If you’re into chasing waterfalls as the song goes, the Philippines is a perfect place for your wandering heart. There is always a new one yet to be explored especially in the island of Mindanao.
Just 31 kilometres east of Cagayan de Oro City is Barangay San Isidro, Jasaan which houses a virgin forest, virtually untouched by man. Carefully nestled in this forest is the magnificent Sagpulon Falls. This falls has roughly a 350-meter waterfall drop, which translates to water powerfully cascading down, creating an icy cold basin below for travellers to enjoy. Unlike other tourist destinations in CDO however, this scenic spot only gets a handful of tourists as it is not as well advertised as the water-rafting activities that CDO is very famous for. The Sagpulon Falls is similar to Camiguin’s Katibawasan Falls but it’s a bit wider and has plenty of rivulets in its green walls.
As this is relatively a newly discovered waterfall, no story or folklore surrounds the Sagpulon Falls. Travellers will have to be satisfied just by gazing at its towering beauty and refreshing waters. The water is deep enough to be a natural swimming pool for visitors, but given the height of the drop, visitors cannot easily reach the topmost part of the falls. The best thing about a visit in Sagpulon Falls is that it is not as crowded as the other waterfalls in the country.
Although it is easily a 45-minute to an hour ride away from the city proper, the trip involves moderate trekking going inside. It used to be quite a challenge to reach Jasaan’s treasure especially the trekking part. After it was ravaged by the typhoon Pablo, the hanging bridge 50 meters away from the falls which connects it to the road, was destroyed making it very difficult to get to the falls. Travellers need to cross huge boulders and climb through rocks. Fortunately, the municipality has improved and is continuously improving the area and it is way easier now to reach the falls. The roads are paved and visitors will no longer have to go through the boulders.
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| The newly-constructed hanging bridge, visitors will no longer have to go through the boulders. |
As of this writing, this tourist spot is currently not operational as a resort, as the municipality of Jasaan recently began a P10 million development project to improve the roads as well as the facilities in the area. This is definitely a welcome news for future travellers (maybe not for travellers planning to visit soon) as this project promises to make the Sagpulon Falls more accessible. No worries though for those planning to visit soon as the waterfalls never stops and can still offer a beautiful backdrop for your groupfies and selfies. A picnic with friends and family is still possible although no swimming is allowed as of the moment.
TRAVEL NOTES
- Bring your own baon as there are no stores currently operating in the area.
- Overnight stay is not allowed, so come early and leave before 5 pm.
- No swimming allowed for the time being. Taking pictures however, are a great alternative.
HOW TO GET THERE
From CDO, proceed to the Agora Terminal and ride a bus or a jeepney heading to Jasaan. Jeepney fare is about Php25.00 while bus fare is around Php30.00 plus a Php3.00 terminal fee. Ask the driver or the conductor to drop you off at Spring View Resort as it is the landmark nearest the trailhead going to the falls. From Spring View you can hire a habal-habal (haggle hard) to take you there or you can hike your way in on a dusty (sometimes muddy) 6 kilometer stretch.
- Coordinates: 8°37'24"N 124°48'46"E
Other things to do in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental?
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