Pangayapang Falls and its Infinity Pool in Poblacion, Bauko, Mt. Province

Posted on by Loneprowler
Pangayapang Falls Bauko Mt. Province

Bauko is a nature-gifted municipality in the highlands of northern Philippines. Mountain trekking is one of the favorite tourist activity as the municipality offers picturesque mountains. During rainy season, however, increases the volume of flow in different bodies of water and gives life to one of the unique spots Bauko has to offer: the Pangayapang Falls and its natural infinity pool.

Contents

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal and/or vicarious experiences as well as references to the date of publication. Changes may occur on contact details, transportation, fees, etc. With this, please do comment at the end of the article any updates as well as corrections on the content, anything amiss, or any information that you think is crucial to the readers. Thank you!

Location

Address: Poblacion, Bauko, Mt. Province, Philippines

Map:

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Business Hours

Usually at 0900AM-0500PM

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Fees
  • Contact the Municipal Tourism Office for updates and specifics. Mostly, they charge Php600.00/pax for 2 days and 1 night trekking and camping (includes different tourist spots in the municipality).

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Contact Details

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Pangayapang Falls in Poblacion, Bauko, Mt. Province

Pangayapang Falls is found in Poblacion, Bauko, Mt. Province. Like other parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Bauko has a lot to offer especially culture-related as well as natural sites.

This pride in Bauko is a good example of a cascade, a type of waterfall. Accordingly, a cascade consists of water descending over rocks or boulders [1]; thus, it is still correct to call it a waterfall.

Pangayapang waterfall is a cascade, one of the more beautiful and gentle types of falls [2]

The water from the cascade plunges to a half basketball court sized pool. The pool has steep walls made of stone. In some photos, it may look like it is a small pool only good for 2-3 people in it. However, it can accommodate way much more as seen in the Facebook post below.

Above photo shows the outer lip of the natural pool.

What is most interesting about Pangayapang Falls is its infinity pool. While submerged in the pool, you can have a spectacular view of some parts of Bauko. The following photos cannot give justice to the view from the falls.

Other notable activities of interest in Bauko includes a tour of the indigenous pottery-making, Cotcot Aso, Nentingli, Spanish Trails, Toktok Allan, Layaan Burial Cave, and Mount Polis.

In conclusion, Pangayapang Falls is without contest a not-much known natural wonder in Bauko. It has a cascade, a medium sized natural pool which has one side overlooking to some parts of the municipality. It would be a great addition to your itinerary if you plan on going to Mt. Province, especially Bauko.

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How to Get There
  • Please contact the Municipal Tourism Office (as listed above) and look for Ms. Arsenia Addon before planning to go there for a smoother itinerary and prevent delays as well as for them to be prepared.
  • Get to Baguio City if you are coming from the lowlands. There are a lot of options of buses and vans going to Baguio from the lowlands. Another option is to take a Codas Lines Bus bound to Bontoc. From Bontoc, take a van bound for Bauko.
  • From Baguio City
    • GL Trans Bus (5:00AM-3:00PM) in Dangwa Station (behind Baguio Centermall) via Bauko [temporarily while the road slide in Sabangan is not yet fixed; once fixed, their buses will not ply through this route].
    • Rising Sun Trans Bus (5:30AM-3:30PM) and Lizardo Trans Bus (3:00AM-2:00PM) in Slaughter Compound via Abatan-Poblacion, Bauko. Inform the conductor to drop you off in Bauko.
    • Van (3:00AM-3:30PM) bound to Abatan, Bauko (take note IT IS NOT Abatan, Buguias). Their terminal is at ENCLEAN Gas Station near D’ Rising Sun in Baguio.

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Helpful Local Phrases
  • Good morning: Gawis ay agsapa. Good afternoon: Gawis ay masdem. Good night: Gawis ay labi.
  • How are you? Kumusta?
  • What is you name?: Hinu han nagan mo?
  • My name is…: Hak-en hi…
  • How much is this?: Kaat na na?
  • How can I/we go there? Ikkak ay umey hidi? (for I) / Ikkan mi ay umey hidi? (for we).
  • Thank you: Iyaman.
  • Help!: Tulong!
  • Sorry: Pasensya.
  • One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten: Eha, duwa, tulo, upat, lima, enem, pito, wa-o, hiyam, himpu.
  • I don’t understand. Adiak maawatan.

If you notice, most of the ‘s’ words are changed to ‘h’ except for those non-Kankanaey words.

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Acknowledgement

The author wants to acknowledge Leon Saleoan, Jr. and Nomadic Highlander, both Mt. Province locals, for the images used in the article. You can find them on Facebook (http://facebook.com/leonjrs [Leon Saleoan, Jr.], Twitter (@igorotforlife [Nomadic Highlander]) and YouTube (Nomadic Highlander).

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References

[1] The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2011. Cascade. [online] Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/science/cascade-waterfall&gt; [Accessed 8 May 2020].

[2] Wee, Rolando Y. 2017, How Many Types of Waterfalls Are There? [online]. World Atlas. Available at <https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/how-many-types-of-waterfalls-are-there.html/&gt; [Accessed 8 May 2020].

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Kaparkan Falls (Mulawin Falls) in Tineg Abra

Posted on by Loneprowler

Kaparkan Falls (also known as Mulawin Falls) is a limestone terraces hidden for centuries in the landlocked province of Abra. This travertine rose to fame in 2015 when images of the terraced water gours were uploaded in the internet.

Contents

  1. Location
  2. Kaparkan Falls: A Hidden Travertine
  3. Contacts
  4. How to Get to Kaparkan Falls
  5. Where to Stay in Abra
  6. Expenses
  7. Reminders
  8. Other Notable Spots to Visit in Abra
  9. References

Location

  • Sitio Kaparkan, Barangay Caganayan, Tineg, Abra, Philippines
  • Coordinates: Latitude: 17.782325, Longitude: 120.781318

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Kaparkan Falls: A Hidden Travertine

Kaparkan Falls (also known as Mulawin Falls) is a limestone terraces hidden for centuries in the landlocked province of Abra. This travertine rose to fame in 2015 when images of the terraced water gours were uploaded in the internet.

Reaching Kaparkan Falls requires good physical and mental sturdiness. Located in a province 9-10 hours ride away from Manila, this travertine paradise can only be reached through off-road vehicles. Sometimes, these tough vehicles carrying tourists even falter along the way. If you are lucky that these monsters of vehicle will not give up, you need to endure a harrowing, bumpy, and muscle numbing ride for a few hours.

