Bomod-ok Falls — Attraction in Mountain Province

A hidden gem in the flatlands of Northern Sagada. You need to trek down a cemented set of stairs to get to the village, and eventually to the river and to the falls. Entrance fee is 10/head, guide fee is 500 per group of 7, and shuttle fee (if you're coming from the city) is 600.

The trek down is around 2 km, and we got it in less than an hour (40-45 mins) without stop. It isn't that much difficult as the steps are small and you can really rush your way down. We entered through the tourism office (Bangaan jump off).

We had it early morning (8:30 AM) so the sun is still calm and tolerable. We were the first to set and arrive at the falls. We did it on a Saturday, as tours usually do the Marlboro Hills/Blue soil first so there are no other guests aside from us at this point.

You will pass by the village on the way. You can ask your tour guide/the tour guide will share with you the history of the barangays in the northern part, how they are different from the central Sagada, etc which are really interesting. Beautiful rice fields after the village--you can take instagrammable shots there. River is a bit dried out during summer, and there is also fewer water rushing out of the falls; the good thing about this is you can come closer to the falls, compared to when it's raining and you can only come to a certain point.

Very cold water. Locals also come here to gather, swim, play. They were very nice and a good experience to immerse with the community. There's a hidden area some may check in; you need to crawl on the small chamber on the left and there's a mini falls facing right the big falls.

Going up is the real challenge. We opted to exit in Pide, going up there is tolerable. You will exit right in the village and you will hike up a cemented road with less stairs. It was way easier as I imagined climbing back to Bangaan. The stairs going back are grouped together in big numbers, so you will be forced to climb continuously and it's very tiring!! Especially, under the heat of the Sun. In Pide exit, the stairs will only be on the last leg and it's tolerable compared to the ones we passed through in Bangaan.

I would say it's worth the adventure! Not the best falls in the Philippines but definitely one...

Aguid-Pide-FidelisanTrail, Sagada, 2619 Mountain Province

Bomod-ok Falls is also called the Big Falls because, well, it is definitely bigger than Bokong Falls, another popular waterfall in Sagada. Hidden deep in a valley, it takes an hour to two to get here by foot from the main road (and that’s just one-way). Bomod-ok’s cold, cold water cascades from the top of a beautiful naturally contoured cliff to a pool below, forming a 200-ft column of water and wonder.

The start of the trek was easy. The concrete path that leads to the falls is actually easy to walk on. It also provides visitors spectacular views of the terraces, the hills, the valley. It also allows a quick glimpse into the lifestyle of the community. On the way there, we realized how difficult it must be to live here — walking long distances. Yet, we came across locals, men and women, who effortlessly trod in between rice paddies while carrying sacks (yes, plural) of produce on their back. We even met a man balancing a stack of timber on his shoulders as he made his way up. (Nahiya naman kami kay manong.) We saw children planting crops, playing along the terraces, and singing while watching...

Bomod-ok Falls in Sagada is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The hike to the falls is filled with stunning views of lush landscapes and terraced rice fields, making every step a visual delight. During our hike, we are also greeted with a field of wild sunflowers, making the experience memorable and sweet.

A guide is required for the hike, ensuring you stay on the right path and learn about the local area. The trail itself is quite challenging, often steep and demanding, which can be very tiring and tough on the knees. Having a walking stick is highly recommended to help navigate the rugged terrain.

However, the effort is well worth it. The sight of Bomod-ok Falls cascading down into a serene pool is breathtaking and a perfect reward for the hike. The falls is very cold and the water is deep. If you know how to swim, jump into the water to feel refreshed before your trek back.

Despite the physical challenge, the experience of reaching the falls and soaking in the natural beauty of Sagada makes it an...