ABW June 2016-1

there are bamboo rafts from which to experience
the highly recommended water therapy. This therapy
is like a free, all-natural massage from nature.
Very therapeutic! Visitors to the falls should never
wear thongs or flip flops but sturdy shoes, and even
though there are sari-sari stores along the way it is
recommended visitors take bottled water and, of
course, sun block. The trek may be long and somewhat
tiring, but the water therapy and majestic views of
these beautiful falls make it all worthwhile.
Don Mariano Marcos
Memorial State
University in Bacnotan
The humble town of Bacnotan, a strong advocate of
sustainable environmental management, has been
in the spotlight as the home of rare waterfalls. The
provincial and municipal governments are working
hand in hand to promote the town’s unspoiled nature,
particularly its forests and waterfalls. Three falls
were recently discovered to be potential tourist spots:
the Zim-sim-ug Twin Falls, Sapilang Falls and
Guinabang Falls. They are all natural falls and anyone
who loves the combination of nature and adventure
would love them.
Zim-sim-ug Twin Falls are twenty feet high with a
basin almost ten feet deep. They are also known as
Arosip Falls, named after Barangay Arosip where
they’re located. Before reaching the waterfalls,
tourists can experience the 6.5 km Arosip Eco-Trail,
recognized by the Department of Tourism, (DOT),
as one of the top Eco-Trails in the Philippines. DOT
also recommends tourists to try 4x4 and dirt biking
because they will find the road exciting especially
from the top, with its panoramic view of the lowlands
and the town. Camping, hiking, swimming and
fishing are just some of the activities visitors can
enjoy to the fullest. Further along, Sapilang Falls
are found at Barangay Sapilang where the Don
Mariano Marcos Memorial State University campus
is the entry point. Since the university is the gateway
to the falls, tourists need permission from the
school’s manage-ment, or to be directed to the falls
by local guides. Follow the 30-minute trail passing a
rambutan, (fruit), plantation before arriving at the
basin and for a quick swim in the pool of sparkling
clean fresh water from the falls.
Zim-sim-ug
Twin Falls
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