Iligan City: Tinago Falls

February 26, 2013

One of the main tourist attractions of Iligan City, Tinago Falls is known for its 240-foot water drop and its blue lagoon.

The word Tinago is a Filipino term which means "to hide or be hidden." this is due to the fact that the falls is quite hidden in a deep ravine. To get there, you are required to trek the 500-step winding staircase.

A not so attractive signboard would greet you.

Going down the 500-step staircase

300 more steps to go!

Upon reaching the base of the falls, you would be greeted by a beautiful blue-colored lagoon. Behind the falling waters of the falls is a small cave worth exploring.

The beautiful Tinago Falls. Look at those tourists going to the base of the falls!

During our visit to the falls, there were lots of tourists enjoying its beauty.

Photo opportunity!!!

Getting ready to get wet!

Like most popular tourist destinations in the country, Tinago Falls has its own myth. Legend has it that there was once a Sultan had everything; a powerful kingdom, tons of riches, and a very beautiful wife. However, he lacks one thing -a baby. As the story goes, the queen became pregnant and the king became proud saying that his baby will be the most good-looking in the kingdom. One day an enchantress, disguised as an old hag, visited the sultan and his wife. Due to her looks, the enchantress was banished from the kingdom. In anger, the enchantress cursed the unborn child. The curse took effect and the baby was born deformed and ugly. The couple can't bear the looks of the child and decided to hide the baby in a cave called Tin-ag or hidden face. The couple visited them and took care of the baby there. Years passed and the child grew up and saw the beauty of the world outside. The enchantress took pity on the suffering of the child and offered to transform her into something great and beautiful. The child accepted and she was transformed into the Tinago Falls.

Almost there... look at that guy at my back. (whew)

We too tried to get close to the falls

The current was too strong so the men did their share of pulling the rope to get closer to the falls

Aaargh! the powerful drop of water knocked me down.

That was one heck of an adventure!

Our adventure didn't end there. My wife and I also tried jumping from an elevation of 20-30 feet going to the lagoon. That is what they call as the jump of faith.

I jumped first

My wife followed after several minutes of persuading her to jump. (I'm proud of you mommy!)

I learned from our local guide that there was once a resort built near the falls. The resort didn't fare well though and was forced to shut down. Its ruins are scattered near the majestic falls.

Posing at one side of the falls

and on another side

Enjoy the cool waters!

After enjoying my stay at the falls, I did what I love to do most -interview the locals. I learned from our guide that after the resort left, they were the ones who took care of the falls. One of their greatest problems is preserving the beauty of Tinago Falls. They said that most tourists never clean up after they had their picnic. Worse, they even throw leftover food in the water. They said that it usually takes them a full day to remove all these trash from the vicinity of the falls.

Passing through the remnants of the old resort.

After telling them that I would blog about the problem, the locals were really grateful that somebody still cares.

Thank you to our local guides they were really honest. Thumbs up!

My dear adventurer friends, no matter where we go, let's always keep in mind that we should respect the places that we visit as if it was our own home.

Getting there:

Airline companies fly daily to Lumbia Airport in CDO (Cagayan de Oro). From there ride a jeep to Bulua Terminal then take a bus to Iligan City*.

*Because of the Public Service Act, bus fare rates from CDO to Iligan City and vice versa have been reduced from P145 to P85 for aircon buses and P120-P70 for ordinary buses.

Board down the bus at Iligan City's terminal.
We managed to rent a tricycle to bring us to Tinago Falls from Maria Cristina Falls.

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