni Ragsak, it will take you less than twenty (20) minutes before you finally see the waterfall. Registration fee is 20php.

Have you been in there? Planning to visit this waterfall? Ask us anything at the comments section below!

Updated february 14, 2020, share this:.

• ← Fortune Island: A Budget Travel Guide
• Dawara Falls – The Curtain Cascade of Suyo →

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Cruise ship was right to ditch the late passengers in africa, travel writer says.

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Eight people have accused Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) of abandoning them on a tiny island in Africa after a private tour ran late and the group missed the embarkation cut-off time.

Four of the group are elderly and another is pregnant, and though the ship was still at anchor, they were denied boarding.

The ship, the Norwegian Dawn, set sail without them — and it was right to do so.

Once, I was late to check in for a flight. I jumped out of the taxi, sprinted to the counter (which is no mean feat when you’re hauling luggage) and arrived at the desk sweating bullets, prepared to get on my knees and grovel if it meant I’d be allowed through.

I began to tell my sob story to the lady at the desk, heart hammering and lungs gasping for air, when she politely interrupted and shook her head.

In the nicest way possible, she said this: “Stiff bickies.” (OK, yes, I’ve paraphrased.)

Sure, the plane was still at the airport, no more than a few hundred meters from where I was standing. However, the luggage had already been loaded, the manifest had already been finalized, and the other passengers were already boarding.

There was no way they were going to let me board, nor should they have.

You see, I had been on a whale-watching tour about two-and-a-half hours south of the airport — hey, it was my last day, I wanted to make it count.

I planned it to perfection, except for one detail: We spotted a playful pod right at the very end, so the captain offered to give us some bonus time to enjoy the view.

With one eye on the magnificent mammals and the other on my watch, I held on to a flicker of hope that I might make it.

I jumped on the bus back to town, flagged down a cab and asked the driver to hurry. I launched out of the car like a 100m sprinter launches out of starting blocks and ran into the terminal.

Alas, my proverbial ship had sailed.

Was it a bummer? Absolutely. But imagine delaying the other 158 or so passengers scheduled to depart on the Boeing 737, asking the crew to extend their shifts, or holding the plane and disrupting airport traffic … all so little old me could drop off my bags, scurry through security, and find my gate.

Imagine the awkwardness if I stepped onto that plane. What do you say? “Sorry, guys, my bad, lol.”

Keep up with The Post's coverage of the Norwegian Cruise debacle

• Eight Norwegian Cruise passengers, including a pregnant woman and an elderly man with a heart condition, were stranded on an African island without money and vital medications after the vessel left port without them.
• A spokesperson for the cruise line claimed the passengers were left on the island “on their own or with a private tour” and missed the “all-aboard time” by over an hour, according to the company.
• Americans Jill Campbell and her husband, Jay Campbell, said they are unsure whether they even want to resume the 20-day voyage after Norwegian Cruise Lines forgot about its “basic duty of care.”
• The eight passengers raced through seven different countries over a span of 48 hours to make it to Senegal, where the ship docked Tuesday morning,
• Doug and Violeta Sanders, a stranded Australian couple, have spoken out about their ordeal , saying it was “the worst experience of our lives.”
• Julie Lenkoff, 80,  suffered a stroke during an excursion on the cruise — and was left “alone” and “helpless” to find her way back to the US, according to her family.
• COLUMN: Cruise ship was right to ditch the late passengers in Africa

Check out The Post’s tips on what to do if you’re left stranded like the Norwegian Cruise passengers

That doesn’t even scratch the surface of a cruise ship’s operations. Norwegian Dawn can accommodate 3,372 people — 2,340 passengers and 1,032 crew — and this group of eight expected it to wait?

A ship’s departure time isn’t exactly a mystery.

I sailed on Norwegian Dawn in February and the departure time was published in NCL’s Freestyle Daily newsletter the night before and announced over the loudspeaker multiple times in the morning.

It was also posted on signs at the doors where guests disembark.

The golden rule is clear: Make sure you’re back on time, or the ship may sail without you.

So what do you do if you’re left behind?

Generally there are two options: Either catch up with the ship at a later port or head home.

If you’re lucky, you’ll have brought your essentials with you — your passport, phone, credit card and medication — because all of your belongings will stay on board until the end.

Please don’t get me wrong, of course I’m sympathetic to the distress of those who were left in a foreign country without the safety of the ship.

It would be scary and stressful to figure out next steps, especially for the members of the group with higher needs, and disappointing to miss out on their vacation.

However, the unfortunate reality is that ships can’t always wait.

