It was during one of those family outings after the holidays that I knew of and visited Bao-Bao Falls in our neighboring province of Surigao del Sur. Checking out new places is staple for me so when the destination came up it didn’t even take me a second to jump at the idea. “Don’t go chasing waterfalls,” TLC said. Why heed such advice, right?

Transportation

Getting to Bao-Bao Falls is as easy as ABC. You just have to teleport transport yourself to the barangay of Diatagon in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Tandag-bound buses from Agusan del Sur can bring your arse there. You will then have to look for the junction, from the national highway, that leads to your destination.

Or you can simply ask a local on how to get to it. If you happen to ask one who doesn’t have the answer, s/he must’ve been living under a rock. When coming from Butuan, you can reach Diatagon via the Awa Junction, which opens up the opportunity to biga at visit Bega Falls.

The Waterfall

The main swimming area of Bao-Bao Falls didn’t feature a high vertical drop but the plunge pool was still deep enough for anyone who thinks they’re tall enough. Ahem. “Bao” means “turtle” in Bisaya so the name of the waterfall could pertain to something related to a turtle, like its shape. I didn’t see any resemblance to any part of a turtle, though, and didn’t ask anyone either so… Beats me. (Don’t even think about turtles being present there.)

The waterfall had a slide; cliff jumping from the top of it wasn’t that enticing. Even so, there was a rock that allowed jumping from a higher elevation. If it gets crowded below, there’s no other way but up!

Climbing to the rock also led to the higher tier of Bao-Bao falls where there were swimming pools whose depth also didn’t disappoint.

Pools were at nooks and crannies and it was so relaxing being in them that, contrary to what I usually do, I no longer explored further to where the water was coming from. Only few people were curious enough to check what was upstairs so I didn’t have to share the Jacuzzis at all. #blessed

Nope, t’is not the Oblation Run.

And then it was high time for a cliff jump. Cowabunga!

Amenities

There were no cottages around the waterfall so all tourists just settled on the rocks (sadly without any whiskey, though) in the surrounding area. Totally not an issue, especially that bringing food and beverages was allowed—no corkage, y’all! It also follows that there were no changing rooms. Having said that, there were actually restrooms. They may not have been around the waterfall as well, but hey! If you need to take a dump, there’s that special place for ya.

Walking to Bao-Bao Falls from the road is a walk in the park because the local government unit already paved a walkway to it. Unlike when taking the stairs to Bega Falls, it was senior citizen-friendly. No worries to bring everyone, mate.

Tips

• When going to Britania in San Agustin for some island hopping, Bao-Bao Falls is the stopover you never thought you could have.
• When coming from Butuan and taking the Awa Junction to Lianga, Bega Falls is another stopover you never thought you could have, especially when on a private vehicle.

Visited: January 2016

The post Jumping into Bao-Bao Falls in Lianga, Surigao del Sur appeared first on Itinerant.

Thanks to how the Internet has evolved, people are learning about things that have been under their noses all along. For instance, it was only until travel blogs were ubiquitous and social media was rampant with misinformation that I became aware of Bega Falls, located in the municipality just next to my hometown in the province of Agusan del Sur. Better late than never, I guess?

“Let’s go to Bega Falls tomorrow!” expressed a classmate during an afternoon trip to Pugad Beach—the only beach we had back in the day—in Surigao del Sur. Having had my fare share of drinks already, the declaration fell between “Let’s do it!” and “Sure, as long as everyone remembers it and wakes up on time tomorrow.”

The next thing I knew, I was packing stuff after groggily reading a message that we were supposed to have left 50 minutes ago.

Transportation

As the future is nothing but uncertainties, at the time of writing getting on a flight to Butuan is the quickest way for you to biga at Bega Falls. Other options are the airports in and Surigao and Davao. Unless you’re taking the route from Surigao which doesn’t pass through Butuan, the point where you need to get off when taking public transportation is at Awa Junction (intersection) located in Prosperidad. It’s around 1.5 hours from Butuan and farther when coming from Davao.

If you’re taking public transportation all the way, there should be motorcycles known as “habal-habal” at Awa that can take you to Bega Falls which is part of Barangay Mabuhay. These rides are notorious for rough roads but you can bet on your sorry ass that there’s not gonna be any of it as there’s already a concrete road network all the way to the stairs.

