Iligan’s Tourism Triangle: Maria Cristina, Mimbalut & Tinago Falls

Contributed by Four Eyed Laagan

Iligan City is hailed as the “City of Majestic Waterfalls” due to the numerous waterfall destinations that can be found within the city boundaries. Maria Cristina, Mimbalut and Tinago Falls are called the Tourism Triangle of Iligan City as their positions form a triangle in Brgy. Buru-un and Brgy. Ditucalan. These water systems belong to one river system, the Agus River.

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

We had our vacation in Iligan City and I was thrilled to chase these grand waterfalls that make Iligan City popular in travel destinations. I was born in Iligan but this was my first time to have such waterfall adventure.

Maria Cristina Falls

The grandiose twin falls is located at the boundaries of Brgy. Maria Cristina, Ditucalan and Buru-un. It is the most famous landmark of Iligan City because of its hydroelectric power that supplies electricity to the Northern Mindanao. This 320-feet high waterfall will make your jaws drop. It is the source of Agus VI hydroelectric power plant that is operated by National Power Corporation.

We were lucky to see Maria and Cristina during our visit because most of the day, Cristina is closed to control its harness on generating potentials. It’s like from the stunning photos in Social Science and History books during school days.

NPC also offers a nature park that has a tree top canopy walk, mini zoo, zip lines and other amenities. Unfortunately, we were not able to check out the nature park because we only had a limited time for this stop.

To get there, you can ride a jeepney from the city proper and drop at Brgy. Maria Cristina – NPC intersection. There are motorcycle taxis for hire that will bring you to the Nature Park. There is an entrance fee of ₱35 for adults and ₱25 for kids.

Mimbalut Falls

This magnificent falls is located at Brgy. Buru-un, Iligan City. Streams from the top cascade to rocks, making the waterfalls look like a refreshing shower. This belongs to Iligan Paradise and Eco Park that also offers pools from the waterfalls and attractions like zip lines and ATVs. The pools will let you enjoy the chilling waters since Mimbalut itself does not offer a natural pool for swimming. Nonetheless, you can always enjoy the natural reinvigorating massage the waterfall offers.

To get there, you can ride a jeepney to Buru-un from the city proper and drop at the end of the jeepney route. From there, you can ride a tricycle or pedicab to Mimbalut Falls for ₱10. Entrance fee of Iligan Paradise and Eco park costs ₱50 per person.

Tinago Falls

This hidden majestic waterfall is located at the deep ravines of Brgy. Ditucalan, Iligan City. The mighty 240-ft waterfall has a curtain-like water that cascades on your panoramic view. It offers an icy cold wide pool that will let you enjoy the rejuvenating waters. It also has rocks for YOLO cliff jumping.

We did climb to a point and it was a struggle! The water showers to your face and the rocks are slippery. When we reached a small plain, it’s jumping time! Woohoo!

You can do waterfall rafting for only ₱25 per person that will give a glorious massage therapy from the falls.

To get there, you can take the route to Mimbalut Falls as described above. From there, you can either ride a tricycle or a pedicab to Linamon proper. By the way! Try out Linamon’s Buko Pies! They’re simply one of the best I ever tasted! *nom-nom*! When you reach the Linamon Proper, you can hire a motorcycle taxi for ₱50 per person to Tinago Falls jump off point. An entrance fee of ₱50 per person should be paid inclusive of life vest/floaters. After that, you then have to descend to a steep 200-foot stairs until reaching the grandeur of Tinago Falls.

Also read: 13 Northern Mindanao Travel Guide: Iligan, Camiguin, Bukidnon & CDO

Iligan’s Tourism Triangle has a big potential for booming the economy and I’m glad that the local government is doing its job to protect and preserve the natural beauty of these gems.

There are more stunning waterfalls that are not part of the Tourism Triangle but are worth the visit like Dodiongan Falls and Limunsundan Falls, which I plan to visit on my next vacation. Yay! I’m beyond excited!

How about you? When will you visit Iligan’s Tourism Triangle?