Magdapio Falls (Laguna Waterfalls Series)

Magdapio Falls in Cavinti, Laguna is also known as Pagsanjan Falls, the one famous for shooting the rapid boat rides.  Remember? Well since the watefalls is under the territorial jurisdiction of the town of Cavinti, the falls was renamed  as Cavinti falls. Magdapio falls is the indigenous name which was derived from its legend. The most popular way to reach Magdapio falls is from Pagsanjan, Laguna through an adventurous boat ride. The other way is by hiking from El Pueblo Salvador in Cavinti.

It was my dream to see Cavinti Falls, but the boat ride adventure from Pagsanjan is a little expensive, but of course the experience is worth the price. I've read from blogs that there's an alternate and much cheaper and more adventurous way to get to it! And that is through the vertical ladders in El Pueblo Salvador del Mundo. The El Pueblo Salvador by the way is an ecotourism park named after the patron of Cavinti. It is a forested area where tourists can enjoy nature, it has picnic groves and also serves as an alternative route to the waterfalls, caves and the river through the vertical steel ladders.

The images that I saw about the place gave me a certain feeling of hesitation. Oh my I've been thinking about it for a long time until some of my friends planned about it, and that I decided to go!

The steel ladders are firmly attached onto the cliff, well it better be, while we..hold on tightly to its railings during the descent. The park guides were helpful and patient enough in assisting us especially with the rappelling part. There are two cylindrical steel where we did a short rappelling, don't worry tourists are equipped with gears.

It only took us not less than a minute so it's not really scary but tourists can use the stairs if they don't feel like doing it, but it's more fun and faster through the rappel. By the way that's the first one and the other is in the lower part of the cliff.

 I know that I am almost at the end of the course when I saw the colorful boats along the riverbank that were almost within my reach! Yay! First challenge was done and my heart started to pump again. And so we started to prepare again for the next challenge, the Devil's Cave! And my heart stopped again.

The Devil's Cave is located at the back of Magdapio Falls, it begins with a raft ride that will be pulled by the boatmen until it crosses the waterfalls and into the cave! Whew! Sounds challenging?

Second challenge was done! Still feeling the adrenaline rush!  It was a fun filled experience, everybody went on screaming and giggling as we were approaching the falls and the cave! We stayed for a while, take photos and went to the steel stairs again to go back where we started. It could be tiring but the feeling of finishing the course is more than enough to overcome our fears and weariness.

How to get there? As I've mentioned from my previous blog, we went there by a private vehicle together with our guide from the Cavinti Tourism Office. We signed a waiver before we went to Magdapio Falls via the steel ladders. If you're planning to go there, I suggest that you wear dri-fit clothes because you will get wet for sure. Waterproof your gadgets for safety. By the way it is a nice place for picnic so bring food but be sure to dispose garbage properly. For more information contact Cavinti Tourism Office through their Facebook page. Thank you for reading!

By the way, here is the link to my first waterfalls visit in Laguna: Bunga Twin Falls (Laguna Waterfalls Series).

Luisiana's Waterfalls (Laguna Waterfalls Series)

Part of  my waterfalls series are the waterfalls in Luisiana, Laguna. Luisiana mostly occupies the plateau atop the Sierra Madre mountains thus it is called the "Little Baguio of Laguna" due to its elevation and cool climate. My first visit to Luisiana was during our Visita Iglesia a long time ago. Peaceful and rustic was my first impression about the town. I never thought that this place boasts several natural attractions like waterfalls and caves!

Early this year I went with some friends in Luisiana to see the Hulugan Falls. Again, I never thought and never heard about it so I went! Going to Luisiana is just 2 hours travel from Manila, we passed by the towns of Pagsanjan and Cavinti and I think the last town in Laguna on the southern part is Luisiana. Anyway, as we were passing through the national road there is a signage of the Hulugan Falls, it is very visible so we didn't miss it. We paid the registration fee, a tour guide was assigned to us and parked the vehicle. It was a long road, you can either walk going to the jump-off point or take a tricycle.

Going down to the waterfalls area is steep, slippery and wet. If I will compare it to the trails of Bukal falls, Hulugan falls is more of the difficult round.  But we took it one step at a time, we have enough time so no need to rush. I didn't have pictures of it because my attention was focused on where I am stepping on and holding on. I think it took us about an hour before we arrived at the falls area.

The challenging round ended as I saw the long and big waterfalls in front of me! Oh my it is beautiful! I swear it looks like a huge white curtain adorning the middle of the forest! It was such a great feeling to be up close to that waterfalls. We spent some time taking photos and enjoying the moments.

Later on we moved on to the next waterfalls, and into the forest we went! We trekked higher and passed by a place where tall pandan trees are grown, and it looks like we were in another dimension. The pandan is one of the main sources of living of the locals, its leaves were dried and made to bags, baskets, sleeping mats and other useful items. I wanted to spend  more time in that area of the forest but we have to move on and find the other waterfalls.

