Aliwagwag Falls, Tinuy-an Falls, and Enchanted River in Just One Day of Adventure!

My main target - Aliwagwag Falls, Cateel, Davao Oriental 

Is it possible? 

I mean we are talking of two different provinces, namely: Davao Oriental and Surigao Del Sur. We are talking of kilometers of  bus, habal-habal, and tricycle ride!

Yes, I made it possible by using a habal-habal ride from 6:00 am up to 4:00 pm.

Cateel, Davao Oriental

I was billeted in Edar's Place in Cateel, Davao Oriental. I arrived at the hotel 10 pm from Davao City (using the Mati route of 8 hours!), slept past 11 pm  and woke up 5:30 am. Upon arrival in Cateel, I immediately hired a habal-habal driver named Edgardo Linaza (he has no cellphone) for my tour to Aliwagwag Falls.

I immediately took a bath and meal and we proceeded to Aliwagwag Falls. Normally, the rate for the 23 kilometer ride is P500 (round trip with waiting time of 2 hours). But since I promised that I will be taking only pictures and we will be staying only at the site for not more than 45 minutes, I was able to hire him only for P350.

We proceeded to the spot and it took us 45 minutes. The staff members were  still opening the compound when we got there. I immediately paid P50 for the entrance fee. 

Last time I was In Aliwagwag Falls was December 2014 and there was a typhoon when I had my first sight of the falls. 

I was accompanied by one of the staff members and we ascended to the hanging bridge. There are adventures available at the falls such as 680 meters zipline across the river (P225/pax) and 45 meter hanging bridge across the falls (P50/pax).

Rates 

P50 - Adult

P10 - children

Below 3 years old - exempt

Chairs and table rental

Long table - P75

Small table - P50

 How to Get There

First, you have to get a flight to Davao City. there are several airlines servicing the route such as Philippine Airlines (PAL)  or Cebu Pac (Cebu Pacific), cheapest flight is through Cebu Pacific or if the other airlines offer their promo fare. Travel time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. Air fare ranges from PhP5.000.00 to PhP8,000.00 (all-in). It is better to book 6 months in advance to get the lowest possible rate. 

There are other airports in Mindanao aside from Davao such as General Santos, Cotabato City, Surigao City, Cagayan De Oro and Butuan. But if you choose any of these airports, you have to labor the long road travel to Cateel. And so the best choice/option is to have the Davao flight. Davao offers several flights (8-10/day) from Manila. The other airports only offer 2-3 flights a day or sometimes none.

Second step, from Davao airport go the Ecoland Bus Terminal or the Gaisano Mall Terminal and take the bus either via Mati or Compostela Valley. Several bus lines service the route such as Mallen Express, Lyra Express, and Bachelor Express.

Davao via Mati using the the bus is 8 hours using the Bachelor Bus. Then, van ride in Mati to Cateel for another 3-4 hours..

Davao via Compostela Valley (ComVal) using the Mallen bus is 5-6 hours or 170 kilometers.

The Compostela Valley route is shorter but during rainy season it is not advisable to use this route because of land slides along the ComVal.

From Agusan to Surigao via Cuevas it is 250 kilometers.

Upon reaching the town of Cateel, the next step is to hire the best ride in town and that is using the habal-habal. The town also offers private vehicles in case you are traveling as a group. Barangay Aliwagwag is more or less 30 minutes from the town. Habal Habal rent is PhP300 (one-way) or PhP500 (round trip). From Papag Bridge to Aliwagwag Falls it is 23 kilometers and from the town it is 28 kilometers. From the town, travel time using the habal-habal is 25-30 minutes.

In case you want to know more information about the area, Travel Teller is the best resource person since he grew up in Cateel.

picture of Aliwagwag Falls last December 2014 during a typhoon

I did not bother to avail of the zipline but I finished the hanging bridge. I stayed only for 30 minutes and I went back to Edar's Place.

I packed my bag, paid the bills and bid goodbye to Mrs. Edar. 

Normally, the rate for habal-habal ride from Cateel to Mangagoy is P800. But the bus ride is only P120. But there is only one bus schedule everyday which is slated 5:00 am and I missed the bus. I was left with only one option, habal-habal ride. But I was given a discount for P400 but up to Lingib only (the nearest town to Mangagoy).

town of Boston

After 30 minutes, we reached the town of Boston. Another 50 minutes and we reached Lingib. We traveled more or less 55 kilometers from Cateel to Lingib. From Lingib, I hired another habal-habal for P100 to Mangagoy and endured another 21 kilometers of habal-habal ride!

