Malagaslas and Ambon Ambon Waterfalls

There are two waterfalls in Laurel, Batangas which my friend and I  decided to visit- Malagaslas & Ambon Ambon eventhough it was rainy season.   We met at Buendia station of Starexpress at around 730am which was quite late already and boarded the bus heading to Tanauan City . It took us less than 2 hours to reach Tanauan. Upon reaching Tanauan proper,  we hailed a tricycle that would take us to the jeepney terminal bound for Laurel. We were blessed with sunny day.

Jeepney terminal to Laurel

harvested veggied as our co passengers

From the terminal to Laurel, the travel time was less than 90 minutes. We alighted at Laurel market at around 11am and we searched for an eatery to have a snack before proceeding to Bo. Salipit which was the jump off point of the trek to the waterfalls. We found an eatery inside the market compound and ordered Batangas Lomi. The jumbo serving was good for two persons and it cost only P80.

After finishing our snack, we hailed a tricycle that would take us to our jump off point. The first portion of the road was paved but after that it was bumpy road and probably muddy when it is raining. At the jump off point, our tricycle driver offered to be our guide for whatever fee we think was good enough. Since we read several blogs and the guide fee mentioned was P300 , we agreed on that fee. Our guide, Kuya Eddie, led the way.  We crossed a hanging steel bridge. It was fun crossing the bridge with stream underneath it and  trees on the sides.

steel hanging bridge

We paid P5 environmental fee and registered at a small store. Kuya Eddie was sometimes ahead of us and sometimes behind us covering our back. We crossed two shallow streams before reaching Malagaslas Falls.

We decided to go first to Ambon Ambon Falls and then returned to Malagaslas to swim. The trek was quite easy. The trail lead to another shallow stream  which one has to walk through as there was no other way. There were boulders  on the sides and  in the middle of the stream.

Huge boulder in the middle of the trail. 

 

 
At the end this stream, you will hear gushing of waters and finally, you will see the waterfalls.

Ambon Ambon waterfalls is awesome. I read that it is about 60 meters high. There was no pool to catch the falling waters. According to Kuya Eddie, the pool must have been buried by the sands due to development by big land developers above.

There were three bamboo cottages but nobody was tending them so it's for free. We rested in one of the cottages and just marveled at the sight of the waterfalls.

We then returned to Malagaslas falls where we bathed and enjoyed the cold flowing waters.

We were lucky to have seen an orange butterfly landed on a makeshift stove.

We bought sweet banana on a stick at Php10 each.

We rinsed and left the place at 2pm to be able to catch the last jeepney trip to Talisay at 3pm.

We thanked Kuya Eddie for assisting us and we took his phone number for referral. We reached Tanauan market at around 430pm where we boarded a Buendia bound JAM liner.

Overall, we had so much fun in chasing waterfalls at Laurel, Batangas. It was a very memorable adventure.

How to get to Malagaslas and Ambon Ambon Waterfalls
-take a bus going to Tanauan City. fare is P95 from Buendia terminal
-alight at Tanauan proper and hail a tricycle going to jeepney terminal plying Laurel; tricycle fare is P40 and fare to Laurel is P45 each
-From Laurel Market, ride a tricycle to take you to the jump off; all drivers know the jump off point. fare is P65
-hire a guide at P300, though it's optional ; it's better to have a local who knows the trail and can ward off dogs and even snake

Expenses if just one person
-Fare from Buendia to Tanaun and back P95 x 2 = P180
-Tricycle to Laurel Jeepney terminal = P20
-Jeepney to Laurel market and back  P45 x 9 = 90
-tricycle from Laurel market to jump off point and back  P65 x 2 = 130
 -guide P300 ( can be shared if more than 1 person)
-environmental fee = P5
-lomi P40
-Banana Q = 10
Total  P775.00

Palo Alto Falls

I always wanted to see waterfalls and when I came across an article about a waterfalls in Baras, Rizal,  I immediately checked it online. I read reviews and get directions.

 

Palo Alto falls is  near the metro. It is around 58km from our place and less than 2 hour drive on a regular day. The falls is located in Brgy. Pinugay, Baras, Rizal specifically inside Palo Alto Subdivision which is being developed as a residential area. Isn’t it thrilling to live in a subdivision with a falls nearby !

The roads are fully paved and driving is relaxed with a little traffic along intersections. As you go further from the metro,  you will see Sierra Madre mountain ranges, some scenic spots and interesting activities. There will be portion where roads zigzagged. Palo Alto gate will be on the right side. The entrance is very nice with lots of colourful bougainvillas. The guard will ask you to leave an ID. You then proceed downhill and turn left at the rotunda. There is a sign where the falls is located. The entrance to the falls is on your left so drive slowly as you may miss the turn.

 

 There is ample parking space. There is a reception area where you can pay the entrance fee and use the toilets. The entrance fee is Php100 pesos each and Php300 for table and chairs. You can bring food and drinks and even cook BBQ.  I learned that it is free if you will just stay for 15 minutes to check the waterfalls and take pictures. Since there are 256 steps to take before reaching the falls , 15 minutes are not enough. Wearing  a comfy footwear is advisable to support your feet and legs during the trek.

 

The realty developer has built concrete stairways with some hand railings for easier climb especially for senior citizens. The way the stairways were built adapted to the environment wherein stones and cement used blended with the rock formations. The ascent is very scenic with lots of trees giving shade. 

Concrete benches are  provided along the stairway should you need to rest and catch your breath. There are small cascades in between boulders. One can stop every now and then to take photos. Upon reaching the falls, there is  a cemented clearing with tables and chairs. The area surrounding the waterfalls has been developed. Although it is safer to move around, the natural beauty of the area has been altered. 

The major catch basin has been cemented forming a swimming pool which is about 6 foot deep. The smaller catch basin is about 3 feet making it suitable for children to swim. The water is cold but refreshing.

 

 A BBQ area was also built at one side . Roofless toilet and bathroom are also available. Water used for shower and flushing comes from the hills via plastic pipes. 

Sadly, there are irresponsible visitors who left their plastic bottles and other trash. Please bring plastic bags and take your trash with you when you leave. 

How to get there: From C-5 , drive pass Eastwood City and stay on the left lane  to take the flyover in the direction of Marikina. Drive straight passing thru Masinag, Cogeo and Antipolo. After a long winding road, Palo Alto gate will be on the right.