Benguet: A Refreshing Dip at the Bridal Veil Falls

It was one of the most unique-looking and beautiful waterfalls I've seen. The first time I saw it was in a photograph posted on Facebook and the second was when I boarded a passenger van from Baguio to Dagupan City via Kennon Road. From afar, the falls do look like a long, bridal veil resting on a gigantic rock wall. The hanging foot bridge used to access the falls made it even look more dramatic. So while on a month-long work assignment in Dagupan City, I made sure to spare some time to visit and take a closer look at the Bridal Veil Falls.

From Dagupan, I boarded the passenger van bound for Baguio at the Pines Garage Terminal. Vans going to Baguio will pass by Kennon Road so it is the fastest way to commute to my destination coming from Dagupan. A little over one hour, I disembarked at Camp 1, Tuba, Benguet where Bridal Veil Falls can be seen from the highway. This spot is about 3 kilometers away from the border of La Union and Benguet.

Getting to the falls require no trekking. From the highway, one has to cross the metal hanging bridge built high above the shallow Bued River. Those who are afraid of heights may find crossing the bridge a bit challenging as it swings and screeches with every step.

Upon crossing to the other side, a concrete waiting shed stood on the right side and a 2-storey house, which looks unoccupied, is on the left. In between these man-made structures are steps which lead down to the the falls basin.

As I came closer to the falls, I marveled at its towering height. At a closer distance, it is impossible to capture the entirety of its beauty. The cascades pour into a deep pool encased by boulders.

It was already noon time and the small group of tourists just left. I have Bridal Veil Falls all to myself. The most natural thing for an outdoor lover like me to do was to take a dip at the cool and sparkling waters. Bridal Veil Falls soothe away the mid-day heat as I simply relax and admire her beauty.

Getting back to Dagupan from the Bridal Veil Falls imposed a problem as I don't know what mode of transportation to take. Fortunately, there are some residential dwellings along the highway. A local folk gave me clear instructions on how to commute back to Dagupan.

My route from Dagupan City to Bridal Veil Falls and back

So from Camp 1, I took a tricycle ride up to the Public Market of Rosario, La Union. After eating lunch at the nearby food court, I boarded an ordinary bus bound for Vigan. I then disembarked at the road junction near Santo Tomas Public Market (Damortis) then waited for another bus going to Dagupan City.