Unlike the day before, the mastermind of the trip didn’t bring the kids so it was only her husband and our other classmate who was also around the day before and was probably as oblivious as I was earlier that day. I think I was the only first-timer. The couple had a car and from Awa, we made a wrong left turn which became evident when the road was no longer paved. We still asked a kid anyway.

Mastermind: Dong, mangutana unta mi. Diri ba ang paingon Bega?
Kid: Dili uy! Didto pa sa unahan!

The correct left was at the next three-way intersection. Watch out for any sign that mentions “Bega Falls” but if there’s no sign and your gut is telling you that that’s it, ask someone before turning 90°. From the right (the definition which means “correct” and not the direction) turn was a 15-minute drive to the entrance to Bega Park & Resort.

Orientation

There was no other group when we arrived and first things were first: “Is drinking allowed and is there a store where we can buy something to drink?” The answer to both was a no, leaving us with the whatnots we grabbed from a 7-Eleven. Because in essence it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, our preparations were the complete opposite of what we had for Pugad Beach.

The orientation was primarily on wildlife preservation and the mandatory rental of cottage and life vests. It also turned out that children under a certain age were not allowed.

On our way to the car for a five-minute (approximately) ride to the actual gateway to Bega Falls, another group materialized with children who looked like they were under the age limit. It didn’t look like they won’t be allowed to go to the falls, though. Also, one of them ditched renting a life vest as she claimed that she won’t go swimming. Hmm… Don’t me!

Stairway to Falling

The point where vehicles become inferior to lazy humans are at the top of the stairs leading to the waterfalls. What immediately caught my attention was a notice which stipulated that only “excessive drinking of liquor” is prohibited. I knew it! Not that I had a single drop with me but you get the point.

The steps were supposed to be around 400 but I didn’t count to confirm it because there are much more important things in life. Still, it doesn’t hurt so feel free to do so when you get there and let me know?. It was a walk in the park since it was literally all downhill (alam na!). You just need to be careful with each step especially when it’s wet. In less than ten minutes we were at the foot of our the stairs.

The Waterfalls

Bega Falls is essentially a tiered waterfall, described as those that have more than one level or tier but are close enough to be seen together from one vantage point. There’s gotta be more than three tiers, but as of this writing these three are the most accessible and have amenities in the form of concrete cottages and restrooms.

The first waterfall was deserted. We would’ve been told upfront if it weren’t the case, but I was really glad that the water was clear despite the weather. It’s not like there was a downpour every single day prior to our visit, but you never know when Mother Nature decides to be a bitch and turn the water brown, right? It was actually drizzling when we came on the scene but after seeing the vodka water I couldn’t have cared less if it suddenly rained cats and dogs.

Our crosshair was on the topmost waterfall so it was immediately exit stage left for us after taking a snap.

Level 3

On our short walk to the third level (I’ll stick to this term and abandon “tier” hereon) we caught a glimpse of the second level. When we reached the coveted waterfall, I was blown away (in a wholesome way) by its monstrosity. It was ginormous and definitely living up to its name.

Now, where did Bega Falls get its name? I had to do some reading and while there are multiple versions of the folklore, it all goes down to a woman’s (fairy’s, in others) seduction. (Seductress ang peg ng lola niyo.) “Biga” is the easy translation of “flirt” in our mother tongue. That was also the first word that popped into my head the first time I heard the name even without knowing any legend pertaining to the waterfalls. But if you ask me, I would say that “lust” is a more appropriate translation. It’s more lubricous.

bigaon: lusftful

We weren’t able to get a cottage near the vertical drop because they were all occupied. But heck, we could’ve just settled on the rocks for all I care! I checked out the restroom, stripped to my swimming gear, and soberly munched whatever everyone had because it was already half past midday and we were hungreh.

There was a lookout for visitors but he wasn’t reprimanding those who were swimming without life vests. We were, however, told off that we have to pay for the bamboo raft tethered to a wire if we want to pull ourselves on it to the heart of the cold-hearted plunge pool. Being the close-fisted folks that we were (“baksidor”, as we would call it), we turned down the offer since we all know how to swim anyway.

