3 Enchanting Waterfalls Of Luisiana Laguna and How To Get There

Hulugan falls, Hidden falls and Talay falls

Luisiana Laguna is blessed with nice waterfalls that made this quaint province popular to tourists longing to see its hidden gem that lies in the dense forest of this town.  

I am not really into mounting climbing but because of sheer adventure that struck me, I listed my name to join into a group tour.  I already searched about this place and the view tickled my fancy and so that is why I joined in, plus the fact that Laguna is just a few hours from Manila which is also a contributing factor for me to get to try this trekking experience.

The meeting place was 6 am at HM Transit in EDSA, Cubao.  The bus ride from Cubao to Laguna took us 2 hours.  It was a Sunday then and the traffic was fast-moving.  We took a jeep at a terminal which took us about 15 minutes waiting before it was fully packed and moved away.  

The travel was fast and short and we were already at Luisiana proper.  We alighted at the corner of San Salvador along Luisiana highway and walked our way to a near distance where few organizers are waiting for tourists like us who will be trekking for that day.  We paid a minimal environmental fee for each of us 12 persons in the group.  They showed us to either walk our way or take a tricycle to the jump-off point where we have to register and enlist our names.  We all decided to take the convenient way by riding a tricycle so we can start earlier.

The jump-off point is a cozy house with a sari-sari store where you can buy drinks and snacks and they also have pay comfort rooms.  When we met our tour guide we took off immediately.  

There are 3 falls we have to see on this tour, the first fall we visited was a 30 minutes trek from where we took-off.  For me, it was already a challenge as it was a long time ago since I trekked in the forest.  

The trail was muddy and slippery due to the overnight rain that occurred last night, there is man-made bamboo handrail that kept us grounded while descending the trail that will lead us to the first falls.  

We had to stride on the sprawled rocks on the small river to cross it when we were on the other side of the river, we could hear a faint gushing of water coming from a waterfall.

1.    TALAY FALLS

This is the first fall that we encountered and the smallest amongst the 4 falls in Luisiana.  Before we arrived here, just below the falls, we stopped over for our early lunch.  There are man-made bamboo tables and benches where anybody can use them.

2.    HIDDEN FALLS

If you want to see this falls there is no other way to reach Hidden Falls than rappel on a big boulder of stone to reach the top where Hidden Falls can be seen.  The climb is short and space is narrow, the climber should be one at a time as there is only one rope to use for climbing and descending the boulder.

Once you get to the top, the mystical Hidden Falls looks so magical that your effort is so worth it.

From afar, we were contented watching and hearing the rippling of water coming on top.  Although it can be reached, we did not get closer because our Tour guide warned us of the difficulty in getting near it as you have to climb the steep solid boulders and there are sharp edge rocks as described by our tour guide.  So we better had to stay safe than risking any untoward incident.

3.    HULUGAN FALLS

Finally, we reached the main event, this majestic falls called Hulugan falls.  The fall is tall and wide, you can swim below the cool embed river or you can just stay below the fall and feel the gushing of water on your head and shoulders.  We stayed there and enjoy its entirety for 2 hours.  The area is secluded with nothing more but nature that surrounds it.  

HOW TO GET TO LUISIANA FALLS FROM MANILA:

Getting to Luisiana Falls Via Van Transport:

Due to the popularity of Hulugan falls nowadays, there are Tour operators and Travel agencies offering this day tour activity all year round.  You just have to check on their available schedules.  Most of the van can accommodate a maximum of 12 persons per tour. In Metro Manila, the most common meet-up places are Farmers Cubao, Centris Quezon Avenue, Greenfield EDSA Central Mandaluyong and Mall of Asia Manila. 

This is convenient, economical and less hassle.  The Tour operator will collect your payment and make the arrangements and all you have to do is meet with your assigned local tour guide there.

Manila Van Transport route is via South Luzon Expressway, all the way to Sta. Cruz Laguna and Luisiana-Cavinti Road.

Getting to Luisiana Falls by public transport:

1.    Ride a bus from Cubao or Buendia (HM Transport or JAC Liner) to Sta. Cruz, Laguna.  

2.    From Sta. Cruz Laguna, ride a jeepney going to Luisiana.  The jeepney route will take the National Highway going to Rizal Street, Pagsanjan Town until you reach Pagsanjan-Cavinti Road.  The jeepney will take the right turn going to Luisiana-Lucban Road.  Drop-off at San Salvador Road.  There is a metal ark of San Salvador on the right, a waiting shed and the signage of Hulugan falls at the corner that you should not miss.

