13 AWESOME Waterfalls Near Manila You Should Visit
Planning a quick escape from Manila? There are several waterfalls near Manila that you can visit for a day trip or weekend trip. Most of these are located in Laguna, but other nearby provinces also offer their own unique pools where you can hold a picnic, take a refreshing dip, and most importantly take photos to share to everyone when you get back home!
Here we’ve compiled the best waterfalls near Manila you can visit.
Contents
- 1. Hulugan Falls (Luisiana, Laguna)
- 2. Aliw Falls (Luisiana, Laguna)
- 3. Cavinti Falls (Cavinti, Laguna)
- 4. Kilangin Falls/Bukal (Liliw, Laguna)
- 5. Bunga Falls (Nagcarlan, Laguna)
- 6. Daranak Falls (Tanay, Rizal)
- 7. Buruwisan Falls (Siniloan, Laguna)
- 8. Hinulugang Taktak (Antipolo, Rizal)
- 9. Kaytitinga Falls (San Jose del Monte, Bulacan)
- 10. Pantihan Falls (Maragondon, Cavite)
- 11. Balagbag Falls (Real, Quezon)
- 12. Ambon-Ambon Falls and Malagaslas Falls (Laurel, Batangas)
- 13. Balon-Balon Falls (Cavinti, Laguna)
- What to read next:
1. Hulugan Falls (Luisiana, Laguna)
At 70 meters high, Hulugan Falls is the tallest waterfall in Laguna. This grand spectacle is undoubtedly one of the best waterfalls near Manila — it’s only 2 hours away and it involves less than an hour of trekking to reach.
It’s best visited during the rainy season when the stream transforms into a powerful gush of water which pools into a huge green-ish basin where you can swim. The stream forms a constant mist around it, creating an almost dreamy-like effect.
You can go here for a swim or even a picnic. It’s also possible to camp overnight with tents.
You can also visit the nearby Talay Falls and Hidden Falls before proceeding here to complete the waterfall trilogy in Luisiana (Talay Falls, Hidden Falls, Hulugan Falls).
How to get here:
Ride a bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Then ride a jeep bound for Lucban or Lucena and get off at Barangay San Salvador. Ride a tricycle to the registration area.
There are 2 trails that lead to Hulugan Falls. An easy, longer trail and a short, steep trail. Choose one based on your comfort and experience in trekking.
2. Aliw Falls (Luisiana, Laguna)
Aliw Falls is another one of the recently discovered waterfalls in Laguna. It features a picturesque 25-meter multi-cascade stream of water that collects to a small but deep green pool below.
Swimming here is not advisable because of the pool’s depth. However, you can still have a picnic among the stone chairs and appreciate the green foliage surrounding the waterfall.
How to get here:
Aliw Falls can also be found in Luisiana, Laguna.
From Sta. Cruz, Laguna, ride a jeep bound for Lucban or Lucena and get off at Dafi Resort in Barangay San Jose. Fill up the registration list. Then trek for about 25-30 minutes to reach Aliw Falls. The trek is relatively easy, since there is natural access to the waterfall.
3. Cavinti Falls (Cavinti, Laguna)
If you’re the adventurous type, then you will love Cavinti Falls.
Cavinti Falls is formerly known as Pagsanjan Falls and locally as Magdapio Falls. It’s the last level of a third-tier waterfall along Cavinti River. Its stream falls down from a height of 90 meters against a cave and forms a deep green-ish natural pool. The cave can be reached using a bamboo raft.
How to get here:
Make your way to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. From thereon, you can either choose to go on a boat ride via Pagsanjan (called “Shooting the Rapids“) or hike and rappel your way via Cavinti. The first is the easier of the two options.
4. Kilangin Falls/Bukal (Liliw, Laguna)
Kilangin Falls seems to come straight out of a fairy tale — an enchanting blue pool surrounded by a 40-foot moss-covered wall. The pool has natural spring cold water, which goes up to 15-18 feet deep.
There are no tables or cottages on the site. Eating near the stream is also not allowed. Come here to take a cold dip and go.
How to get here:
Ride a bus to San Pablo or Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Then ride a jeep to Liliw and get off at the municipal hall. Next, ride a tricycle to the registration site. Fill up the registration list. Then trek for 45 minutes to reach Kilangin Falls.
Kilangin Falls can also be reached via Barangay Bukal in Majayjay, where it is called Bukal Falls.
5. Bunga Falls (Nagcarlan, Laguna)
There are certain things that make Bunga Falls a great place to visit: it’s easy to get to, it’s affordable, and it’s ideal for thrill seekers.
Bunga Falls is also called the Twin Falls of Nagcarlan, Laguna. It’s about 15 meters high, featuring a single cascade of water divided by a huge rock. It’s possible to cliff jump from the rocks above.
There are cottages near Bunga Falls where you can rest or leave your things. There are no food stalls. Rest rooms and shower rooms are available, as well as rentals for salbabida or floaters.
How to get here:
Ride a bus to San Pablo, Laguna. Alternately, you can also ride a bus bound for Lucena and get off at San Pablo. Then ride a jeep to Nagcarlan. From there, ride a tricycle to Bunga Falls.
6. Daranak Falls (Tanay, Rizal)
Daranak Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Tanay, Rizal. Daranak Falls is a 14-meter waterfall with a wide pool where you can take a refreshing swim. The pool’s color ranges from aqua blue to a light green.
