Tinago Falls
Tinago Falls things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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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 consent Parking – 50
Jim ColicoJim Colico
00
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 from visitors.
rolopezrolopez
10
We totally enjoyed the place from our raft experiences to our swimming in the falls' water. Going down the place from the entrance was truly a test of how strong your gactrocnemius muscles are as well as other muscles in your lower extremities. Going up the stairs back to the entrance is another muscle straining experience. The weight of your body and other materials you brought, plus the force of gravity as you take your hundred steps back to the entrance are factors to consider why the experience of Tinago Falls is truly a difficult one. As we were already upstairs, we decided to changed our wet clothings ready for our next destination. We didnt changed our clothigs as we were downstairs because doing so make us so tired and have the tendency to sweat much so we decided to do it upstairs. However, we were disappointed because there were no water available for us to take a bath. There were even no proper dressing area for us to get our clothes changed. But we are still hoping that the next time we are going to visit the place it'll be much improved. But I wouldn't discredit the gift of Nature, the Tinago Falls and how we were welcomed by the people taking good care of the place. From the receptionist, to the lady-in-charge of buoyancy jacket, the porter and the raft boys (P.S. Look for Nantoy).
Rhenan GutierrezRhenan Gutierrez
10
One of the Best Swim-Worthy Waterfalls in the Philippines! My friends and I went there very early in the morning. I was not in the mood because I didn't have my coffee yet, and I didnt expect to walk more than a hundred steps down so early in the morning - I'm a nightowl. Everything changed when we reached the place. I was awed by a magnificent view of what appeared to be the Tinago Falls. I needed to pause, slowly taking in what I was seeing. We were the first ones there, and the sun had not yet reached this hidden gem. When the first rays of the morning light touched the leaves of the trees and plants, it was paradise. It reminded me of how Tolkien decribed Rivendell and the elves. I saw multiple rainbows - not kidding - when the sun's rays reached the waterfall. Since we had the place to ourselves, we took advantage of the raft and pulled ourselves near the raging waters. We were advised to put on life jackets for precaution. We were adept swimmers, but our guide mentioned there had been accidents in the past because of the strong current. The water was deep so we carefully climbed the slippery walls and jumped in its waters to our hearts' content. This was an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!
Chris Benison ValenciaChris Benison Valencia
10
one of the best place of Iligaynon's take pride in. going to this place is a bit hard for me since we went there raining, the terrain is muddy and my slippers is really sinking on it also terrain is slippery, but since we wanted to see this place we exerted a lot effort pursuing to reach the falls. but once you've reached the area all your hardships will be paid off. I was really amazed and the view is breathtaking. even though we are not a good swimmer you can resist diving into the water. the water is very cold ,really really cold but it's all worth it. The water is very deep, but even though its deep the water is very clear.there is a bamboo raft available for a minimal amount of rental. there will be person who will puddle it and their high lite of this trip is going into the falls. its very relaxing letting the water from up above massaging you, one of the guest plan to propose to his girlfriend exactly on the falls and we are really happy to personally saw it. there are lots of tourist there during weekend since we get there Saturday we were not able to have a perfect picture because there were lots of photo bombers on different side of our picture.
Celeste CelestialCeleste Celestial
00
The place is really nice and worth visiting with your family. You can ride a bamboo to go near the water falls, you can also opt to climb and jump or dive, just be careful. If you wish to visit the place, I recommend the entrance from Iligan City. The entrance fee is more expensive than the entrance fee in Tagoloan but the stairs going down is more safe especially for childrens. Dont forget to bring foods and drinks because the only foods available down there is Chicherya and some soft drinks. If you saw Kuya (The one in my photos wearing yellow shirt with a handkerchief) in there, you can ask him to watch over your things and help you to grill or cook your foods. Just give him a tip and food afterwards. The most exiting part is leaving the place because you need to hike your way up, so just enjoy counting the steps going up. Well, i decided it to be 3 star due to the fact that there comfort rooms were dirty and limited.
Froi LandFroi Land
00
Basic Info
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Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
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+63 936 972 5167
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Website
lakadpilipinas.com
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4.7
(506 reviews)
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outdoor
adventure
family friendly
Description
Tinago Falls is a waterfall on the Agus River, located in between the town of Linamon and Iligan City, Lanao del Norte in the northern part of the Philippine island of Mindanao. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Iligan, a city known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls.
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