Kaparingitan is the original name of an island that is a destination in La Union that is becoming popular.
According to this information that is posted at the beach going to the island, Kaparingitan is now known as Immuki Island.
To get to Immuki Island from Manila, ride buses going to Ilocos or Abra and then drop off Bacnotan, La Union. From there, you can ride a jeep going to Luna, La Union then drop off Paraoir, Balaoan particularly their barangay hall. You can also charter a tricycle to take you directly to Paraoir.
For private vehicles, you can rely Waze or Google Maps. Just key in Paraoir, Balaoan. That's how we got to Paraoir. We just have to look out for the barangay hall and the sign that indicates Immuki Island. This is just along the highway that's why it's easier to locate.
You can read about my introduction to the island here Market Friday at Immuki Island, La Union.
One must register at the barangay hall. Just follow the crowd or ask the locals who will gladly guide you where to go next. From the registration area to the beach is just a few minutes walk.
Local guides are waiting for you there to take you to the island. You can choose to ride a bamboo raft called "balsa" which is then pulled by your tour guide or you can choose to walk the almost 1 km distance to the island. We chose to ride the "balsa" which was about a 15-minute ride.
There are three lagoons in the island and the first one was where the tourists are taken.
The first lagoon is about 10 feet at its deepest. We didn't get in the water right away. We decided to explore the island more.
Aside from the mangroves that are growing on the island, mostly about 5 feet tall, what is noticeable right away are how jagged and sharp the edges of the rocks are. The "bangkero" or tour guide had to maneuver the "balsa" in between these rocks. It is advisable to have footwear on when on the island.
We followed the path going to the Flat Corals. As we got nearer to the corals, the mangroves thinned out abruptly.
This is what they call the Flat Corals. It's not as flat as it looks because the edges are jagged.
This is the inlet of the first lagoon. There are areas here that are deep enough to swim. It is narrow though so you have to be careful for the sharp edges of the rocks that line the inlet.
We spent a bit of time here.
Tiny seashells can be seen on these rocks or wedge in cracks and holes. There were also fishes and corals too.
We then decided to check out the other lagoon.
On our way back, I noticed these along the way.
This is the inlet that leads to the second lagoon.
The lagoon is about 8 feet or more at its deepest. Only a small area of it is deep.
This is where we spent the rest of our time to this destination in La Union that is becoming popular.
There was a third lagoon which is the deepest but we didn't go there anymore and decided to end our trip there in the island.
Immuki Island is indeed a destination in La Union that is becoming popular. The neighboring town which is San Juan is a surfing destination and it has opened up other destination spots in the nearby towns and they are being developed quickly into tourist spots.
If you are visiting La Union, after visiting San Juan, go to Kaparingitan Island or Immuki Island in Balaoan which is a destination in La Union that is becoming popular.