The video below will show you the arduous ride to Kaparakan (Kibad[a], 2019).

The “hell ride to paradise” will give you insights of the mountainous part of the province. You’ll notice that limestones are scattered along mountain slopes. Caves are often found under these terrains which is corroborated by the Libtec Crystal Cave in Dolores and Sibud-Sibud Cave in Tineg, maybe even more in some areas waiting to be discovered. Several trees such as duhat, banaba, etc. will also delight the visitors aside from the picturesque plains and mountaintops.

Upon arrival at the drop-off point, you’ll need to walk around 10-20 minutes, depending on your pace. We made it in 10 minutes including refilling our water containers from a spring along the way. If you need to empty your bladder or bowel, there is a facility near the entrance

The grounds at the entrance of the falls is a delight itself. There are picnic tables and benches under the trees. You can leave your bags on these tables. Your lunch and snacks should be taken also in this area as no foods are allowed in the water.

Walking further will lead you to the breathtaking Kaparkan Falls. The falls covers a wide water paradise [yeah, a kilometer!] until it drains to the Tineg River. For the purpose of an organized presentation, the picture will be grouped into levels: the upper level, the lower level, and the blue lagoon and ‘mother’ falls near the Tineg River.

The upper level consists of shallow gours. This starts from the uppermost terraces, which are off limits, until the gours draining to steep and several-meter high pools, just below the balite tree. The images ends on the video posted by Nomadic Highlander (Kibad[b], 2019) in YouTube.

The lower level has greater pool heights than those at the upper level. Further, there are portions of this level which are restricted to tourists unless accompanied by local guides. I highly suggest that you take a local guide as they will even accompany you to the blue lagoon and ‘mother falls’ below.

The lower level of the Karakan Falls requires a little bit of walking down a slope under the forest trees and bamboos and going up following the cascades up to the balite tree.

Initially, the guide told us that the blue lagoon is off limits. Later, I came to understand that such restrictions are done when the water level is high as it may be risky to tourists. I was lucky to ask another guide why the lagoon is restricted and got a response that tourists need to be accompanied on those particular days because of previous heavy rainfall.

So, we asked for assistance and they accompanied us down after getting permission from the head guide. Going down is easy but it may be treacherous to some, hence the need of the guide. Moreover, you will not retrace your steps when going back after the blue lagoon and ‘mother’ falls. These guides will lead you through the cascades, indicating which parts are safe to tread. This will lead you up to the hidden pools and gours of greater heights than those at the upper level.

The first two videos were taken by the author. The third one was uploaded by Nomadic Highlander (Kibad[c], 2019) will give you more details of the lover level of this wonder including the Blue Lagoon and Mother Falls.

Diverse Flora and Fauna

There is a diverse flora and fauna in the Kaparkan Falls. To protect this, the tourism council of Abra has created policies including no collection of endemic flora and fauna in the area. Further, the LNT prnciples were also being discussed during the orientation prior to loading in the vehicles. It was noted by guides and the council that some previous tourists were collecting plants and insects.

House Bill No. 2651

With the allure of the Kaparkan Falls to local and foreign tourists, House Bill No. 2651 (2019) was filed by Rep. J.B. Bernos of Abra, which seeks to declare this place as an official ecotourism site. Once the House Bill is approved and enacted, funding will be made available, enabling faster development of the area. The House Bill was received at the Bills and Index Division of the House of Representatives on 24 July 2019.

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Contacts

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How to Get to Kaparkan Falls

  • Get to Bangued, Abra (by land only; the nearest airport is in Laoag)
    • From Manila: Partas Bus (Cubao and Pasay; fare and schedule here), Dominion Transit Bus (Cubao), or Viron Trans (Cubao or Sampaloc) bound to Bangued. Approx. trip duration: about 9-10 hours. Get to Bangued, Abra. From the bus station, take a tricycle to the agreed meeting place (usually DPWH Compound or at Blugas Station).
    • From Baguio City: Take a Partas Bus (Php370.00*) or a mini bus (less than Php300.00*) bound to Bangued. Approx. trip duration: about 5-6 hours.
    • From other parts of the country: Take any transportation that will take you to Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. Tell the driver or conductor to drop you at the junction going to Abra. Hail buses or PUJs plying this route.
    • Private vehicles: Directions can be easily asked from the friendly Abra locals.
  • From Bangued to Kaparkan
    • The ABRAmazing team will transfer you to a 4×4, 6-wheeler, jeep, or whatever is best for the group, though usually the 6-wheeler. This will take you to Kaparkan Falls in about 4 hours as of writing. Its starts with a smooth ride for an hour along paved road. At the end of the cemented road, you will all disembark for the team to put chain on the wheels. This will aid the wheels to have better traction in the following 3-hour hyper-bumpy ride.
    • At the end of the “hell ride”, you will need to take an easy walk down to the Kaparkan Falls for 10-20 minutes, depending on your pace.

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Where to Stay in Abra

  • There are now plenty of available hotels, inns, and homestays in Abra. Check them out in booking apps.

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Expenses

  • Bus fare (round trip): Php740.00 depends on where you came from
  • Abra pancit miki for breakfast: Php64.00
  • Tricycle from bus station (accumulated; from bus station to pancit miki resto to BLUgas Station): Php80.00 (divided already for individual fare; there were 2 of us)
  • Packed lunch (well, we just bought snacks); Php60.00
  • Registration fee (includes 6-wheeler transpo, environmental fee, LGU fee, guide fee): Php1000.00
  • Tricycle to the bus station (accumulated; from DPWH compound to public ihawan for dinner to bus station): Php20.00 (divided already for individual fare; there were 2 of us)
  • Dinner: Php100.00 (voracious, haha)
  • TOTAL: Php2064.00

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Reminders

  • Get in touch with the above-mentioned contacts before heading to Abra, especially if you do it DIY, to reserve a slot. The Kaparkan falls has a designated maximum capacity, the area is open seasonal (during rainy season only), as well as the availability of transpo can affect the approval of your booking. Most weekends and national holidays are fully booked, by the way.
  • Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
  • Always practice leave-no-trace principles. I have to highlight to please not leave anything, do not vandalize, and do not take any physical memento from the place. Whether it is under the protection of the DENR or not, treat nature with respect.
  • Please empty your bowels before embarking. One of the most common sentiments of locals in developing and developed natural tourist areas is fecal dumping of visitors.
  • If you are pregnant or with health problem (cardiovascular or musculuskeletal), better rebook your travel until you are physically fit to endure the ride. Well, I am used to bumpy rides along unpaved roads in the Cordilleras, however, this particular ride is was much more unfriendly.

