Panas Falls in New Corella

Panas Falls in New Corella, Davao del Norte

Deeply embedded within the green mountains of New Corella in Davao del Norte lies Panas Falls - a majestic beauty of nature teeming with unspoiled streams of multi-tiered watercourses and cool natural springs that cascade freely into a soothing drop of waterfalls gushing mightily into a crystal-clear catch basin of icy waters surrounded by a lush greenery of floras and faunas and a verdant canopy of fully grown forest trees which serve as a natural shade from the searing heat of the Sun, perfect for a cool leisurely dip particularly in the hot summer months. 

The site is a widely popular summer destination in the province and is frequented by locals and regularly visited by domestic travelers and foreign tourist for river trekking and water adventure. While the Falls and the area that surrounds it remain underdeveloped, Panas has drawn a strong following of nature lovers and outdoor buffs from nearby towns and cities because of the Falls' natural beauty and the many eco-tourism adventures it offers to its visitors. It is nestled in a forest protected area of Barangay Carcor, managed by the municipal government of New Corella. Because of its popularity, Panas Falls has almost become synonymous to New Corella and is considered one of the widely visited and most important eco- tourism attraction in Davao Del Norte.

How to get to Panas Falls

Panas Falls is situated at, and is part of Barangay Carcor in New Corella, Davao del Norte. The site is approximately four kilometers or about 30 minutes drive of mostly bumpy rough roads through the scenic stretch of the countryside from the town proper of New Corella. 

From Davao City, there are buses at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) in Ecoland that regularly ply to and from Tagum City, the capital town of Davao del Norte, where several jeepneys bound to and from New Corella are stationed at the Pereyhas Terminal near the Tagum City Overland Transport Integrated Terminal (TCOTIT). At New Corella town proper, there are habal-habal that regularly service visitors for a minimal fee to the site. Davao City to Tagum is about two hour bus ride.

Hagimit Falls

Hagimit Falls in Peñaplata, Island Garden City of Samal  

This is the Hagimit Falls in Peñaplata District in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS). It is a cascade of several smaller waterfalls that stream into a natural catch basin of cool waters surrounded by a verdant canopy of fully grown trees, mostly of hagimit trees (ficus minahassae) from where the waterfall got its name, and which serves as a natural shade from the searing heat of the Sun. 

The site is a widely popular summer destination in the island frequented by locals and is visited by domestic travelers and foreign tourist. The waters are generally clear and appear aqua blue in color most of the time particularly during summer but may turn a bit murky when it rains. The smaller streams may also run dry during summer peak or swell into a raging river when it is flooded during rainy season. Nevertheless, the waters are icy cold and very soothing, perfect for swimming. 

Entrance to Hagimit Falls

The area is covered with a thick canopy of forest trees

Stairway leading to the waterfalls

Hagimit Falls and the area that surrounds it remains underdeveloped, and the forest unspoiled, full of lush vegetation of different varieties that grow along the riverbanks. The water source emanates from a huge cave under a limestone cliff of slippery rock formations. The mouth of the cave is almost underwater and a small dam-like structure was built a few meters therefrom to make a reservoir which supplies clean drinking water to nearby districts. Hence, it is prohibited to swim near or in the reservoir. However, close to the waterfalls are areas designated for camping.

The water source of the Falls

Stream of water leading to the catch basin

Cascades of water

The waterfalls

The water catch basin

How to get to Hagimit Falls

There are two ways in which to get to Samal Island from Davao City: Via a a ferry boat service at the Sta. Ana Wharf near Magsaysay Park, or through a RORO (Roll-On, Roll-Off) at Km. 11 in Sasa  Wharf. Either way, both will take you to Samal Island from where you can get a habal-habal ride that will bring you directly to the site. 

Hagimit Falls is located some two kilometers from Peñaplata proper, the capital district of Samal Island, or about 15 to 20 minutes through rough road ride but is easily accessible by any type of transportation. There is a minimal entrance fee to the site which is used for the upkeep of area.

Signage to Hagimit Falls

Tudaya Falls

Tudaya Falls

Deeply hidden within the mountains near the Mount Apo National Park in Sitio Tudaya of Barangay Sibulan, at Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur lies a towering majestic beauty called Tudaya Falls - a  thundering drop of mighty gush of waterfalls that cascades into a basin of cool, crystal clear waters.