Bislig, Surigao Del Sur

In Mangagoy past 12 noon, I hired another habal-habal ride for P1,000 (nromal rate is P1,200) for both the falls and the river. My driver/tour guide was named Helbert Santos (0948-238-3928). The fee is only P1,000 but the excess of P200 from the P1,200 is given to the driver of another habal-habal at the site of the falls.

So from Mangagoy, another 25 kilometer ride towards the falls or a 45 minute ride in habal-habal.

cottages are available at the site of the falls

Entrance fee is P50/pax.

The majestic Tinuy-an Falls!

How to Get There

From Butuan Bancasi Airport
From Langihan Terminal, ride a bus bound for Mangagoy (Bislig).


From Surigao Del Norte
Take a bus bound for Butuan and then take the bus bound for Mangagoy.

From Cateel, Davao Oriental

Take the Lyra Express or Mallen Bus to Mangagoy (once-a-day trip only at 5 am). Travel time is 2.5 hours and the fare is P120.00. In Mangagoy, you have to rent a habal-habal (single motorcyle) to Tinuy-an Falls. Travel time is 20-30 minutes from the town or 17-18 kilometers. The habal-habal can accommodate up to 3 passengers for a price of P100.00/pax or P500.00 round trip ride.

Should you opt to go to Enchanted River in Hinatuan, the price is P1,000.00 round trip back to Mangagoy, Bislig.

From Davao City

Take the bus going to Cateel either at Ecoland or Gaisano Mall Terminal. Better use the Ecoland Terminal. The fare is P300.00 for 200 kilometers and travel time is 7 hours. In Mangagoy, you have to rent a habal-habal (single motorcyle) to Tinuy-an Falls. Travel time is 20-30 minutes from the town or 17-18 kilometers. The habal-habal can accommodate up to 3 passengers for a price of P100.00/pax or P500.00 round trip ride.

Sidetrip to Awao Falls, Monkayo, Compostela Valley

From Bislig, it is 120 kilometers for the price of P135.00. Travel time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

I stayed in Tinuy-an Falls for only 30 minutes. Thereafter, I went to my last destination and my grand finale for a very long and tiring day.

Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur

I endured another habal-habal ride for 55 kilometers, more or less, just to go to my last destnation. Upon arrival, there were plenty of local tourists inside the site. I paid the entrance fee of P30.

Last time I was here was 2012, part of my first Mindanao tour. Even though it was a bit different since are so many structures inside, it was still a sight to behold!

How to get there

Book a flight to Davao, Surigao City or Butuan, then board a bus to Surigao Del Sur. Then, board another bus going to Mangagoy and alight at Hinatuan. Then, at the Hinatuan Bus Terminal, hire a habal-habal ride for P300. From the town, it will take you 25 minutes or 16 kilomters of bumpy ride!

I am lost for words to describe the Enchanted River!

Mr. Edgardo Linaza, my driver to Aliwagwag falls and to Lingib.

Mr. Helbert Santos (0948-238-3928), my driver in Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River.

With Ma'am Edar, owner of Edar's place.

Enjoy your adventure! =)

My Top 10 Habal-Habal (single motorcycle) Adventures in the Philippines

It is inevitable in exploring Philippines 

that one must ride either the habal-habal, skylab or pabahay!

All these means of transportation involve riding a single motorcycle (usually a Honda TMX motorcycle for its strength, endurance, and power to carry numerous passengers).  In Mindanao, the habal- habal and skylab are common sight and mode of transportation. It is a-must to experience the ride as an adventurer/explorer!

In my nearly ten years of travel around the Philippines, here are my ten most unforgettable and best rides using the habal-habal!    

1. Monkayo, Compostela Valley

The skylab ride towards the Awao Falls is the best ride ever in my entire life! Imagine, 11 passengers on board the skylab and cruising around 50-60 kilometers in a rugged, muddy, uphill, downhill, and zigzaging road! We even had to cross a river which was then three feet high!

In case you are not convince, what about using the single motorcycle to carry logs!

2. Baganga, Davao Oriental

Number two is my ride to Campawasan Curtain Falls and Cateel, Davao Oriental. Imagine, going to Campawasan Curtain Falls from the town of Baganga (30 plus kilometers back and forth) under the siege of Typhoon Seniang and crossing the river four times.

