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The Philippines has plenty of renowned beaches that could compete with the best islands and tropical destinations around the world. You’ll often hear spots in Palawan, Cebu, and Boracay on lists of must-visit beach destinations. However, after exploring many provinces around the country, I came to appreciate the beautiful waterfalls I visited.
From Luzon to Mindanao, you can find stunning and towering waterfalls that can make you stop and stare. Some are hidden in forests while others are readily accessible with a short hike. Dip into their cool waters or simply admire the view.
You might want to consider adding these waterfalls (in no particular order) to your Philippines travel bucket list.
This waterfall hidden in the mountainous terrain of Cotabato is worth the trip. You’ll have to go along a rough road in the forest then a short hike to see the waterfall. The cascading waters fall from a towering stone wall covered in vegetation. Asik-Asik Falls was nothing like any waterfall I’ve seen in Asia. Douse yourself in the ice-cold waters of Asik-Asik after a long trip, you’ve earned it.
How to get to Asik-Asik Falls: You’ll have to book a flight to Cotabato first. You can do Asik-Asik Falls as a day trip from the city. Make your way to the bus terminal. Board the bus bound for Davao and tell the driver or conductor you’ll get down at Libungan Public Market then board a jeep bound for Barangay Upper Dado. Once in Upper Dado, you can charter a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to the waterfalls. You’ll have to pay a P30-environmental fee.
If you’re looking for a day trip over the weekend from Metro Manila, consider visiting Hulugan Falls. This waterfall in Luisiana, Laguna is around 70 meters high with a large pool visitors can swim in after their short trek.
How to get to Hulugan Falls: Board a bus bound for Santa Cruz or Lucena from Buendia or Cubao. Alight at Santa Cruz. From there, board a Lucena or Luisiana bound jeep. Make sure to tell the driver you want to visit Hulugan Falls. You’ll get off at San Salvador then make your way to the information center. You can hire a tricycle to take you to the jump-off point. Some fees to keep in mind for your trip: P40-environmental fee and P500-guide fee for up to nine people.
Mindanao is home to some of the Philippines’ most beautiful waterfalls. One of which you should include in your itinerary is Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Surigal del Sur. The waterfall is around 55 meters high and 95 meters wide. Its width makes it one of the widest in the country. It has three layers with pools visitors can take a dip in.
How to get to Tinuy-an Falls: Book a flight to Butuan City – Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines operate this route regularly. From Butuan Integrated Bus Terminal, board a bus or van bound for Mangagoy, Bislig. From Bislig, you’re better off hiring a habal-habal with driver to get you to the waterfalls and back. You can negotiate the price for the trip with the driver.
Iligan City is known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls. One of the waterfalls you should visit while in the city is Tinago Falls. True to its name, the falls is hidden in the forest. You’ll have to walk down a long flight of stairs to reach Tinago. It’s a short walk until you can dip into its cool blue waters.
How to get to Tinago Falls: From Iligan City, board a bus bound for Buru-un. From Buru-un, you can hire a habal-habal to take you to Tinago Falls’ jump-off point for around P100 to P150.
I’ve only seen photos and heard of Maria Cristina Falls in elementary school textbooks. I had the opportunity to finally see it up close when I visited Iligan City. The powerful cascade of Maria Cristina and its picturesque appearance was worth the trip. Its strong cascade is one of the sources of energy of the nearby hydroelectric plant.
How to get to Maria Cristina Falls: From Iligan City, make your way to the jeepney terminal. You can board a jeepney going to Buru-un. Tell the driver you want to go to Maria Cristina Falls. Look for NPC Nature Park then board a shuttle going to the waterfalls. It’s possible to combine a trip to Tinago Falls with Maria Cristina Falls.
If ever you’re in Camiguin, don’t forget to visit Katibawasan Falls. This popular waterfall is one of the tallest in the country. The cold water at its pool is an ideal place to take a dip in. Its proximity to Mambajao makes it an ideal stop during your trip around the island.