Considered as one of the highest and beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines, this single tiered waterfalls is definitely a most welcome oasis right in the middle of thick bushes and huge towering ferns and cogons amid a trail of sharp rock formations and stiff climb. Tall in all its regalia is about 150 meters high of cascading waterfalls bordered between huge rock walls on each side and crowned with a lush flora and fauna. The welcoming icy mists of the waterfalls as one enters the area is as soothing as the serenity of the entire wonder with only the rapid rush of waters from high above blended with the musical chirping of wild birds hovering gently around and the swaying sound of the trees can be  heard. The colours of the earth amid a perfect weather are all too inviting to ignore the lure of the waterfalls' natural pool of icy cold, crystal clear waters at the basin. It is a heavenly landscape to behold and a moment to be one with Mother Nature.

How to get to Tudaya Falls

The site is about 45 minutes to an hour hike of sharp rock formations and stiff climb from the main road of Sitio Tudaya, Barangay Sibulan, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur, about three hours drive from Davao City. But all the strenuous efforts and exhaustion in reaching the waterfalls itself is nothing compared to the fulfillment of seeing this stunning beauty of nature.

Location Map

Virgin Falls

Virgin Falls

Kapatagan Valley has recently become one of the most popular outdoor adventure destinations in Davao del Sur because of the many unique wonders and delightful sights to see and experience - a truly different kind of adventure  families, relatives, groups of friends, or colleagues from the office will truly enjoy. It offers a perfect getaway to relax and be one with nature right in the middle of a remote mountain valley full of lush vegetation and a rich variety of flora and fauna amid towering forest trees and stately pine trees mixed with the cool mist of fresh mountain air far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday demands and noise of urban life. 

The highlands of Kapatagan is located in Digos City, Davao del Sur. It is also popular jump off point among mountaineers preparing to scale the peak of Mount Apo - Philippines' highest mountain peak.

Valley of Kapatagan with the view of Mount Apo

Within the valley, and only a few hundred meters from each other, are a number of popular destinations: Camp Sabros, Mount Apo Highland Resort (now called Camp@tagan Lake Mirror and Hillside), a Tibolo Village, and the Kublai Art Garden where various sculptures and art pieces of Mindanaoan artist, Ray Mudjahid "Kublai" Millan, are showcased in a landscape of lush greenery with Mount Apo and surrounding mountain range in the backdrop.

Virgin Falls

And deeply hidden within the highlands of Kapatagan Valley is another wonder of nature to behold called, the Virgin Falls. This one tiered waterfalls is certainly a welcome oasis in the middle of thick bushes and huge towering ferns and cogons in an agonizing trail of sharp rock formations and stiff climb. But all the strenuous effort and exhaustion is nothing compared to the fulfillment of seeing this stunning beauty of nature: tall in all its regalia is about 20 meters high and some 10 to 15 feet wide of cascading waterfalls bordered between huge rock walls on each side and crowned with a lush flora and fauna here and there. The welcoming icy mists of the waterfalls as one enters the area is as soothing as the serenity of the entire wonder with only the rapid rush of waters from high above blended with the musical chirping of wild birds hovering gently around and the swaying sound of the trees can be felt, heard, and awed at. The colours of the earth amid a perfect weather are all too inviting to ignore the lure of the waterfalls' natural pool of icy cold, crystal clear waters at the basin. It is a heavenly landscape to behold and a moment to be one with Mother Nature.

How to get to the Virgin Falls

The easiest way to reach Kapatagan is through private transportation. The site is about two hours drive from downtown Davao City, or an hour away from of Digos City proper. There are buses at the Ecoland Bus Terminal in Davao City that ply to Digos City, and public utility vans for hire from Digos Terminal to Kapatagan. There is a 20 minute or so motorcycle ride readily available at the Kapatagan Market that go to the jump-off point. From the jump off point, it takes another 45-minute to an hour hike to the Virgin Falls itself.

Map to Kapatagan

Images courtesy of Mount Apo Highland Resort and kentoy@panoramio.com.