3.    Take a few minutes to walk and ride a tricycle going to the drop-off point.

Going to Luisiana falls on public transport is more flexible in your time, as you have to set your schedule and time when you want to get there.  You have also the privilege to visit the town proper and nearby towns like Pagsanjan and Cavinti.

Going to Luisiana Falls by private car 

                      

Whether you will rent a car, van or using your car, the route will either be through South Luzon Expressway, that is the Bus or jeep route or you may travel via the Rizal route. 

Taking the Rizal route will start from Antipolo then Theresa, and Pililia all the way to the last town, which is Tanay, Rizal.  Adjacent to it is Liloan Laguna, just take the Lumban road that will lead to Cavinti-Luisiana Road.  

                                         

I hope this blog post encouraged you to visit the enchanting falls of Luisiana.  Share this post if you find this helpful.


Posted by: Mrs. Wanderful

Quirky Canada: Unusual Things to do in the Country

Image source

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, whether you’re travelling with the kids or going it alone. If you don’t want to do all the usual stuff like visiting Niagara Falls and The CN Tower, you will be delighted to know that there is much more to Canada than meets the eye, and you should have no trouble finding more interesting things to do.

In order to get into Canada, you will first need to take a look at the Official Canada ETA guidelines and ensure that you comply with all requirements. Once that’s settled, and your flights have been booked, sit back, relax and take a look at the following unusual things to do in Canada.

Travel Australia in Style with These Hints

Photo source: Pixabay

Australia is known for being a popular country for backpackers. People travel the country on a shoestring budget, managing to do it even with the high cost of living. Many people stay for a year or more on a working holiday visa. However, for some people, that's not the way they want to see such a magnificent country. If you prefer to travel in comfort, you're probably

looking for something with a little more luxury. Australia isn't just a country for backpackers, and you can enjoy a luxury trip there too. Pack your bags and check out how you can do it.

Look for Luxury Accommodation

The backpacker's choice of accommodation is usually a hostel, where they can stay for extended periods on a small budget . It's a great thing to do if you want to meet fellow travelers. However, if you have more money to spend, you might want something more sophisticated. You'll find excellent options for a luxurious stay across the country. The first option you could consider is a hotel. You can find luxury brands such as Four Seasons or boutique offerings for independent hotels. If you want more privacy, you should look into

renting an apartment or house.

Photo source: Pexels

Travel in Style

Australia is a vast country and if you want to see a lot of it, you need to choose a way to travel.  You could hire a car for a roadtrip, but there are more comfortable options. Of course, you could fly for a short journey. However, if you want to see some scenery along the way, you should consider some other choices. For example, a cruise around the coast is an excellent way to see some of the major cities. You could also take the train and pay for a cabin, which can give you magnificent views of the outback.

Take a Private Tour

When you arrive in the country, you could wander around with a guide book. However, the way to really get to know somewhere new is to have a local person show you around. You'll find companies like Kimberley Tours that can offer you a private tour. A local guide can not only show you all the best places but share their knowledge about the area too. Your tour could be on foot, in a 4x4, or even by bike. There are all kinds of tours you might enjoy,
depending on what sort of traveller you are. If you love the outdoors, you can get out into nature. If you're more of a city dweller, you could take a tour based on food, architecture, art, and more.

Photo source : Pixabay

Find a Luxury Hideaway

If you want to avoid backpackers and tourists, it's a good idea to stay away from the cities.  Instead, you can find yourself a luxury hideaway. Australia has some great islands and remote retreats where you can get away from it all. Take a boat to Tasmania's Satellite Island or go deep into the bush to spend your time at a spa.

Australia offers plenty for the luxury traveler. You don't have to travel like a backpacker or even be anywhere near them.

Sightseeing Matutinao River and Kawasan Falls in Badian Cebu

Kawasan falls

It was still early in the afternoon after our Moalboal adventure and we wanted to explore the most we could visit in Southern Cebu.  Badian is the next town after Moalboal which has 11 kilometers distance and about thirty minutes travel time from Moalboal lies one of the tourist spots in Cebu which is Kawasan Falls.

When we arrived at the entrance gate there were line up of tourists both local and foreign waiting for their turn to get an entrance ticket where adults has to pay Php 15.00 each and children Php 5.00 each.  The payment is for the environmental fee for the maintenance and protection of the park.

We trailed the long road for about 15 to 20 minutes going to the falls.  The path is sandy and pebbled which was difficult for me because I was not wearing thick soles footwear that I was always left behind as I was careful in my every step not to scrape the sand which can get in between the holes of my footwear.   

