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It was simply amazing and what a great experience to see this up close. The boat ride was long but it was definitely adventurous and worth it. It's hard to come up with words to describe our experience. There's so much to see and learn from people paddling our boat. The people really worked hard to make everything worth while for us. Plan accordingly for this.....it could take a whole day event to experience it. Plan to get wet, Don't bring too much personal belongings, Tip generously, Bring a friend who can speak native language to negotiate boat ride, and have a great time. Don't forget to take pictures and video.
When I went, the closest I was able to get to Pagsanjan Falls was about half a mile away. I could see the falls, but I was nowhere up close to it. It's because 3 different cities were having issues fighting over ownership of the falls, its tourism, and its revenue. They didn't tell us that before we bought the canoe ride. The canoe ride was amazing so I didn't mind that I couldn't get near Pagsanjan Falls. It was unlike I've ever experienced. You get motored to the rapids and once you're near the rapids, 2 boatmen paddle you upriver. It's a lot of work so tip them well. At first you'll see houses lining the river, maybe a caribou, maybe a guy taking a bath in the river with his swimming trunks on, like how we did. Then there are jungle on both sides of the river, and as you go more upriver the jungle gets more dense and higher up, like two giant mountains on either side of the jungle. I felt like Pocahontas. It started drizzling down on us but I didn't mind because I had a waterproof iPhone pouch. Bring your waterproof everythings when you go on this trip so you can take pictures. I heard you can hike to the falls and that's probably the other cities' land so you'll probably get to go directly near the falls if you go some other way besides canoe. But if you have the money, go by canoe. It's beautiful.
As an archipelago, the country isn't blessed with the most spectacular of mountain ranges. We do have some nice ones, but the variety and shapes are limited. One side effect of having small mountain ranges is the lack of dramatic waterfalls. The waterfall is one of the most spectacular sights in nature, and though we don't quite have anything to rival Niagra or Angel's Falls, we do have a few good ones like Pagsanjan falls. It is one of the most famous in the country with its three tiers and beautiful view inside devil's cave. The boat ride to reach it is calm and smooth, ensuring even senior citizens can make the trip. Though a little uneventful, it's a good way to spend a day trip from Manila. The only downside is the often muddy water, and swimming isn't quite as nice as more pristine areas.
Due to one week of rain, we were not able to reach the main falls, but rather the smaller falls. Nature along the river was spectacular. But five stars rating belongs to all the hardworking Filipinos who made it possible for both locals and tourists to reach the falls as safe as possible. We highly recommend this place and will definitely come back! read more
The best experience so far on my trip in the Philippines. If you are looking for places to go or experience in the Philippines, this would be just one of them. The waters come from the national falls of the Philippines. It's about two hours from Manila due to the traffic but still a good experience. Just a warning, there will be tons of people diverting you to go to their Pagsanjan Falls tour ride up the mountain but I would say go to La Vista Pagsanjan Resort instead for their tours. Just to let you experience what happened to us. We were recommended by the restaurant to go to La Vista and they gave direction but we got lost. When you ask for directions around and word gets out on the street you are looking for the Pagsanjan Falls tour, they will follow you and knock on your window to go to their location instead. The people can be pushy so don't give in. When we couldn't find the location, we followed this guide on a motorcycle but make sure to lock your doors since this is 'unfamiliar waters' here. On the same path we found La Vista. The guy on the motorcycle was upset that we didn't go to their location as I am sure they get a cut. There was a lot of us going. The tour was great. Good for kids and senior citizens or ones who cannot swim as you will not fall in the water. You will get wet so wear wet gear and bring extra clothes. You are provided a life jacket and hard hat. The two guides on the boat gave great information about the places when we asked but of course, we asked in Tagalog to make it easier for them to communicate. You will go through 16 rapids up the mountain. Up, you say?! This is fresh water from the mountain and not salty at all. The water was merky but it rained the day before. Usually, they say the water is clear. You will be pulled by a loud motor boat until it gets shallow. The two guides will tell you to continue to wear the hard hat to pass the check point. After, you can take if off. I felt bad for the guides as the rapids were strong and we were not light...hahahaha. We used the hard hats again when we went underneath the falls. You will go on a bamboo raft with two guides. There is a large rope that the guides use to pull them to the falls. It was strong but they didn't actually put us in the middle of the falls, only the side and that was strong already!! The falls was stronger when we went due to the rain. I could barely see behind the falls. No wonder, you need the hard hats!! I would recommend to bring another hat or