My Hopes for Batlag Falls

We, maybe are all familiar with the saying "Hitting two birds with one stone". That exactly is what you will experience when visiting Daranak Falls in Tanay Rizal, for in that same area just a 10 minute uphill walk is another falls equally worth visiting.

Batlag Falls is the strongest cascade out of several smaller falls in the area. Comparing to the other falls I've been to, the water flows gentler. The place is shady and offers a dreamy-like sensation with the cool breeze brought about by the several trees around the area. The smaller cascades scattered around made me feel like I'm a princess in a fairy tale wandering in the garden of my kingdom.

There are two pools created by the water flow ideal for swimming. The catch basin under Batlag falls is shallow, about 8 ft deep according to the caretaker of the falls. Some Korean tourists are happily swimming when I got there. On the left is another pool which is deeper, about 20 feet in depth. Moss grows abundantly in the moist rocks adding green to the surroundings. In some areas, vines are creeping in the trees and it the ground and it kind of looks like an enchanted forest as well.

There are cottages and a man-made swimming pool on the lower part of the falls area. The water flows directly from the mountains making it cold. The sight of the pool didn't quite appeal to me though, it seemed not to harmonize with the natural surrounding although I think it is a good addition for those who prefer the clearer water as the falls catch basin looked kind of murky to me, probably because of the rains the night before I visited.

One thing that makes me sad is the fact that when I got there, there are numerous cigarette butts scattered almost everywhere, some plastic wraps in some areas and in one area, a huge untidy pile of alcoholic beverage bottles. There's a string of artificial flowers adorning the falls which I think had been hanging there for quite a while for it isn't in good form anymore. I understand that was a props used by a TV show who had a shoot there but it wouldn't hurt removing it afterwards right? It isn't a good sight.  It kind of destroys the natural beauty of the place.The owner collects Php50 entrance fee and I couldn't imagine why this area can't be kept clean like Daranak Falls. I'm sorry for the word but after seeing the garbage area on the way to the swimming pool, I was totally disgusted and decided to go back to Daranak falls right away. I hope visitors and the owner as well, do both their share in preserving gifts like this. Other than than though, I still find Batlag Falls as a beautiful place and can just be improved more or at least, maintained.

For now, the beauty of Batlag Falls can still conceal the trash left about by irresponsible people but I'm hoping visitors and the owners both do their share.  If it get's cleaned up, this place will be a total charm,  a more enchanting place. You now that something we see only in our dreams as a perfect place? - that can be Batlag Fals.

Daranak Falls: The Pride of Tanay

I've been planning to visit Tanay, specifically Daranak Falls for the past few years. I happen to pass by the narrow road leading there from the highway going to Momarco Resort in 2008 and I promised to go back and see what Daranak Falls look like. I never knew whatever happened and I haven't gone there, not until after 4 years had passed.

It was a Tuesday morning when I arrived and I expected nobody would be there since it's a weekday. I was surprised that there are quite a number of people (mostly families and barkadas) already occupying the picnic tables and cottages, busy grilling meat and sea shells. It is a far comparison though during weekends, the tricycle driver told us guests would reach even a thousand during weekends.

There was a bridge at the back of the small structure where we paid entrance. It's the start of the water system. The water is shallow with rocks scattered on the riverbed. We walked straight to the falls and was amazed. I've seen pictures of Daranak Falls but it still is different when you're seeing it for real. It was nice knowing there's this waterfall just near Manila, a place that somewhat promises relief from the busy streets and lifestyle of Manila. What's best is it's a public area and the government of Tanay only asks for minimal entrance fee intended for the maintenance of the place. I believe they are doing a good job in keeping the place neat.  :)

It rained the day before we traveled to Tanay so the water, although greenish and clean is not clear. I wore my goggles and couldn't see anything underwater. The cascade of the water is strong and I got to enjoy a water back massage towards the end of my stay in the falls. We started swimming at 3PM after the sun was friendlier. That's when most of the visitors packed their lunch boxes and left the place. The water is cold and refreshing, a welcome contrast to the sunny weather. I waddled in the shallow part of the falls and floated in the deeper part of it. It was like I'm glaring at my childhood memories when I was spending my time carelessly and joyously.