Private tours are a whole separate issue, because while the ship will wait for official tours — those which have been organized by the cruise ship operator — to return, all bets are off for passengers taking their shore excursions into their own hands.

Unofficial tours can be slightly cheaper than those on the ship’s itinerary, with slightly more availability, so they can be attractive. However, while operators will do their best to stick to scheduled times, all bets are off once you board that bus and leave the port.

Think of it like booking multiple legs of a trip with different airlines. They’re not in the same network, they don’t owe each other anything, and they can’t guarantee that you’ll make your connection. Say the bus breaks down. Maybe someone wanders off and takes ages to return.

Perhaps the group lingers over a delicious lunch. Someone might need to stop at an ATM or a bathroom. You could get stuck in traffic. Or maybe your tour will be like mine and you’ll see something incredible that simply makes you want to pause.

And so, eight passengers were left in São Tomé and Príncipe , Africa’s second-smallest country.

“While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time,” NCL said in a statement, adding that it is communicating with the guests about their next steps. It’s harsh but fair, especially since the other 3,364 (or so) people on board got it right.

Kirrily Schwarz recently sailed on Norwegian Dawn as a guest of Norwegian Cruise Line.

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Parque Nacional Sangay

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The Parque Nacional Sangay is Ecuador’s largest highland reserve, a sprawling wilderness – and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – covering more than 5000 square kilometres of the eastern Andean cordillera, spilling down into the Amazon basin. The park’s stunning sierra scenery takes in three volcanoes (Tungurahua, El Altar and Sangay), over three hundred lakes, pristine páramo and native cloudforest, providing a habitat for spectacled bears, Andean condors, pumas and deer, among other mammals, while jaguars, monkeys and ocelots inhabit the lower, tropical areas. There’s very little infrastructure for tourists and no marked trail system. Apart from the Guamote–Macas road , slicing through the park from the sierra to the Oriente, access to Parque Nacional Sangay is via a number of remote, potholed dirt roads leading to the various guarderías , or ranger stations , serving the different areas of the park, often situated near local communities that can be reached by bus. The entrance fee for foreigners is $10; the ticket is valid for two weeks in all the park’s various sectors.

Hiking to El Altar

Starting at the northern end of the park, the main attractions begin with Volcán Tungurahua (5023m), a snowcapped volcano normally approached via the Guardería Pondoa, south of Baños, but currently off-limits due to renewed volcanic activity. To the south, El Altar is the highest point in the park and the fifth-highest mountain in Ecuador. Once a volcano, an ancient eruption blew it asunder, leaving a jagged skeleton of rock, now a spectacular semicircle of nine summits teetering over a dazzling crater lake and a popular target for trekkers. Irascible Volcán Sangay (5230m), one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is the third great peak in the park, a difficult-to-reach and hazardous climbing proposition. Both it and El Placer hot springs are approached from the Guardería Alao, in the village of Alao, reachable by bus from Riobamba. Further south, there’s wonderful trekking around the Lagunas de Atillo and the Lagunas de Ozogoche , clutches of beautiful páramo lakes set in rugged scenery.

The best months to hike in these highland areas of Sangay are November to February, when the weather is at its driest and sunniest, though downpours can occur at any moment, so come prepared. Outside these months the area is prone to cold, wet, windy and sometimes foggy conditions.

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Combine Ecuador's mainland, visiting Cotopaxi volcano, the fascinating city of Quito, the market in Otavalo, hot springs in Papallacta and more, with the unique wildlife and nature of the Galapagos. A once in a lifetime trip with extraordinary hotels and lodges awaits.

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On Top of the World & Deep Into the Sea

Calling all adventurers - hiking volcanoes? Meeting indigenous tribes in the Amazon? Diving in the magnificent Galapagos islands? This trip truly has it all. Enjoy a fast-paced trip including Quito, Mindo, Cotopaxi, Coyambe, Otavalo, Yasuni Reserve in the Amazon, as well as the Galapagos.

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Luxury Galapagos Cruise & Mainland Highlights

Seven nights on a luxurious super yacht in the Galapagos - explore the natural wonders of this island paradise in style. Afterwards, fly to the mainland and discover Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito. Volcanoes, waterfalls, markets, and much more are to be discovered.