Video

I wanted to stay longer but since our arrival wasn’t the earliest and Bega Falls had more to offer, a quarter before two o’clock we descended to the lower level. Oh, oh! I wouldn’t skip mentioning that before we went back to our cottage and left, the people cleared up so we managed to score photobomb-free shots showcasing how minuscule humans look next to the waterfall! (Yes, I’m this ecstatic when it comes to these things.)

Can you spot the woman who has her back on the camera?

Level 2

We didn’t backtrack and took a different path to get to the next level and the only presence that greeted us was that of another lookout. It felt surreal having the place just to ourselves. There were two visibly separated cascades on this level (twinning, anyone?) and the edge of their basin was overlooking the first waterfall that we skipped.

Kayaks were available and were most probably for rent but I’m not really into them so I never even thought about asking if they really were. At this point it made sense why renting a cottage is mandatory—each level has its own set of cottages and the payment encompasses the use of any of them. It would be problematic, though, when there’s a horde of visitors and some aren’t able to use what they paid for.

Level 1

Reverting to the first level, we also followed a different trail. There was one group when we arrived but none of them were swimming. Similar to the previous levels, this one had a deep and very swimmable plunge pool. Don’t let that scare you if you ain’t a swimmer, as the compulsory rental of life vests is highly unlikely gonna go away.

Like in the preceding waterfall, the preceding waterfall was visible from this level, clearly putting up Bega Falls in the ranks of tiered waterfalls. (I know, waterfall overload there.)

It shouldn’t be surprising since it’s a forest but I was still amazed after seeing another exhibit (pardon the misspelling on it) of its fauna. Lots of snakes there, creatures that have always freaked me out and possibly the form a Boggart would take if I were to encounter one.

Ascent

With the hundreds of steps fully going downwards to get to the waterfalls, reality must’ve been warped by Wanda Maximoff if by the time you return it’s not the complete opposite. If you’ve been skipping leg day, it’s not gonna be easy even with landing stations with benches for resting. A kid had a temper tantrum that he was throwing “Yeah, right!” at his mother each time she says that they’re almost there. No pain, no gain, kiddo! I won’t deny that it was really amusing to watch while realizing how hard it would be for senior citizens. I was panting like a bitch dog.

On our way back to San Francisco we stopped by a restaurant called Tikyo and filled the void of a hunger deep within. A decent meal, at least! Had to give the place a negative review, though, as the reply was in the negative when I asked, “Do you have beer?”

Tips

• Prosperidad is more known as “Bah-Bah” (yes, with the h’s there) so if you don’t wanna sound touristy, you could use it instead when telling the conductor or driver where you’re headed.
• As far as I’m concerned, “junction” isn’t widely used so when you mention it when asked where you’re getting off and they pull their eyebrows together, use “crossing” instead i.e. “Awa Crossing in Bah-Bah”.
• The road from Awa leads to a fork to Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur so if you’re having a sort of Mindanao tour and from Butuan intend to visit at least one of those provinces, dropping by Bega Falls wouldn’t hurt.
• Another road leading directly to the first waterfall was under construction so by the time that it’s finished the stairs’ popularity might start declining. Unless people are in for a leg day, of course!
• As with any other waterfall (shoutout to Igpasungaw and Nagkalit-kalit), there will be days when the flow of water is small-scale and days when the water isn’t crystal.

Expenses

Visited: November 2020

The post Visiting Bega Falls in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur appeared first on Itinerant.

For having only two bottles the night before after our El Nido island hopping, we were on the road and back to our senses before seven o’clock and in around 25 minutes were already parked to start the hike to Nagkalit-kalit Falls. The entrance fee and tour guide cost us ₱770. Doing the math necessitates the counting of our heads in the foregoing post or carrying on.

The Hike

Rivers will have to be crossed so you might wanna ditch those shoes (but not the red dress!). I have my reasons, so along the way I was putting on some sunblock. #reasons #defensive

There was a track of what looked like that of a slithering snake but if it wasn’t that of such (a) reptile, then it was probably by your best friend who’s about to perform an act of perfidy (or already did).

You know what they say: silent still waters run deep. #mema

The Waterfall

In more or less than 40 minutes we reached Nagkalit-kalit Falls and since he who hesitates is lost, I took it off and jumped into the water without shilly-shally. Because like beaches, waterfalls shouldn’t just be looked at. (Well, at least for me.)

