I’m still a little apologetic for not visiting this place when I was still starting out my #ExploringNorthLuzon stint. I’ve seen photos of it online and I have to admit, I wasn’t that enthusiastic to go because it seemed so… small. But somebody told me there’s a bigger one a few meters away so that stirred up my interest again.
[Note To Self: Never judge a place by the photos posted online. Photos may seem less impressive than actual subject.]
We, Kliff, Mark and I, left around 8AM that day. Santa, Ilocos Sur is less than an hour away from Vigan so we have just enough time to discover Barasibis Falls and be back before lunch time.
How To Get There:
– From Vigan, take any bus going to Cubao or Pasay. Kahit anong pa-South. Alam niyo na yan. *wink* Fare is 25PHP.
– Ask kundoktor to drop you off at Mabilbila, Santa, Ilocos Sur.
– Look for the Provincial Library and Eco-Knowledge Center sign. Just beside it, you will see the Barasibis marker. If you’re coming from Vigan, it’s on your left. Siput-siput, friends.
– Turn left from there and drive on ’til you see the entrance to the Eco-Knowledge Center.
– Trail starts near the gate.
Travel Details:
We arrived around 9AM. Mabilbila, Santa, Ilocos Sur is before Santa’s town proper. Watch out for the Provincial Nursery and Eco-Knowledge Center sign, which is on your left if you’re coming from Vigan. There’s a tinie-winnie Barasibis Marker beside it.
Turn left and drive on ’til you reach the entrace to the Eco-Knowledge center.
Those who went before us told us to just follow the water pipe. Silly me, I was looking for one of those plastic water tubes. Yung parang nakaconnect sa gripo. Kala ko mahihirapan ako sa pag-hahanap. Haha. Turns out, you simply can’t miss it.
Trek is fairly easy. I’ll give it 1 out of 5. Some of the trees got toppled over by the wrath of Typhoon Lawin but the community people has already done some initial cleaning.
I think one of the established paths will lead you to the summit of Mt. Gusing. I might have to go back to test that theory. *wink*
You will cross rivers once in a while but it’s all manageable. Slippers can be optional.
When we arrived at Barasibis Base 1, there was a family having a picnic there so we decided to check out Barasibis Main first. Kliff said they used to do boy-scout activities here.
There’s a trail along the mountain that will lead you to the top of Barasibis Base 1, follow the river and viola!
Some people are not aware na may Barasibis Main. Or maybe aware sila pero they thought the trek may be longer. It isn’t. Make sure to see this place. Sayang yung punta niyo kung hanggang dun sa baba lang kayo.
The basin is small and shallow. It may have been improvised by the first batch of groups that discovered the place because you can see that they carefully perched up a mini-wall to hold some water in.
After some time, we went on our way to Barasibis Base 1.
I’ve debated on sharing a little something something about this place kasi baka hindi kayo tumuloy. But I guess it’s not that much of a big deal naman so here it goes…
NOTE: The place is teeming with creepy crawlies. I don’t know what they’re called. Hindi naman centipede. Hindi rin millipede. Locals call it ‘dikendiken’. Basta ganun. They’re harmless naman. Ignore niyo na lang pag andun na kayo. Be cautious kung saan kayo humahawak, okay? *sniggers*
As I always say, always practice Leave No Trace (LNT), guys!
Enjoy!
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#ExploringNorthLuzon 
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