15 Enchanting Waterfalls in Mindanao to Fall in Love in 2015

Mindanao is blessed with a lot of natural attractions like beaches, lakes, mountains and of course majestic and enchanting waterfalls. Here's Escape Manila's top picks of the must-see waterfalls in Mindanao that you should visit next year. 

1. Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada

The falls is located in the remote area of Barangay Upper Dado in Alamada, North Cotabato. Due to its location, only few people have visited the place which make it more charming. It's the most unique waterfall I have visited so far.

Asik-Asik Falls

How to Go to Asik Asik Falls?

There are a lot of ways to go to Asik-Asik Falls from various cities/towns. I have listed available options if you are coming from Davao City, General Santos City, Lake Sebu and Cotabato City. Please visit : Asik-Asik Travel Guide to know the details. 

2. Tinago Falls in Iligan City

Tinago Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls and the most enchanting of the 23 waterfalls in Iligan. Tinago which means hidden in English best describes its location.

Tinago Falls

How to go to Tinago Falls? 

From the city proper, take a Buru-un route jeepney which will pass by Maria Cristina Falls. Ask the jeepney driver to drop you at the Buruun Market as it will be the jump-off point going to Tinago. Fare for the jeepney is P14. From the highway, cross the road and you'll find the habal-habal terminal just a few meters away. Ask the driver to bring you to Tinago. The habal habal driver asked me to pay P50 (one-way) since I was alone. 

3. Dodiongan Falls in Iligan City

Located about 14 kilometers away from the city proper, Dodiongan Falls is a 24 feet high waterfall situated in Brgy. Bonbonon, Iligan City.

Dodiongan Falls

How to go to Dodiongan Falls?

From Iligan City proper, take a jeepney to Barinaut Terminal (P7.50). Travel time is around 10 minutes. From there take a habal-habal to Dodiongan Falls jump off point which will take you around 30 minutes and fare is around P30-40/head. From the jump-off point, just follow the stream and after about 20-30 minutes, you'll be able to enjoy the beauty of Dodiongan Falls.  

 

4. Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City

Maria Cristina Falls is the landmark of Iligan City. The falls is located about 10 kilometers away from Iligan City proper. Its waters which come from Lake Lanao plunges into the Agus River.

Maria Cristina Falls

How to go to Maria Cristina Falls? 

Take a Buru-un bound jeep and ask to be dropped off at the bridge near the NPC entrance. Just tell the driver that you are going to visit Maria Cristina Falls and he will surely drop you at the right place. Fare is P12 and travel time is around 15-20 minutes. Entrance Fee to the NPC Park is P35 and a shuttle fee of P10 if you do not have a vehicle. 

 

5. Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City

Dubbed as the "Niagara Falls" of the Philippines, Tinuy-an Falls sets the record as the widest waterfall in the Philippines with 95 meters width. It is both a block and a tiered waterfall located in Barangay Burboanan, Bislig City, an hour away from the city's commercial district of Mangagoy.

Tinuy-an Falls

How to Get There?

The nearest commercial airport from Bislig/Mangagoy is Tandag Airport but it only serves flight from Cebu City. So, if you are coming from Manila book a flight to Butuan City instead. You may also book a ticket to Surigao City and Davao City but the travel time will be longer especially for the former. Here's a complete Tinuy-an Falls Travel Guide for your reference.

6. Cathedral Falls in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte

One of the most accessible waterfalls in the Philippines, Cathedral Falls is situated in Barangay Waterfalls, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. It is well known for its unique and captivating rock formations.

Cathedral Falls

How to get there?

From Iligan, take a bus going to Pagadian and alight at the Kapatagan Bus Terminal. Take a habal-habal going to Cathedral Falls which is located in Barangay Waterfalls. Travel time is around 10-20 mins and fare is P10-P15 each. 

7. Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel

Aliwagwag Falls is one of the top tourist destinations in the province of Davao Oriental. It is a multi-tiered waterfall with clear water and surrounded with lush vegetation. 

Aliwagwag Falls | Photo Harry Balais - Chasing Waterfalls Project

How to get there?

