Hidden Gems of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range: A Side Trip to Dingalan, Aurora

Last year, I wanted to treat Sep (my inamorato) for his birthday by surprising him with a trip to Aurora. A province so near to our home, Isabela, yet haven't been to before. Here's a little geography lesson amigos. Isabela is smacked in between the Cordillera and Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges and an integral area of the Cagayan Valley. While Aurora is on the coastline of Northeastern Philippines, the other side of the Sierra Madre. Given the topographical challenges, routes and transportation options to and from the provinces are not really that many. Lesson wrapped up, there we go!

We took the La Paz-Laur-Dinglalan route to our destination, because Waze says so and we're not familiar with the directions. In Waze, we trust! That course led us to Gabaldon, with scenery so unexpected and majestic we were tempted to skip Dingalan all entirely and just stay there. But I was stubborn so we just compromised by staying for lunch in Gabaldon after our original target. Though I did have a solid moment of, "How am I learning of this place just now?".

Landscape Photographers would have a field day in this location. With numerous subjects, vivid colors, and scarcity of tourists, it's a done deal.

We decided for a pit stop and lunch in Dupinga River. We paid PHP 10 for environmental/entrance fee. Nipa Huts are built along the riverside for rent, price ranging from PHP 300-1000 based on the size of the huts. Some also have a karaoke machine for amenities.

Sari-sari stores, paluto eateries, and pay restroom (PHP 10-ligo, PHP 5, ihi) are also available for tourists' convenience. These establishments are built by residents and the Dumagat (local indigenous tribe) for extra source of income.

Since it's only the two of us, we resolved to just hauling our food into one knapsack and carried it along while we swam and ate, koboy-style. The water is cold (most def), shallow in most parts, and with strong currents. The locals are accommodating and hospitable, the children playful and wide-eyed. They looked so content swimming with friends and playing with old tires that it'll make you reminisce the simple things in life.

If you have enough time after your trip in Dingalan, consider staying in Gabaldon for a while for in the wise words of Jawaharlal Nehru,“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”

Here's a helpful tip if you're planning to commute to Gabaldon:

You can take a bus bound for Cabanatuan such are Baliwag Transit, Five Star, and ES Transport at EDSA Cubao. From there, go to Cabanatuan terminal and ride a jeep or bus bound to Dingalan or Gabaldon. Make sure to inform the driver to drop you off at Dupinga River, the bridge as your landmark. 

Stay Curious,

Sai.D