Travel Diaries | Pagsanjan Falls of Laguna

The Pagsanjan Falls is one of the most popular and famous waterfalls in the Philippines, with many mistakenly thinking that it is the highest of all the waterfalls in the country. In truth, it might belong to the top 10 but there are at least 6 other waterfalls that are taller or higher than Pagsanjan. Of course, that does not make this stunning water body less majestic and it still holds the distinction of being the most visited and best known.

A Wrong Name?

Even though the falls is named as “Pagsanjan”, the main falls is actually not located in the town of Pagsanjan but in Cavinti. However, the most popular way to reach the falls is via Pagsanjan so that the name stuck. In 2009, the officials of the municipality of Cavinti tried to have the name of the falls changed to “Cavinti Falls” but this was rejected by the Sangguniang Bayan.

For most travelers, it doesn't really matter whether the waterfalls is in Cavinti or Pagsanjan because they would still love to visit it regardless of name or location.

Two Towns, Two Access Routes

One great thing about 2 towns having access to the waterfalls is that there are also 2 routes available for tourists to reach this stunning work of nature.

Pagsanjan Route

• Still considered to be a more popular option for tourists to reach the falls, the Pagsanjan route starts from any of the resorts along Balanac and Bumbungan rivers. Tourists board a fiberglass or wooden boat paddled by 2 skilled and licensed boatmen in a ride known as “Shooting the rapids”.
• It takes about an hour to reach the falls, with the boatmen paddling upstream, through Pagsanjan Gorge, until they reach the natural pool beneath the stunning cascades of Pagsanjan Falls. After enjoying the day in the falls, tourists are paddled downstream in a thrill ride over 14 rapids.

Cavinti Route

• For more adventurous tourists (just like us), the Cavinti route offers a chance to hike/trek and rappel to reach the location of the falls.
• The vertical trek includes a downward climb on a steep steel ladder for the hikers to reach the falls. A raft at the bottom will take the tourists to the “devil’s cave” located behind the cascading curtains of the main falls.

The meet-up, adventure begins!

Since the participants were coming from different destinations, we decided to meet-up in a fast food chain at Sta. Cruz. We’re eight in the group and I was the first one to arrive - medal for me! Then after 15 minutes Binatang Lakwatsero and Richard Ace followed – fresh from their Quezon Province tour. On my last sip of coffee, Glen, Jherson, Chino, and RJ arrived. PaulaO (the snow white) then came after 30 minutes- yeap, 30 minutes kaming nganga  hehehe.

Foods, Travel, Trek

From Sta. Cruz we rode in a jeepney bound to Pagsanjan to meet the local tourism officer (I forgot his name). He advised us to buy foods before heading to the destination since there are no stores/canteens within the Pagsanjan Falls area. We decided to buy packed lunch in Binalot sa Dahon, a restaurant in town serving native delicacies packed in banana leaves. We picked steamed tilapia, adobong baboy, ginataang puso ng saging, and minatamis na saging - truly SARAPinoy!.

From Pagsanjan, we rode again in a jeepney – this time bound to Cavinti. Unfortunately, most of the passing jeepneys are full-seated already so we decided to top-load! After more or less 20 minutes, we arrived in crossing Cavinti. From the crossing, we ride in a tricycle going to the jump-off point to the falls.

After paying the necessary fees/permits amounting 270 pesos, much cheaper to 1200-1500 Php if via boat from Pagsanjan, we then started the more or less 45-minute trekking and rappelling - with “fun and laughter!" 

The route via Cavinti is indeed challenging and really full of adventure. Yeah, I should say that this route is not for fainthearted and those with weaker heart and lungs. Just imagine two stations where you need to rappel in 90 degrees point  (twice) to get down, and take note that the most challenging episode of this journey is when going back!

Tourists from Pagsanjan Route

Who doesn't know Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna? Yeap, it is one of the prominent Philippine spots mentioned in Sibika at Kultura Unang Baitang during Elementary days. 

The Pagsanjan [Magdapio] Falls 

Trivia
Longest drop: 120 metres (390 ft)

Number of drops: 3 but 1 is hidden

Watercourse: Pagsanjan River

Location: Province of Laguna, Philippines

Status: National Park (along with Pagsanjan Gorge)

Back in 1932 when the Philippines was still a territory of the US, the country released a stamp labeled “Pagsanjan Falls” but actually featured a picture of Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park, California. The incorrect stamps were recalled but a corrected image was not released anymore.

A Legend

The origin of the falls is said to have been legendary, as is the nature of many waterfalls across the country. According to folklore, brothers Balubad and Magdapio lived on the banks of Bumbungan River. At the time, there was no falls but the river had a twin, Balanac.

After living abundantly for years, the brothers experienced severe drought which dried up the rivers. Balubad died of thirst so Magdapio buried him on a slope that overlooks the river, an area now named after Balubad.

Magdapio ventured upstream but still could not find water. Already angry with the gods for not hearing their prayers, he hurled a cane among the scattered rocks. The spot hit by the cane became a spring from where he drank and regained strength. The spot grew until it became the majestic Pagsanjan Falls.

Sign of amazing flora and fauna surrounding the Pagsanjan Falls.

The Group: (from left to right) Richard, TravelingMorion, Yaj/RJ, Binatang Lakwatsero, Chino, PaulaO, Jherson, and Glentot/Glen

How to Get There?

Take a bus from Buendia going to Sta. Cruz. Fare is P140 for an airconditioned bus and travel time is around 2 hours. From Sta. Cruz, take a jeep going to Cavinti.Travel time is around 45 minutes and fare is P27. From Cavinti town proper, hire a tricycle going to the jump-off point at Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park and Picnic Grove located in Brgy. Tibatib, Cavinti. Travel time is around 15 minutes and fare is P20 each. Then trak for about an hour or so from the jump-off point going down to the waterfall. 

Tips: You do NOT have to hire a tour guide when using the Cavinti route. There are people who will assist you inside the park. As much as possible do not use this route when you're alone.Bring extra clothes, water and food as there are no stores nearby. 

Disclaimer| [How to Get There/Tips: by escapemanila.com] [Photographs: by PaulaO (4th), RJ (5th), Chino (3rd from last), and Richard  (2nd to the last)]

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let's #explore7107islands

Follow TRAVELING MORION's Journeys and  Travels

Follow me on Twitter| @travelingmorion

LIKE my Facebook Page| Traveling Morion