You can either go to Cateel via the Compostela Valley Road (quicker) or the Mati Road (longer time travel but more frequent trips). From Davao City, take  a  Mallen Express, Lyra Express, Floremel Express or Bachelor Express bus going to Cateel. These buses have daily trips to Cateel.

Barangay Aliwagwag is about 20 minutes away from the Cateel town proper just along the national highway. You can actually pass Aliwagwag Falls when you take the Compostela Valley Road going to Cateel.

8. Awao Falls in Monkayo

The Awao Falls is located in Barangay Awao about 30 minutes skylab (motorcycle) ride from the town proper. It is one of Compostela Valley Province's hidden gem.

Awao Falls

How to get to Awao Falls?

From Davao City, take a van or bus going to the town of Monkayo in Compostela Province. Fare for the van is P140 and travel time is a little over 3 hours. Alight at the Monkayo Bus Terminal, ask around for the habal-habal/skylab terminal to Awao - it is located near the gymnasium. Negotiate with the driver if you are planning to charter a ride. We paid ours for P600 (back and forth). You may opt to take a shared transportation to Awao for P80 each and charter a ride from Barangay Awao proper to the Awao Falls. 

9. Seven Falls in Lake Sebu

It's a series of seven waterfalls in the Municipality of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. So far only two waterfalls have been developed - Hikong Alu and Hikong Bente. Both are very accessible for tourists to experience. 

The Path to Hikong Bente

How to get there?

From General Santos City, take a bus to Koronadal City. From Koronadal, take another bus to Surallah, from the bus terminal you can take a van to Lake Sebu. ALternatively, from Koronadal, there are also vans going directly to Lake Sebu.

From the town proper of Lake Sebu, you may take a habal-habal to go to the Seven Falls.

 

10. Sta. Cruz Falls in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte

Located in the town of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, Sta Cruz Falls is one of the town's prominent tourist destinations. It is approximately two kilometers from the national highway and is surrounded with lush vegetation.

Sta. Cruz Falls

How to get there? 

From Iligan City, take a bus going to Pagadian and alight at Kapatagan Bus Terminal. Trave time is over 2 hours and the fare for the non-airconditioned bus is P110. From the bus terminal, take a habal-habal going to the jump-off point at Barangay Sta. Cruz. Travel time is around 20-30 minutes and fare is around P30-50 depending on your bargaining skills. It is recommended that you hire a guide because the trail is kinda confusing and also for your own safety. Do not go there when it's raining because the level of the water in the river rises up and it will be dangerous for you to cross.

11. Limunsudan Falls in Iligan City

Limunsudan Falls is a two-tiered waterfall located at Sitio Limunsudan, Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City. It is considered as the second highest waterfall in the Philippines.

Limunsudan Falls |  Photo Harry Balais - Chasing Waterfalls Project

How to get there?

My travel blogger friend Lisa Mirasol has came up with a detailed guide on how to go to Limunsudan Falls. Please refer to this article : How to get to Limunsudan Falls.

 

12. Hagimit Falls in Samal

Hagimit Falls is one of the many natural attractions in Samal. It is a relatively small but picturesque tiered waterfall covered in lush vegetation. It is located about two kilometers away from Poblacion Peñaplata, the city’s capital district.

Hagimit Falls | Photo by Red Agreda of Alfredo Agreda Photography + Creatives

How to get there? 

From Davao City proper, take a jeepney to Magsaysay Park then ride an Island City Express Bus to Samal. Alight at Penaplata Bus Terminal, then ride a habal-habal going to Hagimit Falls.

13. Merloquet Falls in Zamboanga City

Merloquet Falls is one of Zamboanga City's hidden and unspoiled natural attractions located at Sitio Merloquet, Barangay Sibulao in the east coast of the city. 

Merloquet Falls | Photo by @Jepepips

How to get there?

From Zamboanga City, take a Pagadian-bound bus and alight in Barangay Vitali (about 63 kilometers). From there, take a 15-minute habal-habal ride to the drop off point. 