Talay Falls is how they call it, it is located deep in the forest. I was amused with the variety of small flowers along the way it kept me busy from taking photos of them forgetting the heat, sweat and hunger.

As usual that sound of water gushing says that we are nearing falls number 2! Woohoo my tummy was grumbling already,  and we arrived at our destination just in time for lunch! We ate lunch in open air beside the waterfalls with the flowing sound of water as background music...how relaxing! After lunch it's photo opportunity at Talay Falls. This waterfalls is not high and it is hidden behind mossy boulders. It can be reached through climbing on the second level from the picnic area.

It was time for us to move again and find the way to Hidden Falls. The trek to Hidden falls is steep and slippery, there is a part that requires rappelling so we can walk on to the part where there is nothing to hold on to. The path is very narrow and there were dilapidated tree trunks on the way which I thought was not good to step on. And finally, we saw Hidden falls! Well the falls can only be seen by climbing onto the boulders, that's why it's called hidden. It is smaller than Hulugan falls but more splendid.

So mission accomplished in Luisiana! Our nature tripping was done! All was well and ended well. Maybe I'll be back to Luisiana for another adventure in the future. I've read that there are caves to be explored but not open for public yet...maybe soon.

How to get there? We went there through a private vehichle so I can only give you the direction from Pagsanjan, just follow the national road going to Cavinti then Luisiana. Do not miss the signage of Hulugan Falls on the right side of the road. Go to the registration office and start your adventure! Have fun! Until my next waterfalls adventure!

Bukal Falls (Laguna Waterfalls Series)

Whenever I thought of lush mountains, waterfalls, caves the first thing that comes to my mind is Laguna. It is always Laguna,I have fond memories of Laguna, during my childhood where I usually spend my summer vacation. Everything I saw, heard, tasted and felt is still clear in my mind. The fried mud fish dipped in sweet sauce was a yummy treat, there was also  "cuchinta" a sweet delicacy made from rice flour was so chewy that every bite of it was truly enjoyed. The cacao fruit that we ate and seed was put out in the sun to dry and later made to cocoa was fun. The exciting passion fruit or granada with seeds that explodes in my mouth well, that's why it's called "granada". All of these memories will be forever be remembered.

Anyway, now that I'm older I still love Laguna, it's a quick getaway if you're tired and bored of the metropolis. Laguna is so gifted with natural resources, they have mountains, lakes, forests, rivers, waterfalls, you ask they have it! I have no idea how many waterfalls are there in Laguna, I only visited a few and I know there's still more, somewhere in the wilderness. Bunga twin falls in Nagcarlan was my first waterfalls to visit.

Well another waterfalls not to be missed is the Bukal Falls in Majayjay. Bukal falls is located at the foot of Mt. Banahaw in Barangay Bukal and can be reached by trekking through a narrow paved pathway along lush vegetations. It was raining when we walked along the muddy and slippery trail but it didn't matter.There was a small hut where we stopped for a while before heading to the falls. They sell coconuts and snacks, there are benches where tourists can stop and rest. Tourists can also use their comfort room for a small fee. We hired a local guide because the trail leading to the falls is steep and slippery and that the guide could guide and show us the safest route.

We started walking after some refreshments and we were greeted by these signboards, it says "Be Careful Steep", so we were very cautious!

We went down on this wet and mossy trail slowly clinging onto the railings for about some time, I wasn't sure how many minutes it was. What I know was that it's 30 feet deep.

Well anyway, I was relieved when I saw the signboard and the people walking along the clear stream.  I knew we were almost there!

It was a nice feeling as I crossed the clear and cold water carpeted with colorful stones and surrounded by mossy forest, I started to feel that I am away from the chaotic world of the metro at that moment.

There is a bamboo bridge, a typical rural scene. It was creaking as people passed by and that sound made the wandering more exciting!

Slippery boulders were along the way, so we must be very careful. Not too long, a grand  body of water were falling heavily and loudly from thick green trees, the rays of the sun peaks in between its leaves and tiny droplets of water covered our faces, the sound of water became louder as we went nearer.

That's it Bukal Falls! The Enchanted Falls as what it's also called. I don't know why, maybe it's secluded that it looks like it's inhabited by supernatural beings that protects the forest. I thought we were lucky to go there on a rainy day because the flow of water was heavy so I think it is best to go there during the wet season unlike during summer but be very cautious sometimes the current becomes erratic.

How to go there? Go to Barangay Bukal in Majayjay, Laguna and go directly to the Barangay Hall for registration. You have to pay a minimal fee of 20 pesos, hire a tour guide and you're good to go!
Enjoy!

