Lanao del Norte is indeed a province of waterfalls! When you’re in this part of Mindanao, never ever miss to check one of the province’s less-known waterfalls, the beautiful Pagayawan Falls in the Municipality of Bacolod.
Road to Pagayawan
When we usually talk about waterfalls, it’s commonly associated with long motorcycle/habal-habal ride or extensive trekking. But here comes a beautiful Pagayawan Falls that’s just more or less 10-15 minutes (easy) habal-habal ride from the town proper of Bacolod. But despite of being accessible, the waterfall is one of the province's less-known/visited. Well, I still don’t know why. Maybe, because waterfalls are anywhere and everywhere in Lanao del Norte!
One of the less-visited waterfalls
The waterfall is now accessible contrary to my first thought that the road going to this interesting spot is still unpaved as described in most of the website posts I've read. Like what I’ve said, (again) I am still wondering why the waterfall is still not popular destination considering its massive and picturesque beauty. The waterfall is surrounded by greenery of untouched forest – pristine. We never tried to get down to take a closer look of the main falls as we didn't find any way going down. No worries, there’s a viewing deck - that's the perfect spot to see the simply amazing beauty of the waterfall. From the viewing deck, I can feel the strong cascade of water - yep, very powerful! Pagayawan falls is actually a series of mini-waterfalls flowing to bed of rocks heading to the mighty main falls with an estimated height of 18 ft.
Travel Notes
Barangay Pagayawan is very near to the town proper of Bacolod, more or less 10-15 minutes travel. The road going to the viewing deck of the waterfalls is already developed/paved. According to the locals, the waterfall was the proposed power source of a hydroelectric power plant to be constructed in the area. The project is being initiated by the local officials through the assistance of an international organization. There is no entrance fee as of this writing.
Reminders
- For safety and security, please coordinate with the Municipal Tourism Officer or Barangay Officials before heading to the area or at least ask the locals.
- Don’t litter.
- Bring food and water. There are no sari-sari stores or food stalls in the area.
- Don't forget your camera/smart phone for selfies! Enjoy!
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. Ask the driver to drop you in Bacolod town proper or much better in eskina/crossing going to Barangay Pagayawan (just in case if the driver/conductor is familiar with the place).Travel time from Cagayan de Oro to Bacolod (estimated) is 4-5 hours.
- From the town proper of Bacolod, hire a habal-habal that will take you to the waterfall's location in Barangay Pagayawan. The location of the waterfall is very close to the Philippine Army check-point stop in Barangay Pagayawan. Estimated travel time is 10-15 minutes.
From Iligan City: At Iligan Integrated Land Transportation Terminal, ride in a bus bound to Kapatagan or Pagadian or Zamboanga City. Travel time is more or less 2 hours. (Follow directions above)
From Pagadian: Ride in a bus bound to Cagayan de Oro City or Iligan City. Travel time is more or less 3 hours. (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 Mukas, ride in a bus bound to Iligan or Cagayan de Oro. Travel time is more or less 1 hour. (Follow Directions above)
From Dipolog or Dapitan: Ride in a bus bound to Iligan or Cagayan de Oro. Travel time is 4-5 hours. (Follow Directions above)
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