The Pinay Solo Backpacker » Falls

Buruwisan Falls, Laguna Budget Travel Guide

thepinaysolobackpacker — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:29:34 +0000

Buruwisan Falls, Laguna photo

How to get to Buruwisan Falls:

You have 2 options to go to Famy & Sinoloan, Laguna.

via Rizal province at the other side of Laguna de Bay

You can ride Raymond bus that’s bound to Antipolo and ask the driver to drop you off at the jump-off point to Buruwisan which is Famy.

Via South Luzon Express way to Sinoloan Laguna

If u are living near Cubao, there is a HM transit terminal near the Victory liner terminal near the overpass. And if you are near Taft, there is a Greenstar and HM transit terminal bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna in Buendia. Or you can also take a Raymond buss going to Infanta-Real Quezon, just ask the driver to drop you off at the jump-off point in Famy, Laguna. If you are near Alabang, there are many buses that passes by fronting Metropolis.

Then from Sta. Cruz bus terminal, cross the road and you can just take the jeep that passess by going to Sinoloan.

At Siniloan town, you just take a tricycle ride from the poblacion going to the drop point in Brgy. Macatad in Famy,just tell the driver you are going to Buruwisan falls. The fare is only ten pesos per head. Special trip is Php 60-70.

Jeeps going back to Manila is open till 7:30pm. And the bus from Sta. Cruz going to Manila or Cubao is open till 8 – 8:30pm.

Tips :

Bring food and enough water!

The trail is muddy and slippery during the rainy season

Be responsible for you own garbage and don’t use soap for washing or bathing at the river.

Going back, you can clean yourself up at the Mountaineers stop over for Php 10.

Be nice and polite. Greet or smile at the locals you meet along the way. That’s the least we can do to thank them for preserving the majestic falls and their environment.

Aside from trekking, rappelling is also one great activity you can do at the falls.

Igbaras, Iloilo :an Off the Beaten Track

thepinaysolobackpacker — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 07:29:48 +0000

It’s 4am but I’m already awake in my room at New Emperors Palace Pension in Iloilo City. I couldn’t figure out my next destination. I reached for my backpack on the side table of my bed and took out the flyer I got from Iloilo airport’s tourism division. As much as possible, I wanna include a visit to a remote place on my trips and my 1st choice was Bucari in Leon. I texted my friend Marcos . He replied, “‘ I have to warn you though, trekking is hard, it’s a very remote sitio, and it’s as lush as it’s in my pictures post-typhoon Frank.” Being a probinsyana, I am so used to trekking (except for Tappiya falls in Batad! ) so I wasn’t scared, but I need to go back at the end of the day. I looked up my map to check out which sitio is closest to Iloilo City … and I decided to go to Igbaras!

my guide to Igbaras

I don’t wanna bother asking Marcos for directions anymore as he seems tired from his night out. I went out to look something to eat and found a 24hr internet cafe instead just right beside my hostel. I went inside and browsed the internet for directions. I found a write up by Mon Corpuz, a photographer and one of the coordinators of The Black Pencil Project, a group of photographers, whose committed to provide pencils to early learners (Day Care to Grade 3) of select public elementary schools from beneficiaries of remote and or indigenous communities of the Philippines. . He was just there a few days ago. I have no idea how to go there, I checked the official website of Igbaras but to no avail, only to find out after my trip that Marcos has a detailed article about the place.

I went back to bed knowing it’s just 5am, but I overslept so I started my road trip around 8am already. I asked the woman selling fruits at the sidewalk outside my pension house for directions but she doesn’t know it. She then asked the 2 guys standing by my side. A stranger directed me to Jaro Liko Jeep, asked me to ask the driver to stop me at The Market and from there I could find jeeps bound to Igbaras.

on the road to Igbaras

The ride to Igbaras town is almost an hour. The jeep stopped in front of the Municipal Hall fronting a basketball court and some sari-sari stores and motorcycles for hire are parked on it’s right side. One driver hurriedly met me and asked where I’m going, he seems to have an idea already. Luckily, he was the driver that brought Mon to the falls some few days back. The fare is Php 60 one way, some drivers asked him to bring me to the tourism office so I can get a guide because there’s no sign of humans out there, but Manong Ricky, the driver, offered to be my guide, he didn’t set a price, “bahala na po kayo kung magkano”. And because he’s been kind enough and I have extra money for this trip, I paid him more than what I normally pay for a guide.