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Other Notable Spots to Visit in Abra

There are a lot of tourist destinations in Abra with Kaparkan Falls at the helm. Others include Kili Falls, Tayum Church, Cassamata Hill National Park, Tayum Church, Apao Rolling Hills, Sibud-Sibud Cave, Libtec Crystal Cave, Calaba Bridge, Don Mariano Marcos Bridge, Piwek Rock Formations, Tangadan Tunnel, and many more.

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References/Embeds

Kaparkan Falls Ecotourism, House Bill No. 2651, 18th Cong. 1st Regular Sess. (2019). Retrieved on 2019 Sept 03 from http://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_18/HB02652.pdf

Kibad[a], D. [Nomadic Highlander]. (2019 Sept 01). KAPARKAN FALLS Part 1| HELL ride to PARADISE [Video file]. Retrieved on 2019 Sept 03 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYBZPQ7zdFM&list=LLIFM-xvuVE-WSGeR6M6cO-g&index=2

Kibad[b], D. [Nomadic Highlander]. (2019 Sept 01). KAPARKAN FALLS Part 2| Upper Level [Video file]. Retrieved on 2019 Sept 03 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUVeWSHMJB0&list=LLIFM-xvuVE-WSGeR6M6cO-g&index=1

Kibad[c], D. [Nomadic Highlander]. (2019 Sept 04). KAPARKAN FALLS Part 3| Exploring Blue Lagoon and Mother Falls [Video file]. Retrieved on 2019 Sept 04 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbOHxwMa6w0

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Disclaimer: The content of this article is not perfect as fees, routes, position holders, etc. changes over time. Please do comment below for any updates and any information deemed necessary for the public to know.

Tekip Falls, Bakun, Benguet

Posted on by Loneprowler

Tekip Falls, a towering natural beauty located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is probably the most known waterfalls in the municipality as well as the most accessible one.

Tekip falls might be the most popular waterfall in Bakun. This is probably related to easy access from Poblacion. It would only need more or less 15 minute-easy-walk from the community, making it the most accessible among the major falls in the area.

En route, you will be amazed with the scenic view of the community area as well see one of the highest footbridge in the community.

On your way to Tekip Falls, you can see a wider view of the community with Mt. Kabunian as the backdrop.
Walking through this hanging bridge near Tekip falls will probably make you dizzy because of its height and length.

Behold the soaring heights of Tekip Falls! Standing at the base of the waterfall, you will feel that you are easily dwarfed by the fall’s immense height. Take note, however, that the best time [like other waterfalls] to see this spectacle is during rainy season where the volume is at its peak.

The beauty of Tekip Falls depends heavily on the volume of rain drops. The image above was taken on May where rainy season is still starting. Actually, it did not rain for days before we visited the site.

Images below detail the different parts of Tekip Falls. Again, the more volume of water, the better. Images below depicts a time when the place did not have voluminous rain in the past days.

Tekip Falls have multiple water streams and cascades. Rainy season has the best view of this natural spectacle.

Other Notable Waterfalls and Destinations in the Area

Where to Stay in Bakun

  • Option 1. Old Municipal Hall at Php80.00 per night per person. Pro: cheap. Cons: bring your own sleeping gears; food** not included.
  • Option 2. Sagunday Transient at Php200.00 per night per person. Pros: you get to sleep in a bed with foam, bedding, CR, and with kitchen and cooking utensils (yes, you can cook and stores are a stone’s throw away. Con: food** not included.

** You can arrange with the barangay officials to cook for you at around Php200.00.

Contact Persons

  • Mr. Arthur Tolito (Municipal Tourism Officer): +63 921 211 3687
  • Ms. Nenita Budas (BTC President): +63 918 352 3722

Expenses (food not included) as of May 2019

  • Baguio City to Km. 5, La Trinidad: Php10.00
  • Bus fare from La Trinidad to Bakun: Php180.00
  • Accommodation: Php80.00-200.00
  • Environmental fee: Php50.00
  • Guide fee (Per guide per group [max of 6 pax per group]. In excess of 6 members, additional heads will pay Php75.00 each. However, if the total participants are beyond 8, it is mandatory to have two guides. Further, in excess of the maximum hours, the guide will be paid additional Php50.00 per hour):
    • Tekip falls: Php300.00 (3 hours)
  • There are also packages if you want to go to more than one waterfalls and/or site (valid for a day, unless specified):
    1. Tekip falls, Bagiw river, Pikaw falls, rice terraces: Php1000.00
    2. Tekip falls, Bagiw river, rice terraces: Php600.00
    3. Mangta, Pattan, and Tekip falls: Php1300.00
    4. Mangta, Pattan, Pikaw and Tekip falls: Php1600.00

Can’t get enough of Bakun waterfalls? Visit the following page for more information on other waterfall packages:

OF WATERFALLS AND FOOT BRIDGES: THE CHASE IS ON IN BAKUN

Reminders

  • Always practice the LNT principles.
  • Be early taking jeep from Baguio City to La Trinidad as traffic might get heavy.
  • Get in touch with the contact persons listed above for to verify for any changes in transportation schedules, fees, temporary closure of sites, etc. This will also give them ample time to prepare for your accommodation.
  • Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.

Pikaw Falls, Bakun, Benguet

Posted on by Loneprowler

Pikaw Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is one of the major falls in the municipality due to its towering height and rainbow formation.

The route to Pikaw falls converges with part of the path going to Gedgedayan, another tourist hill destination. Going to Pikaw is an enjoyable journey itself as you will see a lot of beautiful sceneries, rice terraces, water cascades, mini waterfalls, burial cave, as well as pass through several hanging bridges.

As of writing, access to Pikaw Falls is a little bit of a challenge. Previously, the locals had created pathway for tourists bound to the area. However, it was destroyed during one of the previous typhoons. Apparently, tourists were discouraged to go there because of this, despite of the beauty of the place. Fortunately, we were able to convince our guide, Uncle Max, to accompany us. I had to admit that going there is grueling as, obviously, the old path was already covered with vegetation. I had to admire Uncle Max’s diligence to bring us there.

Our tour guide Uncle Max, the guy in blue in the lead, had to clear our way because no tourist had reached Pikaw Falls for a couple of years. The above image is actually the easiest part. Some parts hard which needs you to stoop walk under brushes and walk through cliff. Once a new safe path will be created, it would be a lot easier to go there again.