It's Wow In Mindanao 2-The Majestic Tinuy-an Falls

Third day in Mindanao was wilder, I have to prepare our things for our trip to Tinuy-an Falls! We must be early to witness the rainbow that arches the falls in the morning, but it's late and it was raining that morning! I can't complain about the weather because we must get there rain or shine or I'll miss the moment! And since this falls has been labeled as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines I must see it! Well, just for a brief information about Tinuy-an Falls, this waterfalls is located in Burboanan, Bislig City in Surigao del Sur...sounds far? It is a 3-tier large waterfalls with a height of 55 meters that plunges on the swimming ground with mists that makes the atmosphere looks cool and damp and makes pavement slightly mossy and slippery.

Careful slippery when wet!

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a short waterfalls near the entrance gate and proceeded by a loud and strong  layers of water which comes all the way from the thick forested hills and into the mother falls and down to the swimming ground.

Prologue to the main event!

As we walked in closer to the mother falls, the sound of the bursting water and the fine mists in the atmosphere creates a relaxing effect on my tired body. The majestic Tinuy-an Falls, a masterpiece of nature, a playground for nature lovers, its picture perfect elegance is unique and indeed one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines! Unfortunately, we were late and didn't make it to the spectacular rainbow which is also one of the main attraction in the place aside from the magnificent waterfalls itself.

Mother Nature's masterpiece!

It was an unforgettable experience to face courageously the strong downpour of water by riding the raft and go to the swimming ground and braved going through the mother falls. I swear I haven't done this in my entire life, and as I went through the curtain of flowing water I was gasping for air for it was dropping on my head in great volume! It was one hell of an experience and I think I'm going to do it again!

Getting ready for some real actions!

We had the opportunity to climb onto the first and second layers of the falls, we trekked on a steel bridge along the hills, the bridge during that time was destroyed by a typhoon so there are some parts which are dilapidated but still we made it. The appearance of the walls are like stairs and the flow of water is calm and I guess purer than that of underneath. We took a lot of photos from different angles and made the most of our time for it would take a long time before we could go back and visit this enchanting place again.

Chill!

Well, it was my first trip in Mindanao, I never realized that I would see some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the island which most of us aspires to see. Although the island has been marked with unfavorable reputation, it doesn't stop tourists from coming for we know it keeps a lot of natures treasures.

How to get there? Book a flight to Butuan (Agusan del Norte) and take a bus going to Bislig City which will take for approximately 3 hours, from Bislig you can take the habal-habal or if your with a big group you can hire a van.

Where to stay? I recommend Paper Country Inn in Bislig, Surigao del Sur. The staff  are friendly and polite, the rooms are small but clean. Contact: (086) 628-2313; (086) 853-3079

Bunga Twin Falls

As I travel in some of the places in Laguna (La-goo-nuh), I was able to  visit Nagcarlan, a town located at the foot of the twin mountains Mt. San Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw. Nagcarlan is gifted with fertile land which is suitable for farming and other agricultural industries, it is also rich in historical and cultural heritage, the climate is favorable and the scenery is pleasing to the eyes, which is why this town is frequently visited by tourists all year round. I have seen the old parish church which dates back  to 17th century and the stylish underground cemetery which has become famous for its architecture and history.

Apart from this structures Nagcarlan has lush forests that keeps pristine body of waters which is visually vivid and pleasing. During summer, the temperature sometimes rose up to 36 degrees centigrade,  a very hot temperature which makes us go and seek cooler places like this. We hired a tricycle to take us to Bunga and asked the driver for directions on how to get to the place.

Careful slippery when wet.

It is just a 15-minute trek downhill from the village, we trod on a short but steep and slippery path and suddenly a loud gush of water, that sounds like music to my ears welcomed us. As I hurriedly walk down the rough road, I saw a natural pool with clear and fresh water flourished with green and thick trees that looks very refreshing to my dehydrated system!

SWIM!

I hurriedly went to find out what is that graceful rapid sound,  I didn't mind the bamboo bridge which harshly squeaked as if it will fall apart as I ran across!

Squeaky bamboo bridge.

And behold! Twin waterfalls boasts in  front of me as if inviting me to come and dive into the natural pool! The Bunga falls is separated by a big rock in the middle which makes the water flow into two identical falls that's why they called it twins! It is named after the "bunga" (betel nut), which used to grow in the area. Legend has it that a creature dwells and snatches newcomers by tugging their feet into10 meters deep pool...scary! I couldn't understand why tourists kept on going onto this enchanting place despite of this urban legend, it could probably be a way to get rid of the undoings of mankind and so as to keep the place secluded, fresh and pure.

Bunga twin falls!

My trip to Nagcarlan was amusing and different, I took a lot of pictures and saved it to my list of unforgettable places, even if it was just for a moment the memories of Bunga Falls will linger in my mind forever.

Thanks for reading.

HOW TO GET THERE?
1. Take a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna in Alabang Provincial Terminal South Station across Star Mall.
2. Get off at Sta. Cruz, Laguna and wait for a jeepney bound for Nagcarlan or Liliw, Laguna.
3. If you will take the jeepney going to Liliw, you have to take another one going to Nagcarlan.
4. When you're in Nagcarlan, you can hire a tricycle to take you to Bunga Twin Falls.