Daranak Falls is one of the many reasons why tourists visit Tanay and I understand why. It is a grandeur that can easily be reached from Manila and definitely would offer a day filled with a bit of discovery and fun. :)

How to Go to Daranak Falls via commute:

There are vans going to Tanay parked in front of Star Mall in Crossing. When you're in EDSA facing the mall, you'd find the queue at the most right corner. Fare as of this writing is Php70. It took about 10 minutes to fill the van when we arrived at 9:30AM. Travel time took about 1 and 1/2 hours and stopped at the terminal in Plaza Aldea. Tricycles are available and would take you to Daranak Falls. Usual fare is Php200 per tricycle maximum of 5 people. During weekends,there are tricycle queues in front of the registration area of the falls to take you back to Plaza Aldea but on ordinary days, there's none and you might want to have an arrangement with the driver for a return trip back to the town. We paid Php300 for the two way trip for the two of us.

The Falls hours are from 8AM to 5PM. No overnight stays are allowed. Entrance is Php20 for adults and Php15 for kids. Picnic sheds/tables are being rented for Php100 for the entire day.

The Blogger Would Like to Share: Tips on Creating Your Do-It-Yourself Travel

The Life Born Under Camiguin's Sunken Cemetery

Old Catarman is the first major Spanish settlement established in the island province of Camiguin dating back to 1697. It remained to be a flourishing village until one day in 1871, villagers started to feel earthquakes in the area brought about by a volcanic fissure. Living in an island with several volcanoes, locals were aware of the threats and dangers of an erupting volcano and most moved as far as they could from the Old Catarman area (now called Brgy. Bonbon in Catarman Town). While they were away, the volcanic fissure formed another volcano, Mt. Vulcan which continued erupting destroying the village with the the flowing lava, burying everything of the Old Catarman. The only structure left above the ground reminiscent to the old settlement is a part of the bell tower and ruins of Gui-ob Church. A part of the area is even submerged in sea water, including the old village's cemetery.

After over a century after the wrath of Mt. Vulcan, the place where villagers of Old Catarman relocated is now the center of Catarman town. The place where the Old Catarman once prosperously stood is now called Bonbon - a barangay of Catarman town. In Brgy. Bonbon still stood the Ruins of the Gui-ob Church (also called the Old Catarman Ruins), Stations of the Cross statues were erected in Old Vulcan and the cemetery once submerged in sea water had continually sunk and it now lies deeper into the sea. A cross was built in 1982, a few meters away from the shore  to mark the site that was submerged in water.

Visiting the Sunken Cemetery, I didn't have any real idea on what will transpire. Prior to our trip, a plan was formulated on my mind. I so wanted to see what's underneath the sea. The only way to do that is to snorkel or dive. I'm not sure though on how it works or if it's even allowed so that plan was originally scrapped until the last day of our stay in Camiguin. My travel companions and I decided to press our luck and go there through commute. We only had one and a half hour to spare before leaving for CDO to catch our flight back home so we hurriedly left the resort. On our way there, I even had second thoughts of doing it. Thinking of the graves underneath the water gave me creeps and I could almost feel a spew of cold wind in my nape. The ride from Mambajao town took about 40 minutes and we realized it wouldn't be easy to go back from there to the town. Jeepneys are passing in an hour interval. Even though we're kind of worried not to make it to CDO in time, we still continued with only 30 minutes to snorkel.

The locals informed us that there's a boat fee of Php20 per person to help us cross from the shore to the cross marker. We agreed but upon learning there's a Php100 snorkel fee at the back of the cross (which is a sanctuary) we had second thoughts. Considering the limited time we have, paying Php120 seemed not to make any sense. We were then informed that we will also see a sunken tomb just in front of the cross marker (which is free) but it wouldn't be as beautiful as what's on the deeper part. Hearing that, I lost all my reservations, instead of riding the boat, I started swimming towards the cross. It was a good 5 minute swim. :)

