TOURISTS SPOT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF TUBLAY

 Bayokbok Falls

Bayokbok falls is among the most popular tourist spots in Tublay. It cascades in a sliding manner towards a very deep and wide pool. During good weather conditions, the pool reflects an emerald-green appearance. Bare rock formations surround the pool. These are perfect spots for cliff jumping or diving. Bayokbok falls is a three-layered cascade and to get to the third falls, one needs to climb over the first and second. Similar to the first fall, the third layer cascades on a very deep pool, crammed on two cliffs.

 Shamsham/Siyam-siyam Falls

Shamsham falls in barangay Baayan is the highest falls I visited in Tublay. It descends like heavenly drizzles for more than 70 feet, carving a shallow pool. The best way to enjoy the falls is to position yourself on its base while its cascading waters give a rejuvenating massage. To get to the falls, one needs to hike for at least two hours from the trailhead, following a river. Along the way, you’ll pass by several, smaller waterfalls. Some of these have wider and deeper pools than the main Shamsham falls. Expect also to trek on dense forests where you can chance of unique flora and fauna such as orchids, and different bird species.

 Bengaongao Cave

Bengaongao Cave is one of the rising tourist spots in Tublay. It features a huge opening that is littered with big boulders. As you approach the cave’s entrance, you might imagine a cathedral dome. Inside the cave, you’ll witness stalactite and stalagmite formations. which project different shapes and sizes such as pillars, spires, columns, a donkey’s ear, rice terraces, and so much more.

 Paterno Cave

Paterno Cave is also one of the recognized tourist spots in Tublay, and it’s just a walking distance from Bengaongao Cave. The cave tends to be drier and to get inside, expect to squeeze yourself on a narrow opening. The most popular sight here is a rock formation resembling an elephant’s trunk. According to the locals, the cave is named after Gen. Paterno who used the cave as a hideout from the invading American

Ketong Falls /Kitong Falls

After visiting Paterno and Bengaongao caves, you can walk your way down to Kettong falls and have a rejuvenating moment. It is a small cascade dropping from one of Bengaongao cave’s opening. It literally dries up during summer, however, it carved a very deep pool with icy-cold and crystal-clear waters. The depth of the pool remains unmeasured up to this day. I’ll just say, it’s very, very deep. Stunning, white rock formations surround the pool.

 Asin Hot Spring

Asin Hot Spring lies in barangay Tuel, near Bayokbok falls. It is a popular attraction among locals from La Trinidad and Baguio City due to its proximity. After basking on Asin Hot Spring, visitors could enjoy the cold waters of Tuel River. Along its length, there are natural pools, fit for swimming. White rock formations can also be seen there. If one follows the river upstream, one can find mini-waterfalls with naturally-built pools.

 Mt. Pokgong

Mt. Pokgong is a shared mountain with the municipalities of Sablan, and Kapangan. Its summit provides a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains including the low-lying plains and coastal areas of La Union. Grasses and a few shrubs cover the summit. On the lower slopes, however, patches of dense forest still thrive. These provide sanctuary for endangered wildlife species. A thrilling part of the trail to the top is the so-called Knife Edge, a narrow ridge that projects a 360 degrees view.

HIDDEN BEAUTY OF TUBLAY