Tinago Falls — Attraction in Iligan

“Breathtaking! A must visit Waterfalls.”

From Iligan City Proper we ride a multicab to Buru-un (Fare: P12.00) and we drop off at intersection to Maria Cristina Falls (NPC Nature's Park) as we hired already through text a habal-habal tour guide before we left our hotel at Iligan City. The habal-habal tour guide we hired before (when we went to Mimbalot Falls) is the one we re-hired. We asked the tour guide to stop by a restaurant so that we could buy food for lunch. Then he brought us to the entrance to Tinago Falls. The habal-habal driver beforehand told us the prices for the amenities at Tinago Falls. He dropped us at the entrance to tinago falls and instructed us to text him when we're about to go home so he could fetch us and then he'll get our full fare. Fare from NPC Nature's Park to Tinago Falls is P75 per person, P150 per person back and forth.

We arrived at around 11am at the entrance to tinago falls. Management do advice to give donations for the maintenance of the place. P25 for the life vest both available at the entrance to tinago falls and at the tinago falls itself. You would be guided by a tour guide. We were guided by two tour guides but I think you could hire only one. We walked down through 480+ steps. The steps are cemented and it looks like as if it was developed as a private resort but was abandoned. Some steps are broken so be careful or you'll plummet down and risk your life. The tour guide told us that the property was foreclosed by a bank (it looks like a resort/hotel with pools without water on our way down). After walking down the steps, finally we were satisfied to arrived and see personally the Tinago Falls.

At the site, there are available tables for rent for P25.00. Comfort rooms are available but don't expect too much cleanliness as it was an abandoned comfort room (developed as a resort/hotel but was already foreclosed by a bank), and also it has no doors. Management/Locals asks P5.00 per use. There is a swimming pool but there is no water. There are no stores at the site so you should bring your own food and drinks. It is a relaxing site where it is really nice to have picnic. Your tour guide would take care of your belongings. One of our tour guide told us that his rate is P100.00 for joining our way down and we decided not to wait for us to go home. The other tour guide told us that his rate is P250.00 for joining our way down and he'll wait for us throughout the day. We gave him additional P50.00 as tip.

We enjoyed swimming and picnicking (eating our lechon rice for lunch and the marang fruit for dessert shown in the picture). We enjoyed our visit at Tinago Falls the whole afternoon until 4:00PM. We then climbed the 480+ steps and I tell you it is really a good workout! I highly recommend you visit Tinago Falls and surely you will love it! It's up to you whether you go on weekends (more people) or weekdays (less people). :)

Visited...

One of the most visited falls in Iligan. Aptly called Tinago, meaning ‘hidden’, the falls is literally hidden in the deep ravine. Covered by tall trees, the 420-ft falls flow down the basin that also serves as the pool. The clear, cool waters are sourced from Lake Lanao and flow through the plain. Another feature that gives its distinct wonder are the small streams branching at the waterfall wall, cascading among the green, mossy rocks leading to the basin. To see its beauty, you have to trek 365 steps downward to reach the falls (or alternatively, you can choose the 480-steps on the Limanon side). Fortunately, concrete pathways among the tall trees make the trek more convenient. You will feel the excitement flowing when you start to hear the rushing waters on your descent. Entrance is free, but you can freely donate to fund the maintenance of the site, and you need to register. There are guides who will help you, though you can go on your own because the falls is just nearby. Any amount you can give will be a great help to the people here (like Jonathan, a student, who volunteered to guide us and his only other livelihood are harvesting copra). Though the falls seemed to have gained public exposure just recently thanks to the social media, the site has already long since been visited. In fact, a resort once operated here, the Tinago Residence Inn that was opened in 2000. But because the tourist visits were just seasonal, the resort has to close five years later. Today, you can still see some of its structures, abandoned and well blended with nature. After more than 15-20 minutes of trek, you will finally see the hidden beauty of Tinago Falls. You will be greeted with a cool welcome with a mist hugging you though the falls is still far away. We visited on a weekend, so as expected, the site is crowded with visitors. Even though, there are still plenty of space because of its large size. Several facilities have been constructed, like concrete tables, comfort rooms, and cottages. You can also enjoy different kinds of activities, like cliff diving, swimming in its cool waters and on the waterdrop, and riding a balsa or raft. And if you want to have a chill on one side, you can just stand in one of the small cascades at the opposite side of the falls. ADMISSION Entrance Fee – Free, Registration is required Guide – By Tourist...

Trail-to go to the falls youve got to go thru their established stairs, careful as it can be slippery during rainy season Place-the falls itself is very beautiful. However, its catch basin is not that big compared to other falls. There are only few spots where you can swim and float because they use balsa to take you to the falls upclose. The falls is strong and some parts of the falls are kinda hurting because of its thin but strong pressure. Experience-overall experience was very fun and happy. Our guide back then were good and talkative, but the amazing part is that he is a good photographer. Kudos to kuyang guide!! Perfect to go here early in the morning to avoid the crowd and have enough time to have fun and be with nature. We arrive at 9am and stayed for 2 hours. Cons-the fees are weird. Though the standard you would be paying upon registration are lifevest, balsa rent, parking (if you have a car with you), environmental fee for a minimal amount. The weird experience is that we did not rent any cottage since we have no plans of staying long. We just sat in one of the chairs in tinago falls for like 5-10 mins. After our balsa ride to rest for a while and people at that time were just few and one of its caretaker i think or whoever he is charging us P150 because he said we sat on his chairs. What a very inconsiderate Filipino. We bargained to P50 and paid him to shut him up and so we can leave. Also they said that the guide fee is in any amount. There were 2 of them who accompanied us all thru our way in and out of tinago falls. We paid 300 since we just stayed few hours and we dont even know why 2 of them accompanied us when we are only a group of 3. One of the locals there approached us asking for additional. We just gave them additional 100 and left. Hope they can be clear on the guide fee's minimum to avoid disappointment...