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Twenty-five kilometres east of Riobamba, EL ALTAR (5320m) is an extinct, heavily eroded volcano rising to the south of Volcán Tungurahua. Named Cupac Urcu, or “sublime mountain”, in Quichua, El Altar boasts a breathtaking crater set within an amphitheatre of jagged, ice-capped peaks studded with hanging glaciers that are constantly rumbling and cracking. The principal of the volcano’s nine craggy summits is El Obispo , a difficult technical climb not conquered until 1963 and best left to experienced mountaineers. Lying in the bottom of the crater is Laguna Amarilla (4300m), whose yellow-green waters are dotted with blocks of ice that have calved off the glaciers above. A wide gap in the west side of the crater opens onto a flat plain known as the Valle de Collanes , providing easy access down to the lake.

El Altar can be reached on a highly rewarding two- to three-day round-trip hike , starting from the tiny village of Candelaria , a fifteen-kilometre drive down a dirt track southeast from the village of Penipe , which sits 22km northeast of Riobamba on the road to Baños. There are three to four weekday buses to Candelaria (two on Sat, none Sun; 1hr 30min) from the Terminal Oriental in Riobamba; alternatively, you can get to Penipe on any of the frequent Riobamba–Baños buses, and once there hire a truck from the square (about $10, ask around).

A popular option is to spend the first night at the Hacienda Releche ( t 03/2949761; $21–25), a fifteen-minute walk from Candelaria, where you can get good meals or use the kitchen yourself (extra charge). From here, you can hire horses and a guide for the five- to six-hour haul up to the Collanes plain ($8 each way), at the foot of the volcano, where the hacienda keeps a simple refuge with cooking facilities (same prices) and running water (you’ll need a sleeping bag). You’ll pass the park ranger station en route and will have to pay the $10 entrance fee. From the plain it’s only a couple of hours up to the gap in the crater rim, from where you can scramble down to the edge of the lake in about thirty minutes. Heading back, count on taking about an hour to get back up to the plain and another three to four hours back to Candelaria; some stretches of the path get extremely muddy after rainfall, so consider taking gaiters or rubber boots.

An alternative to doing it independently is to join a guided hike here, offered by Julio Verne Travel and Marco Cruz Expeditions in Riobamba.

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updated 26.04.2021

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The best places to see in Costa Rica and tours that’ll bring you right there

Costa Rica’s beauty is no secret. “The scenery of Costa Rica packs a punch with breathtaking volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches,” said staffer Haylie. Whether you’re a beach bum, wildlife lover, or active adventurer, our Costa Rica tours have a little something for everybody. Plus, it’s the country that coined the concept of pura vida! “Pura vida embodies what it means to be in Costa Rica—slow down, relax, and enjoy the ride,” said staffer Matt. See how you can enjoy the ride with this list of the best places to see in Costa Rica.

The best beaches to visit in Costa Rica

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Like Jewels, Will Travel

Gem- and jewelry-themed tours and excursions mix treasure hunting with adventure and cultural experiences.

Text by Amy Elliott

Illustrations by Ben Pearce

Last year, when Roberto Ruiz visited the Carbonera mine in Querétaro, Mexico, he cracked open a grapefruit-size piece of rhyolite with a hammer. When he looked inside, “it was like finding a fire fossil,” he said during a recent phone interview from his home in San Antonio. Inside was an orangey-red fire opal that he likened to a flame, forever preserved in the sphere of igneous rock.

Mr. Ruiz and his wife, Erika Rodriguez, are among the few people who have traveled to the mine, a desolate spot located in Carbonera in central Mexico, a destination that’s well off the beaten tourist track, some 20 miles from the nearest city. Their journey was especially unusual as neither is in the gem trade: Mr. Ruiz is a corporate attorney and Ms. Rodriguez works in digital marketing.

But they are among a growing number of travel enthusiasts seeking unusual, hyper-specific vacation experiences that offer an insider’s view of the gem and fine jewelry industries, and a number of businesses are responding to the demand accordingly.

Mr. Ruiz said the idea of visiting an opal mine was appealing for a few reasons, starting with his lifelong fascination with gemstones and minerals.

The mine’s remote location in the rocky, semidesert wilderness (where snakes and scorpions are not uncommon) was also compelling: Ms. Rodriguez said she and her husband are usually inclined toward travel focused on outdoor adventure, from hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru to rock climbing around Krabi in southern Thailand.

“We had also gone to the American Museum of Natural History in New York and saw an opal from Querétaro, and Roberto is originally from there,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “We found out something that we didn’t even know existed and we became interested in learning how the opals are extracted — and meeting the people who were doing it.”

But a traveler cannot just show up at a mine and start digging. It requires a guide, someone well connected to the mine owners and well versed in what to expect: dirt and dust; lots of walking; the occasional explosion at the site; and, at times, security risks. Given their knowledge of the terrain, guides keep an ear to the ground for rumblings — both geological and political — and respond accordingly to keep travelers safe.

