It was a boring Sunday,so I head to Cubao for a walk. Its been years since I have last been to Cubao. I ended up shopping at Gateway for gifts. I used to pass by there everyday. Then I saw the FX’s lined up to Montalban, Rizal and decided to hop in. I have always had an itch to visit Montalban (now Rodriguez) and see the historical Wawa Dam and Montalban Gorge. I got down from the nearest stop at San Rafael and took another jeep to Wawa Dam.
this is the jeepney stop at San Rafael
It took about 20 minutes before I reached the jump-off point. Which is easy to recognize because there’s too many vehicles parked along the road. Not too far from the dam is a hanging bridge leading to a small sitio.
goin' home, just in time before i click the shutter
I started walking to the site. Parallel to the walkway is a river full of rocks of all sizes and surrounded by mountains and lush green forest. Many people visit this place for a swim at the river.
I never expected that the surroundings is overflowing with sari-sari stores, small houses made of bamboo (kubo), and karaoke bars.
the Filipino game - tumbang preso
As you walk to up to the dam, you’ll see more of the riverbed with rocks all over and a few tunnels.
a short tunnel to the dam
According to Philippine Insider, the Wawa Dam was said to be constructed in 1909 by the Americans as a reservoir and pumping facility. It became a battlefield during the Japanese occupation. One of the caves in the Wawa Dam site is historically significant-The Pamitnan cave. In April 1895, it is said that the Philippine revolutionary group KKK took refuge here. Their first cry of freedom took place here in the cave. Also, local legend has it that Bernardo Carpio, a figure in Philippine Mythology, was once lured into a trap here by the Spaniards.
The view and the surroundings is breathtaking. It is said that there’s a campsite a few meters from the dam. But I could see the dark cloud slowly covering the mountains and the sound of the insects all over reminds me of our old home in a remote place. I had to go back as I don’t have any flashlight with me. I was quite scared as I was walking alone through the rugged pathway, I guess the eerie sound and the thought that someone can just play tricks on me and push me to the river made me paranoid. I heard footsteps at my back, a drunk man behind me called my attention, it so happened that I dropped the batteries of my camera. I managed to walk towards the highway with the drunk man. 
Wawa Dam is one of those tranquil places that you can escape from your busy life in Manila. It’s great for outdoor activities, trekking, rock climbing, hiking, camping and photography while enjoying a historical site.
How to get to Wawa Dam:
You can get there by taking a jeepney from Cubao going to Montalban or FX-taxis. This will take you to Barangay San Rafael in Montalban and from there you can take jeepneys that can take you to Barangay Wawa.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Gael Hilotin
About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina solo traveler, a dream chaser and a student of life. Her (mis) adventures are documented on this blog. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
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Ilove baras rizal, nice blog please come and visit us too.
Hi there!
Thnx for dropping by.
beautiful
tga montalban rizal ako ok yung mga pictures ang lupet
hope to get there soon! love the place
)
Ayan meron na rin ako version ng wawa post =)
my family just came from there yesterday..We stay there for a week since monday till black saturday..We rent a house there for 6 days..WE rent a floating house and Balsa also..I up to the mountain and See the tree house..Wow it is very nice..Not everybody know about the tree house.. and we really had a nice time. very nice view and fresh air. magnificent rock formations, awesome caves. a very welcome new sight for one whose weekends are often spent in malls.
rentals for bamboo cottages and the “balsa” are P100 each. no entrance fee to the dam. there are variety stores along the way. there are also some stalls where fish and vegetables are being sold. commodities are relatively cheap compared to commercial resorts. there are cottages in the lower part but small portions of water for swimming. swimming is best in the upper part because there are no rock formations. “balsas” (bamboo rafts) can be rented if you want to paddle along the water.
cool! never knew you could rent a house there to stay. I wanna go back there to try those balsa! thanks for the input Mariah! =)