I agreed and ride at the back of his motorcycle. The only concern when going to such remote places is safety. It’s been said that the leftist group are thriving everywhere in that area but like I said before, I don’t think the NPA will hurt you if you won’t harm them. They know who their enemies are, they are smart people. Sadly, after my visit last February, the rebels allegedly opened fire near the elementary school of Igcabugao, Igbaras.

The ride was bumpy, we passed by a series of mountains, rolling hills, huge rocks, rivers and streams, dry paddy fields, farmlands, bamboos and forested areas. The concrete bridge was severely damaged by the typhoon last year, so a make-shift bridge was built where only humans, bikes and single motorcycles can pass.

the temporary bridge

After a few minutes, we reached the outpost at Bgry. Passi, where a customary registration in a log book is required for security reasons. So just in case someone would get lost, stuck out there or something, they would know.

There are other attractions in the area but some may need an overnight stay at Mt.Napulak, which is also a home to one of the largest flower in the world, the rafflesia.

Manong Ricky showing me the way

Manong Ricky escorted me to the Nagsanjan falls. The trek isn’t so hard but still, it took a couple of minutes for us to reach it. The area can be muddy during rainy seasons and a bit dangerous as the river would overflow. Good thing it’s the dry season that time. The surroundings is dry, and the hills around turned into orange and brown because of the summer heat. Still the view is beautiful, a haven for eco-tourism and adventure indeed!

the rocky river on way to the falls

the clear waters of the river

Nagsanjan falls is a bit dry because of the climate but you can take a dip in its cold waters, but if you’re no good swimmer, be careful and hold on to the bamboos on the waters because the water is really deep. Above the falls , one can’t help but notice a huge towering marble dome. Igbaras has caves and other falls to offer that are tucked somewhere in the mountains thus attracting trekkers and mountaineers than the usual tourist.

Nagsadjan Falls

Manong Ricky, my guide,was born in Guimaras, he even showed me his Driver’s license to prove it, he also used to drive a jeep in Muntinlupa-Alabang route, but he moved to Igbaras when he married. “Life is better here, it’s peaceful and simple,” he said. After his chaotic life in Manila, he couldn’t trade this peaceful life in this province

i heart Igbaras

Upon seeing how excited I was to see paddy fields again, he offered to tour me up one of the hills where a public high school & a small chapel is standing on top of it overlooking the paddy fields and rice terraces.

I really like it there, especially the school made of cheap materials like bamboo and anahaw, reminds me of my high school days back in our province, exactly what I’ve been looking for, something reminiscent of my past. I so miss the simple laid back life!

paddy fields and rice terraces everywhere

After a taste of nostalgia, we left and Manong Ricky dropped me at the hotel as I wanted to grab something to drink and eat. I’m starving as I haven’t eaten breakfast or lunch! Surprisingly, there’s a small hostel in this quaint town and on it’s ground floor is a convenience store, too bad there’s no rice meal.

a single room at Igbaras Golden Shoppers Village

Luckily, an old man working for an NGO & tourism department of the local government approached me while I’m enjoying my ice drop. He introduced me to the hotel owner, an Ilongga who is based in Australia and is on vacation that time. She had me taste a unique dish from the hotel, it’s made of gabi, gata and the small shells thriving in rice paddies. Yummy! Now I’m full! After our short conversation, which revolved around how the local government of Igbaras should work on promoting this ruggedly beautiful town, I had to leave because I wanted to catch the sunset in Guimaras and I have 3 hours to go…

THEpinaysolobackpacker supports responsible and sustainable tourism.

***To volunteer or donate for The Black Pencil Project click HERE.***

How to get to Igbaras:

Look for jeepneys bound to Igbaras at the Iloilo Terminal Market. The jeep will stop at the Igbaras town proper where you can hire a motorcycle to Brgy. Passi beside the Municipal Hall and hire the driver as your guide. But if you wanna hike Mt.Napulak and see the rafflesia, you can coordinate with the local tourism office at the Municipal Hall for your means of transportation and guide. The trek from jump off point in Bgry. Passi to Nadsadjan Falls may take 15-20 minutes.

Driver / Guide:

Manong Ricky – 09069299849

Accomodation:

Igbaras Golden Shoppers Village

Rizal St. Igbaras, Iloilo 5029

Phone/fax:+63 33 315 6278

Email: info@igbarasgolden.com

website: www.igbarasgolden.com

under the Balete tree @ Nagsadjan falls

Trekking Buruwisan Falls

thepinaysolobackpacker — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 06:18:37 +0000

The province of Laguna abounds with majestic falls, the most famous is Pagsanjan Falls and perhaps the next is Buruwisan Falls. One common misconception is that Buruwisan is found in Famy but it’s actually located in Mt. Romelo which is part of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges under Siniloan along with 4 other falls.

