What an encouragement! This should be an interesting hike… I thought to myself when I saw the note posted at the start of the trek (right photo). And just as we started our descent via an iron stairway, I fully realized the steepness. That note was conditioning us!
Casaroro Falls in Valencia is one of the popular waterfalls in Negros Oriental province and, with a height of more than a hundred feet, probably one of the lofty cascades in the island. It’s located in the gorges and crevices of this municipality which is also the starting point for treks up Mt. Talinis, a volcanic mountain that is also called Cuernos de Negros, the horn of Negros.
But as far as the descent is concerned, its not really that long way down. Once you get to the waterfall level, it’s a leisurely walk along an established trail and a mini hanging bridge within vegetation. It’s a cool walk and you should watch out for beautiful and interesting life forms. Along the way, I saw a stick insect and when I held it in my hand, it stood still, simulating a twig!
There was once a cement shed where you can sit and watch the waterfall from a far but this was destroyed by Typhoon Sendong. You might need to climb over rocks and boulders. Do check the weather first. If it rains, or has just rained, the trails can be slippery.
GETTING THERE: From Dumaguete City, ride a jeep to Valencia. Ask people near the Dumaguete City Public market for directions to the Valencia terminal. From Valencia, the easiest is to hire a habal-habal from the town center. Do negotiate. Road is unpaved and rough and there are times that you have to go down and let the driver negotiate sections of the road.