The couple arranged the trip through Carlos Torres, an acquaintance from New York who is a gemologist, commercial gem buyer and consultant. He had piqued their interest with tales of the mines he has visited, particularly on trips with his business partner, Laurent Massi, who has taught gemology at several institutions and now is the owner of the Neogem consultancy in Paris.

Mr. Torres and Dr. Massi have organized gem mining trips not just to Mexico, but also to destinations such as Colombia (for emeralds), Thailand (for rubies) and Brazil (for Paraiba tourmaline). Last fall, they started the Gem Odyssey , a business to structure similar gem-hunting expeditions as all-inclusive travel packages that start, on average, at about $3,700 per person, not including airfare.

Gem Odyssey itineraries are tailored to jewelry enthusiasts who are not industry professionals — offering plenty of education and explanation, while avoiding “inside baseball”-type industry talk. The trips typically span nine days, with at least three of those days spent at a mine site.

The founders say the schedules can be customized to include experiences such as tequila tastings or visits to local artisan markets; any given trip might include a mix of accommodations, with upscale hotels near the airports or central cities and more rustic facilities in the mining areas.

But his clients don’t come for the niceties, Mr. Torres said. “They like the idea of getting mud on their hands.”

And, he added, after receiving instruction in mining safety, they become part of the process: “They see the drilling, how the dynamite is used for extraction, and they get to experience breaking the stones and checking for gems.”

Dr. Massi, who also was on the phone interview with Mr. Torres, said that “witnessing the birth of a gemstone is not something anyone can do and see at home in their garden. We try to give them an experience, and see a part of a country, that they could not get access to on their own.”

Digging For Tourmalines

Perhaps it is not surprising, but gem- and jewelry-themed travel is a trend especially relevant to the tastes and inclinations of high-net worth individuals — people with at least $1 million in liquid assets — according to Milton Pedraza, the founder and chief executive of the Luxury Institute, a consultancy specializing in luxury consumer research with offices in New York and Florida.

Mr. Pedraza said the sophisticated traveler has “seen it, done it.” So, he said, when someone has the opportunity to access an exclusive experience in a far-flung part of the world, “it makes your life more unique,” he said,“and everybody wants to be seen as authentic, unique and genuine.”

The designer Pamela Hastry is connected to such clients through Morphée , her jewelry company in Paris, and the lectures that she regularly hosts in and around her hometown, Brussels. She also conducts private tours of Place Vendôme in Paris, a center for high jewelry, and of the Diamantkwartier, or Diamond Quarter, in Antwerp, Belgium, one of the jewelry industry’s oldest and most prominent diamond centers.

In November Ms. Hastry is planning to take a group to Namibia, in southern Africa, to discover the country’s beautiful tourmalines (while also making a stop at a mine that produces chrysocolla, an unusual blue-green type of chalcedony). Organized with Destination, a luxury travel agency in Belgium, the 10-day itinerary includes at least one night in a tent near one of the tourmaline mines (€8,986 or about $9,711, without airfare).

“You’re going to live — and dig — like a miner for a day and a half,” Ms. Hastry said.

Damien Van Bellinghen, the founder of Le Club des Etoiles, a business and social club in Brussels, has one of the 15 reservations for the Namibia trip. Mr. Van Bellinghen, who went on one of Ms. Hastry’s private tours of Antwerp’s diamond district, wrote in an email that he looked forward to discovering how gems are extracted, getting to know the miners and exploring the country through the lens of a jeweler.

“The types of trips that Pamela Hastry organizes plunge straight into the heart of where the most marvelous jewels come from,” he wrote. “Such visits can only be made if you are accompanied by someone who has ‘insider’ knowledge and, above all, who has the trust of the local people. And we’re lucky enough to enjoy it.”

The Royal Treatment

If you do find a gem during one of these mine trips, can it be used in a piece of jewelry? Both Ms. Hastry and Mr. Torres of the Gem Odyssey said that they could facilitate a purchase, although they noted that the item purchased would have to comply with international import/export regulations.

But some gem-loving travelers don’t want to dig for their treasures. They would rather a holiday centered on history, sightseeing and shopping for finished pieces of jewelry (with posh accommodations and amenities as a bonus).

“You can tour some cities very easily through the lens of the history of fine jewelry and jewelry-making,” said Camilla Davidson, who is head of destination management for Britain, France and Ireland at Red Savannah , a luxury travel agency in England. “And that would still enable you to see so many of the destination’s highlights.”

