The waterfalls look like they’re straight out of a painting.
Images: Left, @wijisuarez; Right, @jomaridalmacio
The country boasts not only rich natural attractions but also various fauna and flora—including mangroves. Fun fact: the Philippines alone is home to half of the world’s mangrove species. The province of Subic is one of the many places in the country that thrive with mangroves, and inside it is the ever-so-scenic El Kabayo Waterfalls and Forest Trail.
While El Kabayo Waterfalls is relatively new as a hiking destination, it is still an absolute must-visit if you’re looking for a place to unwind and escape the urban life. Lots of activities including trekking, swimming, having a picnic, or simply just relaxing can be done at the place, plus El Kabayo is an easily accessible spot, so no need to worry about getting lost when visiting it. Curious about what El Kabayo Waterfalls and Forest Trail has to offer? Read below!
An Attraction Where You Can Be One with Mother Nature
El Kabayo Waterfalls has two cascading waterfalls of different heights.
Images: Left, @bellesarcena; Right, @iggyriego
A natural attraction seated in the heart of Subic, El Kabayo Waterfalls is home to two waterfalls with different heights. The first waterfall is about 3 meters high and the second one is 5 meters high. The two falls are almost thirty meters away from each other, which means one must go trekking to see both waterfalls. While hiking, you can enjoy sightseeing and even a lovely picnic, as the place has a very relaxing ambiance. There’s nothing like munching on your favorite food while being surrounded by the flora and fauna of the forest. You can choose to bring raw food and have the caretakers cook it for you or bring meals that are already cooked so you can just start eating when you reach the falls.
Walking along El Kabayo’s trails also means that you can get a chance to learn about jungle survival and making medicine from herbs. This is part of the MAD Travel and Trek program that aims to educate the trekkers about the importance of the country’s natural resources and to promote the preservation of the home of Subic’s indigenous tribe.
Horseback Adventures
El Kabayo also has a horse stable where you can try horseback riding.
Image: El Kabayo Stables Subic Bay Facebook Page
El Kabayo does not only offer waterfalls, but it also houses a horse stable where guests can enjoy horseback riding and horseback riding lessons. You can even choose to ride a horse on the way to the waterfalls for a one-of-a-kind nature experience. Fun fact: El Kabayo has 21 horses in total, and some of them are part of the mounted patrol division of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Law Enforcement Department. How awesome is that!
If you wish to learn more about El Kabayo’s trail and stable, you may contact the Subic Bay Tourism via landline +6347 252 4655/4049/4242 or +6347 252 4154/4829 or email them at sbmatouroperations@yahoo.com.ph. You may also contact El Kabayo’s manager, Raf Lugod, via mobile at +63 918 939 5730, landline +63 47 252 1050, or by visiting their official Facebook page.
While the doors of tourism have reopened for guests, always remember to continue practicing minimum public safety health standards when outdoors. Keep your face masks and face shields on, bring alcohol or hand sanitizer and always disinfect your hands before and after touching anything, avoid touching your face especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, and maintain physical distancing.
El Kabayo Waterfalls is only one of the many mangrove destinations of Subic and one of the many lovely attractions of Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Don’t hesitate to add this to your nature travel bucket list for a one-of-a-kind Subic forest experience!
Visit Yoorekka for more Subic destinations to add to your itinerary!
Stay safe as you travel! Make sure to follow social distancing protocols and observe health precautions wherever you go. Have a great trip!
