The Magnificent Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part in planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into an unfamiliar places, people and culture is paramount.

Expand your horizons and set your sight to the Philippines, an off the beaten path travel site! An undiscovered paradise made of thousands of islands and white sand beaches all around! A tiny dot in the map of the world, and yet a haven for travelers, backpackers, retirees and even passersby.

It offers awesome tourist attractions, magnificent beaches, hot spring resorts, colorful festivals, hundreds of scenic spots and world-class hotels and facilities. Not to mention the tropical climate, the affordable prices as well as the friendly and hospitable, English-speaking people! You will be glad you came, and we’re sure, you WILL come back for more FUN in the Philippines!

PAGSANJAN FALLS

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Pagsanjan Falls (indigenous name: Magdapio Falls) is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines. Located in the province of Laguna, the falls are one of the major tourist attractions in the region. The falls are reached by a river trip on dugout canoe known locally as “shooting the rapids,” originating from the municipality of Pagsanjan.

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Pagsanjan Falls cascading down the border of Cavinti and Pagsanjan is a mesmerizing sight to behold. The waterfall is situated among numerous other cascades both perennial and seasonal. During the rainy season approximately twenty minor waterfalls trail down the mountains. The tropical beauty of the region and the adventurous journey to and from the falls make Pagsanjan Falls a magnetic attraction for travelers who enjoy natural bounty and excitement.

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Pagsanjan is connected to Manila by the South Luzon Expressway. The expedition to the falls is made via local fiberglass boats known as bancas. Skilled, accredited boatmen guide the visitors steering the crafts with their paddles and legs. Although the voyage upstream is comparatively smooth, visitors should be prepared for a thorough drenching at any point. Shallow points in the river can be safely crossed as steel pipes have been strategically placed on the river bed to facilitate the boats’ passage. A further adventure awaits the visitor at the Pagsanjan Falls where tourists can penetrate the cascade on a raft, entering the Devil’s Cave which is famous for its resounding echoes. The raft ride also includes a sight of another waterfall situated above the Pagsanjan. The return journey includes the unforgettable excitement of “shooting the rapids” as traversing the turbulent currents are known. A visit to Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna, Philippines is an exhilarating journey of beauty and adventure.

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The mandatory life jackets, ensuring safety, can be easily hired before the river voyage. Wearing a helmet though not obligatory is a wise measure to avoid unpleasant bumps.

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Pagsanjan Falls is probably the most famous natural attraction in Laguna. However, it is actually located in Cavinti, an adjacent town to Pagsanjan, and the falls’ indigenous name is Magdapio Falls. Pagsanjan, Laguna is the jump-off point to Pagsanjan Falls. You may rent a banca or small boat to take you to the falls or “shoot the rapids.” The standard rate is about PhP 800-1000 pesos per person which includes the round-trip boat ride, entrance fees, and use of life vests. Be prepared to shell out extra for tips to boatmen; although there is a standard rate for the boat ride, you are expected to give extra tip to the boatmen, about PhP 200 per person (according to tourists who already went there).

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Skilled and accredited boatmen will take you on a scenic boat ride at Magdapio River in order to reach the main falls, the famous Pagsanjan Falls. They used to be wooden bancas, but nowadays, the boats are made of fiberglass. On the way, you will be treated to the sight of other minor falls (approximately 20 of them), lush vegetation, and natural rock formations. Some say that monkeys occassionally appear and they throw branches or rocks to people, so you better wear a helmet just in case. Once you reach the main falls, you can take a raft ride through the falls and get a natural “back massage.” You can also explore the Devil’s Cave behind the falls, famous for its reverberating echoes. For the raft ride, you have to pay an extra PhP 90 and tip the boatmen. The highlight of this trip is the rapid descent downstream or what is known as “shooting the rapids'”. Be prepared for the thrill of a lifetime as the expert boatmen manuever the boat skillfully through turbulent waters. It is interesting to know that a boatman is required to undergo a rigid six-month training in order to acquire a license/accreditation for guiding tourists on the ride to the falls.

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Some tourists recommend visiting Pagsanjan Falls during the rainy season for a more exciting experience – the rapids are more turbulent at this time. But a word of caution: some Korean, Japanese, and local tourists were stranded between rock boulders when they went to Pagsanjan Falls during the rainy season (August). Due to heavy rains, the water level in the river rapidly rose and they were stranded for six hours. The tourists were rescued by local policemen. Fortunately, none of them was seriously injured, sustaining only superficial wounds. So if you plan to go to Pagsanjan Falls during the rainy season, make sure that the rains are light.