Unlike other major falls in Bakun, Pikaw Falls retains enough volume of water to maintain a reasonable view even during summer days. During rainy months, the volume of water makes even the falls more beautiful and sometimes changes its clear water to chocolate-like color during heavy downpour.

During heavy rains, Pikaw falls turns into a chocolate-colored waterfall. This is due to the soil carried by small bodies of water coming from the bulldozed road above.

The name of the falls is taken from a plant which abundantly grows in the site. The plant is Pikaw, a plant typically growing in rivers, streams, falls, and marshes in the Philippines and in neighboring countries. Its scientific name is Schismatoglottis calyptrata (Bodner & Gereau, 1988) and is a kind of a wild taro used for indigenous dishes.

Pikaw, a wild taro, commonly grows in steep and rocky portions of bodies of water. The abundance of this plant in Pikaw Falls prompted the locals to call it as such.

Pikaw Falls has four stream drops from its overhung collapse. The water drops to boulders of stones instead of a plunge pool unlike in Mangta Falls. The way to the falls might be arduous, but the beauty of the destination easily erases your curses on the way.

Pikaw Falls as seen from a mountainside on the way. At this vantage, you can see the two levels of the falls.
Scaling the boulders for a better view of the falls is a little bit tricky. You need to squeeze through a space in between big rocks then scale the slippery boulders.
These are two of the towering water streams.
The other water streams are are more of a cascade over a wall of rock.
Yup, you can see a small rainbow up close in Pikaw Falls.

The presence of billions of droplets from the impact of water on the stone base of the falls creates a rainbow downstream. This phenomenon, like is Pattan Falls, is common in big waterfalls where the rays of the sun reaches the area where droplets are constantly numerous.

The following videos show Pikaw Falls in its towering splendor and the rainbow formation.

Pikaw falls as seen from a high vantage point. In here, you will see the upper level (waterfalls) draining to the lower level (cascade).
If you can’t get over the rainbow in this waterfall, this video will show you how vast the droplets are which is necessary in the formation the rainbow.

Other Notable Waterfalls and Destinations in the Area

Where to Stay in Bakun

  • Option 1. Old Municipal Hall at Php80.00 per night per person. Pro: cheap. Cons: bring your own sleeping gears; food** not included.
  • Option 2. Sagunday Transient at Php200.00 per night per person. Pros: you get to sleep in a bed with foam, bedding, CR, and with kitchen and cooking utensils (yes, you can cook and stores are a stone’s throw away. Con: food** not included.

** You can arrange with the barangay officials to cook for you at around Php200.00.

Contact Persons

  • Mr. Arthur Tolito (Municipal Tourism Officer): +63 921 211 3687
  • Ms. Nenita Budas (BTC President): +63 918 352 3722

Expenses (food not included) as of May 2019

  • Baguio City to Km. 5, La Trinidad: Php10.00
  • Bus fare from La Trinidad to Bakun: Php180.00
  • Accommodation: Php80.00-200.00
  • Environmental fee: Php75.00
  • Guide fee (Per guide per group [max of 6 pax per group]. In excess of 6 members, additional heads will pay Php75.00 each. However, if the total participants are beyond 8, it is mandatory to have two guides. Further, in excess of the maximum hours, the guide will be paid additional Php50.00 per hour):
    • Pikaw falls: Php500.00 (5 hours)
  • There are also packages if you want to go to more than one waterfalls and/or site (valid for a day, unless specified):
    1. Tekip falls, Bagiw river, Pikaw falls, rice terraces: Php1000.00
    2. Mt. Gedgedayan + Pikaw falls, Bagiw river: Php1200.00
    3. Pikaw falls + Bagiw river: Php600.00 (valid for 6 hours)
    4. Mangta, Pattan, Pikaw and Tekip falls: Php1600.00

Can’t get enough of Bakun waterfalls? Visit the following page for more information on other waterfall packages:

OF WATERFALLS AND FOOT BRIDGES: THE CHASE IS ON IN BAKUN

Reminders

  • Always practice the LNT principles.
  • Be early taking jeep from Baguio City to La Trinidad as traffic might get heavy.
  • Get in touch with the contact persons listed above for to verify for any changes in transportation schedules, fees, temporary closure of sites, etc. This will also give them ample time to prepare for your accommodation.
  • Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
  • Do not go there if you don’t have endurance for challenging routes.

Reference

Bodner, C. C. & Gereau, R. E. (1988). A contribution to Bontoc ethnobotany. Economic Botany, 42(3): 307-369. Retrieved on 02 August 2019 from https://www.jstor.org/stable/4255087?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents.

Pattan Falls, Bakun, Benguet

Posted on by Loneprowler

Pattan Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is one of the major falls in the municipality due to its towering height and proximity to Mt. Kabunian.

Bakun, Benguet was initially known to tourist of its beautiful mountains. Lately, the waterfalls of this wonderful place is also gaining attention. Of the major falls, Pattan seems to have found a place in hiker’s itinerary primarily due to its proximity to Mt. Kabunian.

Pattan Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is one of the major falls in the municipality due to its towering height and proximity to Mt. Kabunian.

Unlike other waterfalls, Pattan falls has a couple of interesting points to offer. One, the height of the waterfall is towering and is approximately 150 meters, according to Uncle Max, one of the pillars of tour guiding in Bakun. This makes the sound of the water fall so loud that you can hear it several meters away even before having a glimpse of it.

Pattan Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is one of the major falls in the municipality due to its towering height and proximity to Mt. Kabunian.
Water from Pattan Falls drops from the precipice above to approximately 150 meters below.

Two, it generates an amazing RAINBOW! Yup, rainbow guys. So, if you are still trying to get that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, this is one of the right places to be.

The rainbow appears if the base of the falls is under the sun. Moreover, the best angle where to take a picture of the rainbow depends on the volume of the water and the position of the sun.
Pattan Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is one of the major falls in the municipality due to its towering height and proximity to Mt. Kabunian.
The impact of the water dropping to the base of the falls creates a multitude of droplets which is necessary fro rainbow formation when sunlight passes [reflects] through.

The images below show the whole length and levels of Pattan Falls as seen from Mangta Falls.

The video below shows Pattan Falls in its towering splendor.

Other Notable Waterfalls in the Area

Where to Stay in Bakun

  • Option 1. Old Municipal Hall at Php80.00 per night per person. Pro: cheap. Cons: bring your own sleeping gears; food** not included.
  • Option 2. Sagunday Transient at Php200.00 per night per person. Pros: you get to sleep in a bed with foam, bedding, CR, and with kitchen and cooking utensils (yes, you can cook and stores are a stone’s throw away. Con: food** not included.

