Tucked in the wilderness of laidback Tampilisan in the province of Zamboanga del Norte hid the grandeur of Situbo Falls, some 12km southeast from the town proper.
Situbo Falls boasts a turquoise cold pool on fine weather, its depth enough for a dive. Yes, I did took a dive. Had I been told about crocs sighting beneath prior I would have hesitated, but I wasn't and all the kids swim around and so I did - a refreshing reward.
The famed towering cascade is fed by the rivers of Godod that exits between Liloy & Salug. It is said to be the grandest waterfall in the province. Situbo Falls is a classic example of a horsetail waterfall: a waterfall wherein the cascading water still makes contact with the bedrock.
The approx 50mins habal-habal ride from the town proper can be unforgiving with its winding, mostly undeveloped roads so expect a bumpy ride, and when I say bumpy I mean it.
The trek to the riverbank from the lot where you can park your vehicles (jump-off point) is already established and ain't rugged at all but the descent on the steps made of soil (yes, steps were made to get downhill) can get challenging depending on weather conditions. But it's manageable making the place family friendly for outdoor adventure.
The ride is long & rough and you better have a jacket, long sleeves or whatever you prefer to take cover from the heat of the sun and a facemask. You may bring extra clothing for a change after a dip in the waters.
(for laagans with own vehicle)
We were first-timers as well but the waterfall is pretty renowned which means it's fine to come on your own. You can rely on the locals for directions on the main road or save this google map http://bit.ly/SituboFallsMap
***The road is accessible even by a four-wheeled vehicle. Perfect for family/barkada outing
However, from the jump-off point, there are barely locals to possibly meet and no houses nearby so you better trust your sense of direction with the established trail.
I hope the following snapshots will help you figure the way to go:
***Basically, Situbo Falls is just a few meters ahead of the Situbo Nat’l High School then the Barangay Hall. Knowing that should make asking for directions easier.
Truth be told my family fear rebels, too, and in no way wish to encounter them. For my mama, Situbo Falls means adventure in the unknown wilderness and assumptions that they are present in the area are given.
The only reason I only managed to convince my family for permission now is that I've spent the recent years venturing the unknown with or without permission and still breaths.
***Register your names at the Barangay Hall of Situbo that you'd pass along the way for safety purposes. Adventure at your own risk
Time given is approximate estimates depending on your pace.
10:30AM: Depart from Fatima, Liloy
11:00AM: ETA at Tampilisan proper
11:45AM: ETA at Jump-Off
11:55AM: ETA Situbo River (name unofficial, idk the river name tbh)
12:00PM: ETA Situbo Falls
3:00PM: Homebound
9:30PM: Home Sweet Home (after some side trips, tehee)
-Practice the LEAVE NO TRACE principles. Bring back home your trash
-Very remote area.
-No houses, stores or locals nearby.
-No comfort rooms.
-No signage for directions.
-Bring your own water.
-Be sure to bring lunch or food.
-Direct heat of the sun. Wear something!
-Opt for footwears you can bring underwater with great traction if you plan to swim. My brother managed with his slippers tho
-Baby-friendly (brought a one year old with us hehe)
-approx 50min ride from Tampilisan proper/bus terminal (number of times we lost our way included)
-spotted only one roadside fuel vendor. make sure to travel full tank
We spotted this eagle flying around as we arrived.
I spent quite a time sunbathing with this bamboo raft the kids put up for everyone. Too bad, I don't have a drone for aerial shots.
Situbo Falls is a sight to behold. Unfortunately, it wasn’t showing off its full beauty during our visit, a spell caused by the dry season.
