Quirino has been a haven of cavers long before it saw sport climbing development. Located in the Cagayan Valley and surrounded by mountains – including Sierra Madre, the largest mountain range in the Philippines – the province is also strewn with rivers and waterfalls, making it an attraction to all types of adventure-seekers.
So when Quirino’s town of Nagtipunan opened its doors to bolting in 2014, climbers easily fell in love with the place. And how will they not? The crag is a sanctuary after hours and hours of burning rubber, traversing hills, avoiding potholes, and racing alongside trucks and tricycles.
And when you finally find it, greeting you will be a wide face of inclined walls embellished with tufas and caverns. The virgin limestones are right by the Siitan River, perpetually inviting dips to cool off sweat-laid bodies.
The open, sandy space can accommodate several tents at a time. At night, you can go to sleep to the sound of flowing water…if the laughter echoing around the campfire isn’t bouncing off the climbing walls, that is.
Photo credits: Dru Robles
So when Quirino’s town of Nagtipunan opened its doors to bolting in 2014, climbers easily fell in love with the place. And how will they not? The crag is a sanctuary after hours and hours of burning rubber, traversing hills, avoiding potholes, and racing alongside trucks and tricycles.
And when you finally find it, greeting you will be a wide face of inclined walls embellished with tufas and caverns. The virgin limestones are right by the Siitan River, perpetually inviting dips to cool off sweat-laid bodies.
The open, sandy space can accommodate several tents at a time. At night, you can go to sleep to the sound of flowing water…if the laughter echoing around the campfire isn’t bouncing off the climbing walls, that is.
Photo credits: Dru Robles
Getting There
If you’re driving from Metro Manila, note that your exact destination is the Bimmapor Rock Formation located in the Siitan River. It’s a tourist attraction in the municipality of Nagtipunan, in the province of Quirino. “Nagtipunan” is on Google Maps, so you can easily follow directions from there. Or refer to the steps below:
Check out this Google map guide made by our friend. Thanks heaps, Jerwin!
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=ziwvHoLiZBCo.kRh8mWVog-zU
If you’re driving from Metro Manila, note that your exact destination is the Bimmapor Rock Formation located in the Siitan River. It’s a tourist attraction in the municipality of Nagtipunan, in the province of Quirino. “Nagtipunan” is on Google Maps, so you can easily follow directions from there. Or refer to the steps below:
- Make your way to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), to SCTEX, to TPLEX (yes, there are three expressways).
- On TPLEX, take the Pura Exit and turn right towards Guimba town.
- On Guimba town, there's a Jollibee and 7-11. Note the intersection to Muñoz and make sure you turn to Maharlika Highway AKA the Pan Philippine Highwway (1 AH 26), as one can easily miss this.
- Just follow the highway which goes through the following municipalities / towns: Muñoz; San Jose (zig-zag mountain road with big trucks, drive defensively); Aritao; Bambang; Bayombong; Solano (this is the last big town, there's a SaveMore for groceries/supplies, and restaurants/fastfood); Bagabag; Diadi (zig-zag mountain road); Cordon.
- When you reach Cordon, watch out for the junction and turn right to Quirino Province. Then just the road again through these towns: Diffun; Cabarroguis; Aglipay; Maddela.
- At the intersection to Dipantan, turn right. Following this road will take you to Nagtipunan. (Turning left will take you to Baler – go there if you’d rather surf).
- When in Nagtipunan, ask the locals for the exact location of “Bimmapor”. It’s past the Nagtipunan Municipal Hall and you will have to go off the cement road and turn left to a dirt road to find the Bimmapor beach dock.
- Watch out where you park. Sand is loose and your wheels might get stuck!
Check out this Google map guide made by our friend. Thanks heaps, Jerwin!
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=ziwvHoLiZBCo.kRh8mWVog-zU
Permits / Fees / Registration
Don’t be shocked if you find lots of people in the parking area of the Siitan River, where the Bimmapor is located. Most likely these people won’t be competing with you for the routes – many are there for the rafting, fishing, swimming and picture-taking. (You can do all of these, too!)
Be prepared for minimal tourist fees, such as:
Don’t be shocked if you find lots of people in the parking area of the Siitan River, where the Bimmapor is located. Most likely these people won’t be competing with you for the routes – many are there for the rafting, fishing, swimming and picture-taking. (You can do all of these, too!)
Be prepared for minimal tourist fees, such as:
- Boat ride for crossing the river – Php 10.00 per head
- Environmental / Park Fee – Tentatively Php 0.00!
Food & Shelter
Did we mention that the road trip from Metro Manila to Nagtipunan, Quirino takes roughly 9 hours? Maybe even 12 hours if you get lost (believe us, it can happen).
Basically it’s in the middle of the mountains, with no nearby inns or hostels. Camping is the way of life in Quirino, so bring your tents, earth pads and favorite travel pillow. The nice thing is that the campsite is spacious and flat. Ground is a mix of fine sand with a bit of soil, with some patches of crawling with plants.
Remember to bring your stoves, mess kit, and complete food and water ration, enough for the number of days you’ll be camping out. Warning: The nearest “convenience store” requires a trek, a boat ride, and a tricycle ride (or your own car), so make sure to stock-up!
Did we mention that the road trip from Metro Manila to Nagtipunan, Quirino takes roughly 9 hours? Maybe even 12 hours if you get lost (believe us, it can happen).
Basically it’s in the middle of the mountains, with no nearby inns or hostels. Camping is the way of life in Quirino, so bring your tents, earth pads and favorite travel pillow. The nice thing is that the campsite is spacious and flat. Ground is a mix of fine sand with a bit of soil, with some patches of crawling with plants.
Remember to bring your stoves, mess kit, and complete food and water ration, enough for the number of days you’ll be camping out. Warning: The nearest “convenience store” requires a trek, a boat ride, and a tricycle ride (or your own car), so make sure to stock-up!
Tips from the Locals
- A minimum of 3 days is recommended to make the drive worth the trip.
- Routes require about 10-15 quickdraws and 30-meter ropes. Most anchors are rings.
- You can do bivouac, but tents are recommended as there are lots of insects (spiders, mountain cockroaches, ants, etc.) Good news: there are minimal mosquitoes. Still, have all of your anti-insect stuff ready, especially for those who have allergies.
- There is a free-flowing potable water supply nearby.
- Being beside a river, you know you'll be called for a swim. Have your swim wear, or even alternate it as your climbing apparel.
- If you’re going to drive your way there, best to have at least 2 drivers to rotate driving shifts.
- No electrical supply! Have fully charged phone batteries and power banks.
- Have a GPS-enabled phone to guide you.
- Try the Pancit Cabagan hut next to a waiting shed, just off of the dirt road leading to Bimmapor.