Tamaraw Falls and Virgin Island of Oriental Mindoro

White Beach, Puerto Galera is no doubt the best destination when you asked for a tourist spot in Oriental Mindoro. However, it doesn't mean that it is the only tourist destination they have. As Oriental Mindoro houses some of the majestic moutain (one is Mt Halcon), prestine beach water, white sand, and other unspoiled natural beauty. So during our 2 days (yup, 2 days only) visit at Puerto Galera, I really compressed our itinerary so that we can be able to see some of their natural resources.

One of the natural resources Im talking here that they offer to tourists and catches my attention is the Tamaraw Falls. Why? Then read further...

Claire doing her "eksena" again

How to get there?
Click here for direction: Manila to Puerto Galera. Then from White Beach, Puerto Galera, take a tricycle ride going to "Bayan" or Calapan Terminal. Fare is 100 pesos per tricycle which is good for 4 pax. As you reach Calapan Terminal, ride a jeepney going tamaraw falls which costs 40 pesos per pax. It is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes of time travel from White Beach to Tamaraw Falls.

But since we went there in a large group, we did rent a multicab to take us at Tamaraw Falls which costs us 1,500 pesos. Though it is a bit expensive compared if we travel on our own, we still avail it for reasons. One, it will saves us time (remember, we're only there for 2 days). So we value more of our time than a penny. Second, for convenient purposes. Most of my companion in this trip were ladies so I have to make this travel less stressful. Third, I've read and heard that travelling back to White Beach from Tamaraw Falls is difficult as jeepneys are already or almost full because they also have another terminal right before Tamaraw Falls. And since we were a large group, chance of fitting into 1 jeepney that passes Tamaraw Falls is very low.

Touchdown! We're at Tamaraw Falls

To answer the question why Tamaraw Falls catches my attention, it is because this falls is just right beside a road bridge. Yes, you read it right. People who wants to see Tamaraw Falls do not need to hike, trek or passed by any forest as this attraction is accessible to passers-by.

Tamaraw Falls is composed of different unsymmetrical layers of falls that leads into grand one as it reach the waterbed. It is located in Barangay Villaflor, Puerto Galera and according to Wikipedia, it stands at 423 feet (or 129m) tall. Approximately, it is a 4-5 storey building high. It is covered with lush green plants which adds beauty of this falls. The water streaming down this falls isn't that grand, maybe because it hasn't rain for more than a month now, yet it still possess an undeniably unique beauty. We were actually all smiling and excited as we saw Tamaraw Falls up-close and in person.

I wonder how it looks like during rainy season

Taking photos and hanging out on the bridge is free but there is a man-made pools under it where the water of Tamaraw falls cascades on. However, one must pay 30 pesos in order to get inside the area. There are also cottages (140 pesos) and tables (30 pesos) wherein you can place your things as you go swim into the chilling water of Tamaraw Falls.

No electricity on this part of the Galera

Just like the falls, the man-made pools are also cascading. It is divided into 3 or 4 layers with different water levels. One thing is common on all pools, they're all cold. Haha. Those pools are not as developed as you imagine. It seems like it was created whatever so people could enjoy swimming. Who cares? I only spent 30 pesos. The water may fool you and you may take it as dirty because of its green color (due to moss) but I assure you its clean and refreshing. As I, myself dive into it.

Luscious green surrounding! Priceless! 

Water from the mother falls

With my 2 photo-bomber friends

Mini falls near the cliff

Note: Those pools are  near the cliff so be very careful and cautious as you swim and explore the area. Some spots tends to be slippery as the pools' rocks are exposed to water.

After an hour of picture taking and splashing on its water. We then bid our farewell to Tamaraw Falls but that's not the end of this blog entry as we also had a side trip to "Virgin Island" beach.

Sidetrip: Virgin Island

Our trip to Virgin Island is also included in our 1,500 payment going to Tamaraw Falls. Though we only spent half an hour to this unspoiled beach as we were catching up the sunset at White Beach of Puerto Galera, our group still enjoyed the stay as well as its water. I have 2 conclusions why this place is called Virgin Island Beach. One is because of the grotto of the Vigin Mary installed in the middle of a huge rock and second, is because it is still undeveloped and a non-commercial coast.

The grotto of the Mama Mary

Photo op!

The 4-hour trip was really worth it. Seeing other part of Mindoro aside from White Beach, Puerto Galera is quite refreshing. I said that because I prefer going to unspoiled and hidden natural resources rather than party-vibe beaches. That's my type of adventure.

