Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos, Ilocos Norte: A Magnificent White Rock Destination
Tucked in the coast of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, just 1.5 kilometers away from Laoag City, is a breathtaking rock formation by the beach known for its creamy white rock surface sculpted by natural phenomena.
The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation is an art of nature featuring a landscape of smooth ivory limestone produced by the natural process of sedimentation. It’s name’s root word, “puraw”, is an Ilocano word which translates to “white” because of the alabaster rock formations that the tourists would love to see.
In front of the rocks is the view of the Bangui Bay’s crystal blue waters and the visually appealing sight of the waves dramatically thumping against the limestone formations makes the scene a picture perfect moment in every way possible.
See waves crashing against the marvelous white rock formation
Also, the numerous towering windmills from the neighboring Burgos Wind Farm will you as you drive towards the drop-off point of the rock formation. No wonder that this has become one of Burgos’ best tourist attraction.
Kapurpurawan’s drop-off point is three kilometers away from the main highway. From the entrance, visitors have to go down a flight of stairs near the souvenir shops, then trek towards the rocky coast a to reach the rock formation. The path is not too steep but take note that it can be muddy.
The trekking path going to the rock formation
While trekking, you will see a statue of the Biag ni Lam-ang, an Ilocano epic poem.
A statue of Biag ni Lam-ang
For those who want to don’t want to walk, there are available horses to ride on for just Php 100 per person.
It is advised to wear comfortable clothes and footwear or bring a jacket to avoid getting cold, wet, or any possible accidents while trekking. Also take note that flying of drones is not allowed in the area due to the strong winds.
It is best to visit Kapurpurawan on early mornings to avoid the harsh sun or sometimes rain showers in the afternoon, and the crowd. Other nearby attractions in Burgos that one can visit after Kapurpurawan is the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and Bangui Windmill Farm.
How to get here:
- From Cape Bojeador, take the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26. Make a left turn at Kapurawan Rock Formation Access Road and drive straight ahead until you reach the drop-off point.
- From Burgos City proper via Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26, turn left onto Pres. Ignacio Street. Make a right turn at F. Garcia Street. Drive straight ahead until you reach the Kapurawan Rock Formation Access Road onto the drop-off point.
General Information:
Address: Burgos, Ilocos Norte
Business hours: 6 am to 6 pm (Mon. to Sun.)
Horseback riding fee: Php 100
A version of this appeared in Philippine Primer’s Japanese (Vol. 103) and English (Vol. 12) magazines
Updated as of March 12, 2019
