Day Trip to Aw-Asen Falls: Joiners Tour from Ilocos
Aw-Asen Falls became one of the most popular tourist spots in Northern Luzon last year. It went viral on social media, and many travelers rushed to see the majestic falls and the scenic views. I had been wanting to visit for a while, but I waited until the hype died down. In March, I finally joined a joiners tour to Aw-Asen Falls.
Most of the joiners tours from Manila leave late at night, which didn’t work for me since I wanted to get a full night’s rest before the tour. Instead of joining a Manila-based tour, I searched for a joiners tour with pickup from Ilocos. This way, I could stay in the area the night before and be well-rested for the day trip to Aw-Asen Falls. With the help of a friend, I found a contact offering a joiners tour departing from Ilocos, and it turned out to be a great option.
Day Trip to Aw-Asen Falls
The joiners tour to Aw-Asen Falls started early in the morning, with the pickup scheduled in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. I stayed overnight near the area to make sure I was ready on time. Since tricycles weren’t available that early, the tour organizer was kind enough to pick me up along the highway. From the Tagudin pickup point, we waited for the rest of the joiners, who were coming from Pangasinan. By around 5:00 AM, the group was complete, and we began our journey to the jump-off point, which was about an hour’s drive away.
Around 6:00am, we arrived at the jump-off point and got ready for the hike to Aw-Asen Falls. Once the group was set, we started the trek, which took around 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail was quite steep and challenging, and even though we started early, it was still hot and humid. Despite the tough path, we were treated to a few scenic views along the way, making the hike more enjoyable. At around 8:00 AM, we finally reached Aw-Asen Falls—and it was worth it. The view was stunning, and the experience definitely lived up to the hype surrounding this popular tourist destination in Ilocos.
Our group stayed at Aw-Asen Falls for about two hours. Some took a refreshing dip in the cool waters, others spent time taking photos, while the rest simply relaxed and took in the stunning view of the falls. The natural beauty of Aw-Asen Falls truly left everyone in awe. Around 10:00 AM, we began our hike back to the jump-off point. The return trek took another two hours and was even more challenging since the trail was mostly uphill, making it a tougher climb under the growing heat.
It was around 12:00pm when the group finally arrived back at the jump-off point. We were given enough time to rest, freshen up, change into dry clothes, and enjoy some snacks before heading back to Tagudin.
Aw-Asen Falls Itinerary
Here’s a more detailed itinerary of our day trip to Aw-Asen Falls.
5:00am – Meet-up at Bitalag, Tagudin
6:00am – ETA at Aw-Asen Falls jump-off point
6:30am – Start of hike to Aw-Asen Falls
8:00am – ETA at Aw-Asen Falls
10:30am – Depart from Aw-Asen Falls, heading back to the jump-off
12:00pm – Arrive at the jump-off point
12:30pm – Depart for Bitalag, Tagudin
3:00pm – ETA in Bitalag, Tagudin
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I book the tour?
You can book the tour through Tuklas Aw-Asen Falls Travel and Tours on Facebook or search John Carl Alberto Lames (+639163754279).
How much does the tour cost?
I paid Php 800 for the day tour (meals not included).
Is the hike difficult?
The trail can be quite steep on the way back. As someone in my 30s, I found it a bit challenging, so be prepared for a moderate hike.
When is the best time to hike to Aw-Asen Falls?
I highly recommend starting the hike early in the morning to avoid the intense heat and humidity later in the day.
Is this tour worth it?
Absolutely! The experience lived up to the hype. It was an exciting adventure, and seeing the majestic falls in person was truly rewarding.
Are there toilets, showers, and a place to change clothes?
Yes, these facilities are available at the jump-off point.
Are there restaurants or stores where I can buy food?
There’s no restaurant but there’s a small sari-sari store at the jump-off point, as well as a kiosk selling snacks.
My trip to Aw-Asen Falls was truly one for the books. From the challenging yet rewarding hike to finally witnessing the majestic beauty of the falls up close, every moment was worth it. I’m definitely glad I joined the day trip to Aw-Asen Falls. It was an unforgettable adventure that left me feeling fulfilled and in awe of nature’s wonders.
Got some questions? Put it in the comment section below!
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