There are actually three (3) falls in Laurel, Batangas.
The most famous is the Ambon-Ambon Falls. The second is the Malagaslas Falls and the third entails more than 2 hours of trekking en route to Tagaytay City. I went to the first two falls but I did not go to the third one due to time constraint. But I will definitely go back and explore the third falls this summer 2014.
It was a beautiful Sunday morning of March 2014 when I decided to go to Laurel. I woke up around 6 am and my first instinct was to look at the sky and see for myself whether it was cloudy or not that day and much to my surprise, it was a clear blue sky!
And I took my breakfast, fixed myself and immediately boarded my bike and sped off towards the municipality of Laurel.
How to get there
From Manila or Cubao, board a bus (either DLTB, Jam, Starex, or Ceres) en route to Batangas City. Never board a bus with the signage "Calabarzon" instead the bus that you have to take should be having the signage "Tanauan City/Lipa." The trip is good for 1.5 to 2 hours only. Fare is P99.00 only. Alight at Tanauan City bus terminal and board a tricycle to the city market. Fare is P15.00-20.00 only.
Reaching the market, go to the jeep terminal of Laurel (or Talisay but you have to take another jeepney from Talisay). Travel time is more or less 1.5 hours from Tanauan City to Laurel. Fare is P45.00. Then, alight at Total gas station in Laurel or in the market itself and hire a tricycle for P75.00 only to Sitio Salipit (jump-off point towards the falls).
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| Sitio Salipit - jump-off point |
My guide that day was Edwin (0949-609-1196) and I paid P300.00 for the tour.
The exact address of the falls is Sitio Salipit, Barangay San Gabriel, Laurel, Batangas.
First trip from Tanauan City to Laurel - 7 am
Last trip from Tanauan City to Laurel - 8 pm
First trip from Laurel to Tanauan City - 3 am
Last trip from Laurel to Tanauan City - 3 pm (in case you miss the last trip, you can rent a tricycle to Talisay and from there ride a jeepney to Tanauan City)
From the jump-off point, it will take you 20-25 minutes before you reach Ambon-Ambon Falls. The trek is quite easy and you can enjoy the scenery while walking towards the falls.
You have to cross the river for three times before you reach your destination.
The best time to go to the falls is between the months of January to May. And there are plenty of local tourists going to the falls and you have to go there early in the morning.
After ten minutes of walking, you will reach the first falls called - Malagaslas Falls.
You can rent cottages (P300) and tables (P100) while you are here. There also videoke, food and other amenities offered in this site.
And you will cross the river for the third time and this one will surely make you wet since the trail goes directly through the water and there is no other alternative. But the river crossing is going to be fun!
And finally, you've reached Ambon-Ambon Falls of Laurel! It is approximately 60 meters high and the sight will surely make your jaw drop.
The falls is two-tiered and you will surely be awed once you see the majestic falls!
In case you want to spend the night at Laurel, the best choice is Hacienda Cascada.
You can experience their adventure camp at Pugad Lawin.
Standard room - P2500
Family room - P5,000
Use of infinity pool and acqua pool P199/pax
Unlimited adventure - P250
website - http://www.philippinescondominium.com/mp_lashaciendas.html