But that is not the end of the story, after going to the falls, I hired him again as my ride to Cateel Davao Oriental (45 kilometers from Baganga) and then reaching Cateel, going to Aliwagwag Falls (24 kilometers) and then going back to the town of Cateel (24 kilometers again) for my overnight accommodation. I was wet, tired, and cold after the adventure!!!  

3. Maragusan, Compostela Valley

Third in the list is the 5-hour adventure in the banana plantation of Maragusan, Compostela Valley. Nothing beats the  the terrain, slippery and rocky roads and the sight of the plantation. Getting lost in the plantation was part of the adventure! According to my driver Rahim, he was awarded as one of the best drivers in town. I learned it the hard way! =)

4. Calbiga, Samar

There were three of us on board the habal-habal and we were descending from the mountain at the speed of 40-50 kilometers. The road was muddy and rugged. And topping the scene was the Signal No. 2 in Samar! 

5. Sabtang, Batanes

The Sabtang ride is memorable in the sense that we had to board the motorcycle to the boat going to Sabtang Island and then journeying the entire island (all the barangays!) using the motorcycle and it took us nearly 5 hours to do the feat.

6. Camiguin

It took me two days of habal-habal ride before I was able to finish going to all the major tourist spots in Camiguin. 

  

7. Bislig, Surigao Del Sur

How about getting lost? The driver did not know the way towards Tinuy-an Falls! Normal travel time is only 20 minutes but it took us 1 hour and 45 minutes before reaching the falls.

8. Kanlaon, Negros Oriental

Searching and seeing three falls, getting bewildered by the biggest tree, and climbing the mountain using the habal-habal was really an adventure!

9. Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Using the extended habal-habal, we went to the 7 falls, 3 lakes and mingled with the tribe!

10. Samal Island, Davao 

This one is the most expensive. Imagine, P300/hour! And we had to go to the major tourism spots in Samal Island. We finished the tour in four hours of fast-paced tour!

Worthy of mention is my long ride in Biri Island, Northern Samar!

Riding Motorcycles

More Fun In the Philippines!

Tinuy-an Falls, Bislig, Surigao Del Sur

Lyra Bus to Mangagoy from Cateel

From Cateel, Davao Oriental, I decided to go to my next stop. I was in Mindanao last December 2014 for my waterfalls chasing adventure. And the next stop was Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Surigao Del Sur.

I was on the fourth day of my adventure.
 I was then already finished with the Maragusan Falls in Compostella Valley, Campawasan Curtain Falls in Baganga, Davao Oriental and Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental. Aside from waterfalls chasing, I was also trying to endure the winds and rains brought about by Typhoon Seniang.  

How to Get There


From Butuan Bancasi Airport
From Langihan Terminal, ride a bus bound for Mangagoy (Bislig).


From Surigao Del Norte
Take a bus bound for Butuan and then take the bus bound for Mangagoy.

From Cateel, Davao Oriental

Take the Lyra Express or Mallen Bus to Mangagoy (once-a-day trip only at 5 am). Travel time is 2.5 hours and the fare is P120.00. In Mangagoy, you have to rent a habal-habal (single motorcyle) to Tinuy-an Falls. Travel time is 20-30 minutes from the town or 17-18 kilometers. The habal-habal can accommodate up to 3 passengers for a price of P100.00/pax or P500.00 round trip ride.

Should you opt to go to Enchanted River in Hinatuan, the price is P1,000.00 -  P1,500.00 round trip back to Mangagoy, Bislig.

From Davao City

Take the bus going to Cateel either at Ecoland or Gaisano Mall Terminal. Better use the Ecoland Terminal. The fare is P300.00 for 200 kilometers and travel time is 7 hours. In Mangagoy, you have to rent a habal-habal (single motorcyle) to Tinuy-an Falls. Travel time is 20-30 minutes from the town or 17-18 kilometers. The habal-habal can accommodate up to 3 passengers for a price of P100.00/pax or P500.00 round trip ride.

Sidetrip to Awao Falls, Monkayo, Compostela Valley

From Bislig, it is 120 kilometers for the price of P135.00. Travel time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Barangay Mangagoy

After 2.5 hours using the non-aircon Mallen bus, we reached Barangay Mangagoy, I immediately hired a habal-habal for P500.00 round trip ride and the name of the driver/tour guide was Jessie (contact number 0918-777-7138). 

