When in Kapatagan, don't forget to visit its most famous tourist spot, the Cathedral Falls. The waterfall is located in Barangay Waterfalls, 15-20 minutes habal-habal ride from the town proper.
The Journey
At Cagayan de Oro City Westbound Integrated Bus Terminal (Bulua), I rode in a bus bound for Pagadian City to finally put "check mark" in one interesting spot on my bucket list. BTW, this has been planned a year ago, but busy schedule doesn't permit! After 6-7 hours of long travel, we arrived in Kapatagan town proper (around 2:00 pm). Had my power late lunch in the nearby karinderya then hired a habal-habal that will take me to the location of the famed waterfalls in "Barangay Waterfalls".
The Cathedral Falls
Less than 20 minutes of habal-habal ride, we reached the location of the Cathedral Falls. The simply majestic waterfall has wide rock wall composed of files of naturally-shaped stones (mostly in rectangular or square) creating a stunning view that makes it unique compared with the other waterfalls in the country. Yep, it resembles to a cathedral wall! The waterfall’s basin is also wide and the water is clear (during our visit). According to the locals, the basin has a tendency to get murky during rainy seasons or heavy rains.
On the other note, the waterfall is one of the most accessible falls in the country, the road is well-developed and no trekking needed - just a habal-habal ride to the actual location and a short walk (to get closer).
On the other note, the waterfall is one of the most accessible falls in the country, the road is well-developed and no trekking needed - just a habal-habal ride to the actual location and a short walk (to get closer).
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Unique wall and rock formation; large basin; and the greenery that surrounds, a captivating scenery |
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| The locals using traditional bait and hook in fishing in the nearby stream |
Travel Notes
Cathedrals falls is located in Barangay Waterfalls in the town of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. Interestingly, the next/neighboring barangay of Waterfalls is named Barangay Cathedral Falls, so don't get confused. There is no entrance fee as of this writing.
Cathedrals falls is located in Barangay Waterfalls in the town of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. Interestingly, the next/neighboring barangay of Waterfalls is named Barangay Cathedral Falls, so don't get confused. There is no entrance fee as of this writing.
Travel Guide
From Cagayan de Oro City: At CDO Westbound Integrated Bus Terminal (in Bulua), ride in a bus bound to Kapatagan, Pagadian or Zamboanga City. Travel time is 5-6 hours.
- Alight in Kapatagan Bus Terminal. From the terminal, hire a habal-habal that will take you to Cathedral Falls in Barangay Waterfalls. The waterfall is 15-20 minutes motorcycle/habal-habal ride from the terminal/town proper.
From Iligan City: At Iligan Integrated Land Transportation Terminal, ride in a bus bound to Kapatagan or Pagadian or Zamboanga City. (Follow directions above) Travel time is more or less 3-4 hours.
From Pagadian City: Ride in a bus bound to Cagayan de Oro City or Iligan City. (Follow directions above)
From Ozamis City: Ride in a RORO (in Ozamis Port, Misamis Occidental) bound to Mukas Port of Tubod (Lanao del Norte). From the port, take a tricycle or motorcycle ride going to the crossing/highway area then take a bus ride going to Kapatagan. (Follow directions above)
From Dipolog or Dapitan City: Ride in a bus bound to Pagadian. Alight at the bus stop in crossing Aurora then ride in a multicab or jeepney bound to Kapatagan or bus going to Iligan or Cagayan de Oro.(Follow directions above) Travel time is 5-6 hours.
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