Cassamata Hill National Park

Cassamata Hill National Park
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
View of Bangued from Cassamata Hill
Location	Abra, Philippines
Nearest city	Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Coordinates	17°59′N 120°52′E / 17.983°N 120.867°ECoordinates: 17°59′N 120°52′E / 17.983°N 120.867°E
Area	57 hectares (140 acres)
Established	August 26, 1974
Governing body	Department of Environment and Natural Resources Bangued Municipality[1]

Cassamata Hill National Park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the municipality of Bangued, Abra in the Cordillera Administrative Region. The park covers an area of 57 hectares and was declared a protected area in 1974.^[2]

Its location in the southern limits of Bangued municipality by the Ilocos Sur-Abra road affords easy access to its residents. The hill itself is an easy climb via a winding road or on foot by concrete stairways. Visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the small town below as well as the whole expanse of the Abra River valley flanked by the Cordillera Central and Ilocos mountain ranges. The 990 meter (3,248 feet) tall Mount Banti Goolong^[3] (also called "Sleeping Beauty" mountain by locals) is especially impressive from Victoria Park located in the summit of the hill. In addition to the park and mountain trails, Cassamata Hill also provides recreational facilities such as swimming pool, a hotel and an amphitheater. The park is also the site of a water reservoir and a shrine to the Virgin Mary.^[4]

References

1. "Technical Bulletin 2013-01". Department of Environment of Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
2. "CAR - Protected Areas". Department of Environment of Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
3. "Mount Banti Goolong". Peakery.com. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
4. "Abra - Tourist Attractions". Department of Tourism. Retrieved 21 June 2012.

See also

• List of national parks of the Philippines