#region ix

[thepastisalreadywritten]

[ftadventures]

Situbo Falls, Tampilisan

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.

DIFFICULTY.

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.

WHAT TO WEAR.

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.

HOW TO GET THERE 

(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.

SAFETY.

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

ITINERARY.

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)

SUMMARY/NOTES.

-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

GALLERY

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. 

[ftadventures]

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