From the hip high water from the shore going to cross marker, I already saw several species of fishes I didn't even see from snorkeling in Mantigue Island the previous day. There's numerous blue starfish that are large, one has even 6 rays. There were scattered corals everywhere. With a very short time left, I didn't bother capturing several photos. My mind is preoccupied with reaching the tomb in front of the cross. So when I saw the tomb, it was a totally different feeling. It wasn't eerie as I was expecting, rather it was a wonderful feeling of amazement. I can't believe I'm staring at a tomb, sunk in this sea 140 years ago and it's actually appears beautiful. Different small corals started to grow from the rock of the tomb. Small yellow fishes are circling one type of coral and it felt surreal that a cemetery submerged in water has this kind of life underneath. It was really priceless. I suddenly felt regret that I will only see that part. Should I had more time, I am willing to pay in triple just to witness how enchanting it would be if I'm already seeing tombs side by side each other. The fact that it is also a sanctuary is a guarantee that Php100 will be totally worth it, I'm certain it's worth even more.

In what seemed to be just a very short time of snorkeling and few pictures, our companion who didn't snorkel with us clapped her hands, an indication it was time to leave. With a heavy heart, I looked at the tomb for the last time and started swimming towards the shore. I know I've only scratched the tip of the iceberg but still, it is definitely the most unique and unforgettable of all my snorkeling experiences. I'm hoping that soon enough, I'll have a chance to travel back to Camiguin to complete discovering the whole of the iceberg. I'd definitely suggest this activity to be included in your itinerary if you're planning on going to Camiguin.

It is a sad thought thinking how the forces of nature covered a beautiful village in lava deposits in 1871 but witnessing the result of this catastrophe, I can't help but wonder in awe how nature has the ability to replace something that died with another magnificent beauty. Nature like life is truly a mystery. The death of something will always mean a birth of another... and it never fails to create it's masterpiece as time goes on.

***This is my entry to commemorate this year's All Soul's Day. Let's all pray for our departed beloved. Happy Halloween!***  

Hinagdanan Cave, Another Must-see in Bohol

Hinagdanan Cave is an attraction found in the town of Dauis, the first of two towns in Panglao Island coming from the mainland of Bohol. It is usually included in Panglao Island tours. On our end, I made the itinerary and had included this in our whole day Countryside tour.

This is the last we visited and to my regret, we should have dropped by this place right after Dauis Church to have more time appreciating the place and taking decent photos as well. There's a pool of brackish and greenish clear water inside the cave where swimming is allowed as advised by the volunteer tour guide.  Having mentioned that this is a karst cave, I'm not really sure if it's safe to swim. If we happened to arrive earlier, I wouldn't care about my uncertainty though and just take a dip even for just few minutes. He also mentioned about the varying levels of the water depending on the tide which goes as high as 8-10 feet during high tide.

The cave has a main entrance which is about 3 feet in diameter.  Stone stairs and metal railings were set up so tourists can navigate the area safer since the floor is very slippery. It wouldn't take long before you reach the end of the cave as it is a small one but the stalactites and stalagmites around is simply worth the time for someone getting to this place. At the end, two small holes on the upper part of the cave are visible, partly illuminating the chamber of the cave. Those are the same holes instrumental to the discovery of the cave.

The guide explained that before the cave was discovered, the area was covered by thick vegetation. As the owner cleared the area so he can plant crops during the 16th century, he discovered two adjacent holes and got curious as to how deep the holes are. He threw a stone and was utterly surprised that he heard a splash, a hint that the stone dropped in a water's surface. Later that year, a tree standing in the vicinity died and the trunk had rotten, exposing another hole, bigger this time. The owner set up a ladder to check what's inside the opening and was amazed that a cave is actually under his land. The cave was named Hinagdanan, attributed to the ladder (called hagdan in local dialect) used to explore the cave. This information is also written on the sign post displayed right before heading to the opening of the cave.

Equally refreshing to the cave with a lagoon experience is Samboy who assisted us and fed us information about the cave. He is one of the volunteer guides (Yes, they are not being paid for what they are doing) that truly revitalized us from feeling so tired for the whole day tour by his comical comments and his very fun way of discussing quick facts about the cave. Having taught by an Italian tourist who is a photographer by profession, (along with other volunteers) he knows his way of effectively using a camera too. Next time you're there and found your guide doing a really great job, please don't hesitate to give a tip. They would really appreciate it. :)

How to go to Hinagdanan Cave


I won't be able to share how to go to this place via commute since this and all the other attractions I've visited in Bohol is a part of the itinerary for the whole day countryside tour I designed. We rented a vehicle with a driver that served as our tour guide as well. This is a a family get-away and not my typical backpacking trip so comfort is one of my top priorities arranging this trip. If you need information on who you can contact for renting vehicles, please check this link: Cars/Vans for Hire in Bohol.

