#22 Waterfall Massage, Anyone?

By Bryan | Published: 7th Oct, 2017



Most unplanned travels often turn out to be the best ones. One morning, my younger brother telling me “Biyahe tayo!” after a nice cup of coffee ended up in the mountains of Laguna — in search for the famous waterfalls of Pagsanjan.

Spontaneity can be (a lot) less complicated.

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We didn’t do the conventional "Shooting the Rapids", as the local tours call it. That's a 17 kilometer trip in a local canoe or banca which can be really expensive but you get the full adventure of the 16 rapids to reach the falls. We obviously took the cheapest option — driving all the way up to the quaint town of Cavinti.

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Our entry point is from Pueblo El Salvador Eco-Park and Picnic Grove — the main gateway to Pagsanjan Falls (actually, Cavinti Falls). For the town folks in Cavinti, it is also known as the Magdapio Falls.

We paid a minimal fee of PHP 270 (per person) which already included a friendly tour guide plus safety briefing, safety harness for rappelling and later, life vests and raft riding to the main falls. Expect some serious trekking, hiking and rappelling down a steep steel ladder with some sections going vertically straight down the gorge.

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Did I mention vertical ladders? Not for the faint of heart so try not to look down. At our feet was a very steep stair winding its way down the mountain into the depths of the gorge.

It was a challenging trail but once you reach the base, you see nothing but pure beauty of nature surrounded by a breathtaking view next to the majestic waterfalls creating that dreamy mist.

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Our bamboo raft awaits us to experience the strong water current and that powerful hammering waterfall up close. And when I say experience, it means experiencing the “massage of mother nature” — literally lying down on the canoe as the boatman slowly passes you through into the grand falls.

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Can you imagine that massive water falling on your back? It can get quite intense but definitely a one of a kind experience.

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  • Floral Palmer
    True I love waterfalls and all what nature has to offer, but heights are a no no for me. To think the road to the fall is crowded with steep stairs that got me thinking, but then just like nothing good comes easy, I think I would have to brace up my heart if I would really want to enjoy a backpacking travel to this glamorous fall.
  • Bryan
    Hi Floral. Thanks for dropping by. The way to the falls is not crowded at all but it is kinda steep for the light-hearted and if you're afraid of heights, I recommend to do the conventional "Shooting the Rapids" to reach the falls.
  • Ron Brund
    Spontaneity has it good side. It’s Obvious you enjoy this particular spontaneous backpacking travel. I am pretty sure you got a feel of its good side here, Waterfall is one interesting part of nature, and one to experience. I look forward having a massage from Mother Nature.
  • Bryan
    Thanks, Ron. As I often say, even the best plans change on the fly... Regardless, both spontaneous and well-planned travel works for me. And yep, I personally recommend the massage!
  • Emily
    I'd love to have a waterfall shower. I can. Imagine the heavy downpour on my body. The Pagsanjan waterfall should be a great place for hanging out with friends and it's really affordable for great sight seeing.
  • Bryan
    I wouldn't say it's a gentle shower though... It is one huge downpour of water but hey, it's a one of a kind experience.
  • Jimmyboirl
    Greetings to all! cool site you have!
  • KevinSem
    Hello!
  • Разработка логотипа
    Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
  • aid for ukraine
    Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to produce a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never seem to get anything done. aid for ukraine

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