Casiguran, Aurora

Ermita Hill

2010-06-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

The Ermita Hill is geographically located at the center of the town of Casiguran.It provides an enchanting view of the entire Poblacion, the dark blue coast of Casiguran Bay and the barrios nearby. Aside from its magnificent landscape, Ermita Hill is known as a sacred dwelling for religious activities by devotees of the Miraculous Mother Mary, of whom a life-size statue is situated in a grotto on top of the hill. The native folks believe that through the intercession of the Our Lady of Ermita, the town is oftentimes saved from devastating typhoons and storm signals. Locals said that even the news reported an incoming storm, it does not directly hit the town. Moreover, under the Spanish rule, a Watchtower was built just a few steps at the back of the chapel to guard the town against possible attackers.

Going to Casiguran

2010-06-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

If one needs to go to the other towns of the province of Aurora, one can always get off at the Central Terminal in Baler, Aurora and take a jeepney or tricycle to the central aurora towns of San Luis, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora or a non-airconditioned bus to the northern towns of Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag (DICADI).

Going up the winding mountain trail to Casiguran is a unique and diverse experience, the weary traveller is treated to an ever-changing scenery — verdant forests, stretches of green paddy fields, wide coconut plantations, white beaches, and the grand blue ocean of the Pacific!

Through the joint efforts of Senator Edgardo Angara and Governor Bella Angara-Castillo, the road to the northern part of Aurora has been largely paved with cement including the construction of modern and concrete bridges. This cuts travel time by almost two hours.

White Sand - Casapsapan Beach, Up Close

2010-03-31T18:40:00.000-07:00

This pristine and resort-free beach is amazingly a long stretch of fine white sand. Places like this in Casiguran are remote and desolate, providing visitors with an entirely different kind of relaxation. It is probably one of the least explored beaches in Casiguran as one can stroll cozily and undisturbed in the quiet of its unspoiled and natural beauty.

Casapsapan Beach offers a practical escape or breaker from a never-ending rat race brought about by modern technology and lifestyle.

Aurora Pacific Economic Zone (APECO)

2010-03-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

Above is the on-site office of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone located at Sitio Motyong, Bgy Esteves, Casiguran, Aurora. The ecozone was purposely situated in the bay area of Casiguran, a naturally protected enclave cradled by the Sierra Madre mountain range and the 12,000-hectare San Ildefonso Peninsula.

It is the country’s first economic zone to be established in the Pacific coast and intends to be a major transshipment hub going to the Pacific region. APECO is dubbed as the "Philippine's gateway to the Pacific" being the only transshipment port facing the East.

Visit the APECO website here.

Dangkalan Coastal Area

2010-02-05T04:34:00.000-08:00

Dangkalan is the most accessible coastal area in Casiguran where most of the seafoods like clams (parek), saltwater mussels (kurapan, sugisog), cockles, shrimps, eels and saltwater fish found at the local market came from.

During low tide, the beach is 80-100 meters drained of seawater. You can see local folks digging for clams and other edible marine bivalve mollusks buried in sand and soft sediments.

At high tide, the beach is ideal for swimming especially for children. It is relatively safe as the water is shallow (knee to waist high). In addition, paddling a small banca with your family or friends along the beach can be an enjoyable and exciting activity. At dusk, the mountains of San Ildefonso look like a work of art - a magnificent canvass!

Jogging or meditating along the shore with the morning mist can really be an uplifting experience. The mountainous scenery and the very calm sea that reflects the early dawn sky can give someone a sense of peace that soothes the tired human spirit. Dangkalan is indeed a good place for relaxation, especially the peaceful quiet morning beach.

San Ildefonso Peninsula Up Close

2009-01-11T18:39:00.000-08:00

As seen in the Philippine map, San Ildefonso is the most prominent peninsula found in the island of Luzon. By definition, a peninsula is an elongated piece of land jutting out into the sea from another piece of land in a coastal town or village. This geographical formation is a safe haven for ships and small vessels during storms and typhoons. It is also known as Cape San Ildefonso amongst the locals of Casiguran. Small communities in this peninsula can be found in Brgy. Busok-busok, Sitio Pasaruboy and Sitio Dalugan.

