What is Baey Anito Falls?
Baey Anito Falls is a 30-foot waterfall in Barangay Anaao, Alilem, Ilocos Sur. The basin is wide, the water is cold and clear, and the forest surrounding it is alive with wildlife. Entry is free, but tourists must register at the Alilem municipal hall before heading out.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Barangay Anaao, Alilem, Ilocos Sur |
| Approximate height | 30+ feet |
| Entrance fee | Free |
| Best months to visit | December to April |
| Trek time (2026) | 10-15 minutes on concrete path |
| Distance from town center | 30-45 minutes by road |
I first visited in 2013. Back then, getting there meant a solid hour of hiking over steep, uncleared terrain. No path, no markers. Just forest and rocks and a lot of effort. Even so, the waterfall made every step worth it.
I came back in 2026. Since then, the municipal government has laid a concrete path to the falls. Now, that same hike takes 10 to 15 minutes.
The falls look exactly the same. Yet some things should stay that way.
What does “Baey Anito” mean?
“Baey Anito” comes from the Kankanaey language. It translates to “Balay Anito” in Filipino, meaning “House of the Spirit.” That is, the name reflects the indigenous belief that spirits inhabit places of natural power.
The Kankanaey people are an indigenous group from the Cordillera region, and Kankanaey is one of the two native languages spoken in Alilem alongside Ilokano. The town name “Alilem” has its own etymology: local lore traces it to “LemLem,” meaning continuous rainstorm, and “ALICONO,” meaning whirlpool.
Standing at the base of the falls with mist in your face, birds calling from the trees, and the sound of the water filling everything around you, the name makes complete sense. Still, you don’t need to believe in spirits to understand why they named it that.
How to get to Baey Anito Falls
From the Alilem town center, expect a 30-45 minute drive to Barangay Anaao, then a 10-15 minute walk on a concrete path. Before anything else, stop at the Alilem municipal hall to register your visit. It’s along the main road and takes just a few minutes.
- Travel to Alilem, Ilocos Sur. Coming from Metro Manila via the mountain route, Alilem is the first town you enter in the province.
- Stop at the Alilem municipal hall. Register as a tourist. It’s a safety requirement.
- Drive to Barangay Anaao (approximately 30-45 minutes from the town center).
- Walk the concrete path to the falls. About 10-15 minutes on foot.
From Vigan City, allow 2-3 hours for the drive. The roads are narrow and winding, but the mountain scenery along the way is worth slowing down for.
No private vehicle? Take a bus to Candon City or San Fernando, Ilocos Sur, then hire a habal-habal or tricycle going to Alilem. Also, confirm the fare before boarding.
What to expect at the falls
No vendors, no speakers, no crowds.
The basin is wide and deep enough to swim in comfortably. The water is also cold and completely clear. At just over 30 feet, the drop creates a steady mist at the base. Combined with the shade from the surrounding trees, the temperature at the falls stays noticeably cooler than the trail.
But here’s what caught me off guard the first time.
The forest around Baey Anito Falls is alive in a way most tourist spots aren’t. Birds, lizards, wild chickens, and boar have all made this place their home. You’ll hear them before you see them. For instance, listen for rustling in the undergrowth, calls from the canopy, movement just past the tree line. The waterfall is the main act, but the surrounding ecosystem earns just as much attention.
On either side, rock formations are layered and moss-covered. The greenery is thick on all sides. Admittedly, cell signal is spotty in most of the area. For some people that’s a problem. For most, it turns out to be a relief.
What to bring and when to visit
Visit from December to April. At that time of year, water levels are manageable, the weather is dry, and the path is safe. During the rainy season, water levels at Baey Anito become unpredictable. That’s not a guideline. So it’s a hard rule.
- Swimwear and a spare change of clothes
- Packed food and drinking water (no stalls anywhere near the falls)
- A trash bag — bring out everything you bring in
- Water shoes or sandals for the basin
- Fully charged phone or camera
There are no restrooms, no food stalls, and nothing to buy on site. So everything you need has to come with you. And when you leave, take your trash. Thankfully, the falls are clean because people keep them that way.
What else can you do in Alilem?
Naturally, each barangay in Alilem has its own character. The roads between them wind through hills, farms, and forest patches. In fact, just slow down and stop when something catches your eye. It usually will.
Worth noting: the Bakun AC Hydro Power Plant is also nearby and worth seeing. It has supplied clean, renewable energy to Northern Luzon since 2001. As part of its construction, 16 kilometers of access roads were built and now serve as farm-to-market highways for the area. The 292-meter Friendship Bridge in Barangay Dalawa is part of that network. Sure enough, it crosses a gorge and offers a view that caught me off guard the first time I saw it.
Beyond the infrastructure, just drive through the barangays. Then talk to locals and ask where to go. The best spots in Alilem won’t show up on any map, ultimately.
Ilocano food to try after the trek
After a full day in Alilem, you’ll want to eat. Ilocano food is some of the most distinct regional cooking in the Philippines, and this is the right place to try it. Three dishes to know before you go:
- Pakbet (Pinakbet) — The authentic Ilocano version uses bagoong isda, not bagoong alamang. That one difference changes the dish completely.
- Sinanglaw — A beef innard soup. Bold, deeply savory. Locals have it for breakfast.
- Dinakdakan — Grilled pork face with vinegar and pig brain (or mayo if you prefer it milder). It sounds like a lot. It isn’t.
That said, eating these dishes in Alilem after a waterfall trek hits differently than eating them anywhere else.
Is Alilem worth the detour?
People ask if Alilem is worth stopping for on the way to Vigan. Yes, and here’s why most people miss it.
If you’re coming from Metro Manila via the mountain route, Alilem is the first town you enter in Ilocos Sur. Understandably, most tourists drive straight through toward Vigan. That’s the case, of course. But the result is that Alilem gets treated like a checkpoint instead of a destination.
Baey Anito Falls alone justifies the stop. Then add the Friendship Bridge, the barangay roads, and a proper Ilocano meal, and you have a full day. It won’t feel like a side trip. Instead, it’ll feel like the part of the Ilocos Sur itinerary most people regret skipping.
For more travel destinations across the Philippines, browse the Travel and Tourism section on WisePH.
Frequently asked questions about Baey Anito Falls
Is there an entrance fee at Baey Anito Falls?
No. Entry is free. But all tourists are required to register at the Alilem municipal hall before visiting. It’s a safety measure and the process is quick.
How do I get to Baey Anito Falls from Vigan?
Drive from Vigan City to Alilem, Ilocos Sur. Allow 2-3 hours for the winding mountain roads. Once in Alilem, register at the municipal hall, then head to Barangay Anaao and follow the concrete path to the falls.
Can you swim at Baey Anito Falls?
Yes. The basin is wide and the water is clear and cold. Bring swimwear and water shoes. Visit only from December to April. During the rainy season, water levels become unpredictable and dangerous.
What language do people in Alilem speak?
Ilokano and Kankanaey are the two native languages of Alilem. In Kankanaey, “Baey Anito” translates to “Balay Anito,” meaning “House of the Spirit” in Filipino.
What other tourist spots are near Baey Anito Falls?
The Bakun AC Hydro Power Plant and the 292-meter Friendship Bridge in Barangay Dalawa are nearby. The barangay roads throughout Alilem offer scenic views, and each community has its own distinct character worth exploring on the same trip.
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