Bohol's Bilar Man-made Forest

Whether you like it or not, everyone who is going on a countryside tour in Bohol would surely pass by the man-made forest found in the town of Bilar for this highway is your gateway to more of Bohol's attractions. On my end, I just didn't like it, I loved it! We got off the car and I was amazed how trees formed a canopy, blocking and screening the  hot rays of the sun from reaching the ground. I was pretty sure that temperature exceeded 32 degrees that very sunny day since the heat awaken my migraine causing me to have a terrible headache. It was different under the towering trees though, it gave me the illusion that it's already almost dusk and the place is just so revealingly relaxing. I wish I could have set-up my hammock and slept on the shade. :D

This forest is admirable knowing that it is a result of  successful reforestation efforts inspired by the National Government and was conducted with the help of the provincial government. During the war period in the 40's, several locals hid on the deep of the forests of the mountainous regions and burned some forested area to plant crops for food (kaingin). Eventually, the war ended and during the 60's, cutting down trees and kaingin were  strictly prohibited and reforestation had been a serious business in the province. It all started with the planting of tree seedlings in a barren area of about 857 square meters which now grew to an area of approximately 800 hectares. Trees are 80% mahogany and the remaining are mixture of other tree species. From what I have been informed, planting trees in the area is still on going, as this is one of the "requirements" for senior highschool students in Bohol before they graduate. They are given options on whether to plant a mahogany tree in the land or a mangrove in the river areas. I haven't validated that information though.

Whenever I think about this forest, I see it as a celebration of Boholano's cooperation and discipline. If only we, who live in different parts of the Philippines can plant at least a ratio of one tree to one person on where we live, and make sure the tree grows fully, then I could already imagine a more beautiful and healthy Philippines. I hope my dream doesn't end here.

Getting to Bilar's Man-made Forest


I won't be able to share how to go to this place via commute since this and all the other attractions I've visited in Bohol is a part of the itinerary for the whole day countryside tour I designed. We rented a vehicle with a driver that served as our tour guide as well. This is a a family get-away and not my typical backpacking trip so comfort is one of my top priorities arranging this trip. If you need information on who you can contact for renting vehicles, please check this link: Cars/Vans for Hire in Bohol.

Cruising Bohol's Loboc River

With the numerous attractions and activities in Bohol, The Loboc River Cruise is where I experienced a touch of Boholano culture.

Arriving in Loboc River Complex, we chose the kiosk for Riverwatch floating restaurant (as per the recommendation of our tour guide) and paid Php300 for the buffet lunch. There is another fee of Php100 to be paid at the tourist assistance center.

We then boarded the Riverwatch floating restaurant and the buffet lunch had just started. Everyone queued up to the buffet table, where appetizing meals are being served. I filled my plate, everything is Filipino, and began eating with my family while a local singer is serenading us with his Boholano and other English travel songs. In about 30 minutes, the  motorized boat started to cruise.

Loboc is one of the towns in Bohol where this green river flows. The water is brackish, with the sea water coming from the town of Loay and the fresh water coming from the town of Sevilla. I am fascinated when I learned that the sea water remains under the river while the fresh water floats at the surface. It may be because of bouyancy, but I have always thought that brackish water is a mixture of both. Loboc River is very tranquil with calm waters. It is surrounded by towering palms and other plants on both sides. It is very soothing riding this floating restaurant, just observing the surroundings. The backdrop of the mountains still rich in flora adding to exquisite beauty of the place.

