Ilocos Norte’s coastal geology offers far more than the overpromoted Bangui Windmills or Paoay Church-focus instead on the underrated Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and its adjacent limestone cliffs, which exemplify Miocene-era sedimentary uplift combined with Pleistocene wave abrasion. Misconception alert: these aren’t “magic white rocks” from volcanic activity (as some travel blogs claim); they’re chemogenic limestones precipitated from hypersaline lagoon waters around 15-20 million years ago, later exposed by the Luzon Strait’s tectonic compression.
For a precise visit:
- Access: From Bangui, head 15km north via Currimao-Bangui Road (concrete, suitable for 4×4 or high-clearance vehicles; avoid sedans during high tide). GPS: 18.613°N, 120.626°E. Entry: PHP 50/person, no permit needed but drones require DENR clearance.
- Optimal conditions: Dry season (Nov-Apr), low tide (check PHISA app for -0.5m or lower) to traverse the 200m tidal flat safely. Avoid afternoons due to solar glare distorting photo compositions.
- Technical highlights: Observe cross-bedding in the limestone (indicating ancient tidal currents) and solution karsts forming sea caves-ideal for low-impact geological mapping. Binoculars reveal foraminifera fossils at 10x magnification.
- Sustainability note: Foot traffic erodes the friable upper crust (compressive strength 5 MPa); stick to marked paths to prevent accelerating cliff retreat (currently 0.5m/year from storm surges).
Has anyone conducted recent surveys on erosion rates here post-Typhoon Rolly (2020)? Sharing GPS-tracked routes or water quality data (pH often 8.2-8.5) would enhance this as a field site for amateur geologists. Photos with scale references encouraged.