A Day of Adventure in Moalboal, Southern Cebu

Rapelling at Moalboal Cebu

Visiting the Cebu island would not be complete without experiencing and seeing its nature’s wonder.  The Southern part of Cebu boasts of its pristine clear waters, white sandy beaches, captivating falls and lush greenery. 

Unleash your fantasy with Underwater Phantaseas

San Juan, Batangas

     I love the beach! And there is nowhere I find solitude rather than this place.  But what’s ironic about it is that I am not a good swimmer and until now I still have butterflies in my stomach every time I swim in the beach and maybe because I lack the proper training.  If I got the proper training in swimming and scuba diving I might have that confidence to swim even in the deepest part of the sea until where I can hold my breath.

Dubai- A Unique Combination Of Attractive Destinations

Guest Post by Sheeza Nehal

     Dubai is one of the most designed places with a lot of attractions all around the city. Originally it was just a wasteland but now due to modifications it becomes the perfect combination of Arabic customs and modern innovations. As a result the city becomes the most eye catching vacationer location of everyone.

Tailor made safari tour

photo credit to www.primatetours.com

                Most travel packages I have encountered on the website offered by travel agencies are fixed itineraries that would often lead me to dropping down the travel package because there were locations or activity included that I am not interested in joining which constituted in the package cost. Because of this, me and my family would often resort to online search for every possible most sought after tourist site and with the high number of positive reviews and by doing this it would take some time to end up with a nice itinerary that would fit

Camping experience at a resort in Olongapo

  

    For a change we tried camping out with the kids last summer at Ocean View Resort in Olongapo.  This was not the first time for me and my hubby to try this kind of outing experience and in fact this has been our 4^th time but this time together with our three kids.  Although Ocean View Resort has different accommodations like enclosed cottages and hotel rooms for their guests they are allowing campers to settle on the beach, they only collect payment for the entrance fee which is PHP 120.00 for adult and PHP 90.00 for kids beyond 12 years old, and also campers has an option to rent an open cottage which I recommend for your source of electricity.  They have different cottage sizes for small and large group starting from PHP 1,200.00.

Dive Point Alcoy: Best Resort Near Oslob Whale Shark Watching

 

Swimming with the sharks in Oslob

    The once sleepy seaside town in southern Cebu has awakened in recent years. What used to be a secret among travelers and a weekend escape for some has now attracted many visitors both locally and internationally. Southern Cebu has a rich natural beauty specifically its beaches, diving and colonial churches. Perhaps, the most famous is whale shark watching in the town of Oslob.

Highlights of our road trip in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

     In my previous post I left you hanging with my preview of KL Hop-on Hop-off bus, and this post is the continuation of where the bus brought us and I will show you the highlights of our tour within the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Sightseeing Singapore in an hour via Duck Tour

Singapore Duck Tour ride

          One of the most memorable and exciting experience when I traveled Singapore in 2009 was the Duck Tour ride.  We only had one day to tour around Singapore so our limited time to travel around making it easier to have a glimpse on most of the tourist attractions that Singapore has to offer.

Digyo Island, a hidden paradise

One of the four islands of Cuatro Islas in Inopacan, Leyte which is the smallest and farthest among the four islands.

    

      After a day's tour in Baybay town and nearby beaches, we are still clamoring to see more of Leyte's beauty. We were told that Cuatro Islas at Inopacan, a nearby town after Baybay has this beautiful island called Digyo which is not so well known to tourists.

Zoobic Safari Adventure

Zoobic Safari, Subic, Philippines

    A close encounter with the hungry ferocious tigers is the main event of our tour in Zoobic.  In the middle of the tour, you will be given a chance to get near them.  To get inside their habitat, we had to ride in an enclosed jeep, with customized steel matting windows on both sides and on top.  Since we are seeking for an adventure we opted to bring a piece of meat to lure the tigers to come near our vehicle, you also have a choice if you just want to see them in their habitat or a real adventure by enticing them with a piece of meat so they will come near you. 

Lunch at Glenn 50's Diner Baguio

 After checking–in at our hotel and took a short nap we headed to 50’s Diner to eat lunch, we chose this restaurant because it has a very good review of the internet search on where to eat in Baguio.  It was past 1:00 pm and there are still customers waiting for their turn to be accommodated inside the dining area, at 1:30 we were led inside.  The waiting is satisfied because the food is good and they're serving per order is good enough for 2 to 3 persons.  One thing I just don’t like in this place are the “ukay-ukay” occupying their parking lot, that’s why we had difficulty finding the restaurant because of the merchant vendors blocking their facade.