I am really happy to finally see a commercialized river in the country that is so clean considering there are some homes built just beside the river. I never saw even just one garbage floating. This shows the discipline of Boholanos as well as the love they have for nature. It is inspiring. :)

The cruise reached Busay Falls,with two small cascades flowing from the elevated part of the landscape. Our boat turned back headed to the dock. Halfway, it stopped at the riverside where a bamboo platform was constructed. There, we were greeted by the local teens, wearing traditional Filipino costume  and are happily singing a lovely Boholano song. I didn't understand it but the emotion their song conveys feels like a warm welcome to us. The performance is so lively, with a lot of synchronized clapping both from the performers and the tourists. They were also playing guitar and ukelele ( a Filipino string musical instrument smaller than a guitar with 4 strings) as accompaniment. Then they started dancing with Filipino folk dances, one is Tinikling (a dance performed using bamboo with the dancers imitating the tikling birds as they walk between grass stems). Tourists are encouraged to join in the fun and even the foreign tourists gladly mingled with the performers. I was very happy with this sight. For me, this is the highlight of the Loboc River Cruise. I noticed everybody had a smile in their faces before we left that station.

The cruise lasted for almost an hour. The serene beauty of the river, the traditional Filipino food served to us and most specially the Boholano performers made the the Php400 so worth it. I may not do it again for a second time but for those who haven't experienced it yet, it is definitely a must try when visiting Bohol. Boholanos captivated my heart. I love Bohol!



The teens of Loboc, Bohol providing river cruise entertainment


Getting to Loboc River Complex

I won't be able to share how to go to this place via commute since this and all the other attractions I've visited in Bohol is a part of the itinerary for the countryside tour I availed from a local tour guide/driver. This is a a family get-away and not my typical backpacking trip so comfort is one of my top priorities arranging this trip.
If you need information on who you can contact for tours, please check this link: Cars/Vans for Hire in Bohol.

Whites and Greens Resort, an Accommodation Option in Panglao Island

If it is just me traveling, price comes first on my decision whether to book a room or not.  Needless to say, I'll choose the cheapest accommodation available. :D Our Bohol trip is quite different since I'm traveling with my family. My primary priority is to find an accommodation where everybody, specially my folks, will be real comfortable. A place conducive to relaxation and somewhere safe where they can feel at ease. I am really glad to have booked in this resort for a 2 night accommodation, the resort not only met my expectations, we experienced everything for a reasonable amount - well, that's comparing to the market price in the area.

Whites and Greens is a resort located in Brgy. Libaong, Panglao in Panglao Island, Bohol. It is a beachfront resort and shares the same stretch of beach with the upscale resorts like Bohol Beach Club and Dumaluan Beach Resort as well as the other budget resort, Bagobo Beach Resort.

We stayed at one of their native family cottages that can accommodate maximum of eight guests. It is real spacious with a veranda, living room area and dining area. It kind of looked bare though and the wood floor shakes a bit when somebody is walking. That's probably one thing that they may need to improve on.There are two separate bedrooms, each with AC and with two single beds and a mattress for the fifth person. We were charged  Php3500 per night including the Php300 additional for the fifth person. Considering the big space of the cottage and the comfort it brings, even I who is a frugal traveler consider the price a very reasonable amount, adding that also included free breakfast for all five of us, not to mention unlimited free drinking water and coffee. My parents are kind of coffee addicts.

For smaller groups, they have bungalows with either a double bed or 2 single beds for two but can accommodate maximum of 4 guests. There is an additional Php300 each for additional guests, inclusive of breakfast.

The resort has a restaurant located in the middle of the surrounding cottages. Don't expect too much, what they serve are just simple meals, like what is usually prepared in Filipino homes but it is delicious. We had one of our lunch, one dinner and two complimentary breakfast in their restaurant and I guess,we can always tell if the ingredients used are fresh. All the seafood we ordered have a distinct sweetness. What I like best is the ensaladang talong (Eggplant Salad). I'm wondering what their secret ingredient is, I'm craving for it now that I thought of it.  They serve breakfast in time, exactly the time that you tell them the night before. I think the staff are really attentive.

