Northern Mindanao Escape: Maria Cristina Falls

The famous Maria Cristina from our History Class

Another wonder of Iligan is the popular Maria Cristina Falls. I remember during my early Elementary days, my teacher in History asked us to draw some of the popular spots in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. And when Mindanao is the location, surely there’s more than one of us drawing the famous waterfalls using crayons and water color. Having this on my memory, I pictured Maria Cristina Falls in a secluded green forest in which you need to walk or climb or hike or something before seeing. I am absolutely crazy thinking that it’s still like that until now and failed to move on.

Actually we visit Maria Cristina Falls first before the Tinago falls. Realizing that it’s just along the way, we walked just a short distance from the main road towards the NPC (National Power Corporation) office. After we settled the (minimal) fee and registration, we were fetched by the shuttle and brought us directly to the grandeur Maria Cristina.

At the entrance - and we are just so up for pictures :)

Even from here you'll feel that the water current is so strong

And this is the view from the top

The power plant, still can't move on from my old Maria Cristina 

This view just shows how big and powerful it is

  It is strong and powerful and much more majestic at the viewing deck. And of course, swimming is not allowed.

Visitors are welcome on this side

So you'll get a view like this

And kulit pics like this too!

Fact:

~ Maria Cristina Falls is a waterfall of the Agus River on the island of Mindanao. It is sometimes called the "twin falls" as the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall.
~ It is a landmark of Iligan City, nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls, because of the presence of more than 20 waterfalls in the city.
~ It is located 9.3 kilometers away southwest of the city proper at the boundaries of Barangays Maria Cristina, Ditucalan, and Buru-un.
~ Well known for its natural beauty and grandeur, the 320 - feet (98 meters) high waterfall and is also the primary source of electric power for the city's industries, being harnessed by the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant. Reference:Wikipedia

It was just a short trip, we also visited their Botanical and Zoological gardens but there’s nothing much to see.

The Botanical & Zoological Gardens (with few animals)

How to get there:
- From CDO Bulua/Westbound Terminal, Board a bus bound for Iligan City - Upon arriving at the Iligan terminal, transfer a trike/Jeep and drop off at Gaisano Iligan - Ride Buru-un bound jeepneys and drop off at the junction going to Maria Cristina Falls


Note: I am quite busy for the past weeks so I was unable to update my blog. Sorry!