** You can arrange with the barangay officials to cook for you at around Php200.00.

Contact Persons

  • Mr. Arthur Tolito (Municipal Tourism Officer): +63 921 211 3687
  • Ms. Nenita Budas (BTC President): +63 918 352 3722

Expenses (food not included) as of May 2019

  • Baguio City to Km. 5, La Trinidad: Php10.00
  • Bus fare from La Trinidad to Bakun: Php180.00
  • Accommodation: Php80.00-200.00
  • Environmental fee: Php75.00 per person
  • Guide fee (Per guide per group [max of 6 pax per group]. In excess of 6 members, additional heads will pay Php75.00 each. However, if the total participants are beyond 8, it is mandatory to have two guides. Further, in excess of the maximum hours, the guide will be paid additional Php50.00 per hour):
    • Php600.00 (6 hours)
  • There are also packages if you want to go to more than one waterfalls and/or site with Mangta Falls (valid for a day, unless specified):
    1. Mangta and Pattan falls: Php1000.00
    2. Mangta, Pattan, and Tekip falls: Php1300.00
    3. Mangta, Pattan, Pikaw and Tekip falls: Php1600.00

Can’t get enough of Bakun waterfalls? Visit the following page for more information on other waterfall packages:

OF WATERFALLS AND FOOT BRIDGES: THE CHASE IS ON IN BAKUN

Reminders

  • Always practice the LNT principles.
  • Be early taking jeep from Baguio City to La Trinidad as traffic might get heavy.
  • Get in touch with the contact persons listed above for to verify for any changes in transportation schedules, fees, temporary closure of sites, etc. This will also give them ample time to prepare for your accommodation.
  • Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
  • Do not dare the pool if you do not know how to swim.

Mangta Falls, Bakun, Benguet

Posted on by Loneprowler

Mangta Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is now drawing tourists’ attention among its former waterfalls competitors in the area because of its breathtaking beauty and natural plunge pool.

When waterfalls started to become part of hiking itineraries in Bakun, Mangta Falls is commonly not included. Unlike Pattan Falls, its remoteness from mountain hiking paths could be a big factor. In fact, the previous local tourism guideline only includes Mangta Falls in one tour package but not as an stand-alone destination. Fortunately, as of early 2019, this now has been remedied and Mangta Falls is now part of other packages and can also be visited as a single destination.

The Path to Mangta Falls

Going to Mangta Falls maybe arduous but has more rewards than your sheets of sweat. The chirping of birds, wild mushrooms, and mountain scenes are but some of the things that will divert your attention from your sore muscles.

You’ll also get to walk on foot bridges other than the typical one. This includes stairs over a giant waterpipe, stairs over gigantic hydro pipes, or just walk over these pipelines.

The Magnificent Mangta Waterfall

The waterfall is one of the major attraction of Mangta Falls. It is approxiamtely 20 meters high from the top until it drops in the natural pool. Unlike other falls that you can climb up to some extent, water falls through a steep wall that scaling it is impossible without necessary equipment. Instead, better take dip, swim or dive in its pool. Relieve your sore muscles in the clean and icy water.

The following images shows Mangta Falls in different angles.

Mangta Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is now drawing tourists' attention among its former waterfalls competitors in the area because of its breathtaking beauty and natural plunge pool.
Mangta Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is now drawing tourists' attention among its former waterfalls competitors in the area because of its breathtaking beauty and natural plunge pool.
Mangta Falls, located in Poblacion, Bakun, Benguet, is now drawing tourists' attention among its former waterfalls competitors in the area because of its breathtaking beauty and natural plunge pool.

To appreciate the beauty of Mangta Falls, the following videos captured the cascading of water until it plunges to the natural pool below.

The video depicts a close up view of the falls and of the pool.
Mangtan Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a natural pool. Also, you can have a good view of the total length of Pattan Falls.

The Mangta Pool

Mangta Falls is very unique from the other waterfalls in Bakun because of its plunge pool. The natural pool is approximately 12 feet deep and as wide as a single volleyball court. This is more than wide enough for tourists who wants to swim its clear waters.

The pool drains to a pipeline which draws water for the nearby Aboitiz hydroplant. Don’t get scare of getting swallowed by the gigantic pipe because it is located on the far right side of the pool and has safety bars across pipe mouth. Actually, be more scared of the chilly water if you want to take a dip.

Tourists can take a dip and swim in the pool of Mangta Falls. The water is clean and refreshingly cold.

Other Notable Waterfalls in Bakun

Where to Stay in Bakun

  • Option 1. Old Municipal Hall at Php80.00 per night per person. Pro: cheap. Cons: bring your own sleeping gears; food** not included.
  • Option 2. Sagunday Transient at Php200.00 per night per person. Pros: you get to sleep in a bed with foam, bedding, CR, and with kitchen and cooking utensils (yes, you can cook and stores are a stone’s throw away. Con: food** not included.

** You can arrange with the barangay officials to cook for you at around Php200.00.

Contact Persons

  • Mr. Arthur Tolito (Municipal Tourism Officer): +63 921 211 3687
  • Ms. Nenita Budas (BTC President): +63 918 352 3722

Expenses (food not included) as of May 2019

  • Baguio City to Km. 5, La Trinidad: Php10.00
  • Bus fare from La Trinidad to Bakun: Php180.00
  • Accommodation: Php80.00-200.00
  • Environmental fee: Php75.00 per person
  • Guide fee (Per guide per group [max of 6 pax per group]. In excess of 6 members, additional heads will pay Php75.00 each. However, if the total participants are beyond 8, it is mandatory to have two guides. Further, in excess of the maximum hours, the guide will be paid additional Php50.00 per hour):
    • Php700.00 (7 hours)
  • There are also packages if you want to go to more than one waterfalls and/or site with Mangta Falls (valid for a day, unless specified):
    1. Mangta and Pattan falls: Php1000.00
    2. Mangta, Pattan, and Tekip falls: Php1300.00
    3. Mangta, Pattan, Pikaw and Tekip falls: Php1600.00

Can’t get enough of Bakun waterfalls? Visit the following page for more information on other waterfall packages:

OF WATERFALLS AND FOOT BRIDGES: THE CHASE IS ON IN BAKUN

Reminders

  • Always practice the LNT principles.
  • Be early taking jeep from Baguio City to La Trinidad as traffic might get heavy.
  • Get in touch with the contact persons listed above for to verify for any changes in transportation schedules, fees, temporary closure of sites, etc. This will also give them ample time to prepare for your accommodation.
  • Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
  • Do not dare the pool if you do not know how to swim.

