The Magnificent Ditumabo Falls in Aurora

DITUMABO FALLS

Ditumabo Falls is located in Brgy Ditumabo, San Luis which is about 30 minute drive from Costa Pacifica Resort in Baler. It is one of the major attractions when visiting Baler.

There is no entrance fee to see the falls. At the beginning of the trek however, you will be asked to register your names for monitoring purposes.

During the whole trek towards Ditumabo Falls, I have classified the 4 different types of paths you will go through. These are the dirt path, cemented path, wooden bridges, and stony river crossings. I have witnessed a lot of visitors going with flip flops and sandals on. Though this may work for some, I personally prefer going with a pair of socks and sneakers. This has protected us from slips and injuries along the way and it has quickened our trek to the falls. Read More: http://driftwoodjourneys.com/ditumabo-falls-mother-falls-sanluis-aurora/

Photo from: philippinewaterfalls.blogspot.com

They call it Mother Falls, simply because it is the grandest of all waterfalls located in the vicinity, a majestic natural attraction of Baler, Aurora!

Geographically speaking, Mother Falls is situated in the town of San Luis, a neigboring town of Baler, specifically in Barangay Ditumabo, where the waterfalls got its name. But its proximity to Baler makes it an ideal sidetrip when visiting the surfing capital of Eastern Luzon.

Towering at around 140 feet and with the cold water from the highland of Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Ditumabo Falls is an imposing icon of the province. The freely cascading water drops into a wide rocky basin forming a natural pool ideal for swimming.

But getting to Ditumabo Falls is not a walk in the park. From Baler, one needs to ride a tricycle or a van to get to Barangay Ditumabo and trek for approximately an hour to see the waterfalls. It is not an easy trek, it involves river crossings and the trail is generally rough and rocky (and quite slippery specially after the rain), but it is one rewarding trek. Read More: https://www.lakwatsero.com/spots/ditumabo-falls-the-mother-falls-of-san-luis-aurora/#sthash.rHDdPPFi.dpbs

Photo from: juanderfulpinoy.com

Located in similarly named Barangay Ditumabo, the Ditumabo Falls is also locally called the Mother Falls because it is thought to be the biggest waterfall in the province. The San Luis Mini-Hydro Power Plant, which started operating in 2011, uses the hydrokinetic energy generated by the falls and the stream and has made the falls more accessible. A 1.3 kilometer trail roughly parallel to the stream and pipeline leading to the falls had been hacked out, parts of it even concreted.

The trek to the falls is not that long but would take us over rock-filled ground, rickety makeshift bamboo bridges and at least two crossings over a fast-moving stream. Our tour guide told us that if anything, Typhoon Lando had caused some mini landslides in the area and filled in the wide gaps between the boulders with soil material, making it easier to climb over them. The weather was good during the days leading to our trek ensuring that the ground was dry and not too slippery. Also much of the trail is under the shade of the surrounding forest. Overall the hike was not too difficult. We had two seniors with us – Nina’s aunt and uncle – who made the trek without any problems. Read More: https://shoestringdiary.wordpress.com/2015/12/27/ditumabo-falls-auroras-mother-falls/

Photo from: panoramio.com