Conquering Hulugan Falls

Chasing waterfalls is so much fun and gives you a different kind of adrenalin rush. Four of us who are former officemates had planned to go to Hulugan Falls in Luisiana, Laguna on one Saturday. However, due to fear of the moonsoon rains forecast that weekend, we cancelled our trip. Unfortunately, it did not rain and the sun was up from Saturday to Monday. I was so frustrated and wished that I could have gone by myself.
We rescheduled our trip the following Saturday and only two made it.

We met up at DLTB bus station beneath the Gil Puyat LRT station at 7am and traveled to Sta Cruz, Laguna for about 3.5 hours. Upon reaching Sta Cruz bus terminal, we crossed the street and went to Mr Liempo to have an early lunch.

After eating, we tried to get a jeepney bound for Lucban or Luisiana. Unable to ride the jeepney, we hailed a tricycle that would take us directly to Brgy San Salvador. The ride was about 45 minutes and cost Php300.

Upon reaching the arch of Brgy San Salvador, we were assigned our guide who would take us to the registration area (which happened to be the house of the Brgy Captain).

dont miss the arch

 The guide has no fixed rate and it's up to visitors to give what they think is reasonable. (though we read in blogs that P300 minimum is ok) . We registered and paid the environmental fee.

registration area with mini store

 We left our bags at the registration area cum mini store and the wife of the brgy captain was kind enough to store them. We just took one backpack with our provision.We changed to our bathing clothes and rode another tricycle to the jump off area. The fare was Php10 each. The road was newly paved and we had a smooth ride. The trek started at the end of paved road.

steep descent

Our guide led us to the trail and then to the steep descent. Luckily, it did not rain the night before so that the trail was not muddy. The descent was steep and would sometimes be 70 to 80 degrees inclined. It was not for the fainthearted.

 Thanks to the bamboo railings which helped us along the trail.

It was a heart pumping and knee breaking journey.  The grueling trek was about 40 minutes long. However, the view of the waterfalls took our breath away and we forgot how tired we were.

first glimpse of the waterfalls

the mist can be felt even at this distance

Journey, our guide

It was majestic and the cascades were strong. The mist brought about by the strong falling waters could reach 50 meters. Waterproofing your gadgets is a must. Your DSLR and lens would be dampened and would become difficult to shoot unless you have a waterproof camera . Not sure how deep the catch basin was but there were shallow portions where one can just wade or sit or lie down.

We read that Hulugan falls is about 70 meters high and considered the highest waterfalls in Laguna. It is being maintained with the help of the guides who pick up the trash and scrub the rocks to prevent moss from growing and becoming slippery.

We decided not to go to the second waterfall and just spent time at Hulugan falls. After 2 hours, we headed back to the registration area on the same path we took. The ascent was much difficult. We have to stop every now and then to catch our breath. Our legs were already shaking but we managed to reach the jump off point in one piece.

tricycles waiting at the jump off point

We took a tricycle back to the registration area where we tidy up.

We heard of  a delicious bibingka (rice cake with coconut strips and cheese topping) being sold somewhere.  The store selling the bibingka was far from the main road and our guide was kind enough to buy for us. the bibingka is being sold for 3 pieces @ Php100 and comes in native bag.

We also bought some fruits being sold at the registration area. Lanzones and rambutan were in season when we visited the waterfalls.

low lying rambutan for picking

Overall, we were delighted with our day trip and promised to return to visit the nearby Aliw falls.

Budget if 2 pax
Bus fare Buendia-Sta Cruz-Buendia  140 x 2 = Php 280
Tricycle fare to San Salvador 300/2 = 150
(could have been 30 if via jeepney)

Guide fee ( if 2 pax 300/2) = 150
Environmental fee 15
Shower fee 15
Tricycle to-from jump off point 10 x 2 = 20
Jeepney to Sta Cruz  30
Total excluding food Php 660

How to get to Hulugan Falls:
-Take bus at Buendia bound for Sta Cruz,Laguna ( JAC, DLTB)
-At Sta Cruz , take jeep to Lucban or Luisiana; tell driver to drop you at Brgy San Salvador

Tips:
- check weather forecast for rains
- trail can be muddy during rainy season; avoid wearing flipflops; hiking shoes or aqua shoes are advisable
- Waterproof your belongings especially cameras
-bring packed lunch and water; it would be nice if you bring one for your guide
-prepare your body before your trip; practise going up and down the stairs for 2 weeks to condition your legs
-bring plastic bag ; take your trash with you;
-you can tidy up at the registration area for a small fee

Enjoy!