Of Bakun Waterfalls and Foot Bridges: The Chase is On

Posted on by Loneprowler

Bakun is one of the most picturesque municipality in the Cordilleras, if not in the country, as it boasts nature at its best. The place is known for its mountains, especially the trio of Mounts Tenglawan, Lobo, and Kabunian. Now, it also attracts tourists’ attention for its scenic waterfalls.

How to Get To Bakun, Benguet (DIY)

The best way to get to Bakun and experience the rush of its waterfalls is through Baguio City. From Baguio City, take a jeepney going to La Trinidad, Benguet and drop at the Caltex Gasoline Station at Km. 5. Take note that this is across Mercury Drugstore and NOT the one in Puguis junction or in front of Benguet State University. There is only one daily bus trip stationed there and starts moving between 6:00AM to 6:30AM. Be there at 6:00AM so that you will not miss it.

Contact Persons

  • Mr. Arthur Tolito (Municipal Tourism Officer): +63 921 211 3687
  • Ms. Nenita Budas (BTC President): +63 918 352 3722

Chasing Waterfalls in Bakun, Benguet

Bakun offers waterfalls of great heights and of incomparable beauty. Among the numerous waterfalls in the municipality, Mangta, Tekip, Pikaw, Pattan, Sakup, and Tres Marias are the most popular. Each have their own allure, depending on the height and width of the waterfall, presence of plunge pool, accessibility, and others.

Mangta Falls
Mangta Falls has a curtain like falls and a wide and deep plunge pool for swimming.

Want to see the details of the waterfall and plunge pool of Mangta Falls? Check it here:

MANGTA FALLS, BAKUN, BENGUET

Pattan Falls
Pattan Falls, with its impressive height and rainbow formation, is quite popular to hikers traversing the Bakun Trio because of its proximity to Mt. Kabunian.

Want to see the details of the waterfall and plunge pool of Pattan Falls? Check it here:

PATTAN FALLS, BAKUN, BENGUET

Pikaw Falls
Pikaw Falls, one of the farthest falls from Poblacion and hardest to reach, offers mist-forming plunges, rainbows, and unique boulders instead of a pool.

Want to see the details of the waterfall and plunge pool of Pikaw Falls? Check it here:

PIKAW FALLS, BAKUN, BENGUET

Sakup Falls
The Sakup Falls is only seen from afar as it is not yet open for tourism due to lack of safe access paths.
Tekip Falls
Tekip Falls might be the most popular among Bakun waterfalls. Probably, this is because of its proximity to Poblacion, easy to access, height of the falls, and picturesque facade.

Want to see the details of the waterfall and plunge pool of Tekip Falls? Check it here:

TEKIP FALLS, BAKUN, BENGUET

Tres Marias Falls
Tres Marias Falls (also known as Dalingaoan Falls) is a series of three falls in Sinacbat, Bakun. This thee-layered waterfalls can be seen in its totality en route to Tekip Falls.

Of Foot Bridges Over Crystal Clear Waters

Traversing Bakun’s heavy-trodden paths will almost always lead you to a foot bridge. In each waterfall destination, you will almost always pass through these hanging bridges. It may seem challenging to those who fear height but it surely does bring excitement walking through each of them.

This type of hanging bridge is the most common among foot bridges in Bakun. The above image is located near a burial cave.
The above image depicts a bridge over one of the gargantuan pipelines of Aboitiz hydroplant.
The nearest foot bridge in Poblacion is located near Tekip Falls.
Walking through a hanging bridge in Bakun could be challenging to some tourist who have fear of heights. However, this could also be an extraordinary experience to some.

Scenic Bakun

Going to Bakun will not only satisfy your love for waterfalls but also engage you with its natural beauty. Poblacion, for instance is surrounded with scenic mountains, often capped with fog in the afternoon and when it rains.

Mt. Kabunian as seen en route from Tekip Falls.
This view is typical in this part of the country, where a mountain made of stone is covered with grasses and dotted with coniferous trees. There are a lot of boulders at the foot of this mountain which were felled with natural erosion process and during earthquakes.
The mountains covered with fog gives a surreal image which delights tourists.

Other Notable Spots In and Near Bakun

  • Bakun Trio (Mt. Tenglawan, Mt. Kabunian, Mt. Lobo), Mt. Gedgedayan
  • Duligen rock
  • Olineg cave/tunnel
  • Nagasa Cave

Where to Stay in Bakun

  • Option 1. Old Municipal Hall at Php80.00 per night per person. Pro: cheap. Cons: bring your own sleeping gears; food** not included.
  • Option 2. Sagunday Transient at Php200.00 per night per person. Pros: you get to sleep in a bed with foam, beddings, CR, and with kitchen and cooking utensils (yes, you can cook and stores are a stone’s throw away. Con: food** not included.

** You can arrange with the barangay officials to cook for you at around Php200.00.

Expenses (food not included) as of May 2019

  • Baguio City to Km. 5, La Trinidad: Php10.00
  • Bus fare from La Trinidad to Bakun: Php180.00
  • Accommodation: Php80.00-200.00
  • Environmental fee: Php50.00-100.00 depending on the site. Fee is per site.
  • Guide fee (Per guide per group [max of 6 pax per group]. In excess of 6 members, additional heads will pay Php75.00 each. However, if the total participants are beyond 8, it is mandatory to have two guides. Further, in excess of the maximum hours, the guide will be paid additional Php50.00 per hour):
  • There are also packages if you want to go to more than one waterfalls and/or site (valid for a day, unless specified):
    1. Package 1: Poblacion to Mt. Kabunian + Pattan falls: Php1200.00
    2. Package 2: Tekip falls, Bagiw river, Pikaw falls, rice terraces: Php1000.00
    3. Package 3: Tekip falls, Bagiw river, rice terraces: Php600.00
    4. Package 4: Bagiw river, rice terraces: Php300.00
    5. Package 5: Mt. Kabunian + Gawaan rice terraces, Beey Kawit falls, hanging bridges, Bagiw river: Php1250.00
    6. Package 6: Mt. Kabunian + Pattan falls, Gawaan rice terraces, hanging bridges, Beey Kawit falls, Bagiw river: Php1500.00
    7. Package 7: Mt. Gedgedayan + Pikaw falls, Bagiw river: Php1200.00
    8. Package 8: Pikaw falls + Bagiw river: Php600.00 (valid for 6 hours)
    9. Package 9: Mangta and Pattan falls: Php1000.00
    10. Package 10: Mangta, Pattan, and Tekip falls: Php1300.00
    11. Package 11: Mangta, Pattan, Pikaw and Tekip falls: Php1600.00

Reminders

  • Always practice the LNT principles.
  • Be early taking jeep from Baguio City to La Trinidad as traffic might get heavy.
  • Get in touch with the contact persons listed above for to verify for any changes in transportation schedules, fees, temporary closure of sites, etc. This will also give them ample time to prepare for your accommodation.
  • Be courteous to the locals, tourism and local guidelines, the culture, and of the place itself.
  • Do not attempt to swim nor dive if you do not how.

