22 Sep 8 Most Enchanting and Breathtaking Waterfalls in Cagayan de Oro and Nearby Provinces
Sinulom Falls
This waterfall is a newly discovered tourist destination spot at the border of Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon as the falls streams directly into the Cagayan River. Its exact geographical location is along the cliff walls of Talakag, Bukidnon, but can only be accessed from Barangay Tignapoloan on the Cagayan de Oro side, around 45 kilometers from the city proper.
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The falls is not a single cascade but around 30 sprouts coming out of the verdant cliff side. The falls is not for commercial tourists since it is located on the private farmland of Brgy. Captain Jay Pascual. However, Mr. Pascual is very generous and hospitable in welcoming visitors to the falls. To get to the falls, take a jeep or van from the Carmen Public Market bound for Talakag early in the morning. Ask to be dropped at the crossroads of Tignapoloan. Take a habal-habal to Sitio Impakibel and ask to be dropped at the Jehovah’s Witness Temple. From the rough crossing you need to trek on foot for half a kilometer. When you reach the viewing deck overlooking the falls you need to trek downhill for 2 kilometers until you see a guardhouse. You need to ask permission from the caretakers before entering the property.
Mimbalot Falls
This falls is one of 39 waterfalls around Iligan City and part of the city’s Eco-Tourism Triangle. Though smaller than Maria Cristina and Tinago Falls, Mimbalot cascades around many large rocks to form smaller rivulets and mini-waterfalls that make bathing possible in the pool basins.
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Astride the falls is the Paradise Resort and Eco-Park where you can enjoy the views or the zip lines, cable car, ATV’s, or dirt biking. They also have monkey bars, slides, and a children’s playground. To get there, upon reaching Iligan City, ride a jeepney bound for Buru-un. Ask to be dropped at the Miguel Canohoy Memorial School. From there you need to walk for 10 minutes to reach the waterfalls. Or you can hire a habal-habal from the city proper.
Tinago Falls
Everyone knows about Tinago Falls, and in a lifetime has visited Iligan City’s most popular waterfalls at least once. It is considered the most beautiful waterfall in Lanao del Norte. Since the waterfall is located in a deep ravine so you need to descend the 445 steps of a winding cement staircase.
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The cascading falls is approximately 420 feet high and the cold waters cascade into a deep pool basin that appears like a blue lagoon. Under the falls is a small cave where you can hear the rumbling of the falls. To get there, upon reaching Iligan City, take a jeepney bound for Buru-un. Ask to be dropped at the Buru-un Market or Talipapa. From there take a habal-habal to Tinago Falls.
Maria Cristina Falls
Probably the most famous waterfalls in Mindanao and the second highest in the Philippines. It is one of several falls along the Agus River; Maria Cristina is located near Marawi City and its 320 feet height is the main source of hydro-electric power operated by the Agus VI plant of the National Power Corporation. The falls supplies around 70% of Mindanao’s electricity needs.
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Public viewing is only allowed during Sundays when the plant is publicly open for limited tours and the falls are allowed to cascade freely. Swimming is strictly prohibited due to the strong currents of the falls and river. There is also a viewing deck and a small glass room with pictures of the falls and hydroelectric plant through the years. To get there, upon reaching Iligan City, take a jeepney bound for Buru-un and asked to be dropped near the Agus Bridge. You need to walk the rest of the way to the plant for around 30 minutes.
Mapawa Nature Park
Not many people know that there are falls located in Cagayan de Oro. Though not as majestic as its neighbors in other provinces, the falls are clean and its waters are crystal clear. The waterfalls at the Mapawa Nature Park in Malasag, Cugman, is around 25 feet high.
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The nature park offers a 20ft. natural water slide along the falls. There is also a body rappel along a 10ft. high falls, while the 25ft. cliff jump lands you into 15 feet of very cold river water. To get there, you need to rent a van as there are no other means of transportation going up there. You can also book a van weeks in advance from the Mapawa Nature Park office in Carmen.
Mintugsok Falls
Another waterfall gem in Cagayan de Oro is Mintugsok in the middle of the Malasag and Indahag Mountains. The cascading waterfalls flow with very cold waters coming from tributaries from Libona, Bukidnon, and Malasag. To reach the falls you need to hike either through the Indahag Trail towards the Bigaan River and hike further upstream or take the Mapawa Trail following the river trail or the Mapawa-Mintugsok road.
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Both trails are roughly almost 2 kilometers in length. Both trails can be accessed by motorcycle or mountain bikes. Going to the falls is not recommended if you’re alone or unfamiliar with the trail. For large groups it is recommended to bring a map and not just depend on smartphone maps or GPS that may be inaccurate.
Katibawasan Falls
This gem of a waterfall is the gem of Camiguin Island. It is found 5 kilometers southeast from Mambajao at the foot of Mt. Timpoong. The falls measure 250 feet high. The cold waters rush and stream down to a green rock pool surrounded by trees, boulders, wild ferns, and ground orchids.
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The area is developed and maintained by the local island government with rock picnic tables, seats, cooking facilities, and public restrooms. From Benoni or Mambajao you can rent a jeepney, van, or multicab to take you to the falls.
Tiklas Falls
Tiklas is the most well-known tourist spots in Lawit, Gingoog City. It is located 9 kilometers outside Gingoog City. It is surrounded by plants and trees and you feel the cold winds when you approach the bridge leading to the falls.
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Developed and managed by the local government, there are swimming pools near the falls for adults and children and cottages for rent. You can reach the falls faster if you have a private vehicle. If not, from Gingoog City, ride a habal-habal to the entrance to the falls.
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