There is no doubt that Aliwagwag Falls is beautiful beyond compare and is one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the country. It also isn’t surprising that other waterfalls in the area are overshadowed by its presence. One of these waterfalls that people tend to quickly overlook is Mabuyong Falls. Located no more than 20 minutes drive and less than an hour’s hike from Aliwagwag Falls, this jewel has quietly existed behind the shadows of its more famous neighbor. Even the majority of the locals residing there are unaware of its existence. In this blog, let us discover the silent pride of Brgy. Maglahus that is Mabuyong Falls.
THE HIKE TO MABUYONG FALLS
I have been meaning to visit Mabuyong Falls since February of this year but I was always hindered by unfavorable weather. If you’ve been following my blogs, I’ve mentioned in my other posts that rainy days are usual during the Amihan Season in Davao Oriental. It’s supposed to be ideal for chasing waterfalls, but excessive rains tend to cause flooding and can be potentially dangerous in the mountains. This left me with no choice but to always choose safety for myself and my company.
I finally found the right moment one Sunday morning in July. Together with my travel buddy/cousin Panining, we drove to Mabuyong Bridge, tracing the same roads in going to Aliwagwag Falls. It took us less than an hour to reach it from Brgy. San Antonio. I was always fascinated by this bridge. It provided the same view as those in Aliwagwag but it was smaller and it was more of a downhill stream instead of a waterfall. There was a natural pool where small children bathe. A few native cottages dotted the banks. The place seemed to have provided an avenue for locals to celebrate occasions or simply gather for a drink. It was like their own version of a resort.
When I asked them where Mabuyong Falls is, they nonchalantly pointed at the entire place. I clarified that I was looking for the bigger, higher falls to which they responded in that “Aha-moment” manner and said, “Ah, yung tuburan?” I quickly agreed. Tuburan is a local term that means the main falls or the main source of water. At this time, I noticed the shift in their faces and saw their hesitation. I learned that only a few have ventured into the place and the ones who knew where it was were not into the idea of guiding us there.
Then to probably dissuade us from continuing with what we came for, some offered words of discouragement like, “There were only two ways to get there, first is tracing the river all the way up and second is through a trailless route.” I’m the type who is not easily fazed by mere words. So after gathering enough info, I started hiking to trace the river all the way to the falls. Then probably out of concern, one kind individual offered to call someone who might be interested to be our guide. We waited for about fifteen minutes before we met Kuya Sario.
Kuya Sario seemed to know the assignment full well so he wasted no time and started the hike. He brought with him his teenage daughter who also frequents the place. I’m not very chatty to strangers. Not because I hate it but because I actually don’t know how to strike up a conversation so I left the talking to Pani. I then focused on the hike as it was through a muddy trail which is a combination of soft earth and rocks. It looked nothing like a mountainers’ trail but more like the usual path used by the locals to get to their farms.
The trail offered no room for our knees to take a break as it was a continuous ascent from the start. Some parts were pretty manageable and some were quite steep. I don’t want to overestimate it. It was hard, yes but not to an experienced hiker. After 20 minutes, the ascent ended. We quickly took a turn off the trail and into the woods then descended a trailless route at the side of a hill. This was the most difficult part of the hike as one careless step can send us instantly rolling down. It was slippery and if it wasn’t for the thick creepers and branches, I wouldn’t have survived it unscathed.
After overcoming the difficult part which took about 10 minutes, we found ourselves at the river bank. A few more boulders of rocks to climb and Mabuyong Falls revealed itself, mighty and proud. Its cascades fall from about 30-50 meters to its small basin surrounded by rocks. The soft wind carried with it mists that will get you all soaked up before you even take a dip. I hastily snapped some photos and took videos then spent the rest of our time taking in the scenery.
Mabuyong Falls was such a marvelous sight, pure and serene, and deserves more captivated eyes to witness its glory. Its neighbor may have been the constant favorite but this jewel is not so bad itself. It might have stayed quiet and hidden but not for long. I just hope it stays pure and uncompromised even after achieving the inevitable social media fame.
HOW TO GO TO MABUYONG FALLS
From Manila – Fly to Davao. Once at the airport, hail a taxi/cab and ride to Ecoland Terminal. Take a van bound for Cateel and get off at Mabuyong Bridge (4Hrs | P500). Hire a guide then start the hike.
TIPS AND USEFUL TRAVEL INFO
- The best months to chase waterfalls in Davao Oriental are from November to June. The most ideal is during the turning of the season (May-June). Avoid the months with the most rain which are late February to April due to threats of flash floods.
- Start the hike early. Rains tend to pour down in the afternoon while in the mountains regardless of the season.
- The hike to Mabuyong Falls is not that difficult. It will only take 45 minutes to an hour max with ample breathers in between.
- There is no public transport that plies the route to Mabuyong Bridge from Cateel. You can instead charter a motorcycle (habal-habal) and this can set you back P100/per way.
- You can contact Kuya Sario Tumok at 0963 570 5900 if you need a guide. The guide fee starts at P200. If you’re in a big group of 10 up, the fee is P100/person.
- Access to Mabuyong Falls is free. No entrance fee or registration fee is required.
- As always, LEAVE NO TRACE. Don’t vandalize. Dispose of your trash responsibly. Be a decent human being your ancestors can be proud of.