Ten Highest Waterfalls in the Philippines

The Philippines is blessed with numerous waterfalls scattered in the different parts of the archipelago, and each Falls has its own beauty and characteristics that makes it unique and a spectacle to wonder. Seven of the highest waterfalls are found in Mindanao: five of which are in Lanao del norte, and two are found in Davao. 

Let us take a look at the 10 highest waterfalls in the Philippines:

1. Aliwagwag Falls - 1,100 Feet
Davao Oriental

Aliwagwag Falls is the highest waterfall in the country with an over-all height of 1,110 feet (388 meters) and is regarded as one of the most awesomely beautiful falls in the Philippines. It is situated in the middle of a forest in Cateel, Davao Oriental. This towering waterfall has a cascade of 13 rapids which amazingly look like a huge stairway with 84 steps of varying heights.

2. Limunsudan Falls - 870 Feet
Lanao del Norte

The second highest waterfall in the country is the Limusudan Falls. This two-tiered falls has a combined height of 870 feet. Its lower cascade alone measures 400 feet, higher than the entire height of Maria Cristina Falls. It is located in Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City.

3. Busay Falls - 797 Feet
Bohol

Busay Falls is one of the major tourist attractions in Bohol. It has a height of 243 meters with an average width of 6 meters. The waterfall consists of seven stages and lies on the Loboc River where foreign tourists and locals enjoy winding in the river on board small bancas of floating restaurants.

4. Abaga Falls - 640 Feet
Lanao del Norte

Abaga Falls is located 15 kilometers southwest of Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte and can only be reached through hiking. It has a height of 640 feet.

5. Tudaya Falls - 492 Feet
Davao del Sur

Tudaya Falls is located in Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur near the Mount Apo, the Philippines highest mountain peak. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. With the height of 492 feet (150 meters) it is the tallest waterfalls in Mt. Apo National Park. The site is about three hours drive from Davao City.

6. Tamaraw Falls - 423 Feet
Oriental Mindoro

The 423-foot Tamaraw Falls is located near a road in Barangay Villaflor, near the city of San Teodoro in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. It is a series of smaller waterfalls that converges to the main waterfalls cascading down to the water basin below. This natural wonder provides one of the most spectacular sights to behold.

7. Pagsanjan Falls - 393 Feet
Laguna

Pagsanjan Falls or the Magdapio Falls is a premier tourist destination located in Laguna, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in the Philippines. This Horsetail type waterfalls is 393 feet (120 meters) in height. To reach the Falls, visitors need to negotiate a series of long and winding water rapids of varying degrees on-board a small raft navigated by the local "bankeros."

8. Maria Cristina Falls - 320 Feet
Lanao del Norte

Because of the numerous waterfalls in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte, the Maria Cristina Falls was nicknamed as the "City of Majestic Waterfalls." It is also known as the "Mother of Industry" since it supplies 80% of the total energy need of the Mindanao region. It lies on the the Agus River and is sometimes called the "Twin Falls" since the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall. This natural wonder has a total height of 320 feet. 

9. Katibawasan Falls - 250 Feet
Camiguin Island

Katibawasan Falls is a majestic 250-foot waterfalls in the Island of Camiguin, a pear-shaped volcanic island lying in the Bohol Sea, some 54 kilometers southeast of the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol and some 90 kilometers north of Cagayan de Oro. The Falls cascades to a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees, and boulders.

10. Tinago Falls - 240 Feet
Lanao Del Norte 

Last but certainly not the least is the Tinago Falls hidden in a deep ravine some 13 kilometers away from the city proper in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. This fan-type waterfalls is 240 feet (73.1 meters) in height. 

Aliwagwag Falls

Where can you find the highest waterfall in the Philippines but in Davao Oriental called the Aliwagwag Falls!

Davao is blessed with numerous gifts of natural wonders such as talcum-fine white sand beaches, sprawling expanse of lush greenery of towering palm and varieties of forest trees, spectacular diving sites, awesome waterfalls, and many other geographical wonders. 

