Chasing Waterfalls in Laguna: A Weekend Getaway with Friends

Contributed by Lakwatserang Matipid

Chasing waterfalls on your bucket list? Why not make it happen! Go on an adventure in Laguna, solo or with your travel buddies!

Unfortunately, we went there on a hot summer weekend so it is extra hard for us in trekking; there are more crowd than weekdays and the waterfalls are a bit dry.

Also read: Top Laguna Attractions for Your Next Weekend Escape

So here’s a guide to my waterfalls adventure in Laguna:

1. Taytay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna

Taytay Falls is the second most famous waterfall in Laguna next to Pagsanjan Falls. DO NOT GO THERE ON A WEEKEND! I REPEAT, DO NOT GO THERE ON A WEEKEND!!!! It can be a CROWDED POND OF ITIK.

What to wear

• sandals, aqua shoes (slippers are okay but you’ll have difficulty in climbing boulders)
• rash guard
• leggings, shorts
• any comfy clothes (be ready to get wet with water and sweat)
• cap

2. Hidden Falls, Luisiana, Laguna

Hidden Falls is a not-so-hidden-anymore falls. The way to the hidden falls is dangerous and very exhausting so be careful!

3. I actually forgot the name of this one. 😦

Swimming in this waterfall is prohibited.

4. Hulugan falls

The highlight of the trip! Too sad the falls is a bit dry but we still enjoyed our trip!🙂

In case you run out of drinking water, there is an available water source near the small cave.

Total damage

• Van rental – ₱715
• Toll fees (nlex) – ₱54
• Toll fees (slex) – ₱68
• Taytay falls registration fee – ₱20
• Hulugan falls registration fee – ₱20
• Local guide – ₱50
• Tricycle from hulugan jump off back to kapitan’s house – ₱10

Note: We are seven persons in our group so the amounts above are already divided per person.

Things to bring

• waterproof bags
• waterproof camera – If you don’t have one, put them in a waterproof case
• water – there are water springs along the way that you can get mineral water from
• packed foods
• extra clothes
• towel
• toiletries
• PACK A LOT OF COURAGE AND STRENGTH!!🙂

Notes

• The guide fee has no fixed price. It really depends on how much you’ll pay your guide. (based on his awesomeness while guiding, maybe?)
• Be physically prepared because the way to the falls is pretty exhausting. (I warned you already.)
• The trail could really be slippery, so be extra careful.

How to get there

Via Bus

• Ride a DLTB bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna
• Ride a jeep going to San Salvador, Luisiana
• You’ll see a sign that says ‘To Hulugan Falls’ and it will direct you to Kapitan’s house where the registration station is.
• 1 hour to 2 hour trek (depends on your pacing/speed)

Via Car

• Drive south in SLEX taking Calamba exit.
• From the toll gate turn left passing the bridge and follow the National Highway going to Sta Cruz.
• Then go to the way to Cavinti. Upon reaching Brgy. San Salvador, turn right to the street with a signage on the way to Hulugan falls.

Also read: 13 Awe-Inspiring Waterfalls in the Philippines You Must Visit