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Exploring ANUPLIG and ANAT FALLS: Two Beautiful Waterfalls of Adams, Ilocos Norte

Posted by Karl Olivier Jamandra on
Long exposure shot of Anat Falls. I somehow feel this waterfall is underrated because of its height, but it’s actually beautiful on its own right.

If you’re the type of traveler who loves waterfalls, Adams in Ilocos Norte is a good place for you to visit! While it has 18 documented waterfalls, only two are easily accessible to the public. They are Anuplig Falls and Anat Falls. Spending a half day is enough to enjoy these two waterfalls: swim along its waters, jump and dive from its cliffs, and take a lot of pictures and videos to show everyone their beauty!

How to go to Anuplig and Anat Falls?

You have to visit the town of Adams in order to reach Anuplig Falls and Anat Falls. If you don’t know yet how to go to Adams, here’s a simple guide. (Side note: If you want to know more about the said rustic town, kindly head here.)

The sleepy town of Adams.

How to go to Adams?

If you’re coming from Metro Manila (and other parts of the Philippines), there are two ways you can go to Adams.

First, you can ride the airplane in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and take a flight going to Laoag . Travel time would only take about 1.5 hours. If you’re coming from other parts of the Philippines like Cebu or Davao, there are connecting flights from Manila going to Laoag. From Laoag, you can ride the Florida bus (look for Florida Bus Station) or van (ask the tricycle driver to lead you to the van terminal going to Claveria) for 2 hours and alight in Pancian.

Second, you can ride the bus in Partas Cubao Station and go to Laoag. The travel time would take approximately 12-14 hours. From Laoag, ride the bus or van to go to Pacian for about 2 hours.

Third, once you’re in Pacian (specifically in Pagudpud-Adams Road), hail a tricycle or motorcycle that would take you to Adams. It is recommended, though, that you contact your accommodation of choice in town so they can ask somebody to fetch you here. There’s a chance that no tricycle or motorcycle is available, so it’s better to make arrangements as early as possible.

*If you’re coming from nearby municipalities (or even farther ones especially if you have the time), you can ride your own motorcycle or car going to Adams. The roads leading to it are already paved, so going with your own vehicle is also suggested.

Old Hanging Bridge. This is one of the hanging bridges used before by people to traverse the Bolo River when going to the falls. Construction of a concrete bridge has been done these last few years, so there are fewer people who tend to use it.

ANUPLIG FALLS

ANUPLIG FALLS: Such a beautiful waterfalls in Adams, Ilocos Norte!

Touted to be the most popular travel destination in Adams, Anuplig Falls is just one of the 18 waterfalls in the said remote town of Ilocos Norte. It has two layers: the upper layer, which has a height of 12 meters and is enclosed in a basin of about 7 meters wide; and the lower layer, which is only about 2 meters. Adjacent to the lower layer are rocks patched with plants that hide a portion of the falls, giving it a sense of mystery. Meanwhile, the cool waters running from layer to layer are sure to please visitors who love swimming.

Flora and fauna and fungi. I saw various plants and trees while trekking including hardwood trees like the tanguile. There were also a few insects and mushrooms that I saw along the way.

It would take less than one hour of trek when going to Anuplig Falls. The trail isn’t that difficult, though it can still make you exhausted, especially if you haven’t had physical activity for quite some time. It’s okay to rest once in a while. Just tell your guide if you’re already tired. Hydrate up and rest, then move on when you’re ready again.

Long exposure shot of Anuplig Falls. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?
We stumbled upon these rice terraces upon going to Anuplig Falls. My guide said a lot of locals resort to farming as their form of livelihood. He said they plant and harvest rice for about 3-4 times a year.

ANAT FALLS

ANAT FALLS: Its relatively short height isn’t a reason not to enjoy its waters!

Some travelers may describe Anat Falls as relatively short and simple-looking, but that doesn’t matter to those who just love to swim and revel on cool and crystal-clear waters. Besides, it’s the most easily accessible waterfall in Adams. While Anuplig is more talked about, Anat’s distance is more notable to locals who just really want a refreshing dip. You can also do cliff jumping here, which is exactly what I witnessed when I visited! From the jump-off point, it would only take about 5 minutes to go to Anat, compared to Anuplig that would take about 45 minutes of hike.

GOING TO ANAT FALLS. A wooden bridge has been constructed to replace an old hanging bridge that was destroyed by Typhoon Egay back in July 2023. My guide said it took a few weeks to replace the bridge, though I’m not exactly sure if going to Anat Falls was prohibited for a time.

When I visited in Adams back on December 2023, I had Anuplig Falls all to myself for a good 30-minute period. It was only when I was about to go when a family of travelers went in it. Meanwhile, when I went to Anat Falls, I was greeted by a big group of locals who seemed to be friends with each other. They basically stayed on the swimming area, while I took pictures and videos from a distance. After some time, they went off, leaving me (and my guide) alone in the waterfalls! I grabbed the chance to take more shots, as it’s a lot more appealing to take pictures of waterfalls with no people in it, am I right?

This is the jump-off point to the two waterfalls! Mind the time of trek as shown in the sign: 45 minutes to Anuplig Falls and 5 minutes to Anat Falls. These are just estimation, though, because it would still ultimately depend on your speed while trekking!

TIPS WHEN GOING TO ANUPLIG AND ANAT FALLS:

  1. While distance is a factor for people to decide which waterfall to go to, it’s also the reason why visiting travelers would choose the farther one, mainly to avoid the crowd. Well, when you’re visiting Adams, you can definitely visit both in a single day. As much as possible, try to go here on a weekday, ideally on a sunny day, and decide promptly which one you’re going to first. Honestly, I’d rather go to the farther one first (Anuplig Falls) before the one nearer (Anat Falls).
  2. It’s better to wear sandals or slippers when you hike going to the falls. You’d be passing through wet and muddy trails, and you won’t want your shoes to get dirty. Going here wearing white shoes is a big no.
  3. The water coming from Anuplig may be too strong, which may bring about showers even from afar, so be careful when you’re going to use your gadgets like camera and drone when you’re already in the area.
  4. Ask your local guide when is it safe to go the falls especially if you happen to visit during the rainy season. You won’t want to risk your life crossing rivers, would you? Besides, the waterfalls look a lot better on a fine weather.
Even the dogs loved swimming in Anuplig Falls! That’s how enticing the crystal clear waters of the waterfall is!

I hope I got to encourage you to visit Adams with two of its beautiful waterfalls: Anuplig and Anat! Care to comment here if you have any questions or even suggestions! Thank you!

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