14. Panas Falls in New Corella

The Panas Waterfalls is a multi-tiered falls located about 30 minutes from the town proper. It is one of the most visited eco-tourism sites in the province of Davao del Norte. It is really nice to see and dip into its turquoise basin. The water is cold and clear.

Panas Falls

How to get to Panas Waterfalls?

Panas Waterfalls is located in Barangay Carcor which is about 30 minutes away from the town proper. Half of the road going to Panas waterfalls is cemented while the other half is a little rough. The site is accessible to any two or four-wheel vehicles. 

Fare for the habal-habal ride is P30 one way if you are alone. Should be cheaper per person if you have a companion. If you are coming from Davao City or Tagum City please read here for the instructions how to go to New Corella : How to get to New Corella?

15. Tudaya Falls in Kapatagan, Davao del Sur

Located at Barangay Sibulan, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, Tudaya Falls is considered as one of the top 5 highest waterfalls in the country. 

Tudaya Falls | Photo by Flickr user Jackie Verana

How to get there?

From Davao City, take a Digos-bound bus. From Digos City, take a van to Kapatagan and from there hire a habal-habal to take you to Brgy. Tudaya.To reach the waterfall, you will have to trek for about an hour.

So there you go, plan your vacation next year and visit these enchanting and majestic waterfalls in Mindanao.

Exploring CARAGA Part 2 : Discovering the Wonders of Surigao del Sur

After our Bucas Grande adventure, the boatmen dropped us at Hayanggabon Port. We took our lunch at a small eatery along the highway. We were supposed to eat at the nearby restaurant at the port but the owners were so unfriendly, they even lied to us and told us that their restroom was locked and the key was taken by the guest so we cannot use it. Instead of arguing, we left the place and head to the eatery along the highway. The owner was friendly and allowed us to take a bath. While waiting for the bus, we also took our lunch. After about an hour, the bus arrived and we hopped in on our way to Tandag City.

Tandag City

Tandag City is about 3-4 hours bus ride from Hayanggabon. It was already a little dark when we arrived in Tandag so we decided to spend the night in the city. We do not know of a specific place to stay so we started asking the locals where to stay on a budget. They pointed us to a lodge near the boulevard but unfortunately they are already fully booked. We were already hungry so we decided to eat first before scouting another place to spend the night. We went to the boulevard and had barbecue for dinner.

Tandag City Boulevard

Where to Stay in Tandag?

We were lucky to find Shacene Hotel which was referred to us by the lady we asked for a place to stay. We scored a really good deal. The receptionist has allowed us to stay in a family room which was ideally good for 4 people but we managed to squeeze ourselves. It was a decent hotel. It was clean and just a short distance from the main road.

Shacene Hotel Rates

The Surigao del Sur Adventure Begins

We woke up early and left Tandag City on our way to the town of San Agustin, home to the famous Britania Group of Islands. We took a van instead of a bus to reduce the travel time. We were lucky to have a nice van driver who offered his services for the later tours and also referred us to his relative in San Agustin for our breakfast and Britania Island Hopping tour. We arrived in Salvacion, San Agustin and took a short habal-habal ride going to the jump-off point of our island hopping. We took our breakfast and started exploring the islands of Britania.

@traveladik @scherzelle @jayrezzy_gimpao @aldeready @artisticavan @urbrataleks @jepepips

Island Hopping at Britania Group of Islands

We rented a boat for P1,500 to explore the four major Islands of Britania. We first visited Hagonoy Island. It was the farthest among the four major islands. There were coconut trees in the island and a large area for swimming. It was low tide when we arrived so we had to go farther to swim as the water was too shallow near the shore.

Hagonoy Island

The second island we visited was Naked Island. Actually it is more of a sand bar than an island. It looks really good. I think it is one of the most picturesque among the major islands.

Naked Island

The third Island we explored was Buslon and the nearby islets. The beach in this island is not as good as the previous two so we decided to just roam around instead of swimming. There were a number of locals selling sea urchin in the island and we managed to buy some and taste it for the first time. The meat looks like a miniature tongue. It tastes bland and it's something I would not try again. It's definitely not my cup of tea.