OKKALONG FALLS

Posted on by Loneprowler
OKKALONG FALLS
Location: Cabalitocan, Luna, La Union, Philippines
Major Jump-Off Area: Municipal Plaza, Luna, La Union
Contact Person: Tito Gorospe (Tourism Officer): 09158072728 (Mobile No.) OR (072) 607 0099 / 607 1132 (Landline)
Registration Fee: Php10.00
How to Get There:
·         From Manila or Baguio City, take a bus bound to Laoag, Vigan or Abra. Drop at Municipal Plaza, Balaoan, La Union. Take a tricycle near the Seven-Eleven Store to Luna town proper. Regular fare is Php10.00 while Php50.00 if you hire the tricycle. Take another tricycle to Okkalong Falls at Php200.00 round trip fare with waiting time. One-way travel time is about 20 minutes.
·         From San Fernando City, La Union, you can take a Luna-bound jeepney. Otherwise, follow the travel plan for those coming from Manila or Baguio City. Bus ride from San Fernando City to Balaoan costs Php30.00 for ordinary buses. Travel time generally takes about 45 minutes.
Description
Okkalong Falls (also Ukkalong Falls) is located in the mountainous barangay of Cabalitocan, Luna, La Union. Contrary to its name, it is not actually a water fall but an about 10-feet water cascade draining to a pool about the size of a half volleyball court. The pool is surrounded with tall trees, thus, getting sunburnt is less likely a problem. The area is obviously well-kept and is dotted with ornamental plants and orchids. Interestingly, there is a monkey in collar near the sari-sari store, probably for additional attraction purposes.
Amenities in the area include a small sari-sari store, a makeshift comfort room, and a shed with tables and benches. The shed is built primarily as a haven when raining.
Probably due to its size, Okkalong Falls is not as popular as Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, La Union. However, locals flock to this area during summer and holidays.
Please be honest in paying the registration fee. The meagre registration fee goes to the maintenance of the area. Though Okkalong Falls is a small tourist attraction, it is regularly maintained even during off-peak season.
There is a footpath from Okkalong Falls that snakes up to the mountain. About 30-45 minutes uphill walk would lead you to a clearing that gives a panoramic view of the municipality with the sea as the horizon. Give another 30-45 minutes uphill hike and you will be blessed with a 360-degree view with the mountains of Bangar, Balaoan and Bacnotan in the eastern part.
Other notable tourist attractions in this municipality are the pebble-covered beaches, Baluarte ruin (Biyak na Bato) and Bahay na Bato.
Reminders:
·         If there is a sudden heavy downpour during the rainy season, do not linger in the river as it may swell to a dangerous level at any point in time. Cancel your trip if there is a continuous heavy downpour in the municipality.
·         Do not vandalize the stones by marker pens or etching upon it.
·         Stones along the river could be slippery.
·         Do not climb beyond the water cascade.
·         Do not wash things such as used plate, oily hands, etc. in the pool. Use the lower part of the river near the entrance for such activities.
Gallery
Okkalong Falls is quite popular among Luna locals. If you want solitude in a fresh water park, this is more convenient than the heavily-populated rivers and water falls in La Union.
The pool is about half a volleyball court and not deep.
Halfway to the top of the mountain, about half an hour uphill trek from Okkalong Falls, you can have a panoramic view of the municipality with the West Philippine Sea as the horizon.
At the top of the mountain in Cabalitocan, about an hour uphill walk from Okkalong Falls, the mountains of Bangar, Balaoan, and Bacnotan gives a breath taking panorama.

Tangadan Falls

Posted on by Loneprowler


TANGADAN FALLS
Location: Amontoc, San Gabriel, La Union, Philippines
Major Jump-Off Area: Poblacion, San Gabriel, La Union
How to Get There:
·         Public transportation:
1.       Via San Fernando City, La Union. Take a PUJ (terminal at the northern side of the San Fernando City Round Market bound to San Gabriel. The regular fare is Php26.00. All San Gabriel-bound PUJs will stop at Barangay Poblacion with 30 minutes to an hour duration depending on the traffic. Preferably, you need to go to the San Gabriel Municipal Hall for arrangement of tour guides and transportation bound to Tangadan Falls parking area in Barangay Amontoc. For DIY transportation arrangement, you can ask the locals where to hire a PUJ or a motorcycle. Round trip hire including waiting time is Php1500.00-Php2000.00 for PUJ and Php350.00 for motorcycles. PUJ ride usually takes about 20 minutes; this is typically shorter when riding a motorcycle. From the parking area, you need to hike downhill on uneven [some parts are paved] foot path at least 10 minutes [for fast hikers] or [usually] longer depending on your pace. Going back may take thrice as much since you’ll be hiking uphill. (Take note that there are no PUJs going to the area on an hourly basis. Usually, there is a single Poblacion to Amontoc trip during or after lunch hours and Amontoc to Poblacion trip only in the morning. Thus, there is a need to hire a PUJ or motorcycle in a round trip basis if you don’t have your own transportation.)
2.       Via San Juan, La Union. Wait for San Gabriel-bound PUJs at the national hi-way crossing north of the San Juan Municipal Hall. There is a small sign “→ San Gabriel” along the crossing. Fare is around Php16.00
3.       Via Bacnotan, La Union. Take a PUJ from Poblacion, Bacnotan to Poblacion, San Gabriel. This is the least suggested itinerary since there is a limited Bacnotan-San Gabriel trips.
4.       Via Bucao, San Gabriel, La Union. This route is highly advisable when your transportation budget is limited. Take a tricycle from Poblacion, San Gabriel to Duplas, San Juan (via Bucao). Tricycle fare is PhP80.00. The hike, however, may take about an hour or even much longer to those who have a slower pace. This has a longer hike time than via Amontoc and thus not advisable to those who have no patience in exerting physical effort. On the other hand, this route might be more interesting to adventurous pips.
·         Private car: Google map suffices for direction. Also, asking the locals is highly advisable. 
1.       Via San Juan, La Union.
2.       Via Bacnotan, La Union.
Description
Tangadan Falls is located in Amontoc, San Gabriel, La Union, a predominantly mountainous municipality in Region I. The name of Tangadan Falls is derived from an Ilokano root word “tangad,” which means to look up, probably due to the about 40–feet high water plunge.
Via Amontoc: Strenuous the hike as it may be, your physical effort will be rewarded with the mesmerizing cascade-to-pool and waterfall-to-pool series. From the parking area, you need to traverse a downhill footpath for at least 15 minutes. This may take longer depending on your pace and the condition of the path. Halfway, you will hear the roar of the water. During rainy season, the unpaved parts of the path tend to be muddy and slippery. Also, during this season, you may be rewarded with green vegetable gardens and rice paddies in you trek. Your bodily exertion during the hike will be rewarded when you reach your destination: clean, clear and invigoratingly cold water in a short cascade-to-pool-to-waterfall-to-pool series.

