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).

Chasing Waterfalls Series in Laguna

If Iligan City is known as the city of Majestic Waterfalls in Mindanao i would declare Laguna as the home of beautiful waterfalls in Luzon. 

Located in almost all municipalities of Laguna, it is accessible by jeepney, or a private vehicle. It is so convenient that getting there is no hassle at all.

Im presenting some of the beautiful waterfalls in Laguna.

alluring 98 falls of Sta. Maria

Relaxing moments at Buruwisan falls in Siniloan

Delightful morning at Hulugan falls in Luisana

Feeling nostalgic at Majayjay falls in Majayjay

Appealing Maybunga falls of Paete

Captivating beauty of Buntot Palos falls in Pangil

Meditating at 3 falls of Sta.Maria

Enchanting Bukal falls in Majayjay

Enjoying the beauty of Bunga falls in Nagcarlan

Feeling amaze at Talay Falls in Luisana

Enjoying the views at the Aliw falls in Luisana

Rediscovering Cavinti falls in Cavinti

Chasing waterfalls series : delightful morning at Bukal falls

A spontaneous plan turn out to be a success.

I was delightfully surprised with a short visit to Bukal Falls. The serenity and the spectacular view is definitely worth the hike to get to the falls. Yes, there was a short hike - but it was all worth it. It is absolutely serene and the place was fantastic.  I was so amazed when I reached the waterfall. It was so beautiful. It was also quite an adventure to swim in the very cold, clear, blue-green,deep, and calm waters amidst nature. I couldn't resist jumping in because it was just too tempting. I will say that the water was shockingly cold but I'm glad I jumped in. I will definitely be back - and maybe stay a little longer.

Bukal Falls is beautiful and If you love nature this is the place that you can reconnect with yourself. But be sure to visit it on a weekday so you can enjoy your spot at the falls.

To get there, there is a bus from LRT/Buendia or Cubao to Santa Cruz, Laguna.Once you reach Sta cruz, you can either ride a jeep bound to Majayjay and get off at Barangay Bukal or you can directly hire a tricycle and tell the driver you are headed to Barangay Bukal.

I look forward to coming here again next time. 

Gorgeous walk at Mt. Ulap and Hydro Falls

MT. ULAP ECO-TRAIL

Itogon, Benguet

Entry point: Brgy. Ampucao, Itogon

Exit point: Brgy. Sta. Fe, Itogon

LLA: 16.2904 N, 120.6312 E, 1846 MASL (Mt. Ulap)

Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-3 hours

Specs: Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3,

Features: Grassland and pine ridges, scenic views of the Cordilleras, burial caves

I love the pictures I have seen from people standing on the edge of a protruding rock that looked like it will break at any moment. Upon my research, I found out that the rock formation is part of the features of Mt Ulap eco-trail. I figured I had to go check it out for myself.  I had wanted to do this hike for awhile, but just never had the opportunity until recently.

7 AM

We started the hike a little later than we anticipated , got there just before 6 am. After the registration and a quick orientation the group started right away. 

The morning air was a little cooler when we started, but as the hike continued, we were definitely sweating.  It is straight uphill from the beginning - On the hike up, you could see beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and the scenery is gorgeous right from the start to finish.

The beginning is a bit challenging- it's a little steep- but once you get to the start of the trail going to the first peak , it is easy with a little danger but with a shaded trail. 

This is a fun hike. It is moderately easy climb but with a longer trail than I expected.   Our group went at a moderate pace with some breaks. 

When we finally reached the Gungal Rock, there was a long line of people wanting to take pictures on the rock. It was a Sunday noon, so I'm sure there would be less people on a weekday. I can see why people would want to give this place a bad review due to the long line but in terms of the actual hike, it was very enjoyable and had great views almost the entire way up and down , so I would say it was worth the hike.

As we were making our way down the mountain, the trail was noticeably more crowded. Plus, it was steeper.  Coming down may have been slightly faster than hiking up the mountain, but it's also scarier because the path gets slippery, just be extra careful from the rocks and some roots jutting out. 

Here are some tips for some of you who plans to hike Ulap. 

Go early. Our group planned to start early on a Sunday. We didn't end up starting until around 7 a.m. So before it gets hot and before the trail gets more crowded start the hike early. Or i suggest Go on a weekday to avoid long lines of people.

Bring enough water and pack light. The sta fe traverse is longer than expected. From the first peak going to Gungal rock it is mostly expose to the sun. 

Take alot of pictures - we had fun with this experience and took photos.