The Majestic Waterfalls of the Philippines
Aside from the country’s famous white-sand Boracay beach, Philippines is also the home of many natural wonders such as waterfalls. In fact, these waterfalls are one of the most visited spots in the country.
There are numerous falls in the Philippines but the twelve most famed are the following:
Let’s begin from the southern part of Philippines, the Iligan City Falls.
I. Iligan City is a home to more than twenty waterfalls and named as the “City of Majestic Waterfalls”. The well-known falls of Iligan are as follows:
“Abaga Falls”
This vertical waterfall is located in Iligan City on the island of Mindanao. The water source for Abaga Falls is coming from several underground springs which flows into the top of the fall via several tributaries.
You can also see a number of fascinating animals like the well-known Philippine Eagle that inhabits the area in and around the fall. Philippine Eagle is the “National Bird” of the country and one of the endangered animals as well.
“Maria Cristina Falls”
Aside from Abaga Falls, there is Maria Cristina Falls that can also be found in Iligan City. Maria Cristina Falls is a waterfall of Agus River and often called as the “Twin Falls”. Its flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall.
Maria Cristina Falls became the landmark of Iligan City because of its natural beauty and also the city’s source for electricity power generation.
“Dodiongan Falls”
Another wonder-fall in Iligan City with the height of 65 feet and is located in Barangay Bonbonon, 14.5 km away from the city. This became one of the best tourist destinations because of its pool at the bottom that makes the falls an ideal place for swimming.
“Limunsudan Falls”
Next fall in Iligan City is Limunsudan Falls. It is the Philippines highest waterfall with the height of 870 feet. It is a two-tiered waterfall and is located at Barangay Rogondon, 55 km away from the City proper.
“Tinago Falls”
According to legend, Tinago falls was once an ugly child named “Tin-ag” (hidden face) who were hid by her parents because of embarrassment. The child was cursed by an enchantress that made her ugly. But when the enchantress saw the grown child, she offered her beauty and splendor.
The child accepted the offer and then transformed into a waterfall and named the Tinago Falls.
This falls is another tourist attraction of Iligan City. It is hidden (Tinago) in a deep ravine. Going there requires you to take 500 steps in the winding staircase.
Tinago Falls is high, cold and resting beautifully into a deep, calm basin-like and blue-colored lagoon pool. Underneath is a small cave where people can enter and listen to the rumbling waters.
* Those are the famous waterfalls of Iligan City.
II. Rizal Province is also a home for several waterfalls and below are the most famous falls:
“Daranak Falls”
This falls can be found at the foot of Tanay in the province of Rizal mountains with lush vegetation, beautiful falls and ponds. It is very popular summer destination for the locals, neighboring towns and tourists.
Daranak Falls is one of the closest natural bathing grounds in the metro. If you were in Manila, it will only take you more than 3 hours to get there. The area has picnic huts, tables and sheds with complete amenities just like from any resorts.
The place is very accessible because there are tricycles and jeeps that provide special trips with fees to Daranak Falls.
“Hinulugang TakTak”
Another tourist attraction in Rizal province is the Hinilugang TakTak meaning “where the bell was dropped”. It is located in Antipolo City.
This has been designated as the National Park by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The place has cottages and facilities but poorly maintained. Hopefully, the government would restore its splendid beauty.
* Those are the famous waterfalls in Rizal Province.
III. Below are the other fantastic falls from different parts of the country:
“Tinuy-an Falls”
Tinuy-an Falls is the Niagra Falls of the Philippines and this can be found in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur in Mindanao. It was once appeared in the International Travel Magazine.
It became famous because of its majestic and unique natural formation. It is a 180 feet high falls. It is a white water curtain that flows in three levels. It is surrounded by centuries old amazing giant trees, ferns and vines in a thick rain forest.
The area is blessed with a sprinkle of a rainbow that appears between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the morning.
“Pagsanjan Falls”
Pagsanjan Falls or Magdapio Falls for the locals is one of the most famous falls in the Philippine archipelago. Balanac and Bumbungan are the two rivers were Pagsanjan Falls lies.
Tourist can ride a small boat or Banca for a small fee in order to reach the falls. There’s a natural pool at the base of the falls allowing people to swim and dive. You can also get a massage under the falls or explore the caves around the area. There is also a small cave behind it.
Pagsanjan Falls is located not in Pagsanjan but in the adjacent town of Caviniti, Laguna.
“Pulacan Falls”
Pulacan Falls is located in the town of Labangan in the city of Pagadian in Zamboanga del Sur. The falls is the source of water for the Labangan irrigation system. This is also the place for Jamborees wherein you can see the permanent Boy and Girl Scout campsite with facilities.
“Tudaya Falls”
Tudaya Falls is located in Sta.Cruz Davao del Sur in Mindanao, nestled at the Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines.
This is the tallest waterfall in the Mt. Apo National Park with 150 feet high. The water is deep and cold and it is surrounded by thick bushes, vines and rocks.
However, the area are experiencing an ongoing construction for the hydro power plant. I’m hoping that it won’t destroy the natural park.
“Kawasan Falls”
It is the popular summer getaway in the southern part of Cebu. It is in the Badian Town. It has a beautiful river with different kinds of tropical plants surrounding the area.
Kawasan Falls is a three tiered cascade of crystal clear mountain springs. It is 15 to 30 minutes away or less from the town and you’ll have to cross three small bridges before you reach the falls. But try to stop at the middle of the last bridge and look upstream so you could have the chance to take a few shots of its forever lasting picture.
You can also enjoy having picnics to the lush scenery, tropical forests and take a good swim and dive on its natural pool. It offers cold, fresh water bathing and a Tarzan swing.
This is very popular with the locals and tourists so avoid going on weekends and holidays.
Well, don’t you find these waterfalls lovely? Very tempting right? Why not come and see them for yourself and experience the wonders of these majestic Philippine waterfalls.
Visiting Philippine waterfalls is one of the best places and destinations to spend the summer season in the country which normally starts on the month of March and ends by June.