Buslon Island

The last island we visited was Hiyor-Hiyoran. We were kinda tired already and the island looks boring so we just took a photo of it and did not leave the boat. We headed back to the mainland and prepped ourselves for another awesome adventure.

Hiyor-Hiyoran

The Road to Hinatuan and Bislig
We chartered a van to pick us up in San Agustin, tour us around Hinatuan and Bislig and then drop us to Butuan. We paid P6,500 for the whole trip plus some tip for a very good service the van driver provided us. We had a sumptuous lunch at Anne's relative in the town of Tagbina. Her relatives cooked native chicken adobo which we ate with gusto. Her relatives also offered us some fresh buko after lunch. It was indeed a satisfying meal.

Hinatuan Enchanted River
We didn't have much time so we immediately left Tagbina after having our lunch and proceeded to Hinatuan to visit the Enchanted River. It was my second time to visit the place and I must say I was quite disappointed when I saw the crowd. The last time I was there was amazing as there were no other people aside from the Travel Mindanao team. There were just too many people the second time around so I decided not to dip in the water. It still looked enchanting though.

Aleks, Scher, Van, Anne, Jay-R, Jep, Alde, Moi

Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig
After spending an hour at the Enchanted River, we moved our way to Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig. It was already late in the afternoon so we made sure we maximize our time in taking photographs and just enjoy the beauty of the clear water as it cascades from above. It's good to see Tinuy-an falls on another perspective. The last time I was there was rainy season so the water was overflowing, the second time around, there was less water so we were also able to climb up to see the view from above. A different level of experience but the same zest. 

Goodbye Surigao del Sur, Hello Butuan
It was already dark when we left Tinuy-an Falls. We went straight to the city proper to take our dinner. We ordered the city's specialty called "Mutya ng Bislig" - a creamy seafood chowder.

After satisfying our gastronomic cravings, we left Bislig and headed to Butuan where we spent the night full of fun.

Where to Eat and Stay in Britania
J-Francess Homestay
Britania, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur
Manager: Francisca Acero (Ate Francing)
Mobile Number: 0939-5930677
Dorm type accommodation good for 8/10pax is only for P2,000/night and Good for 4pax is at P1,500/night. You may also ask Ate Francing to cook for your meal at an extra charge.

For van rental you may call Kuya Roel or Pawi at 0910 806 7280. 

Read more from CARAGA Series...
Exploring CARAGA Region Part 1 : Island Hopping in Bucas Grande
Exploring CARAGA Region Part 3 : Itinerary & Expenses
Exploring CARAGA Region Part 4 : Bucas Grande Travel Guide
Travel Mindanao : Bislig and Hinatuan Travel Guide

*Pardon me with the quality of the photos. All photos are taken using my phone only as I did not bring a DSLR during the trip.

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Exploring CARAGA Region Part 1 : Island Hopping in Bucas Grande

I'd say this trip was the most spontaneous trip I've ever had. Most of my trips have detailed itinerary and expenses prior to going to a destination. This was totally different, I did not do any research or care about the itinerary, what I want was just to go with the flow with people I barely know. Yes, I traveled with people I never met yet. They were kinda strangers to me. I never talked to them prior to the trip except one, Jefferson, whom I have been talking online for the past year and Anne who I had a chance to talk with days before the trip to know what to expect. I was hesitant at first because as I said I don't know their personality and the fact that they already knew each other gave me a little worry that I might not be able to get along with them. I was wrong, after I met them at our rendezvous, I immediately felt the warm welcome. I knew right there I will have fun with them.

