6 Waterfalls Near Metro Manila Your Adventure Squad Will Love

Where: Cavinti - Luisiana Rd, Cavinti, Laguna

Entrance fee: Visitors are required to give a donation that will serve as registration fee. You can also hire a guide, and the payment is by donation as well.

Laguna is known as home to many beautiful waterfalls, one of which is the Aliw Falls. If your group is not into extreme trekking, the road to Aliw Falls is fairly easy. The trail is covered with bamboo shades that will protect your squad from the sun’s heat. Upon reaching the falls, you’ll be mesmerized with Aliw’s multi-tiered beauty that cascades like a curtain into a stair-like wall.

Once you’re done appreciating Aliw’s beauty, make sure to dip into its basin of cool water. Be careful though as the water is 17 ft deep, and can be murky during the rainy season. The travel time from Manila going to Aliw falls is approximately three hours.

Where: San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

Entrance fee: PhP10

For adventurous travelers, Kaytitinga Falls will make your weekend unforgettable. This yet-to-be-discovered waterfall is located in Bulacan, and can be accessed after an hour of trek from Licao-licao. If your team is up for some challenge, you can first do a hike to Mount Balagbag and make Kaytitinga Falls your exit point. The cold waters that course through the falls can be a nice reward after your challenging hike. Aside from swimming in the falls’ basin, you can also sit on the nearby rocks, and let the cascading waters massage your back.

Since Kaytitinga is not yet fully developed as a tourist attraction, there are no establishments around the area. It’s best to bring some food if you’re planning to stay for longer hours. Just make sure you bring your trash back to the lowlands to ensure that Kaytitinga remains clean and serene.

You can reach Kaytitinga Falls from Manila within two and a half hours.

Where: Nagcarlan, Laguna

Entrance fee: PhP5

Another falls in Laguna that is perfect for a weekend adventure is Bunga Falls in Nagcarlan. If you’re not into trekking, you can reach the falls easily after a 15-minute walk from the drop-off point. It may not be as high and mighty as the others on the list, but the twin falls separated by a rock is still a beauty. Thanks to the lush greenery that surrounds which makes you feel one with nature.

Swimming into Bunga Falls’ basin is a must, but be careful as the basin is almost 50 ft deep. If you’re not a good swimmer, you can rent a floater from the nearby residents. Travel time from Manila to Bunga Falls is around two and a half hours.

Where: Bagac, Bataan

Entrance fee: No entrance fees but guides are required for PhP300.

Bataan is known for its fine beaches and historical sites. Little does everyone know that the humble province has its own waterfalls to be proud of, one of which is the Limutan Falls. Located in Bagac, Limutan cascades beautifully in a 30-foot fall, and is surrounded by gorgeous rock formations and verdant vegetation. There’s also a small pool at the foot of the falls that can fit 15 to 20 people at a time.

Before reaching Limutan Falls, there’ll be a one hour trek you need to traverse from the drop-off point. Although the trek itself is not that hard, be careful as you might pass by a couple of snakes and leeches along the way. The travel time from Manila to Limutan Falls is around two and a half hours.

Where: Balite Rd., Amadeo, Cavite

Entrance fee: PhP75

For those who live in the South, a waterfall nearby that you can visit is Balite Falls. Located in Amadeo, Cavite, you can reach Balite Falls with a quick two-hour drive from the city. It is also slightly developed, with concrete walkways and bamboo handrails situated around the area, making it a safe place for family and children. There are also cottages nearby if you’re planning to visit here with a big group.

As for the falls itself, Balite Falls is quite short, but cascades like a curtain against a gorgeous rock formation. You’ll also find plenty of smaller cascades around the area, but it all falls into a huge basin that is filled with clean water perfect for swimming.

Where: Real, Quezon

Entrance fee: PhP20

Quezon is another province we love for its beaches, but it also has a number of majestic falls. One of which is Noknok Falls. The 30-foot falls will leave you in awe with its single cascade surging towards a catch basin filled with cold water If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can hike at the top of the falls and dive towards the basin, just make sure to land in the middle and avoid its shallow parts.

Aside from the beauty of the falls itself, the area is also surrounded by rich foliage and a couple of huts. These huts can serve as resting spots once you’re done swimming and enjoying the beauty of Noknok. You can reach the waterfalls within just three and a half hours from Manila.

Check out our list of waterfalls in Luzon or browse the Travel + Dining category of our directory.

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Note: This article was originally published in Yoorekka on September 13, 2018.