Laguna is not only known for its hot springs (which I haven't tried yet unfortunately), but also for quite a number of falls located within the area. Since I have been to the famous Pagsanjan and the splendid Buntot Palos, it's time to visit another one. I have been seeing a lot of photos lately about this wonderful work of nature and I wouldn't want to miss the chance to see it for myself - San Salvador's Hulugan Falls.
We started our journey early because we were told that it can get really crowded during weekends. True enough, we already saw a lot of groups who rode the jeepney with us to San Salvador.
The trail to Hulugan falls was muddy but fairly easy. I wish I wore my hiking shoes though because the road was slippery with my sandals. It even got worse as we approached the narrow entrance to the falls.
After a 45-minute hike, we finally made it to the majestic Hulugan Falls. One will really be in awe upon witnessing the huge, cascading waters of Hulugan. We only stayed there for 30 minutes because there were a lot of people, so we just spent our time taking photos. We then left and ventured to Talay Falls.
After a 30-45 minutes of trekking, we arrived at Talay Falls. This one is smaller. Hikers can swim against the rapids and climb the elevated area for diving. Neil was one of the brave guys who jumped, since that's what he usually likes doing, he surely wouldn't be missing that one. LOL! We also ate our lunch there. There were others who hiked to the upper part of the falls. Just tell your guide to accompany you there to get a better view.
Fifteen minutes before 2 PM, we left the area hoping we could still go to Aliw-Aliw Falls. The hike back to Kapitan's house was shorter, it only took us 30 minutes (more or less), I guess. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed by the Kapitan to go to Aliw-Aliw Falls because of some unresolved tourism issues. Hopefully, by next year, they will already allow hikers to visit the falls and see its beauty.
The trail to Hulugan falls was muddy but fairly easy. I wish I wore my hiking shoes though because the road was slippery with my sandals. It even got worse as we approached the narrow entrance to the falls.
After a 45-minute hike, we finally made it to the majestic Hulugan Falls. One will really be in awe upon witnessing the huge, cascading waters of Hulugan. We only stayed there for 30 minutes because there were a lot of people, so we just spent our time taking photos. We then left and ventured to Talay Falls.
After a 30-45 minutes of trekking, we arrived at Talay Falls. This one is smaller. Hikers can swim against the rapids and climb the elevated area for diving. Neil was one of the brave guys who jumped, since that's what he usually likes doing, he surely wouldn't be missing that one. LOL! We also ate our lunch there. There were others who hiked to the upper part of the falls. Just tell your guide to accompany you there to get a better view.
Fifteen minutes before 2 PM, we left the area hoping we could still go to Aliw-Aliw Falls. The hike back to Kapitan's house was shorter, it only took us 30 minutes (more or less), I guess. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed by the Kapitan to go to Aliw-Aliw Falls because of some unresolved tourism issues. Hopefully, by next year, they will already allow hikers to visit the falls and see its beauty.
Itinerary:
5:30 AM Take JAC Liner with Sta. Cruz, Laguna route from Buendia
8:00 AM ETA at Sta. Cruz Laguna; Take jeep to San Salvador
8:30 AM Arrival at San Salvador, Luisiana, Laguna; Registration at Kapitan's house
9:00 AM Start trek to Hulugan Falls
9:45 AM Arrive at Hulugan Falls (Swim, Shoot, Bond <3)
11:20 AM Leave Hulugan Falls; Start trek to Talay Falls
11:50 AM Arrive at Talay Falls; Lunch
1:45 PM Start trek back
2:00 PM Back in Kapitan's house; Logout and Wash Up
4:00 PM Take jeep back to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (Try topload!)
4:30 PM Arrival at Sta. Cruz; Early dinner
5:30 PM ETD back to Manila
Thanks for spending your time on my blog. I'm definitely coming back to Laguna for Aliw-Aliw Falls. As for now, I will keep exploring.
Budget reference:
Bus to Sta. Cruz - P140
Jeep to Brgy. San Salvador - P30
Food - P50 (packed lunch)
Registration fee (Kapitan's house) - P10
Guide fee (no fixed rate yet) - P50/ person (P350 for a group of 7)
Ice cream along the way - P10
Wash-up - P15
Food - P50 (packed lunch)
Registration fee (Kapitan's house) - P10
Guide fee (no fixed rate yet) - P50/ person (P350 for a group of 7)
Ice cream along the way - P10
Wash-up - P15
Jeep back to Sta. Cruz - P30
Dinner (Carinderia) - P45
Bus back to Manila - P140
Bus back to Manila - P140
Wow, thank you for sharing your detailed itinerary and expenses! It will be a lot of help since we're planning on visiting this January. :)
ReplyDeleteOchi | Ochi In The City
Hi Ochi, no prob. I'm glad to be of help. Have fun in your future visit to Hulugan Falls. Merry Christmas! :)
DeleteThank you po for sharing. Its really great help. Me and my friend just arrive today from hulugan falls, we use your blog as our guide and now we are sharing your blog to our friends to use as their guide as well. After our Hulugan Falls we go straight to Pansol, Laguna and stayed overnight in one of the Hotspring resorts there. Its a great combo po. Since the hike to Hulugan is energy consuming, we thought it might be best to relax our body afterwards soaked in hotspring. Again po thank you so muh for the guide.
ReplyDeleteHi Zizzibeh. Wow! I'm so glad my blog helped. Sad we weren't able to try the hot springs in Pansol yet. I would definitely go back for that. You're very much welcome. Thanks for sharing this to your friends. Let's keep exploring :)
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