vizier to wear underneath the hard hat so your eyes have cover from the splashing water. I wish I could have taken pictures inside as well but I forgot my underwater phone bag. They let you come off the raft to swim behind the falls. It was actually cool water but refreshing from the warm humid weather in the Philippines. I know people don't like to tip these tours or don't know you should but I would as if you see the hard work they do for us to go up the mountain. What is $5 (@ 250 php) or give what you think. They have to spilt this tip among the two guides...People here don't make much money. They get a cut with the business but it may not be much from them...no pressure. I am just giving my opinion. Make sure to bring your waterproof camera or phone bag so that you can take images. It's very beautiful there. You are surrounded by tropical plants and high mountains. We got lucky as when we left our tour, it started to lightly rain again! =} Recommended!! read more
The 2 and half hours trek to town of Pagsanjan in Laguna Province is a bit of drag, but it was well worth the trip. For a reasonable price we rented a private car with driver for a day that took us all the way to a resort called Pagsanjan Falls Lodge and Resort, where we purchased our boat tickets and entrance to the falls and the boat ride. The boat ride to the falls and return is approximately 2 hours so make sure that you're not famished and bring enough water to keep yourself hydrated, sunscreen lotion and hat is not going hurt too. I love how they maintain the cleanliness of this tourist attraction, It was well maintained and well organized and we had a delicious seafood lunch at the resort when we got back. This place is highly recommended for both locals and tourists alike. read more
It was simply amazing and what a great experience to see this up close. The boat ride was long but it was definitely adventurous and worth it. It's hard to come up with words to describe our experience. There's so much to see and learn from people paddling our boat. The people really worked hard to make everything worth while for us. Plan accordingly for this.....it could take a whole day event to experience it. Plan to get wet, Don't bring too much personal belongings, Tip generously, Bring a friend who can speak native language to negotiate boat ride, and have a great time. Don't forget to take pictures and video. read more
When I went, the closest I was able to get to Pagsanjan Falls was about half a mile away. I could see the falls, but I was nowhere up close to it. It's because 3 different cities were having issues fighting over ownership of the falls, its tourism, and its revenue. They didn't tell us that before we bought the canoe ride. The canoe ride was amazing so I didn't mind that I couldn't get near Pagsanjan Falls. It was unlike I've ever experienced. You get motored to the rapids and once you're near the rapids, 2 boatmen paddle you upriver. It's a lot of work so tip them well. At first you'll see houses lining the river, maybe a caribou, maybe a guy taking a bath in the river with his swimming trunks on, like how we did. Then there are jungle on both sides of the river, and as you go more upriver the jungle gets more dense and higher up, like two giant mountains on either side of the jungle. I felt like Pocahontas. It started drizzling down on us but I didn't mind because I had a waterproof iPhone pouch. Bring your waterproof everythings when you go on this trip so you can take pictures. I heard you can hike to the falls and that's probably the other cities' land so you'll probably get to go directly near the falls if you go some other way besides canoe. But if you have the money, go by canoe. It's beautiful. read more
11 years ago
As an archipelago, the country isn't blessed with the most spectacular of mountain ranges. We do have some nice ones, but the variety and shapes are limited. One side effect of having small mountain ranges is the lack of dramatic waterfalls. The waterfall is one of the most spectacular sights in nature, and though we don't quite have anything to rival Niagra or Angel's Falls, we do have a few good ones like Pagsanjan falls. It is one of the most famous in the country with its three tiers and beautiful view inside devil's cave. The boat ride to reach it is calm and smooth, ensuring even senior citizens can make the trip. Though a little uneventful, it's a good way to spend a day trip from Manila. The only downside is the often muddy water, and swimming isn't quite as nice as more pristine areas. read more
11 years ago
11 years ago
I always believe that adventure is always out there! It may not be inside Manila (in the city proper) - you just really have to look for it. One of my favorite adventures near Manila is Pagsanjan Falls. For those of you who aren't familiar with this falls this is actually the national falls of the country (a bit of a trivia for you). It's about an hour ride from Manila and the way down to the falls is pretty intense. You have to go through hundreds of steps down and even go trough vertical ladder rappelling. But I promise you, the journey to the falls is worth it. You will get to see a really picturesque area. Since it's such a tourist attraction, there's even a man made raft that could take you straight to the falls! I noticed though a lot of Koreans love going to this place (I wonder why). Now, the journey back up to land is the harder part (since it's going up). Overall, this is a good day trip to do! read more
More info about Pagsanjan Falls
Lumban-Caliraya-Cavinti Road
Cavinti, 4013 Laguna
Philippines
Directions
Hours
Outdoor Amenities
