Chasing Waterfalls Series : Surprising Tinago Falls

Waterfalls always fascinated me, and some of Mindanao’s greatest tourist attractions are the impressive waterfalls in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. There are more than 20 waterfalls in Iligan City, a city known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls. Aside from its unique beauty, iligan's waterfalls is publicly accessible. 

Hidden in a deep ravine between Iligan City and Municipality of Linamon is a beautiful waterfall name "Tinago". Tinago is a Filipino term meaning "hidden", the falls being hidden from the outside world. Indeed, Iligan is blessed with beautiful waterfalls like Mimbalot Falls and the ever famous Maria Cristina Falls. 

To reach the falls you need to descend through a winding staircase with about 500 steps.  Sure, that might sound like a bit of an effort, but it’s all worth it. Once you get to the bottom there’s a stunning panoramic reward. Tinago Falls is a magnificent waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest. The falls cascade perfectly to a pristine deep blue-green basin below where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. One more thing i love about Tinago is the water, it is not too cold, so it is ideal for swimming. So, if you are interested with swimming this fall is highly recommended. You can swim under the waterfall, and you can partake in the slightly surreal experience of standing in it — or behind it. 

On the other hand, if you just want to Watch the water cascade and listen to the sound it created, which is hypnotic, there's a lovely picnic area for you to relax.

If, somehow, you’re still not sold, when all’s said and done, better go out and find it for yourself.  But , trust me, it's all worth it as the experience at this place is quite different. 

The Magical Enchanted River

I made it to the Enchanted River !!!

I first learned about Enchanted River in March of 2007. And, finally after 8 long years I can finally say that I’ve experienced the fantasy in my head.

The Enchanted River is a lagoon-river on the island of Mindanao. It is located in Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. 

The setting is magnificent. Breathtaking. Enchanting.  It’s blue water and otherworldly appearance is like something out of a dream. The water is really blue and clear as what my photos show. Can you believe it?

One can jump into the river for a refreshing swim or just sit and relax to enjoy its water flashing a shade of blue. The surroundings are truly beautiful. I'm not kidding when I say this place is magical. I couldn’t ask for a better experience - I surely enjoyed my time at Enchanted River. 

It was a fun experience for me that I won't soon forget. Overall, if you’re going to Mindanao, the enchanted river is one of those experiences that you just have to try.

Mt Apo : Fulfilling my dream

As a nature lover who loves to climb mountains, I often browse the net to look for beautiful pictures from different mountains in the Philippines. But there are no other images that I love the most than Mt. Apo, my country's highest.

My obsession with Mt. Apo started after completing my 3rd summit in 2002, and my curiosity grows bigger when my cousin showed me his pictures conquering Mt. Apo. Add that curiosity to the stunning beauty of the trail they called "boulders" I decided to make it to the summit of Apo one day.

The list of mountains I want to climb and experience can truly go on endlessly, but Mt. Apo have really caught my interest. I have no doubt that it will be even more captivating in person.

I could stop dreaming, and just forget Apo, i know it's a fantasy.

But, I promise myself, someday, with massive amount of faith and inspiration. I'll get there.

Mt. Binacayan Traverse : An Unexpected Meeting

After last year's failed attempt on climbing Mt binacayan, I know I needed another try. This year I stepped it up a notch by bringing Jackie (my travel/adventure/kumare/climb buddy), Kap Omeng and Jill (jackie's sister) to finally complete Mt. Binacayan traverse. 

10 am

After a quick stop at Brgy. Wawa DENR station to register the group then started the hike. Well, here i am again back to the mountains. 

The weather that time was gorgeous. A truly amazing time of the year to experience Mt. Binacayan.

Marinduque : My journey to the center of the Philippines

Marinduque is an island province of  the Philippines - known as the center of the Philippines. It is one of my favorite travel of the year so far.  An unexpected journey to the land of MORIONES. Marinduque Province is composed of six (6) towns namely Mogpog, Sta. Cruz, Torrijos, Buenavista, Gasan, and Boac (the capital town). Some of the popular tourist spots in the province are Poctoy White Beach, Maniwaya Island, Bellaroca Resort, Bathala Cave, The Battle of Pulang Lupa site, Mt. Malindig, Tres Reyes Islands.

How to Get to Marinduque

Board a bus to Lucena (Dalahican). The terminals can either be found in Cubao or Buendia. Bus companies servicing the route are Jacliner, JAM, DLTB or Lucena Lines.

Travel time from Cubao to Dalahican is 3-4 hours.

Arriving in Dalahican port, you have to ride a boat going to Marinduque. There are 3 different RORO ferry bound for Marinduque. I opted for Dalahican - Balanacan Port in Mogpog. 

Arriving at Balanacan, you have to board a jeepney going to the capital (Boac) or any other municipal destination of the province ( i opted to go to Gasan - it is because Gasan is the only town in Marinduque where you can catch a small boat going to Mindoro)