Sunday morning, just one of my ordinary weekend off, I packed my small backpack and slipped on my new travel buddy –>my new Dupe slippers! Hopped in a bus off to Sta Cruz , Laguna which takes roughly 4 hours.

Then at St. Cruz bus terminal, I crossed the street and took a jeep to Siniloan passing by the other beautiful towns of Laguna like Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pali and Pakil.

San Pedro de Alcantara Church in Pakil, Laguna

Then at Siniloan a kid driving his tricycle offered to take me to the jump-off point in Famy for Php70. I agreed as I know it’s gonna be a pretty long ride and I always have sympathy for those who are working at an early age. (Going back I learned that the tricycle rate is : Php 60 to the jump-off point or Php 10 per person).

At the jump-off point in Brgy. Macatad, Famy, there’s a small street leading to the barangay. I got lost when I followed it. A woman asked me where I’m headed and directed me back to what seems like a small canal. I stumbled upon a kid wearing a torn shorts, a black boots and holding a bolo, he’s playing with his lil brother when i asked him for the direction towards the falls. The kid smiled and said, ” I can guide you there.” But because I arrived past noon already and I don’t plan on camping overnight, we will only be able to get to 1 falls, which is the famous Buruwisan Falls. The trek takes 2-3 hours one way and he gave me a cheap rate of Php 300, adult “legal” guides cost Php 600 he said. Altough my guide is a timid boy, he is very helpful, he offered to carry my bag, I refused at first but because I was so tired, I had to let him carry it for me. Never mind the labor law, it’s a Sunday anyway, there’s no class, let the kid trek while earning.

my guide is patiently waiting for the slow me

For those who doesn’t want to trek & for those who have heavy backpacks and gears, horses are available for rent, that’s aside from the guide, just ask the locals.

horses for rent

We passed by a small kubo where visitors needs to register their name and pay Php 20 each. This is required just in case somebody gets lost. Visitors can hire a guide there.

I was lucky that the land is dry so I didn’t experience walking with mud all over my feet & being bitten by leeches. From what I read, it’s just an easy trek that’s why it’s a famous site for neophyte mountaineers…but not for me!

My guide said that I don’t have to buy drinks or food because there’s a store along the way.. only to find out they’re closed!

Some parts of the trail were already developed to make the climb easier

I was really mesmerized by the view…

I met some travelers along the way

it’s overlooking the rest of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges..

the evergreen mountains beneath the skies…

the lush vegetation…

the grassy trail…

and colorful dragonflies .

After 1 hour & 15 minutes of trekking without food and water, I made it at the campsite! It’s located on top of the falls with a couple of stores run by the locals. I was so thirsty and hungry but there’s no rice or ulam, I thought they we’re selling one when I saw pancit bihon being served to a group of guys. But then I they told me, “Pinaluto” lang po yan. The store owner was kind enough to give me one full plate for free which I shared with my guide.

The locals at Siniloan are pretty nice and accommodating, and thus, it’s not right to abuse them by leaving your trashes anywhere like some campers do. We should all be responsible for our environment.

After satisfying my tummy. My guide together with another kid guide we met at the campsite then lead me to the falls just below the campsite.

The path down is slippery and full of roots of huge trees and rocks so be extra careful. I even slipped but good thing I was able to hold on to one of the roots otherwise, if I fell, the other kid guide below me will fall as well.

But once you made it down, you’ll be rewarded with a majestic view of the falls…

the clear cold water…

and its lush vegetation.

a river leading to another falls

There’s no people at the falls when we got there, just me and the 2 kid guides, they just left and headed to the other falls. It’s nice to have a conversation with the 2 kids, the other kid is already a father at the tender age of 15. He stopped studying, and just like in some remote sitio in the country, they told me its just normal for the kids in their barrio not to finish college or even high school. He then borrowed my digicam and started to play with it and saw the pictures of my sister at the mall. Both of them haven’t been to the city yet, so they’re impressed to see the pictures of it while I was in so much awe with the beauty around me at that time. I guess just like most of us , the 2 kids are getting tired of the routine, and there comes a point that you wanted to explore what’s out there, it’s not a really a sin just never forget your roots.

the bridge to the Mountaineers stop over to clean myself before going back

How to Get to Buruwisan Falls: