El Paraiso, Liloy
El Paraiso speaks for its name. The barangay is literally 'the paradise' found in the southwestern part of the municipality of Liloy, in the province of Zamboanga del Norte.
A short walk from the wilderness of rubber trees will bring you to the El Paraiso River System that connects to Patawag River.
Experience river trekking before you take a leap at Ambakon Falls (I never tried this). Some 15min more and Babag Falls with it's cascading water reveal itself.
Ambakon Falls is simply a vertical cliff within the river. It's depth unknown but enough for jumping from the top.
Babag Falls, on the other hand, is a series of small waterfalls. Its waterway is fed by a stream from Pianon, Kalawit connecting to the main river.
Both waterfalls are of the same height. Each is about 10-15ft high (personal guess).
***El Paraiso offers a green pool usually after a rain but it's enticing.
***Both waterfalls is unnamed as of writing. Those names are unofficial and for distinction purposes but it best describes their features. You may call them as you like.
***Babag Waterfall is technically located between the boundary of Labason, Kalawit, and Liloy.
DIFFICULTY.
There were few prickly plants while you hike along the river banks. Not to mention, steep slopes on the trail to Ambakon Falls and some more slippery spots on our way to Babag Fall. But they're all manageable making the place family friendly for outdoor adventure.
WHAT TO WEAR.
I'd say sandals would be appropriate since the light forest can be slippery, the river is rocky and some sections of the rivers (that you need to cross) are slightly muddy. Boots will do for those extra peeps.
while the trail has already established, the way to the jump-off point is hard to find.
HOW TO GET THERE.
For first-timers, I don't recommend coming to El Paraiso on your own because while the trail has already established, the way to the jump-off point is hard to find. There are no houses nearby from the jump-off point or locals to possibly meet at sight.
You may ask locals for general direction along the way but the jump-off point is some 20min habal-habal ride from the main road.
Yes, the road is passable. You can bring your motorcycles until the jump-off point. Unless an extreme habal-habal driver is with you, but, still, the descend to the base of the river can get hard when it rains.
You can send Dodong Dave a PM on Facebook instead to get there. The guy with ripped abs in the pics. He can guide you, too.
ITINERARY.
Time given is approximate estimates depending on your pace.
6:00AM: Depart from Fatima 7:00AM: ETA at Jump-Off 7:20AM: ETA El Paraiso River 7:40AM: ETA Ambakan Falls 8:10AM: ETA Babag Falls 8:50AM: Homebound 9:30AM: Home Sweet home
SUMMARY/NOTES.
-Practice the LEAVE NO TRACE principles -Very remote area. -No houses or locals nearby. -No signage for directions. -Bring your own water. -Be sure to bring lunch or food. -Direct heat of the sun. Wear something! -Wear sandals with great traction. -1hr ride from Fatima (centro/bus terminal)
GALLERY