Dalugan Beach

2008-10-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

Dalugan Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Casiguran, Aurora with a fabulous view of the Pacific Ocean, the lush, diverse forests of the San Ildefonso Mountain Range, and the rock formation along the shoreline. Agta's, Aeta's or Dumagat's are the first inhabitants of Sitio Dalugan.

Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges - Journey to Casiguran

2008-10-28T03:29:00.000-07:00

Currently, the roads that link Casiguran to the rest of the towns in the province closely follow and capture the magnificence of Sierra Madre mountain ranges. The mist-covered jungles are home of the extravagantly fertile and primitive flora. Aerial plants and ferns are hanging overhead and mosses covering the enormous tree trunks seem to be like green velvet. An emerald green glow fills the jungle as sunlight pass through these verdant mountains. The landscape is dominated by peak higher than thousand meters, which today remain unexplored. Anyone can feel insignificant and humble in those imposing and enormous surrounding. However, the journey is not for the fainthearted traveler as the roads winds through these high mountains.

Nature's INFINITY POOL - Dalugan Bay

2008-10-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

At Dalugan Bay, tidal pools and limestone cliffs are formed due to the strong waves of the Pacific Ocean. These reefs along the coast make swimming not quite possible, but they create a strong rush of waves that gives the scene a touch of excitement. These waves fill the depressions with sea water, thus forming an astonishing nature’s infinity pool! These natural pools along the beach allow the locals to swim in relative safety from the crashing waves. The adventurous can also climb these limestone cliffs and enjoy the surreal experience of viewing the vast ocean and verdant mountains.

Dalugan Bay is a visual feast for nature’s lover and outdoor enthusiast!

Dalugan Bay at San Ildefonso Peninsula

2008-10-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

Remote and pristine, this wide stretch of white sand is totally deserted. Walking form the tree line to the beach is a surreal experience, making you feel you are the very first person on earth to set foot on this enigmatic place.

The mystic beauty and awesomeness of the Dalugan Bay and the rest of San Ildefonso Peninsula have fascinated missionaries and adventurers. For quite some time now,solitary foreigners and tourists have been coming here to do some soul searching. Here, meditation comes easily, a sense of calmness pervades the tired spirit, and many worries and anxieties just seem to melt away.

The sheer beauty of Dalugan Bay is spellbinding! Its grandeurs are infinite!

Motiong Beach

2008-10-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Motyong is a popular beach filled with fine white sand. There are no resorts in this area, and there are few private rest houses. There is a private airstrip located nearby but not operational. Plans are underway to make it into a full-sized airport, making Motiong ideal for possible resort & hotel investment. The picture above is the only lodging house currently available at Motiong Beach.

Maiinit Hot Spring

2008-10-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

After roaming around the town of Casiguran, you can relax those sore muscles with a soothing dip at the Maiinit Hot Spring located at Brgy. Calangcusan. This forest hot spring wells-up in the mountain few meters walk from Sitio Maiinit. To be here is like being in an outdoor spa with the relaxing green landscape around you wafting your cares away!

Snorkeling and Diving

2008-10-26T01:11:00.000-07:00

Casiguran has an abundance of shallow coral reefs, where a snorkeler can enjoy the myriad forms of coral and undersea life. The beauties of the reef that stretch throughout the lengthy coastline are still waiting to be discovered.

One can also investigate the coral reef off-shore of Casiguran and Dilasag, where many potential diving spots still lie barely explored. Besides the coral gardens, which are mostly in pristine condition, the quality of the corals improves as you get deeper. As snorkeling & diving here is not usual, the fish are curious of divers and will approach them.

With perseverance, the results of underwater photography can be spectacular!

San Ildefonso Peninsula

2008-09-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Aside from farming, fishing is the other source of income of the native Kasiguranins. You can see fishermen from night till dawn patiently looking and waiting for a great catch.

Casiguran has wondrous beauty. Some might say even mystic and captivating. This must be for the Kasiguranins too, for their happiness seems to be sublime. Their friendliness is totally sincere and their hospitality as genuine as you would ever hope to find.

The town of Casiguran has more to offer than just beautiful beaches: human kindness and genuine hospitality.

The Newly Renovated Ermita Hill

2008-08-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

You can see from the above post the old look of Ermita Hill. It's now newly renovated with colorful paints and open grills.

Kindly visit also other magnificent views from the eight (8) towns of Aurora " The Sanctuary of Nature's Splendor". Click here.

Kasiguranins - Picnic Lovers!