The beach in front of the resort is nice although it just seems impossible to swim during low tide. You'd walk for about half a kilometer and that's when you can dip in still shallow waters. In that area, the sand turns as fine as powder comparable to that of Boracay's. In the mornings, a lot of sea grasses are scattered in the shore but the resort's crew patiently cleans it up. On high tide, you can bask into the water which is just about 3 meters away from the resort's lawn. I didn't have much time to swim in this beach since we had island hopping and country tours where we spent more of our time. What I enjoyed the most in Whites and Greens is lying in their hammock tied in the growing coconut trees, feeling the cold night air brushing my skin under the bright full moon.

For two or three night stay in the resort, I feel that it will be a perfect place for me. For extended stay however, I might get a little bored and detached from civilization since there are no televisions even in the restaurant. If they add that then I'll surely choose this resort even for a week-long stay next time. For now, they have free Wi-fi access even in the rooms and they also have a collection of different books in the restaurant that guests can borrow.

With all that being said, I know one thing for certain. Whites and Greens is a beautiful and unpretentious resort where you can appreciate and experience the beauty of nature. The resort is fitting to be called its name because it is fronting the beach with a fine white sand and the surroundings is dotted with lush greens.

Chocolate Hills

Imagine a thousand of giant chocolate kisses laid on a flat surface. That's exactly how Chocolate Hills would look like  - well, during summer that is. For in rainy days, the grassy vegetation growing on the hills would turn everything green.

The Chocolate Hills is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Bohol. Ask anybody from the Philippines about Bohol attractions and they probably would tell you about this natural wonder right away. On a recent survey, it was said that the hills total 1,776 in number. That number spans inside three towns in Bohol namely - Carmen, Sagbayan and Batuan. The first two have viewing decks on top of one of the hills where one can see a 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding hills.

Starting my elementary days, my curious mind would always wonder how this Natural Geological Monument was formed. Several years have passed and I still haven't read any accepted scientific explanation as to the occurrence of this karst hills. There is also a legend about two giants battling with each other, throwing boulders and rocks on the direction of the other.Eventually, the fighting ended, and they became friends however they forgot to clean up after their clutter and thus, the chocolate hills. This ofcourse is a product of the rich Filipino culture. :) But one thing is certain. The hills are made of marine limestones with fossils of shallow mollusks, corals and algae.

When we went there, we climbed the 214 stair steps in Chocolate Hills Complex in Carmen, Bohol to reach the peak. It was the rainy season but that day is extremely sunny and hot that I had a terrible headache. I suggest you wear a hat and bring a bottle of water when you're planning to visit, it would surely come in handy. There's also a huge flock of tourists that time that it wasn't easy to have photos without capturing other people on the background. Nevertheless, the view is a sight worth the effort. Seeing a great number of hills scattered around me is some sort of a wonderful experience. It is far different than just merely seeing it in pictures. Most of all, it is a grade-school dream fulfilled.

Getting to Chocolate Hills

I won't be able to share how to go to this place via commute since this and all the other attractions I've visited in Bohol is a part of the itinerary for the whole day countryside tour I designed. We rented a vehicle with a driver that served as our tour guide as well. This is a a family get-away and not my typical backpacking trip so comfort is one of my top priorities arranging this trip. If you need information on who you can contact for renting vehicles, please check this link: Cars/Vans for Hire in Bohol.

The Delights and Dangers of Mag-aso Falls

If there is a body of water I always find mystical, it is the falls. I am always fascinated of it's magic, that I never fail to include visiting atleast one on my trips. There's something about swimming in the fresh flowing water that makes me feel wonderful. I usually end up in love with the falls I'm visiting and more often than not, I feel truly refreshed after communing with it.

Arriving Brgy. Can Omay in Antequera Bohol, approximately an hour from Whites and Greens Resort in Panglao Island, we paid a barangay fee. A short distance after, we reached the entrance to Mag-aso Falls. A lady is manning the entrance where we paid an entrance fee. I was really excited specially it will be my family's first time to see a falls. It is my sixth. There are long set of stairs going downwards to the falls. It wasn't steep, I found it friendly maybe even to kids. It's a different case though when you need to climb back to the entrance, it might be tiring for people who are not accustomed in doing physical activities. I almost run in the stairs to my excitement of seeing the falls. Then I heard the gushing of the water. A few more steps and my eyes flicked with the beauty in front of me. It was the lovely falls with three cascdes, dropping rapidly into a pool of teal-colored water. Our tour guide mentioned the drop of the falls is even stronger decades ago that it produces a smokey projection at the bottom of where the cascade is dropping, hence the name Mag-aso. Aso is a local term that means smoke.