Breakdown of Expenses:
Multicab (White Beach - Tamaraw Falls - Virgin Island Beach) - 1,500 Pesos / 8 pax = 188 Pesos
Tamaraw Falls Entrance Fee - 30 Pesos per pax
Food - **.**

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Mimbalot Falls of Brgy. Buru-un, Iligan City

Iligan City is well-known for its falls as this city homes to no less than 30 waterfalls. Some of the famous waterfalls of Iligan are Tinago Falls and Maria Christina Falls (which I always came across on my elementary and high school textbooks). Moreover, this blog post will feature Mimbalot Falls. Another waterfall in Iligan with undeniably beautiful cascading water.

Our visit to Mimbalot Falls was actually unexpected and unplanned. Our group should be visiting Maria Christina Falls and Tinago Falls but due to landslide because of Typhoon Agaton, we were unable to visit those iconic falls. So we ask our driver of that tour an alternative as we do not want to leave the city of Iligan without visiting any of its falls. Then he mentioned Mimbalot Falls. Though we don't have an idea what Mimbalot Falls looks like, we all agreed to his suggestion.

How to get there?
From the city proper, you can ride a jeep with a "Buru-un" signboard. If you are near the NPC Park, the area of Mimbalot Falls is just 15 minutes away and the fare is 10 pesos per pax. Inform the driver to drop you off at Miguel Canohoy Memorial School. Then from the school you can just walk going to Mimbalot Falls. There are locals living along the way to Mimbalot Falls. Locals here are very approachable so you can ask for directions going to the falls. When you reach the welcoming sign of "Iligan City School of Fisheries", just continue walking on the left. After 10 minutes of another walk, you'll be able to hear the strong sound of falling and running water. Yes! You're now in Mimbalot Falls!

Shot at one of the viewing deck of Mimbalot Falls

After being stopped by landslide with our supposedly trip to Maria Christina and Tinago Falls, seeing Mimbalot Falls that day brought us happiness and charge our spirit up! Mimbalot Falls is covered with trees and plants from its foot until on its top. It stands at 90 feet and cascades into a series of drops because of its water path has lots of large rock that divides the water in rivulets. How I wish it was a fair day during our visit because I found Mimbalot Falls photogenic. Unfortunately, it was raining had that day and its too risky exposing my camera out in there. But I did tried taking photos to have something to post in here.

Aside from taking photographs and dipping into the water, visitors can also enjoy zip lining and trekking as Mimbalot Falls is part of a Paradise Resort and Eco Park. The Eco park is located on top of Mimbalot Falls so you have to trek up to be able to reach it. Take an extra caution when trekking up as the steps are quite slippery. Don't worry as it will only take10-15 minutes of trekking to reach the Eco park.

Way going to the Eco Park

Upon reaching the Eco park, the environment has changed. It is already developed as I saw cottages and different rides above Mimbalot Falls. Some of the rides were zip lines, cable cart, hanging bridge walk, trampoline (on the edge of a cliff) and a swing (swings its passenger to the cliff back to the edge). I also heard they also offer horse back riding, ATVs and dirt biking.

Cable Cart trip that will cross along Mimbalot Falls

This activity will swing you back and forth to an edge of a cliff

Try walking across this hanging bridge

Right away, our group did tried their zip line. The unique thing of zip lining at the Eco park is you've got to see the full view of Mimbalot Falls as this line will cross you from it. Yes, we were on top of Mimbalot Falls. I couldn't hold myself to be amazed on its beauty and all that surrounds it. It is really a must try guys! It costs us 150 pesos per pax for the zip line. If you want to do it in a superman way, you'll have to pay 200 pesos. Aside from that, you also have a choice if you want to do it alone or with a partner. If there is something I regret that day, it was the thought that I should have brought my camera with me during my turn on the zip line. Zip lining here will gives you the perfect angle and view of the waterfalls. Ugh! I should have find a plastic to cover my camera from that rain!

Yap and Baron enjoying the ride

Note: If you have lots of spare time, you can also do river trekking at from Tinago Falls going to Mimbalot Falls. Yes, this two falls are connected to one another. Just make sure you have dry bags or any waterproof bags as you'll be expected to get wet during this trek.

Though the rain didn't stop that day, we still did enjoy our trip to Iligan... to Mimbalot Falls. This unexpected trip really brought us unexpected happiness!!!

Breakdown of Expenses:
Jeepney ride - 10 PhP per pax
Zip line (two-way) - 150 PhP per pax
Zip line Superman way (two-way) - 200 PhP per pax
Trampoline - 120 PhP per pax
Cable Cart - 120 PhP per pax
Hanging Bridge - 50 PhP per pax

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