Chasing Waterfalls series: Refreshing Tanawan Falls

A hidden gem in the mountains of Sierra Madre in Dingalan, Aurora. It's truly a gift of nature. Seeing the beauty of Tanawan Waterfalls is really worth the walk, I was amazed when I see it myself.. The trail to the falls is pretty clear and I didn't hire a guide for this walk, just ask for directions from the locals.

How to get there : Take a bus ride from Manila to Cabanatuan City Public Terminal, fare is around Php 185 and travel time is about 2.5 - 3 hours. From Cabanatuan City Public Terminal, you can hop on a bus/van bound to Dingalan, Aurora P100. Make your way to Tanawan Falls jump off by renting a tricycle from town proper for P50 - a P20 entrace fee needs to be paid. Then a 30 minute walk from the jump-off to the waterfalls.

Surprising Dingalan

When we talk about the province of Aurora, the first town that comes to our mind is Baler. Simply because it become a tourist hotspot because of its natural wonders, historic spots and other attractions. I loved Baler - We all loved Baler but Aurora is not just about Baler. I'm presenting Dingalan, Aurora. There is plenty to see and do at Dingalan. 

Dingalan is far less popular than its neighbouring Baler on the other side of the mountain range. But with  how Dingalan spreads to tourist through Social Media - Tag as "Batanes of the East" - soon Dingalan will have its fair share of fame. 

It’s really not hard to be surprised with how Dingalan caught tourists interest - with informative websites, reviews on travel blogs and endless opinions on social media, sometimes it seems like the experiences are over before they’ve even happened.

Somewhat surprising, I found Dingalan town very, very enjoyable. Honestly I was not expecting such beauty from Dingalan when i arrived at the town proper.  It was wholly new and unexpected – a surprising experience I can’t wait to repeat.

Location:

Dingalan is in the southernmost town of Aurora. It is separated from the rest of the province by the Sierra Madre mountains. It is bounded on the west by the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, on the south by Quezon Province and Pacific Ocean on the east. Dingalan is located about two hours from cabanatuan via via Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd and Junction Tablang - Gabaldon Rd/Palayan - Gabaldon - Dingalan Rd.

must see attractions:

White beach and Dingalan Lighthouse

Abungan Falls and Laktas Falls in Brgy. Ibona

Tabi Falls and Iyapit Falls in Brgy. Umiray

Tanawan Falls in Brgy. Tanawan

How to get there:

Ride a bus from Cubao (Five Star Bus) bound for Cabanatuan, fare is Php 185.00 and approximately 2-3 hours travel time. Once you arrived in Cabanatuan, ride a van/bus bound for Dingalan, Aurora and pay Php 100.00(van) Php 80.00 (bus) fare and additional 1-2 hours travel time. Then ride a tricycle going to feeder port for only Php 20.00. You can rent a boat for Php 500.00 RT going to White Beach where Dingalan Lighthouse is located or you can walk from Feeder port to White Beach is the other option (1 hour leisurely walk). From White Beach, hire a guide that will lead you towards Dingalan Light house and pay Php 100.00. 

Where I stayed:

I stayed at Kuya Buboy's Resort in white beach. For accommodation in Dingalan you can visit http://www.dingalanlgu.gov.ph/?page=resort.

Chasing Waterfalls series: Enjoying Serenity at Imugan Falls

I'm not really sure what it is but there is something about waterfalls that leave me wanting more. Whatever it is, I love waterfalls and I simply cannot get enough of them. Luckily together with a mountainous landscape of Nueva vizcaya, Imugan is an amazing waterfalls for visitors to enjoy. The place is resting high up in the Caraballo Mountain Range bordering Nueva Vizcaya and Province of Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija. It’s a short scenic drive from Sta. Fe proper to Barangay Imugan which gives you a taste of the countryside with rolling green hills in every direction. 

From Barangay hall all the way to the falls is a pleasant hike. To get there you only need to follow the signage along the road - no need to hire a guide. It is a good 30 minutes walk through beautiful forested area with minimal ascend - and that means a lovely walk back up after you have finished seeing the falls. 

Reaching the falls is a bliss. The falls cascade perfectly into a pristine catch basin below where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the cold waters - I spend hours exploring the falls. It’s a truly romantic location with lush green trees and rainforest insulating you from the world.

There are private properties in the area though, mostly vegetation area - so please do be mindful and respectful to their property to ensure that Imugan Falls remains beautiful.

How to get to Imugan. 

Ride a bus bound to Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela or Cagayan Valley and drop off to Sta. Fe, the first Municipality in Nueva Vizcaya (P285). Then from Sta. Fe proper you can ride a jeepney going to Imugan for (P20) but jeepney ride only has 2 trips per day, you can take a habal-habal or tricycle instead (P130).