Stingless Jellyfish | Photo by: Jefferson Balon aka Donde Si Jep

Meeting at Hayanggabon Port

I left Davao at around 2AM on June 12, 2014. I was already at the terminal at around 11:30PM but the last last trip to Tandag City has already departed so I just had to cut trips. Instead of taking the non-air Bachelor bus to Butuan, I decided to wait for the airconditioned Philtranco bus which was supposed to leave at 1AM but for some reasons departed an hour later. I arrived at San Francisco Bus Terminal at around 6AM and waited for a bus or van going to Tandag. After about an hour of waiting, a van going to Tandag has arrived at the terminal. I left San Franz at past 7AM and arrived in Tandag City at around 10AM. Luckily, the bus going to Surigao City was already at the terminal and was scheduled to depart 10:30AM so I took a quick breakfast at the terminal and then hopped on the bus. The bus had so many stops to drop and pick up passengers so the travel time was longer than expected. It also stopped for lunch somewhere in the town of Carrascal so I was a little worried about my arrival in Hayanggabon. It will be the first time I am going to meet my travel buddies and I don't want to give them a bad impression about me by arriving late. When I met them, I was feeling sorry, I had to let them wait for me but there's really nothing I can do. I think they understand the fact that I traveled about 14 hours before arriving at the meeting place.

At Hayanggabon Port after the Bucas Grande Tour
EscapeManila with the Instagang : Anne (@traveladik), Scher (@scherzelle), Aleks (@urbrataleks),
Jefferson (@jepepips), Jay-R (@jayrezzy_gimpao),  Alde (@aldeready) & Van (@artisticavan)

Hello Bucas Grande!

We left Hayanggabon port at around 2:30PM. Anne has already arranged a boatman to pick us up from Hayanggabon Port going to Bucas Grande. After around 45 minutes, we arrived at Cinnamon Island, one of the Islands of Bucas Grande which is a part of the town of Socorro. We met Kuya Dodo, the Operations Manager of Sohoton Cove whom Anne talked to and discussed our plans while in Bucas Grande. We already agreed with the price of the tour package (P690 each) so what we did after was to find a place to stay for the night. We first went to SIFAI Cottage which is managed by Sohoton Integrated  Farmers Association Incorporated. The room was good and the rate was very cheap but there's no beach so we decided to hunt for another place. We went to La Fortuna Beach Resort and we thought we will be staying there but the caretaker has informed us that we need to rent the whole resort for P10,000. It was too big for the eight of us so we asked him to let us rent at least the middle portion (it has 3 portions). He was hesitant, so we called his boss and to our dismay she did not agree with our counter offer. I think it was a bad decision from the caretaker, if I were the owner I would allow guest to rent in portions not unless it is already being rented by someone else. Anyway, we had to scout for another place and luckily we found Canlunes Beach Resort. To be honest, it was a better option as the beach is cleaner compared with the one in La Fortuna. We rented an open-air cottage (P1000) and enjoyed the night with some booze, stories and laughters.

We were supposed to do our island hopping in the afternoon but it was already too late so we decided to do it the next day. Instead, some of us went to the nearest market to buy some food. The market was about 20 minutes by boat from Canlunes. The price of the goods are quite high so it is wise buy food from the mainland to save some money.

First Meal in the Island

We were lucky enough to be accompanied with awesome guide and boatmen.They volunteered to cook the fish that we bought from the market for our dinner. The staff at Canlunes Resort prepared the table for us to enjoy our dinner.

We had some drink after dinner, went to the beach for a night swimming and went to bed at around 1AM. It was a memorable first night with the group.

Day 2 in Bucas Grande

We woke up early, around 5AM as we have to start our island hopping as early as we could. Rene, our guide and the boatmen cooked corned beef and meat loaf for our breakfast. We were really lucky to have them. We had the simplest breakfast but it felt like we have the best one. We ate the food with gusto. 

As much as we want to stay in the resort longer, we had to leave the place and start our island hopping. We left Canlunes Resort around 7:30AM.

Stingless Jellyfish Sanctuary
We first visited the Stingless Jelly Fish Sanctuary. We were all awed by what we have witnessed. The place looked amazing and the moment we saw the stingless jellyfish it felt surreal. Swimming with the stingless jellyfish has always been on my bucket list and finally it has been realized.

Stingless Jellyfish | Photo by Jefferson Balon

Stingless Jellyfish | Photo by Jefferson Balon

Everyone was very excited to jump into the water and interact with the stingless jellyfish. I'd say it's one of the highlights of our Bucas Grande trip.

