Waterfalls in Laguna seem to be blessings to those who come across them. For locals, it is a source of precious freshwater. For tourists, it is a worthwhile destination filled with activities or photo opportunities. Whatever purpose these natural wonders serve, every visit to these falls will be fun no matter what.
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Waterfalls in Laguna you should visit
1. Pagsanjan Falls
There’s a reason why Pagsanjan Falls is a prominent feature in most national tourism ads. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Laguna and possibly the entire Philippines. Consisting of three drops, this waterfall is frequently visited by tourists to bask in its glory.
There are a few ways to access Pagsanjan Falls. The first and most famous way is through the underground river, where tourists will emerge from a cave that leads to the falls’ pool. Visitors can hire boatmen to paddle canoes that come and go on the underground river. Resorts around the falls call this route “Shooting the Rapids,” and it is a thrilling activity before and after visiting Pagsanjan Falls.
Another name for the waterfall is Cavinti Falls. The name comes from its proximity to the township of Cavinti. It is also possible to visit the falls from the top by hiking from the town. Regardless of which path travellers might take, the waterfall is a gem at any angle.
2. Majayjay Falls
Another waterfall with many names, Majayjay Falls is a popular natural shower in Laguna. It is known as Taytay Falls and Imelda Falls as well. Since its discovery during the Spanish Colonial Period, the waterfall has enjoyed its growing popularity up to this day.
The cool water flowing through Majayjay Falls comes from Mount Banahaw. There is a short trek to its basin, but the hike is not imposing at all. In fact, the exercise makes the plunge to Majayjay Falls’ pool much more refreshing. Hikers can also see the clear stream flow right beside them as they make the trek to the waterfall through a channel.
3. Buntot Palos Falls
No one really knows why Buntot Palos Falls, or “eel’s tail” in English, is named as such. Whatever the name’s origins are, one thing about the waterfall is widely agreed upon: Its beauty will leave anyone speechless.
It is also known as Hidden Falls since visitors have to go through the thick encroachment of Sierra Madre just to reach its pools. That’s two to three hours of hiking! But once visitors reach its foot, they will be greeted by an 80-metre (!) waterfall that is definitely cool and refreshing. With the grandeur of Buntot Palos falls, the hike is definitely worth the trouble.
4. Hulugan Falls
One of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Laguna is Hulugan Falls in Luisiana. Legend has it that it was named as such because a cow fell from the top. Reaching Hulugan Falls’ catch basin can be troublesome. Firstly, tourists have to hike to the top of the falls and trek down to its pools. But like all waterfalls on this list, Hulugan Falls is a top contender when it comes to beauty.
Make sure to reach the catch basin in the afternoon, where the mists of spring water reflect little rainbows!
5. Aliw Falls
There are so many waterfalls in Laguna, but, Luisiana has a handful of them! So after visiting Hulugan Falls, travellers have the option to make another trip to Aliw Falls. Unlike the higher Hulugan Falls, Aliw Falls has multiple drops where spring water cascades. The water flows around, on top, below, and between the rock formations like clockwork; overall, it can be a surreal sight to gaze at. The basin is also quite wide. Its side has climbable rocks where swimmers can dive off to.
6. Talay Falls
To conclude the trio of waterfalls in Luisiana, make for some time to visit Talay Falls. Start out early, and you can visit all of them within a day!
This waterfall has two tiers and is the smallest of the three. A part of the waterfall tier also happens to be the path to Talay’s hidden falls. But wherever you might end up when exploring Talay Falls, you can enjoy a natural quick shower to revitalise.
7. Bunga Twin Falls
Thrillseekers will get a kick out of Bunga Twin Falls. While not the highest of waterfalls, its fame comes from the fact that the falls are split evenly as they distribute water to the basin side by side. Thrills come from climbing a cliff next to the falls and plunging into a 32-feet deep pool of water!
It also happens to be near Majayjay Falls, so include this waterfall in the itinerary should time permit.
8. Bumbungan Falls
Natural waterfalls abound in Laguna, but another popular destination also happens to be man-made. Bumbungan Falls is a part of Bumbungan Eco Park, which is the spillway of the Bumbungan River itself. The falls have a paved road on them where visitors can seemingly walk over the flowing river. Beside the falls are picnic tables for a scenic lunch in the park.
This waterfall is also located in Cavinti, so keep this in mind should you visit its more famous neighbour in Pagsanjan Falls.
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9. Dampalit Falls
Los Baños is famously known for its hot springs but hidden in the town is one of the best waterfalls in Laguna. Dampalit Falls can be accessed by going a bit past Mount Makiling. While the waterfalls are strong, the shallow catch basin makes a great swimming hole for visitors. It is also filled with verdant greenery, making it an ideal place for a picnic. Fortunately, the area around the waterfall has picnic table rentals for those who wish to eat in this elevated al fresco experience!
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10. Buruwisan Falls
Buruwisan Falls in Siniloan is popular among beginning mountain hikers because of its accessibility. It is one of the seven waterfalls housed in Mount Romelo. This waterfall has a staggering 180-foot drop which you can actually rappel down from! Apart from that, a swim in Buruwisan’s refreshing spring water more than makes up for the mountain hike.
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And that’s just some of the many waterfalls in Laguna that you can visit! There are still more waiting inside its many mountains. But take time to discover even more waterfalls in Laguna. There are many hidden waterfalls waiting in store for the intrepid traveller, and a rewarding, fresh natural shower for a memorable trip!
Featured image credit: ElliotAndal | Wikimedia Commons