As I'm about to swim, the incident of three boys drowning from this falls due to flash flood suddenly crossed my mind. I almost chickened out but after I got the guarantee from Rene, one of the falls' lifeguards that there had been no rain the past days, I wasted no time. Besides, I didn't see any of Bear Grylls warning tips when there would be a flash flood. I'm sad though that my sister decided not to join us in swimming. Whatever her reason is, I never completely understood but maybe, if someone isn't up to something we better let them be.

Walking to the part where I can atleast play in the water, the big rocks proved to be very slippery. I almost slipped even when I'm very careful walking. Then I dipped and the water is very cold but tolerable. I was really having fun. I floated on my back with Nikko swimming around me. Lush trees surrounds the falls and that added to the enchanting experience. We truly have a wonderful world. Trying to swim around, I noticed that the riverbed isn't flat. In some parts where I'm walking on knee high water, I found out that in just one step I could be submerged into a water that's deeper than my height. There was also an instance when I swam in the middle of the pool that I felt the strong current underwater pushing me with the waterflow. I am not a good swimmer so I decided to wear a life vest, and just floated on the side just to be on the safe side. I'd still want to reach more places and blog about them. :D Nikko on the other hand braved swimming near the cascade then swam back beside me shortly, saying the current is so strong that a lot of water entered his ears while swimming.

Having a bit bored with swimming, Nikko decided to have some more fun by riding the flow of the water  which will eventually drop him to a 10 feet high of water. I got worried and tried being a kill joy by asking him not too. He found an ally when Rene, told us it is safe as long as he knows how to swim well. He urged him to wear a lifejacket though. That's a relief for me. After he did it twice, everybody thought that it was perfectly safe then I just found them encouraging me to do it too. Sounds like fun but I'm scared, hahaha! The current is fast and what if I drink a lot of water? Everybody is cheering on me that it dawned on me, Nikko did it, I'm wearing a life vest and two lifeguards are watching me closely so what could be wrong. With a nervous look in my face, I positioned myself near the center part where it's shallow and let go from holding the rocks after Nikko did it again, just before me. I felt myself being carried by the water freely then I plunged. Watching the video, it seems fast but that time, the moment I dropped underwater felt like eternity, hahaha! I did enjoy though that after overcoming my fear, I did it again. It was something unforgettable and pumped up my energy.



                        - a video courtesy of Jing Seguban -

After two hours in the falls, it was time to leave making sure we'd be able to go to all the other attractions for that day. I had a wonderful experience. Even my parents and sister who didn't swim can't stop marveling with the sight of this falls. I just wish somehow that my sister also swam with us so she had a more joyful time, after all, she sponsored this trip. Other than that, I am really grateful that we were able to savor the delights of Mag-aso falls and did so safely without witnessing the dangers it imposes even if we visited during the rainy season.

Random Reminders


*Besides the entrance fee of Php20 for adults and Php10 for kids, they now charge Php5 barangay entrance fee just before arriving the entrance of the falls. Brgy. Can Omay isn't usually flocked by tourists and the barangay fee they collect is the only way they earn revenue for barangay use.

*Mag-aso Falls open as early as 7AM and closes at 5PM.

*There are now a total of 10 volunteer life guards in Mag-aso Falls. They don't have regular salaries but they are there to lower if not totally eradicate the number of accidents. They know the place better so it would be safer if we listen to their warnings.  I was told there are few occasions when local residents from other towns ignored their warnings and it nearly ended in a catastrophe.We can be considerate enough to give them any amount we can.

*The place lacks clean and functional restrooms.


*I won't be able to share how to go to this place via commute since this and all the other attractions I've visited in Bohol is a part of the itinerary for the whole day countryside tour I designed. We rented a vehicle with a driver that served as our tour guide as well. This is a a family get-away and not my typical backpacking trip so comfort is one of my top priorities arranging this trip. If you need information on who you can contact for renting vehicles, please check this link: Cars/Vans for Hire in Bohol.