Photo by Van Navarro

Markaa Island
Second stop of our Island Hopping escapade was at Markaa Island. It was a picture-perfect place so a lot of my travel buddies were busy with their monopods for their selfies. 

Group Photo at Markaa Island | By Jefferson Balon

Parang Pag-ibig Shot with Scher and Alde | Photo by Jeffereson Balon

The rise of the "selfie" pods (L-R: Je, Alde, Anne, Jefferson) 

Sohoton Cove Tour
Another highlight of our Bucas Grande Island Tour is our visit to Sohoton Cove. It was something we really look forward to and it did not disappoint us. We had so much fun exploring the cove. As we entered the only way in and out of Sohoton Cove, we immediately felt the pleasurable vibe of finally seeing it up close. 

Entrance to Sohoton Cove | Photo by Scher Padilla of Scher Goes Places

We first visited the Hagukan Cave where we enjoyed swimming in the cold and refreshing water. 

Group Photo  inside Hagukan Cave | Photo by Jeffereson Balon

The second stop was at Magkukuob Cave where we had to go inside the cave and then climb up to get through the exit and jump. It is also known as the diving cave as you have to jump off a platform to exit. This is not for the faint-hearted. The slippery trail of the cave is much more difficult to traverse than to just jump off the platform. It's about 15-foot high from the sea water.

The diving platform at Magkukuob Cave | Photo by Jeffereson Balon

After visiting the two caves, we went back to the Visitor's center and transferred to the bigger boat that we have chartered. We were supposed to visit other attractions in Bucas Grande but due to a very limited time we had to skip it.

Group Shot at Sohoton Cove Visitor's Center with Kuya Dodo | Photo by Scher Padilla of Scher Goes Places

We went back to Cinnamon Resort and settled our bill then we head back to Hayanggabon Port on our way to the City of Tandag for our Surigao del Sur adventure.

How to go to Bucas Grande:

From Surigao
From Surigao City, take a Hayanggabon-bound van or Tandag-bound bus and alight at Hayanggapon Port. You can take a boat from the port or pre-arrange it with Kuya Jojie at 0946 377 2770. The rate is P3500 for drop-off, pick-up and island hopping tour excluding Sohoton Cove. For the Sohoton Cove Tour, you may contact the Operations Manager, Kuya Rolando "Dodo" Henson at 0939 904 7019.

From Butuan
From Butuan City Bus Terminal, take a van or bus to Surigao City and alight at the junction in the town of Placer, Surigao del Norte. Travel time is a little over two hours and fare is around P200. From the junction take a van going to Hayanggabon Port, travel time is roughly 2 hours and fare is P90. Alternatively, you may take the bus going to Tandag and alight at Hayanggabon Port.

From Davao
From Davao City, you may take a Tandag-bound bus, travel time is around 7-8 hours and fare is approximately P500. Alternatively, you may cut trips and take a Butuan-bound bus, alight at San Franz terminal and transfer a van/bus to Tandag. Travel time from Davao to San Franz is about 5 hours and fare for the A/C bus is P380. Travel time from San Franz to Tanda is about 2-3 hours and van fare is P150.

From Bislig/Hinatuan
There is no direct bus or van from Bislig or Hinatuan to Tandag City. The best option is to take a bus to the town of Barobo and from there take a bus/van going to Tandag.

From Tandag City
From Tandag City, the only option to go to Hayanggabon Port is to take a non-A/C Surigao City bound bus. Travel time is 3-4 hours and the fare is P150. Just inform the driver to drop you off at Hayanggabon Port. The port is a walking distance from the highway.


Read more from CARAGA Series...
Exploring CARAGA Region Part 2 : Discovering the Wonders of Surigao del Sur
Exploring CARAGA Region Part 3 : Itinerary & Expenses
Exploring CARAGA Region Part 4 : Bucas Grande Travel Guide
Travel Mindanao : Bislig and Hinatuan Travel Guide

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