Agbalala Falls: A Refreshing Escape in Abra de Ilog (Occidental Mindoro)

Do you love chasing waterfalls? I do, too! One of my recent discoveries as of late is Agbalala Falls, located in the quiet municipality of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro.

What makes Agbalala Falls worth visiting?

Agbalala Falls is a stunning natural wonder with a majestic height of 115 feet. It features a cool, refreshing basin that goes up to 11 feet deep. Unlike other waterfalls, there is minimal trekking involved so it is easy to visit and child-friendly even!

This waterfall is one of the four waterfalls found in Barangay Wawa, the other three being Agbalala Lovers Falls, Apyas Falls, and Bagolayag Falls. It is also located near the multi-tiered Papali Falls, also found in Abra de Ilog.

Our visit to Agbalala Falls

I visited here with my family while staying at Jan’s Beach Resort in Abra de Ilog. From our resort in Barangay Udalo, it took us about 1.5 hours of travel via multicab to reach Agbalala Falls in Sitio Apias, Barangay Wawa.

From the parking lot, we passed by a beach and then registered at the reception area, which looks like a hobbit house. Outside are picnic tables where families and other visitors can rest and eat, as bringing food in the waterfall is not allowed. There is even a cottage overlooking the beach.

From there, it was only a 2-minute trek to reach Agbalala Falls. I love chasing waterfalls but usually dread the trek, so this is a huge plus point for me. I also liked that even though this tourist spot is developed, the main waterfall area remains untouched.

Oh and alas — we found the majestic Agbalala Falls. What a beauty! We were told that the water from the falls comes from spring water up in the mountains.

We were the only ones there. I was expecting at least a small crowd since it was a Saturday on a long weekend, but also, it being empty makes sense since Abra de Ilog is your quintessential probinsiya and is off-the-beaten path.

We wasted no time to take pictures and dip in the cool, refreshing basin. If you’re bringing kids, they can swim at the edge of the waterfall since it is shallow and there is also a buoy available. What did I say – child-friendly!

There is also a spot that we call a mini-jacuzzi, where you can lay down and feel the cool stream flowing from the basin.

On the left side of the waterfall is a steep incline that you can trek, leading to another small basin and, further, to a few Mangyan houses.

After about 2 hours, upon which two other groups of visitors came and went, we left the waterfall area.

We stayed next at the beach side, since Hali wanted to swim and snorkel at the marine sanctuary just in front. There is interesting home reef here, although it was shallow and the waves were a bit strong due to the weather. If you’re a good swimmer, this is a good activity to do after swimming in Agbalala Falls.

Overall, we had a fantastic time at Agbalala Falls. I would love to come back here the next time we’re in Abra de Ilog. 🙂

About Agbalala Falls

Agbalala Falls is one of the best tourist spots in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro. This hidden gem offers visitors a refreshing escape into nature, featuring cascading waters surrounded by lush, untouched forest. The waterfall is not only a serene spot for relaxation but also a rewarding destination for adventurers who are stopping by Abra de Ilog.

If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, Agbalala Falls is the perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.

How to get to Agbalala Falls

Agbalala Falls is located at Sitio Agpas, Barangay Wawa, in the municipality of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro. Here are directions on how to get here:

From Manila

• Take a bus to Batangas Port and then a ferry to Abra de Ilog. Travel time is 2-2.5 hours.
• Once in Abra de Ilog, you can charter a tricycle to the jump-off point for Agbalala Falls. Travel time is about 30 minutes.

From other parts of Mindoro

You can reach Abra de Ilog by taking a bus or van from nearby towns like Calapan or San Jose, and then proceed to the falls.

What to expect at the Agbalala Falls

• Scenic beauty: Agbalala Falls cascades down to a cool, clear basin where you can take a refreshing dip. The surrounding vegetation adds to the tranquil atmosphere.
• Swimming and relaxation: The cool waters of the falls offer a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation. There are shallow and deep parts, so it’s perfect even for families.
• Photography: The picturesque setting of Agbalala Falls makes it a great spot for nature photography. Be sure to capture the cascading waters, vibrant greenery, and unique rock formations.

Agbalala Falls rates

(Updated as of 2024) Here are the current rates for visiting Agbalala Falls:

• Regular tourists: P150 (entrance fee + environmental fee; including local guide)
• Residents of Abra de Ilog: P50

Swimming at the beach in front is free.

Travel Tips to Agbalala Falls

• Best time to visit: Agbalala Falls can be visited all-year-round. If you visit during the dry season (November to May), expect a thinner cascade but also a clearer pool for swimming. During the rainy season, the falls can be dramatic, with higher water flow. It is not possible to swim here during extreme rains. We visited on the month of August, where previous rains have filled the stream but the basin is still clear.
• Safety: The trail to Agbalala Falls is generally safe, but be cautious of slippery rocks, especially during the rainy season.
• Respect nature: As with any natural site, it’s important to leave no trace. Avoid littering and be mindful of the environment.
• What to bring: Towel, change of clothes, drybag or other waterproof bag for your belongings, snacks and drinking water, and a smartphone or camera to capture the experience. There are no stores at the site so make sure you bring your essentials with you.

Other nearby attractions

Aside from Agbalala Falls, you can also visit three other waterfalls in Barangay Wawa (Agbalala Lovers Falls, Apyas Falls, and Bagolayag Falls). It is also near the multi-tiered Papali Falls — however, according to our local guide it is rather difficult to get there.

There is little information about these sites, so I suggest getting a local guide or asking your accommodation host about them.

Where to stay

While Abra de Ilog is a small town with limited accommodation options, you can find a few homestays and basic lodges that offer a comfortable stay.

If you’re staying at the port, check out Iraya Hotel.

Alternatively, you can opt to stay in nearby towns like Puerto Galera or Sablayan, which offer more lodging choices and then take a day trip to Agbalala Falls.

Agbalala Falls is a must-visit destination in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro. If you like chasing waterfalls, make sure to include this in your bucket list!

Have you been to Agbalala Falls in Abra de Ilog? What other tourist attractions in Abra de Ilog do you recommend? Let us know in the comments section below!

What to read next:

You might also be interested in these:

• Where to stay in Abra de Ilog: Jan’s Beach Resort
• Agbalala Falls
• Abra de Ilog Tourist Spots and Things to Do

You can also check out our guide on the nearby Puerto Galera.