DIY Pagsanjan Falls

Ever wondered why the Pagsanjan Falls was very famous? Aside from Ma. Cristina Falls, this was the only falls I can remember that was written in my elementary textbooks. Haha.

When my dormmates wanted to go out with just Php1000.00 budget, I had to do my research on the best place that our Php1000.00 can bring us. Thanks to the many blogs out there, I was able to discover that we can see famous Pagsanjan Falls for less than a thousand pesos. And so, more research was done on how to get there.

For those who would like to experience the famous falls, here is a suggested itinerary via DLTB Bus in Buendia-Taft with the actual expenses based on experience:

Pagsanjan Expenses

Please note that as of our visit, March 23, 2013, the Balanac Bridge was still not done. So we had to ride a ramp from the Pagsanjan Central Boatman Station. Please be careful when you are there since a lot of boatmen would be offering to take you to the falls through their boat - that costs Php1,250 per person! Just politely decline their offer and say that you are just there to cross the river.

The raft to cross the river

After crossing the river, walk directly towards the main road and ride the jeepney to Cavinti. Ask the driver to drop you off at the junction going to Pueblo. From there, ride a tricycle and ask to be dropped to Pueblo. Ask for the driver's number to be able to text him to fetch you when you're back from the falls. On the way to Pueblo, you will pass by a man-made falls - Bumbungan Falls. You may ask the tricycle driver to bring you there after your Pagsanjan falls adventure.


Bumbungan Falls

 In Pueblo, head straight to the registration booth and pay the Php 270.00 which includes the guides, safety harness and raft to the cave behind the falls.

Welcome to Pueblo El Salvador!

The hike down the falls is a bit tiring but fun since you will see a lot of what nature has to offer and we have a glimpse of the Nakulo Falls.

Trail to the falls

 

Glimpse of Nakulo Falls



It's a beautiful day

 The trail to the falls is composed mostly of walking down metal stairs and passing through 2 vertical metal stairs where you can either choose to climb down or to "rappel" down.

One of the long stairways to the falls

The first vertical ladder

 

Experiencing the vertical ladder

 The tired feeling will be gone once you see the falls. Don't forget to take pictures before riding the ramp to go behind the falls.

Pagsanjan Falls



Pagsanjan Falls



Since you can't bring your camera with you, ask your tour guide to take pictures. Give just him the exact instructions.


Posing muna

On the way to the cave

Once inside the cave, spend some time there and just enjoy the moment.

Pixes inside the cave

Pixes inside the cave


After the fun moments, be ready to climb back to Pueblo. :-)

In  Pueblo, you can either take a shower and change clothes or ask your tricycle driver to bring you to Bumbungan Eco Park where you can swim and take pictures and have a shower before heading back to Manila.

Bumbungan Falls

This will be the end of the trip. Just ask your tricycle driver to bring you to jeep that will bring you back to the bridge.

TIPS:
1. Before starting your trek, ask you guide to take pictures of you, examine the shots and if the shots are not good, explain to the guide on how to use your camera. The guide should master taking good pictures while you're on your ways to the falls to have great pictures when you are already there.
2. Try to visit after April 1, 2013 to be able to experience their underground river tour. The lady at the registration booth said that the new attraction of their place would be opened by the 1st of April.
3. Bring your own lunch. You can eat at the cottage in Pueblo before your descent.
4. You can leave your extra clothes and other stuff at the registration office. Just bring your valuables and of-course, your camera.
5. Bring enough water since the trek will be tiring. Also bring some trail food like jelly ace.
6. Bring water proof camera! ^_^

You can contact our tricycle driver, Kuya Makisig, if you plan to visit Pagsanjan through the Cavinti route: 0921-293-0016

Special thanks to the following sites for the information:
http://paroonatparito.wordpress.com/2012/11/04/pagsanjan-falls-via-pueblo-el-salvador-cavinti-laguna/
http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2012/06/pagsanjan-falls-php150-challenge.html?m=1