The "Zambales Squad" promised to be clingier by having at least one travel/adventure every month. At first we thought we could easily push this plan through since we were aiming for budget-friendly travels. Besides the budgetary constraints, our individual schedules usually don't match, especially since we're studying/working at different places (Laguna, Metro Manila, Batangas, etc) But lo and behold, though incomplete we still managed to push through our adventure for the month of April. I believe we have maximized our day trip for we were able to conquer four different waterfalls in Laguna!

CAVINTI FALLS (MAGDAPIO FALLS)

Most commonly known as Pagsanjan Falls from our history textbooks, this particular water form is located in Barangay Tibatib in Cavinti, Laguna. It was mistaken to be in Pagsanjan's property since it is situated within the boundary of Cavinti. Officials from the latter were actually doing several efforts for the waterfalls to be renowned as "Cavinti Falls." One of which was their development of the Cavinti Eco-Park or El Pueblo Salvador Nature Park and Picnic Grove in 2007.

Cavinti Eco-Park not only boasts of its majestic view but also offers fun physical activities that would make you appreciate the falls even more. The entrance fee costs Php 270 per person. (For those who are not up for adventure and all the tiresome "challenges," they also offer a boat ride going to Cavinti falls which costs Php 630 per way per person.)

The trekking adventure consists of conquering two vertical ladders (has 38 and 28 steps each), a long steel ladder (500+ steps were no joke!!), and lots and lots of walking. For me one of the most fun part was in the vertical ladders since you will be dropped vertically using a rope. The real challenge was when going up because you need to climb the stairs and no ropes would pull you up. You can better understand what I'm saying when you watch our video which I would share later.

L: Steel ladder // R: Vertical ladder

Once you reached the end of the adventure trail, you would finally see the famous Cavinti Falls! We rode a bamboo raft going to the falls, and passed by the outrageous falling stream! Passing through the falls itself felt like a very hard (maybe level 5) massage. Haha!

HULUGAN, HIDDEN & TALAY FALLS

After lunch, we headed to the Brgy. Luisiana where Hulugan Falls is located. According to one of the locals, Hulugan Falls was just accidentally discovered by a group of photographers who randomly trekked the mountain. Little did they know its discovery would not only become their treasure but also their source of employment.

Before actually reaching Hulugan, you can also drop by at Talay Falls and Hidden Falls. Between the two, I loved Hidden Falls better. Unfortunately though, we were not able to swim in both since we needed to be at Hulugan before 4pm, because the latter will be "closed" by 5pm.

Talay Falls

Hidden Falls

According to our tour guide, we could better appreciate the water forms if it's rainy season, however it would be harder to trek since it would be muddy and slippery. And honestly, you cannot do much in these waterfalls so better go straight ahead to Hulugan. You could not only save time but also your energy because passing by these two side trips was no joke at all!

The view was nice tho! We (I think) did not regret taking side trips! Hehe.

I already forgot how long it took us to reach Hulugan Falls but every sweat, body pain and complains were worth it! HAHA

When we finally reached Hulugan, I think all I felt was extreme happiness because my legs were literally shaking of exhaustion. We then sat for a good 10 mins to appreciate the view (and of course to rest) before actually dipping in the cold waterfalls.

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So after a whole day of trekking and swimming, needless to say we've maximized the time and energy we had. Everything was worth it and thank God we survived. Haha! We capped our day off by dining in at Calle Arco, one of the most known restaurants in Pagsanjan, Laguna. Let me finish this post  by showing you the delicious meals we had. :)

I don’t have a photo of the Camote de Leche, the dish I loved most, since it was gone in seconds! Hahaha. Hashtag, PG. :)

xx