How to get to Katibawasan Falls: You’ll have to go to Camiguin first. You can book a flight that transits through Cebu or you can get tickets bound for Cagayan de Oro City (CDO). From CDO, go to Agora Terminal then catch a bus going to Balingoan Port. From the port, board a boat going to Camiguin. You can hire a habal-habal to tour the island which includes the waterfalls. There’s a P75-entrance fee for Katibawasan Falls.
Biliran is a laid-back province that has plenty of bucolic charm and natural wonders such as Ulan-Ulan Falls. It got its name because of the rain-like cascade that falls from a height of more than 20 meters into a pool. You’ll need to go on a short trek before reaching the waterfall.
How to get to Ulan-Ulan Falls: Book a flight bound for Tacloban. Once in the city make your way to Grandtours or Duptours Terminal then board a van bound for Naval. The waterfall is in Almeria, but you can do it as a day trip (along with other places) from Naval. You can hire a habal-habal for your tour around Biliran.
When you’re in Samar, make sure to add Lulugayan Falls in your itinerary. You’ll find this waterfall that resembles a curtain in Calbiga. This waterfall isn’t as popular as the others on this list, especially for those living outside the region. You’ll hear the power of its cascade once you get near enough. You can swim in one of the pools in the area.
How to get to Lulugayan Falls: One of the points of entry to reach this Lulugayan Falls is in Tacloban. There are regular flights to the city. Book in advance to get the lowest fares possible. Go to the van terminal and board a van going to Catarman, Calbayog, or Catbalogan, then tell the driver you’d like to alight at Calbiga. You can also book a direct flight to Calbayog, but these flights are infrequent. Drop by the tourism office first to get a permit, pay the fees, and get a guide. You can then hire a habal-habal to take you to the waterfalls.
You can find this waterfall after a trek through Batad’s stunning rice terraces. Your reward for the difficult hike is a dip into the cool water of Tappiya Falls. I would recommend getting a guide so that they can point you to different beautiful overlooking views of the rice terraces during your journey.
How to get to Tappiya Falls: Board a Coda Lines or Ohayami Trans night bus bound for Banaue. From Banaue, you can charter a jeepney or other mode of transport to get you to Batad. The larger your group is the lower the price you need to rent a vehicle. Once in Batad, you can organize a tour with guide to the waterfall.
La Union is famous for its surfing and chill out spots. You can spend hours riding the waves or learning how to surf. After surfing, sunbathing, and hanging out, you can add Tangadan Falls to your itinerary for your weekend getaway. You can find this waterfall in San Gabriel. You’ll have to take a short walk to reach it. It has two tiers and pools flanked by giant rock formations. Go swimming or if you’re brave enough, go cliff diving.
How to get to Tangadan Falls: You can take the bus bound for San Juan or San Fernando in La Union. You can hire a tricycle to take you to San Gabriel for around P800-P1,000 roundtrip depending on the size of your group. Some drivers charge P500 if you’re traveling alone. Your budget option is to take a jeepney to San Gabriel from San Juan. You’ll pay P400 per person roundtrip for a habal-habal ride to the start of the trail. You’ll pay a P700-guide fee for up to seven people for the short hike to the falls. There are parking fees depending on the type of vehicle.
Lake Sebu is a noteworthy destination which you can include in your itinerary when you visit Mindanao. Its rustic charm and cool temperature make it an ideal year-round destination (especially those looking for a summer getaway). Some of its main attractions are waterfalls you can visit while soaring above (ziplining is a fun activity you can do during your stay) or when you go trekking.
How to get to the Seven Falls: Book a flight to General Santos City. Go to Bulaong Terminal to catch a bus bound for Marbel in Koronadal. From Marbel Terminal, board a bus bound for Surallah. Then from the Surallah Terminal, you can catch a jeepney bound for Lake Sebu.
The Philippines has other waterfalls you can visit for your planned trips. What other waterfalls would you recommend to your fellow travelers? – Rappler.com
Joshua Berida is a writer who loves to travel. He blogs at www.thewanderingjuan.net.