There are proper tables and a huge function hall in Daranak Falls, so it’s a perfect spot for a picnic. There is also a small sari-sari store where you can buy various items and food.
From Daranak Falls, you can also proceed to Batlag Falls which is about 15-20 minutes away. Batlag Falls is located in a private property so you will need to pay a separate entrance fee.
How to get here:
From Starmall or Edsa Central, ride a jeep bound for Tanay and get off at Tanay Public Market. From there, ride a tricycle to Daranak Falls.
7. Buruwisan Falls (Siniloan, Laguna)
Buruwisan Falls is one of the nine waterfalls tucked in Mount Romelo in Siniloan, Laguna. It is also the most accessible and — a lot of people would argue — the most beautiful. Its stream cascades from a height of about 50 meters into a large pool.
How to get here:
From Starmall or Edsa Central, ride a jeep bound for Tanay and get off at the Tanay Public terminal. Then ride a jeep to Siniloan. Next, ride a tricycle to the crossing leading to Buruwisan Falls Ecology Park. Walk for 10 minutes to reach the registration site.
Start your trek to Mount Romelo. From the mountain’s camp site, trek for 10-15 minutes to reach Buruwisan Falls.
8. Hinulugang Taktak (Antipolo, Rizal)
An hour away from the city, Hinulugang Taktak is one of the most convenient waterfalls near Manila you can visit.
It stands about 21 meters high. It’s considered a protected landscape by the DENR and the Rizal Provincial Government.
Currently, it is closed off from swimming; however, you can still appreciate and take pictures of the waterfall. If you want to take a swim, there’s a man-made swimming pool inside the park. Proper swimming attire is required.
How to get here:
Ride a jeep or van to Antipolo and get off at Victory Mall. Beside the mall, there is a tricycle terminal to Hinulugang Taktak.
9. Kaytitinga Falls (San Jose del Monte, Bulacan)
Kaytitinga Falls is a relatively unknown waterfall located in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan. Currently, it is only known among the mountaineering community although its potential as an ecological destination has already been recognized.
Kaytitinga Falls is a three-tiered waterfall surrounded by flora and fauna. A tribe of Dumagat lives in the area where the Kaytitinga Falls can be found.
As it is untouched, there are no food stalls or other commercial developments near it. You can bring your own food, but make sure to take your trash with you.
How to get here:
Ride a bus or jeep to Tungko, Bulacan. Then ride a jeep to Licao-Licao. From there, ride a tricycle to the jump-off point to Kaytitinga Falls.
10. Pantihan Falls (Maragondon, Cavite)
Pantihan Falls (also known as Balayungan Falls) is a small waterfall known mostly by locals in Maragondon, Cavite. This is a great option if you’re looking for somewhere less crowded.
Pantihan Falls is located inside a resort. As such, getting here requires no trekking.
There are cottages and tables along the riverside where you can relax and eat.
Pantihan Falls is a side trip option after visiting Malibic-libic Falls or hiking in Mount Marami.
How to get here:
Ride a bus to Naic, Cavite. From there, ride a jeepney bound for Magallanes and tell the driver to drop you off at the crossing going to the waterfall. From there, ride a motorcycle to Pantihan Falls.
11. Balagbag Falls (Real, Quezon)
Located 4 hours away from Manila, Balagbag Falls is one of the most-favored waterfalls in Real, Quezon. Balagbag Falls is a two-tiered waterfall with the first level at 5 meters high and the second at 25 meters high. It has a deep pool where tourists can go cliff jumping.
There are cottages in Balagbag Falls which can cater to large groups.
If you have more time, there are several other waterfalls you can visit in Real, including Nonok Falls which is just a 5-minute drive away from Balagbag Falls.
How to get here:
From Manila, ride a bus or van to Real, Quezon.
12. Ambon-Ambon Falls and Malagaslas Falls (Laurel, Batangas)
Ambon-Ambon Falls and Malagaslas Falls are known as the twin falls of Laurel, Batangas. These two waterfalls area an only several minutes of trekking apart.
Ambon-Ambon Falls is two-tiered waterfall enclosed in a towering rock wall. A large slab of rock slides the water off to a swimming basin. There are a handful of picnic huts around where you can stay.
Meanwhile, Malagaslas Falls is easier to get to and is more developed than Ambon-Ambon Falls. It has 3 natural swimming pools with cool water. The tourist area is also larger, with several cottages catering to visitors.
How to get here:
From Cubao or Pasay, ride a bus to Tanauan City/Lipa and get off at Tanuan City junction. Then ride a jeep to Laurel and get off at Laurel Public Market. Next, ride a tricycle to Sitio Salipit. Tell the driver you’re bound for Ambon-Ambon/Malagaslas Falls.
From there, it’s a short 30-minute trek to Ambon-Ambon Falls.
13. Balon-Balon Falls (Cavinti, Laguna)
Balon-Balon Falls is one of the secret waterfalls you can find in Cavinti, Laguna. It’s one of the Tri-Falls of Barangay Tibatib, along with Kipot Falls and Porosa Falls.
This waterfall stands at about 18 feet high. Stand at the bottom of the stream for a refreshing bath or jump into one of the mini-pools around it. From there, it’s only a few minutes walk to reach the other falls in the vicinity.
How to get here:
From the highway in Barangay Tibatib in Cavinti, trek for 20 minutes to reach Balon-Balon Falls. You will need a local guide to take you there.
That ends our list of the best waterfalls near Manila you can visit in a day or during the weekend! Do you have other suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!
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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).