2008-08-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

Going for a picnic in the beaches of Casiguran is one of the favorite pastimes of the local folks during weekends, holidays and family reunions. This could be a delightful activity also for tourists. One could pick out a nice area under a tree near the beach and enjoy sumptuous broiled delights from the sea and fresh tropical fruit.

Laid back atmosphere, deep blue skies, cool breeze, splendid sun....a definite break from stressful and busy life!

Casiguran Sound

2008-08-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Casiguran Sound is a bay nearly enclosed by the Casiguran landmass and the cape of San Ildefonso. Only a kilometer-wide inlet serves to connect the sound to the sea. Its very location provides protection from the typhoons that seasonally ravage most of the province. Casiguran Sound is also unaffected by the monsoon winds that blow from October through February, making it an ideal spot for windsurfing, should facilities be available. For the time being, bring your own windsurfing equipment. The area has its share of white beaches and numerous places for relaxation, and many foreigners have taken advantage of the natural placidity, having built vacation homes along the coast.

Casapsapan Beach

2008-08-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

One of the newly discovered beaches in Casiguran, Aurora! It's gaining popularity among the locals and tourists because of it's astonishing view of the Pacific ocean, powdery white sand, clear blue water and the magnificent mountain ranges!

Mangrove Area at Motiong

2008-08-30T06:33:00.000-07:00

Mangroves (generally) are trees and shrubs that grow in saline coastal habitats in the tropics and subtropics. Mangroves forests provide important ecosystem goods and services. The forests help stabilize shorelines and reduce the devastating impact of natural disasters, such as tsunamis and hurricanes. They also serve as breeding and nursing grounds for marine species, and are sources of food, medicine, fuel, and building materials for local communities. However, the forests have been declining at an alarming rate — perhaps even more rapidly than inland tropical forests — and much of what remains is in degraded condition.

On the other hand, Casiguran still preserves its mangrove forests. Exploring these ecologically vital mangroves can be done thru riding a banca or thru kayaking with the locals as guide.

Rural Life

2008-08-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

Small unpaved and rough roads like this can be found around Casiguran. The countryside atmosphere of this ruggedly beautiful town makes up for the minor inconveniences.

Casiguran Agricultural Production

2008-08-30T06:26:00.001-07:00

Coconut plantations can be seen around the agricultural lands of Casiguran. However, coconut intercropping and orchard areas are on a limited scale. Agricultural production include staple foods such as rice, corn and root crops. Farming structure here resembles traditional farming practices covering a small area of farm production which include crops, spices and vegetables.

Location of Casiguran, Aurora

2008-08-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

Casiguran is a 3rd class municipality in the northern part of the province of Aurora, Philippines. It is located 121 km from Baler, the provincial capital. It is bounded on the northeast by Dilasag, on the southwest by Dinalungan, on the northwest by Quirino and southeast by the Pacific Ocean.

Brief History of Casiguran, Aurora

2008-08-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

According to folk legend, the name Casiguran was obtained from the word "Kasiguruhan" which means "safety" or "assurance". Safety means defense/fortress or sanctuary for sailing ships during stormy weather. On the other hand, assurance means that if an unmarried stranger comes to the place, he unavoidably falls in love with someone and eventually gets married and most of the time stayed for good. Casiguran was founded by the Spanish Missionaries on June 13, 1609. But prior to their arrival, the early settlers of the place were the Dumagats/Aetas followed by migrants from other places of the country. These migrants spoke different dialects such as Ilokano, Visayan, Bicolano, Pampango. Gaddang, Itawes and Ibanag. Thus, a "kasiguranin" language evolved out of these dialects. In 1942, the entering by the Japanese Occupation forces landed in the town of Casiguran. In 1945, the liberation in the town of Casiguran from the defenders between the Allied Philippine Commonwealth troops and local guerrilla units against the Japanese forces during the Battle of Casiguran at the end of World War II. When the Philippines became independent in 1946, Aurora was still part of Tayabas Province (now Quezon Province) and Casiguran was a lone northern town. Its political jurisdiction is bounded on the north by the province of Isabela, on the west by Quirino Province, and on the south west by barangay Dinadiawan which was then the boundary between Baler and Casiguran. In 1959 and 1966, the barrios of Dilasag and Dinalungan which were part of Casiguran and situated on its northern and southwestern portions, respectively were created municipalities.