Via Bucao: About an hour walk from the turning point, you will pass by farms, irrigation dikes, and generally the river snaking up to the glorious Tangadan Falls. To nature-lovers, the rivulet, naturally-occuring pools, fishes (especially the abundant locally-termed “Bunog”), underwater grasses, diving cliffs, and low-height falls are but a few of the many delights en route.
Tangadan river could be divided into two levels: upper and lower. The upper level is composed of a short cascade of about 7 feet high and 4 feet wide. The width of the cascade narrows or widens depending on the season and amount of rainfall. Through the steep stone slope, water cascades to the narrow pool below. The pool is deep and about 30 feet wide by 90 feet long. It is surrounded with steep stone walls. The lower wall is easily accessible and serves as the diving and jumping point. The water from the first pool exits through a narrow outlet that splits into two. The smaller outlet exits as a narrow cascade to the right of the precipice. The bigger outlet flattens as it moves above the rock ledge and plunges down to the wide pool of the lower level. The size of the pool could easily engulf two basketball courts. As of the beginning of 2016, there are three bamboo rafts (“raket” or “balsa”) which can be hired. You may ask the operator to take you near or under the falls, which tourists usually do. This is common because the jets of falling water gives a natural massage. Unlike in hand massage, you control the pressure by your proximity to the waterfall. You can also exhaust yourself swimming in this pool because of its size, thus the need for life vest for those who are not good and non-swimmers. The water from the second pool flows out through slippery rocks and exits to a gentle, wide, long, and 2-4 feet deep basin. Somehow, this is more conducive to children who does not know how to swim and those who wants to learn how to swim.
Amenities (rental prices may vary or increase without prior notice):
·        Parking fee: Php10.00
      Cottage: Php200.00-300.00.
·         Life vest or salbabida: Php50.00.
·         Bamboo raft (“raket”): Php400.00 (maximum of 10 pax)
Reminders
  • Cancel your trip if there is a continuous heavy downpour in the municipality.
  • Registration is a must to all tourists.
  • Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes and clothes.
  • Strictly no cooking, grilling, and the likes. Take pre-prepared foods including water.
  • Life vest is a must for those who cannot swim in fresh water. Drowning is higher in fresh water than sea water.
  • Do not vandalize the stones by marker pens or etching upon it. As of late February 2016, the extent of etches upon stones have yet to abate.
  • Eating and throwing of garbage or food scraps along the river is prohibited.
  • The Municipality of San Gabriel is a Red Orchid Awardee and also awarded by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Health as the Best LGU Implementer of Smoke-free Program in Region 1 (CSC, 2013). Most of the tourists in Tangadan Falls do not know this and are unendingly a-huffin’ and a-puffin’ clouds of cigarette smokes in and around the cottages.
  • When riding a PUJ to or from Tangadan Falls, “topload style” is allowed, as this is not uncommon among PUJs bound to the municipality’s mountain barangays. Make sure that you are secure and to always be vigilant in your grips. Take note, however, that the locals are used to this and are aware to strengthen and secure their grips in parts of the ride. Though, no accidents involving tourists on “topload style” is reported yet, do not be the first in the local statistics.
  • Do not go or cross cordoned areas (barricaded with bamboos or branches).
  • Stones along the river could be slippery.
  • If there is a sudden heavy downpour during the rainy season, do not linger in the river as it may swell to a dangerous level at any point in time.
Gallery


This is the start of the downhill trek. The surface of the unpaved footpaths can be easily powderized under your shoes during summer. However, it is muddy during rainy season. In both cases, you need comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Non-hikers need to be careful in these unpaved footpaths.
The stretch of paved footpaths is increasing each year as Tangadan Falls visitors increase. There is even a plan of extending the paved road nearer to the waterfall.

This is the first view which invites you to go nearer.
The upper part consists of a short cascade and a narrow pool. The lower wall of the pool serves as a diving and jumping point.
The upper pool narrows down towards the water exit.

 
A complete view of the upper level.

The water from the first pool exits through a narrow outlet that splits into two. The smaller outlet exits as a narrow cascade to the right of the precipice.
The shallow part as the water exits from the upper pool towards the plunge.
The water from the first pool exits through a narrow outlet that splits into two. Above is the bigger outlet before it flattens near the ledge.

The water from the first pool exits through a narrow outlet that splits into two. The bigger outlet flattens as it moves above the rock ledge and plunges down to the wide pool of the lower level.
The great plunge and the narrow cascade.

 
View from near the water exit of the second pool.

Two of the three bamboo rafts (“raket” or “balsa”).
You can hire a bamboo raft and try the back massage under the waterfall.
A closer look at the narrow cascade.

 
This cascade has a more brute force and greater volume during rainy season. 



Careful! The rocks are slippery.

The water from the second pool flows out through slippery rocks and exits to a gentle, wide, long, and 2-4 feet deep basin. Somehow, this is more conducive to children who does not know how to swim and those who wants to learn how to swim.

The organic cottages is but one of the reasons why cooking with fire is prohibited in the area.

The shower facility. But then again, why do you need one? The water you’re going to shower is the same water you’ve waded minutes ago!
Well, don’t get too tired while swimming. Remember, you’ve got a steep climb ahead!
REFERENCE LIST:
CSC (2013). Best Practices [PDF File]. Retrieved from http://www.csc.gov.ph/phocadownload/PMU/bestpractices.pdf.