Roadside waterfalls around Mindanao for the lazy traveler

Ah, waterfalls and Mindanao has lots and lots of it! But did you know that there are a few very accessible waterfalls around the island and it’s island provinces? So accessible that you can just drive, park by the roadside and already see this wonder of nature. This is perfect for the lazy traveler who doesn’t want the steep ascent and descent just to see one!

1 Aliwagwag Falls

It’s considered the longest waterfall in the country and with the most number of levels! Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental is just by the roadside and the bridge which it passes under is already a great viewdeck and be awestruck at the power of the raging waters. The place has also been developed as an ecotourism site with good trails reaching the upper levels and good thing that there is a designated public area where tourists can only go to. The rest is off limits so as not to disturb the vegetation. Visitors can only swim at designated areas at the sides.

READ MORE: The stunning cascades of Aliwagwag Falls

2 Pulacan Falls

Hidden by the trees, you cannot readily see this cascade but Pulacan Falls is just along the road in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. If coming from Pagadian City, it’s just above the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division Headquarters of the Philippine Army. It’s not as high or as wide as Maria Cristina and Tinuy-an Falls, respectively but it has it’s own beauty. If driving your own vehicle, better roll down the windows so that you can hear the sound of the cascading water and be vigilant as you can glimpse the waterfall from among the vegetation.

READ MORE: Beautiful and accessible Pulacan Falls

3 Tuasan Falls

Before the road opened up the area of Tuasan Falls, it used to take 30 minutes to an hour of downward hike, after a circuitous drive to the interior, just to get to this cascade. But with the new highway cutting too close to the falls, it’s just a few minutes walk to the base of the waterfalls. Tuasan Falls is a good alternative to commercialized Katibawasan Falls in Mambajao and there is no entrance fee, well, at the time we visited this one around last year.

READ MORE: Will this spell the death of Tuasan Falls?

4 Cabunbata Falls

Although many have apprehensions going to Isabela City in Basilan, for those intrepid travelers who make the journey from Zamboanga City, Cabunbata Falls is quite accessible, especially if you’re just driving. It’s a few kilometers from the city center and can be seen along the road. Caveat though, it’s always better to check first the security situation and advisable if you know someone from the city who you trust and can accompany you.

READ MORE: Basilan: Isabela’s Cabunbata Falls

 

5 Cathedral Falls

Cathedral Falls in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte is so accessible and just along the road that you can take your vehicle or if you ride a habalhabal. It’s one of the unique waterfalls in Mindanao because of the beautiful rock formation forming the wall which might look like a series of pipe organs of a cathedral. I’ve visited this cascade twice and the water is always murky and not ideal for swimming. Locals also caution you when swimming as there have been fatalities, drowning due to unknown reasons.

READ MORE: Awestruck at Kapatagan’s Cathedral Falls