Moving water, cascading from jagged rocks and plunging into pits of darkness tends to enchant romantics and nature lovers and has the magical power of uplifting any jaded traveler. If you are looking for the next summer getaway one doesn't have to involve the sun, surf and sand. There is much going on in the insides of forests and mountains, most often than not are the those that are underrated tourist spots of crystal clear lagoons fed by veils and veils of water dropping from sheer rock faces. Here are 8 of the best waterfalls that our beautiful archipelago has to offer.
Hinulugang Taktak, Antipolo Rizal
The classic and famous, Enshrined in history by the folk song"Tayo na sa Antipolo", this old haunt of Manileno vacationers has been proclaimed a national park. Although the falls' natural beauty has been tarnished by the excesses of civilization, restoration projects by the government and NGOs are coming to the rescue, and dropping by the place, which is more accessible than many of the waterfalls that I shall be enumerating here, can go a long way in raising awareness for the preservation of this national treasure.
Getting there - The Hinulugang Taktak National Park is found in Barangay Dela Paz, Antipolo City. Simply ride an FX taxi going to Antipolo Church, and from there ride a tricycle going to the falls. Entrance fee is at Php 8
Kawasan Falls, Badian Cebu
Ride a bus for three hours from Cebu City to take in the sensory delight of this three level cascade of spotless spring water. Popular with families and picnic goers, the resort offers cottages, rest houses, and restaurants. Night trekkers will find comfort in the hanging electrical lights lining the path up and down the trio of the waterfalls.
Getting there - the town of Badian is located at about 130 kilometers from the southwest of Cebu City. Ride the bus going to Badian, the entrance to the falls is found in Barangay Matutinao. From the jump off you'll have to trek for about 30min to get to the waterfalls. Entrance and shuttle service is about Php10.
Tinago Falls, Iligan Lanao Del Norte
A hidden jewel, Iligan isn't only Maria Cristina's realm as there are more than 20 waterfalls in the city. Tinago though deserves more notice for it's sheer romantic setting. Situated in a deep ravine, the falls plunges more than 200 feet fro a cliff into a deep and icy cold lagoon. This pool will dissolve all the rigors you'll endure to getting there via the 500 steps required to descend via trekking to get to the waterfalls.
Getting there - Tinago is located on the boundary of Barangay Ditucalan at about 13.8 kilometers from the city proper. From Cagayan de Oro City take the Bulua Terminal, hop on the bus going to Iligan City. Once there, grab a jeepney to the public market where you can take another jeepney to Buru-un. Get off at the public market in Buru-un and grab a motorcycle to the falls. Entrance fee is at Php10.
Daranak Falls, Tanay Rizal
A favorite movie location, Daranak Falls is definitely the Pride of Tanay. It has been used as a shooting location since the beginning of Philippine Cinema and is still used today for advertising outfits and recently for telenovelas such as Mulawin, Panday, and Encantadia and so much more.
Getting there - Daranak Falls is approximately over 2 hours away from Manila. You can ride a Tanay bound Jeepney or van along EDSA Central/Starmall in Shaw BLVD. Get off at Tanay Market and ride a tricycle to Daranak Falls. If you are driving a car, a signage that points towards the falls' location can be found in Barangay Plaza Aldea in Tanay. Entrance fee is at Php20.
Pagsanjan Falls, Cavinti Laguna
The Pagsanjan Falls is one of an adventure ride. Getting to the spectacle which is also called the Magdapio Falls would require that you would "Shoot the Rapids" your boatman will skillfully maneuver his "banca" through the rapids of Bumbungan River while both the walls of the Pagsanjan Gorge Tower over your small fiberglass canoe. The trip reaches a climax when you go right through the curtain of falling water into the Devil's cave.
Getting There - Although bearing the name Pagsanjan, the waterfall is actually located in Barangay Anglas, Cavinti. Still access by boat originates from Pagsanjan. The commute will take roughly about three hours. To get there, ride a bus from Cubao or Taft/Buendia to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Once you reach Sta Cruz, ride a jeepney to Pagsanjan. Entrance fees plus guide fees, which should include the tip for the boatman is approximately Php1000.
Tudaya Falls, Santa Cruz Davao Del Sur
The sire of Mt. Apo, the Tudaya falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country at 150 feet is appropriate for it is a landmark along the Sibulan trail to the Philippines' highest peak. It can be reached with a 30 min hike across rushing streams, muddy roads and rugged hills. But it is worth every drop of sweat as Tudaya Falls greets its weary travelers with a cool mist from its might waters.
Getting there - The Tudaya falls is near the town of Sta Cruz, which is a three hour drive away from Davao City. You'll have to trek for approximately 30 mintues to Tudaya Falls from there. Entrance fee is about Php10.
Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan Lanao Del Norte
Filled with sheer power, Maria Cristina Falls not only has 320 feet of twin waterfalls, it also offers an amazing view. Aside from providing tourist with a visual treat, the Maria Cristina Falls also provides 70% of Mindanao's electricity through the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant. Now that what one would call functional beauty.
Getting there - Maria Cristina Falls is located on the boundaries Barangay Maria Cristina, Ditucalan and Buru-un, 9.3 kilometers southwest from the city proper. From Cagayan De Oro City's Bulua Terminal, take the bus to Iligan City. Once there, take a jeepney to the public market, where you can take a jeepney to Buru-un. From the Highway, the entrance to Maria Cristina Falls is about a 3 min walk. Entrance is about Php40.
Bunga Falls, Nagcarlan Laguna
Bunga Falls are two waterfalls that are almost identical as they plunge into the catch basin below. Locals have a folklore that say a creature dwells deep within the pool eager to pull the unprepared down into the darkness. The falls also used to be a test of manliness for local boys.A visit to the falls will round out your tour for Nagcarlan's historical structures such as the Presidencia, St. Bartholomew's Church and the Underground Cemetery.
Getting there - Ride the bus from Cubao or Taft/Buendia to Sta Cruz Laguna, Once in Sta Cruz, ride the jeepney that goes to Nagcarlan where you can take a tricycle to the start of the trail at Barangay Bunga. Entrance is about Php 30.
With all these natural wonders that are abound in the Philippines there is but a problem of perservation and it is important that we as tourists to take responsibility in taking care that these places are not devastated by our presence. I believe that these are places that are sacred to nature and yet shared to us to enjoy and refresh.
Here are some way to keep our waterfalls pristine:
Put trash where it belongs, not in the water.
Bring a trash bag with you, especially if you're going camping.
If camping near the falls, wash at least 100 feet away from it and as much as possible do your cleaning with soapless hot water.
"It is important that we take nothing back with us but the pictures and leave nothing but our footprints. Kill nothing but time."
Till Next Time...
-Metz-
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