A tiring trek but beautiful reward going to Bomod-ok Falls

The thought of going back to Bomod-ok presented itself when me and a friend decided to hie off to Sagada. While I’ve visited this beautiful municipality four times already, my friend was a first time visitor. Bomod-ok Falls in Barangay Fidelisan is probably Sagada’s most popular waterfall. It also means big as there’s also the smaller one, Bokong Falls.

I’ve visited Bomod-ok Falls once and I know it before as Fidelisan Falls. While it is quite beautiful, it was the trek that I was hesitant of doing again. From the main road to Barangay Fidelisan, it’s all downward with some portions steep. What makes this trek manageable though are the cement steps built for more than half of the trail. Now think of the way up…

But going down there takes you to this beautiful part of Sagada. The valley down below is stunning. There are several rice terraces, the mountains are almost bare except for a carpet of grass that turns brown in summer and sparse stands of pine trees precariously growing at such a steep elevation.

Once you are at Barangay Fidelisan, you will only be directed to a split in the moutnain, a slit of rock where the river emanating from Bomod-ok Falls runs. Then down you go again, this time, amongst picturesque steps of rice terraces. You go there quite close to these engineering marvels.

It is until you pass by the red hanging bridge (but not cross) will you then hear the sound of dropping water. Your pulse elevates, you get excited and within minutes, at the far end of a sheer cliff, the beautiful waterfall unfolds. Sprays of water forms mists at the pool.

It’s quite a treat. After all the downward trek, god bless your knees, you are rewarded with this beautiful sight. And the water? Ice cold that at first can surprise you but stay for a few more minutes and you get to adapt to the cold.Just be careful when going to the pool as the path you need to pass through is wet and slippery.

Now, if only, the hike up is easy.

GETTING THERE: Bomod-ok Falls is located in Barangay Fidelisan. Before reaching the town center, there’s a right detour that you need to take. There are two options: ride the van and pay a fee, or, hike for a few kilometers and get to experience stunning sceneries, especially the rice terraces of Barangay Madongo (photos above) that walking only affords. We did the latter. It was tiring but not that difficult as the road just gradually ascends. A guide is required and you need to pay P500 per guide, maximum of 10 persons.