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| Iligan's Pride |
Tinago falls is indeed Iligan’s pride. I’ve been craving to
visit the falls the first time I saw a video showcasing the beautiful clear
blue water plus the rush of the falls in a basin of cold tempting water.
Without a doubt, Iligan known as "City of Majestic Waterfalls" is part of our Mindanao
escape.
Trekking down the hidden falls is not as hard and far from
those I have experienced however I am not feeling well that day because of my
monthly visitor (you know) but I do not want to miss this out. We hired a
motorcycle (habal-habal) to bring us here. We asked them to stop at a nearby market
so we can buy our lunch. We arrive at a house where the locals (plenty of
them) are welcoming you offering to hire them as tour guide, we thought we
needed one and it seems automatic, they even didn’t wait for us to say yes, as
soon as we told that it was our first time visiting the Tinago falls, they
accompanied us and assist us. (Of course with hidden charges) You also need to
pay the entrance fee and a walk around 10mins to reach the more or less 500-step
stairs descending to the hidden falls.
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| Welcoming the visitors |
We were thrilled and excited as soon as we saw even just a
peek. Then finally, after the last few steps, our tired feet was refreshed upon
seeing and hearing the rumblings of the waterfalls.
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| Captivating and tempting |
I thought that there will be only few visitors but we were
welcomed by plenty of people swimming, eating and as if there’s a party going
on. Exploring the complete view of the location, we realized that it was not
really a hidden ('Tinago' in Filipino) after all. A constructed tables and chairs were seems
built for quite some time plus an abandoned pool that was now almost covered
with overgrown grasses on the right side. I am sad at this point because it’s ruining
the natural beauty of the waterfalls, a bridge connecting to the other side of
the entrance was created and all were not maintained anymore. All seems just
like an old view of the past. Some trashes were noticeable but hopefully those
who are responsible will clean their place before leaving.
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| Crowded Tinago Falls |
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| View of the other side |
After a few research back home, I found out that it used to
have a resort and developed land area for vacationers. I guess its better this
way.
Locals will invite you to a ride on the bamboo raft so you
can get near the waterfalls, then they will offer to take pictures of you (Without
realizing, also with hidden charges too). You will also enjoy watching kids jumping
and swimming like a pro.
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| Going near |
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| Do not forget to look up |
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| The view behind the rushing waterfalls |
Here’s a reminder, always be careful because even you have
your life vest on, the waterfalls the hard and immense body of water dropping
can still drown you if you’ll stay long where the drop was on its hardest spot
or even just near it. We really shouted for help because two of us, Cleah and I
where stuck near it and would need someone to pull the raft far from rocks so
we can catch breaths. It’s something we would never forget.
We still enjoyed the cold water and the magnificent nature
still wins at the end. The locals especially the team that assist us on the
raft are very fun to be with and “makukulit”. They were also having fun just like us and kept on jumping on the cliff as if it was also their first time. They really make us feel welcome and
comfortable. Though we noticed that they are quite pushy with the guides and
assistance because of the fee, maybe because there are plenty of them offering
their service and they only get few bucks for the entire day. Probably a more
regulated and organized entrance fees, porters and guides will make the
transactions better and equal and will not overwhelm first time visitors like
us. Anyway, visiting Iligan is still a must plus its a budget friendly trip. We spend around
1000pesos for a day trip including a visit to Maria Cristina
Falls.
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
(if you want to include this on your trip)
- You can hire habal-habal to take you to Tinago Falls.
They will offer to wait for you so they can bring you to the bus stop and
assist you to ride back to CDO.
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“As long as I live, I'll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I'll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I'll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can".”
~ John Muir