The ride lasted for 20 minutes but we had to cross several inundated areas and labor rough roads. But I did not mind the travel since I was used to ride the habal-habal.

Finally, we reached the site. We were welcomed by Kagawad Ilodo (contact no. 0946-663-3378). He is the officer-in-charge of Tourism in their barangay, more specifically for Tinuy-an Falls.

from notyouraveragejuan.wordpress.com

Under normal circumstances, the Tinuy-an Falls looks like the picture above but thanks to Typhoon Seniang, I was given a different perspective! 

Kagawad Ilodo told me that because of Typhoon Seniang there was an abnormality in the surge of waters. Best time to visit the falls is during summer season.

The surge of waters coming from the top of the falls was overwhelming, magnanimous and gigantic! Even the platform area for photo op was flooded by the waters pouring from the top of the falls. Not only that, it was also raining heavily when I was taking pictures. Thank you so much Seniang! =)

This is the wrath brought about by Typhoon Seniang! 

Good thing I was prepared for the weather that day!

 Thanks Jessie for the habal-habal ride!

It was Really More Fun in Tinuy-An Falls!

Enchanted River

I was on Day 7 of my Mindanao Tour last summer 2012. 

Just came from Davao Del Sur and experienced white river rafting. I took a bus en route to Surigao Del Sur. But along the way, I decided to stop in two spots, Agusan Marsh and the Enchanted River.

Honestly, I love tourism and I am aware of almost all the tourist spots in the Philippines. But a friend from Davao told me that I have to see this one for myself. And so I decided to include in my itinerary - the Enchanted River.

From Davao City, I alighted in Surigao Del Sur and booked at Northway Hotel in Surigao Del Sur for only P600/ day. It was already 5 pm. 

The following morning, I went to the bus station and asked how to go to the Enchanted River. One of the things I learned in my numerous travels in the Philippines is that you have to ask at least three different people and if you elicit the same answer from three different people, then you are at the right track!

According to my sources, I should ride a bus with the signboard "Mangagoy." The bus ride was good for 45 minutes. I paid only P60.00 for the ride.

After 45 minutes, I arrived at the Hinatuan Bus Terminal and went to the town proper of Hinatuan.

I took a quick breakfast and while I was having my meal, I asked the owner of the restaurant on how to go to Enchanted River. The owner gave me his friend to drive me to the spot.

After ten minutes, I was off in a  "habal-habal" ride to Enchanted River. I chartered the motorcycle ride for P300.00 (But I paid additional P200.00 for the 2 hour waiting time at the end of my tour). 

The road was a bit bumpy  and dusty. But the weather was terrific for the morning ride.

After 15 minutes, we reached the site.

Entrance fee is P30.00

Spectacular! Breathtaking! Awesome!! Those were my initial reactions upon arriving and seeing the river!

Imagine, a river having crystal clear blue waters!

The water was so crystal clear that you could actually see the school of fish swimming in the waters!

I marveled for 10-20 minutes before I started shooting my camera. 

Another great tourism spot in Mindanao. It is really more fun in Mindanao!

I arrived early that day that in fact there were no visitors yet. 

I love this place! 









The fun did not stop there! I was told that I could also have island hopping in the nearby islands. And so, I hired one boat which is situated at the mouth of the river and paid P160.00 for an hour ride.

After 45 minutes, I decided to go back and shoot more pictures at the Enchanted River.

I stayed for another thirty minutes and thereafter went back to Surigao Del Sur. 

One of the best things nature could offer - Enchanted River!

Beach

Boracay - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/boracay.html

Coron - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/enchanting-coron.html

El Nido - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/el-nido-adventure-of-lifetime.html

Camiguin - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mesmerized-in-camiguin.html
Guimaras -  http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/guimaras-paradise.html

Adventure

Trekking - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-neophyte-trekker.html

Spelunking - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/caves-in-philippines-spelunkers-dream.html

Skywalk/Edge Coaster - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/adventures-in-cebu-city.html

Trekking - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/two-mountains-in-one-day-mt-maculot-and.html

Mt. Pinatubo - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mt-pinatubo-trek-capas-tarlac-trail.html

Top ten adventures - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/12-of-my-best-adventures-in-philippines.html

River Rafting - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/white-river-rafting-in-davao.html

Sagada - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-adventures-in-sagada-plus-itinerary.html

Mt. Makiling - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mt-makiling-trek-and-itinerary.html

Pagsanjan - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-thrill-of-rapids-in-pagsanjan-and.html