While the song tells you not to chase waterfalls and simply stick to rivers and lakes, there is always something different about the majestic beauty of water cascading down the side of a mountain. Fortunately for us, the Philippines is blessed with a good number of waterfalls, scattered all throughout the archipelago, just awaiting weary travelers.
The following are just some of the best waterfalls in the Philippines that you’d want to check out. Trust us; you wouldn’t want to waste a lifetime without visiting any of these spectacular sites.
9 and 10: Bolinao Falls (Bani, Pangasinan) and Diguisit Falls (Baler, Aurora)
The first Bolinao Falls is the tallest among the three, but all share a majestic sight just the same.
Image: Liz Gabrielle Pamintuan
While it may not be as popular and buzzworthy as other waterfalls in the country, Bolinao Falls is still a sight to behold. There are actually three Bolinao Falls in Bani, Pangasinan; the tallest cascade is the first one, which sits around 20 kilometers away from the town. The entrance fee to Bolinao Falls is at PhP50.
Meanwhile, although Baler, Aurora is popular as a surfer’s mecca, it is also home to Diguisit Falls, a two-level cascade that is both enchanting and beautiful. Since it is located close to the main road, finding this natural attraction should be easy for you. Getting to it, though, is a different story. You will have to maneuver through some slippery rocks on your way to the falls itself. But, once you reach the cascade and see the magnificent Diguisit Falls, all your efforts to get to it will surely be worthwhile. The entrance fee is free.
8 and 7: Hulugan Falls (Louisiana, Laguna) and Tinuy-an Falls (Bislig, Surigao del Sur)
The Tinuy-an Falls will leave all visitors in pure awe of its natural beauty.
Image: Tinuy-an Falls
Hulugan Falls is a hidden gem in Louisiana, Laguna. It remains relatively unknown since entrance to the falls only opened to the public a couple of years ago. It’s gaining popularity fast, though, and now both locals and tourists want to get a view of the 70-meter cascade. If you are planning to visit the waterfalls, it is important to call the management first before arriving. Entrance fee is only PhP30.
Touted as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines, Tinuy-an Falls is a three-tiered cascade and is located a mere hour away from the commercial district of Bislig, Surigao del Sur. The name of the 55-meter high and 95-meter wide waterfalls is derived from the Visayan word “tuyo” which stands for “aim.” A number of international travel magazines and television shows have already recognized the beauty of this majestic waterfall, and it’s time that you do too. The entrance fee to Tinuy-an Falls is PhP50.
6 and 5: Ambon Ambon Falls (Baga, Bataan) and Maria Cristina Falls (Iligan)
The majestic twin falls of the Maria Cristina Falls is a towering sight in its full glory.
Image: Alan Carl Reyes Lee
Aside from its famous historical sites, the province of Bataan also has its share of hidden gems, like Ambon Ambon Falls. Towering at 60 feet, Ambon Ambon Falls is a welcoming sight for people brave enough to scale and see the tallest cascade in the province. The source of the water that falls off this cascade is believed to come from Mount Natib, a dormant volcano. Entrance fee to Ambon Ambon Falls stands at PhP135.
Iligan City is also known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls, and there’s a good reason for that. Perhaps the Maria Cristina Falls should serve as the best and most glorious example. Aside from being a spectacle, the second tallest cascade in the country also provides electricity for a good part of Mindanao. Sunday and public holidays are the best days to visit Maria Cristina Falls since the National Power Company shuts down its power plant, allowing the water to freely flow. In these instances, you will have the opportune chance to see the famous split-double waterfall.
4 and 3: Ditumabo Falls (San Luis, Aurora) and Tangadan Falls (La Union)
The Ditumabo Falls is such a spectacular sight to behold once you’re beneath it.
Image: Ditumabo Mother Falls
Located in San Luis, Aurora, Ditumabo Falls is also known as the Mother Falls, and is widely considered to be the greatest waterfalls in the province. Getting to the falls is not easy, though, since it requires a 30-minute tricycle ride and a 30-minute hike. The entrance, which also serves as the environmental fee to Ditumabo Falls is PhP30.
Tied with Ditumabo Falls in third place is Tangadan Falls in La Union. The water flowing through this two-tiered cascade comes from the Cordillera Mountain Range. It is one of at least ten waterfalls in the town of San Gabriel, La Union and serves as the icon of the town, with tourists making a beeline to the falls whenever they visit. The entrance fee to the waterfalls is at PhP30 per person.
2: Seven Falls in Barangay Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Lush greenery keeps the panoramic view of the Seven Falls pristine and peaceful.
Image: RusTh Garcia
Coming in second place is the Seven Falls in Barangay Lake Lahit, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. The names of the seven waterfalls are derived from the T-boli language. Hikong Alo, or “passage falls,” is the most popular since it’s the most accessible to visitors. The second and tallest one is Hikong Bente (“immeasurable falls”). The best way to view the subsequent falls—Hikong Lowig (“booth falls”), Hikong B’ Lebel (“zigzag falls”), and Hikong Ukol (“short falls”)—is by traversing a zip line which speeds past these natural beauties. The last two cascades are Hikong K’foi or “wildflower falls” and Hikong Tonok or “soil falls.” The entrance fee to the Seven Falls is PhP20 for adults, PhP15 for senior citizens, PhP10 for students, and PhP5 for children up to 12 years old.
Kawasan Falls is the most distinguished waterfall in all of Cebu.
Image: Kawasan Falls
Topping the list of the best waterfalls in the Philippines is Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu. It is the most picturesque waterfall in the island, with tourists from all over the world flocking to the marvelous location. The deep natural pools of the two main cascades of Kawasan Falls are also perfect for swimming.
The entrance fee to the Instagram-worthy falls is PhP40 per person. Cottages rentals start at PhP1,500. Tables are also available for rent at PhP500. You can rent a raft at PhP300 to go under the first cascade of Kawasan Falls to complete the ensemble and have the best vacation you can imagine.
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Which of these waterfalls have you ticked off from your bucket list recently? Let us know in the comment section below!
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on April 08, 2018.
About Peter Parcon
After leaving spending 16 years of his professional life in the academe, Peter decided to try his luck in the world of online freelancing. For the past eight years, he has been creating content for clients all around the world. He can work on just about any topic - from tattoos to technology and food to finance. He dreams of visiting every island in the archipelago some day.
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