For example, the agency offers a tour of London called Couture and Crown Jewels, an extravagant option for jewelry enthusiasts with deep pockets ($550,000 for two people, without airfare). It offers a private tour of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London and dinner in its White Tower; a four-night stay at the Raffles London at the OWO; and tickets to a West End show. And it includes a $125,000 credit toward a jewelry purchase at Humphrey Butler, an antique and estate jeweler.

Ms. Davidson said she developed the package in response to the world’s fascination with British royalty and was inspired by the idea of connecting a visit to the Crown Jewels to an exclusive jewelry shopping experience.

Humphrey Butler and his namesake business were a natural fit for the itinerary, she said: “He has the most impeccable collection and he as an individual is completely charming, exceptionally discreet, and just great fun to be around.”

Jewels at Sea

For some jewelry collectors, a travel experience that plays to, or enhances, their level of connoisseurship, is most appealing.

“Whatever their interest is, they want to learn more,” said Mr. Pedraza, the luxury consumer specialist. “So they make an adventure or journey out of it.”

One such example might be the Spotlight on Fabergé package offered by Regent Seven Seas Cruises in collaboration with Fabergé, the Russian heritage workshop known for its bejeweled eggs, which in 2009 moved its headquarters in London.

The first such excursion aboard the Seven Seas Grandeur liner is scheduled for July. Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell, Fabergé’s creative director, explained that the cruise is designed for “clients who care about art and culture and would happily sit for an hour or so to learn about the history of Fabergé’s royal clients then and now.”

The Grandeur, which was launched in November, has its own 1,600-piece art collection, including a Fabergé egg in an ocean theme with blue guilloché enamel, diamonds and pearls, called “Journey in Jewels,” which was commissioned by Regent Seven Seas. (The meetings on the commission actually led to the cruise collaboration.)

The 11-day voyage is scheduled to depart from the Civitavecchia port in Rome and to include destinations such as the Sicilian city of Taormina; Ibiza, Spain; and Nice, France, ending in Monaco (from $12,999 per person, including airfare).

The programming is to include Fabergé expert-led lectures, screenings and master classes, as well as shore excursions attuned to the participants’ interests in the decorative arts. As Ms. von dem Bussche-Kessell sees it, such a floating symposium — a kind of sleepover camp on a luxury scale — effectively creates a community for people who share a common passion.

Mr. Pedraza said that was an important incentive for certain travelers: “They love to engage with the product while meeting people who are their peers and who come through trusted brands and curators.”

And the return home is just as important as the journey itself, especially with a glittering souvenir to show friends and family.

“You get to demonstrate your expertise,” Mr. Pedraza said, “The experience has made you an insider.”

Taylor Swift fan gets the ultimate proposal during the Eras Tour concert

While Angela Giovanni was passionately singing along to Taylor Swift’s iconic song “Love Story” during the Eras Tour concert at Singapore's National Stadium, the devoted Swiftie had no idea that her "Fearless" boyfriend, Ignasius Rian, had a surprise in store. That was until he dropped to one knee and asked her to be his "Forever and Always."

Watch the video above to see a Swiftie's "Wildest Dreams" come true

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Would you pay £150 for tea and a tour at Balmoral?

New private tours will allow paying visitors to see inside parts of the Royal Family's Balmoral Castle for the first time.

The guided tours will run from 1 July to 4 August, before King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for their summer break in Aberdeenshire.

A ticket costs £100 or £150 with the addition of afternoon tea.

The Balmoral Castle website states the private interior room tours are the first since the castle was completed in the 1850s.

The castle is in the heart of Royal Deeside.

It was Queen Elizabeth's beloved Scottish holiday home for decades.

The UK's longest-serving monarch died at Balmoral, aged 96, in September 2022, after reigning for 70 years.

Promoting the new tours, the castle website states: "For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855, we have been granted permission to take you on a private tour with our experienced guides.

"They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle."

It adds: "You will learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal Family.

"Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the Castle are used today by their Majesty’s The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family."

It adds: "You will see why Balmoral is such a special place - the much loved and celebrated Highland home of the Royal Family."

Each pre-booked tour group is restricted to 10 people.

However photography is not allowed within Balmoral Castle and its ballroom.

Meanwhile, guided tours of the East Wing at Buckingham Palace will be available to visitors in July and August.

The tour will also include the palace’s famous central balcony, where the Royal Family have gathered for public appearances since 1851.

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More on this story

• Watch: King Charles jokes with well-wishers
• Queen Elizabeth II has died
• Queen's life at Balmoral celebrated in exhibition

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