Challenging the rapids of Pagsanjan Falls

"If you've enjoyed the Rio Grande Rapids in Enchanted Kingdom, you will surely like the up and downstream boat ride in Pagsanjan" 

Experiencing Pagsanjan Rapids and seeing the Falls are both a visual treat and a thrilling adventure. Once you're in the town of Pagsanjan, you will be taken by the banca up the river to the falls. The banca's (canoe) capacity is 4, two boatmen and 2 passengers. The bangkeros (boatmen) row the banca against the river's fearsome strong current, and navigate carefully while avoiding boulders on the way. Most of the times, the boatmen jump from rocks to steer the boat, and/or pull the banca carrying the tourist, just to avoid the edgy rocks and boulders on the way. Take note that boatmen are barefooted!  Therefore, imagine how hard it is for them pulling the boat with a  plus-sized passengers, barefooted in the rocky river...

Be ready to give them extra pay because for sure they will ask from 
you. Charlie and I gave them Php200 tip. Remember to treat them well so they will take care of you .


        

 MY BOATRIDE EXPERIENCE

 



Our exciting boatride took an hour before reaching the Main Falls, while the return trip was just about 45 minutes. 

The first 15 minutes, I was relaxed and excited but when the banca started passing through boulders amidst strong current going against us, we started to shout and our  hearts started to pound...
I was holding on to the banca so tight and started praying silently...
the reason why we don't have much pictures during our boat ride :-) 


Thumps up for these hardworking boatmen, i couldn't believe them seeing paddling all along, cleverly skipping from one side of the boat to the other running over huge rocks or on cliff walls barefooted.

Talahib Waterfalls

I was glad that there were pauses to the fearful moments because i could breath normally again. I was astounded for i realized were being surrounded  by a beautiful tropical greenery of wild orchids and trees on the high rocky cliffs. My eyes are fed and satisfied with the wonderful nature God endowed us.

 
We passed by Talahib Falls. During rainy season, other waterfalls swell and also become noteworthy sights like the Wedding Veil Falls, Kalukoy Falls and other nameless waterfalls. If you're looking for more adventure, be here during rainy season, but it's dangerous.   

Last stopped at the Main Falls  -the Pagsanjan Falls










The Pagsanjan Falls is flourishing with crystal waters flowing down a high rocky cliff. The base of the Falls was a huge swimming place. Oh the water was so cold..so we just dipped-in shortly. 

There's a cave in there - called "Devils Cave". We rented bamboo raft so we could get closer to the cave and feels the falling water.... ang bigat ng bagsak ng tubig sa sa ulo at balikat!
Inside the cave you will hear the echo of the falling water, the feeling is hard to explain, nakakatakot so we just decided to go back. :-)   


As we traveled back downstream, the rapids are even wilder. Our boat squeezed through the narrow gaps again but, in accelerated mode!
This time, i already learned to fully enjoy the ride and get thrilled by the rapids of Pagsanjan.. Boating downstream is more fun as we go along with the flow of the water.

Hey, you can get a fast sunburn, so beware. I got mine in legs, because i forgot to bring a towel to cover my legs while sitting in the boat. Be sure you have protection against the sun. You may opt to bring waterproof cameras, or casing to protect your gear. The resorts where we stayed gave us plastic bags so we can put our cameras/battery/ jewelries/money inside to protect it from being wet. Also you should bring extra clothes because you will surely get wet.   

The boat ride is just a one-day tour. It's up to you if you are going to stay in a resort. In our case, we've arranged boat-ride with lunch at Pagsanjan Rapids Hotel.       


Below are some of the famous Pagsanjan Hotels and Resorts to choose from: (Reference pagsanjan.org)

• PAGSANJAN RAPIDS HOTEL EXCEL HOTEL 
• PAGSANJAN FALLS LODGE & SUMMER RESORT
• LA CORONA DE PAGSANJAN RESORT HOTEL
• MAGDAPIO HOTEL, INC.
• BONANZA LANDING AREA AND RESTAURANT
• CAMINO REAL LODGING HOUSE
• TROPICAL INN & RESTAURANT 
• RIO VISTA LODGE RESORT
• FRESH & GREEN LODGING HOUSE
• 818 LODGING HOUSE
• SAMPALOCAN GUEST HOUSE

HOW TO GET HERE

Beware of people offering you boat ride to Pagsanjan Falls far from Pagsanjan. It is advisable to book your boat ride via travel agencies or Pagsanjan Resorts directly. Do not deal with "flaggers". Flaggers are those un-accredited boatmen who will run beside your vehicle as you slow down trying to look for directions. They will surely overcharged you! Try to stop or slow down at every corner when you are in Pagsanjan and see these flaggers wildly run after you.,,just remember to say "no". :-)



 reference: pagsanjan.org



 


 There are two ways in reaching Pagsanjan, via Rizal or via South Expressway.

• Via Rizal - Take Ortigas Avenue from EDSA, turn right towards Taytay from Cainta junction, pass through the rustic towns of Rizal, straight all the way to Paete, Kalayaan, Lumban and Pagsanjan town proper. 
• Via South Luzon Expressway - From Manila, take the South Expressway all the way through the Calamba exit. Then, just drive through following the National Highway, passing the towns of Los Baños and Sta. Cruz until reaching the town of Pagsanjan. There are hotels and resorts in Pagsanjan where tourists can stay and avail of boat services.

 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (reference: pagsanjan.org)

•  BLTB CO.
  at EDSA BLTB Co. Bus Terminal
  (To Lukban, Quezon via Pagsanjan)
  Non Air-conditioned buses
  Once daily- 
• ------- o0o -------
  JAM TRANSIT
  Green Star or South Star
  Air-conditioned buses
  Vacant lot station near Intersection of Taft Ave at Buendia Extension under the LRT station.
  Departure: from 5:00 A.M. to ---
• ------- o0o -------
  BUSES AT ALABANG MUNTINLUPA
  Alabang, Muntinlupa, beside Henlin's