Talawan rating: 8/10
Reason: the trek going to the falls has recently been denuded by a landslide so the soil is quite soft and easily erodes not to mention the rocks (of various sizes) that gets rolled down while you make you descend on a hill with a 70 degrees inclination. Going back, the guides had to make a trail just so we could go through the thick vegetation of weeds. Steep inclination is arond 80 degrees. The guides have been extremely helpful especially for me.
Laagan rating: 7/10
Reason: Not your ordinary falls - the height and width will not disappoint you unlike other falls with commercialized trekking arrangements. Aside from the falls, the rock formation is also amazing. And, along the way as you go home, you get to pass by other falls (Balud and small falls)
The trek, however, can be quite challenging but with me still alive is an indication that even the faintest of heart can do it.
Travel from Davao City:
Around 1-2 hours
Leave early around 6 AM or 7 AM especially if you intend to reach Davao before night time.
What to bring:
Bring food as you will have to eat lunch at the falls no matter how early you reach the place. Swimwear is a must. No explanations.
Transportation:
Php2,500 - find a van and rent it out. This will cover the driver and the gasoline.
For those who want to commute, they can tide a bus bound for Bukidnon and just request to be dropped off at the Barangay Food Terminal in Marilog District (after Seagull Resort). From the terminal, hire a skylab to bring you to Brgy. Kipilas. Although Kipilas is in Bukidnon, the Marilog District is still in Davao - geographic territories is a bitch.
Other important reminders:
After the falls, it is not advisable yet to change to dry clothing as you will undoubtedly still get wet since you will have to river trek your way back to civilization.
Other fees:
A barangay worker will meet you and ask you to pay PhP20 and log our name on the registration. They will also be giving you a guide. I did not quite get standard guide price but I personally gave each one PhP100 for the hard work I put them through.
Enjoy the pics! Most of these have been grabbed fromMajar"lika" Villapaz's account.