One happy kiddo.

Like other waterfalls, Nagkalit-kalit Falls provides free massage with no extra service.

Cliff Jumping

Our tour guide demoed where we could cliff jump so who were we not to do it? Gehee.

There were only three of us who indulged in the water and the rest were just onlookers, which was actually nice in that we had a dry maniniyot for some mowdel-mowdelan.

And mind you, our background below looks like the Devil’s Snare.

We only stayed for approximately 30 minutes but it was more than enough as we had the place to ourselves; a foranger came by but just added to the audience impact.

We retraced our steps through the wilderness called life and were back on the road a little past nine, about an hour after we arrived at the waterfall.

When in El Nido, you might as well get wet at Nagkalit-kalit Falls and be the early birdies (what’s new) at it. The hike was not like going to Igpasungaw Falls where slippery rocks offer you the opportunity of going with the flow. Malayo sa atay. We were on our way to Nacpan Beach when we visited and were lucky the torrent was substantial.

Expenses

Visited: August 2015

The post Nagkalit-kalit Falls: A Stopover to Nacpan Beach appeared first on Itinerant.

Following our quickie (which didn’t feel like one, by the way) in Hinugtan Beach, we made our way from Alegria, Aklan to Sebaste, Antique in two tricycle rides and one bus ride within two hours. From there we hopped on one more tricycle and arrived at the jump-off point to Igpasungaw Falls around three o’clock.

Transportation

Reaching Igpasungaw Falls is easy-peasy because Sebaste is accessible by buses from Caticlan, Kalibo, and Iloilo. Our transportation was unconventional because we had a jam-packed weekend itinenarny itinerary and couldn’t afford to wait for one. We had to keep moving, just like in life. (YEHES!)

The Hike

Like other regulated tourist attractions, registration is required before the chase can commence. It drizzled as we started the hike but it was over before we even thought about turning on our heels. Rivers will have to be crossed along the way and ropes may be necessary to avoid literally going with the flow. We arrived at our first stop in roughly 30 minutes.

After acclimatizing to the water, we headed off for 15 minutes to the next stop, where I realized how worthwhile the visit was.

The Waterfalls

There’s no better background for a group photo.

If you have an eagle eye (which I doubt), you must’ve noticed that it’s the waterfall in the topmost photo. That’s right, it’s possible to go behind it. Of course, it could be very slippery so extreme caution should be taken. If ever you fall—in the same way you fell for someone who didn’t reciprocate your feelings—don’t go against gravity and just plummet into the water, like what my classmate did.

We arrived at our last stop, where a wide pool was sitting, waiting to be harassed disturbed, in less than 10 minutes. I guess this would have to be what everyone considers as the Igpasungaw Falls.

Sliding down (if you can slide up, do let me know) the first two waterfalls was no trick, but before we did it we walked a tad further to check what was around and, well, immortalize the experience in photos.

Who doesn’t want a massage, right? Although it was such a shame there was no extra service.

Waterfall Slide

And then it was the moment of truth. Could I be contemplating about my decisions in life here, thinking that it may not be too late?

And then it was too late. There was a bubbly light, and I thought I was done for. (Nah.)

Being the #influencer that I am, I wasted no time in shouting at the other two, telling them that there’s no point in delaying the deed.

We slid together side-by-side on the next one, leading to the photo below which is quite reminiscent of the one we had in Guimaras while in the middle of the ocean.

We had the place to ourselves but my hunch told me that it gets crowded on perfectly sunny days especially in the morning. In any case, start early so you can wallow in the waters all day and have all the stopovers that you want. It’s an easy trail and your only adversaries are the slippery rocks and current when crossing rivers. If it’s raining or rained recently, that’s gonna be another story. The cascades when we were there were not at their mightiest but I’d say that the torrent doesn’t dictate how much you’ll have fun. Besides, the pools were just too good.

Expenses

The cost of the tricycle ride to and from the jump-off point was ₱500 and has been excluded because our final destination was Culasi. Haggle if you’re only going back to Sebaste.

Visited: June 2017

The post Igpasungaw Falls: An Escape in Antique appeared first on Itinerant.