Situated in the middle of a lush forest some 25 kilometers away from Cateel proper in Davao Oriental, is the Aliwagwag Falls, the highest waterfall and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines. With a towering height of 1,110 feet and an average of 9 meters in width, it is a series of astounding cascades of 84 falls with various heights ranging from 6 to 110 feet that look like a huge spiraling stairway carved out by the wonder of nature, forming almost a hundred steps cascading from the forest to the edge where it enters Cateel River and then empties to the coast. 

Aliwagwag Falls

The Falls is very accessible and can easily be viewed along the main road that connects Cateel with Trento in Agusan del Sur. The bridge over the river is a good viewing area to this waterfall where many locals can be seen enjoying a good splash in the rapids. While Aliwagwag Falls may be way off the tourist map and is known mostly to locals and intrepid adventurers, many have come to this beautiful spot, foreign and domestic tourists alike, and left with a lasting memory deeply embedded with a promise of return in their hearts.

View of the Falls

Aliwagwag Falls

Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Republic of the Philippines

Being the foremost landmark in Davao Oriental, incumbent President of the Republic of the Philippines, Benigno S. Aquino III, declared the mountain range of Aliwagwag as a protected area under the category of protected landscape and its peripheral areas as buffer zone through Proclamation Number 139 known as the "Aliwagwag Protected Landscape." Not only was the  proclamation the result of the untiring efforts of by local environmentalists for the national government to help them provide protective measures that would effectively preserve this wonderful gift of nature to the people of Davao Oriental, but it also serves as a tremendous boost to the province’s tourism program.

Corazon Malanyaon
Davao Oriental Governor

Long before Corazon Malanyaon assumed office as Davao Oriental governor, then a representative of province’s first district, she had sponsored the bill in Congress for the declaration of Aliwagwag as a protected area. She was supported in the Senate by Senator Pia Cayetano who sponsored the same bill in the upper House.

Being a vital and potential source of energy, Aliwagwag Falls plays a critical role in serving the irrigation needs of the vast rice fields in the area and the massive volume of water it continually creates may be tapped as an indispensable means to harness renewable hydro power to augment and sustain the energy needs not only of Davao Oriental but its neighboring provinces as well.

Now that the Aliwagwag Falls and its vicinity had been declared as a watershed protected area and landscape under Republic Act No. 7586 otherwise known as the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, this will immediately facilitate the ultimate conservation and preservation of the habitat of important and vanishing species and outstanding scenery which are critical in the sustainable development of natural resources and biodiversity of the area and will help prevent environmental exploitation brought about by the influx of unscrupulous people penetrating the area.

Map of Cateel inDavao Oriental

Davao Oriental has the largest protected areas in Southern Mindanao, covering 778.45 square kilometers or 43 percent of the total protected areas in the region. Aliwagwag Falls’s aggregate area is about 10,000 hectares, 78 percent of which falls within the province of Davao Oriental while 22 percent belongs to the Compostela Valley province. Municipality of Cateel is bounded by the Pacific Ocean in the east, Compostela Valley in the west, Boston in the north, and Baganga in the south.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), there are now seven protected areas in Davao Oriental, as follows: 

1. Baganga Bay Protected Landscape
with an area of 205 square kilometers

2. Baganga Protected Landscape
with an area of 1.14 square kilometers

3. Mati Protected Landscape
with an area of 10.17 square kilometers

4. Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape
with an area of 212 square kilometers

5. Mount Hamiguitan Range and Wildlife Sanctuary 
with an area of 68.34 square kilometers

6. San Isidro Protected Landscape and Seascape
with an area of 175.90 square kilometers

7. Aliwagwag Protected Landscape
with an area of 105.9 square kilometers

Moreover, long before President Benigno Aquino III issued Executive Order No. 23 that imposes a total log ban in the entire country, Governor Malanyaon, through the Provincial Board of Davao Oriental, had already imposed the provincial government’s absolute log ban policy. The Executive Order No. 23 is a declared moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests in the Philippines which also led to the creation of the Anti-illegal Logging Task Force.

How to get to Aliwagwag Falls

Cateel, Davao Oriental is some 360 kilometers away or about three and a half hour drive from Davao City and is easily accessible by bus at the Ecoland Transport terminal, or L300 vans for hire in Davao City.