Bakun Waterfalls hopping (in one day)!
Bakun Waterfalls Hopping in one day!
Being one of the more popular provinces in the Cordilleras, Benguet has still many undiscovered gems waiting to be discovered. Waterfalls hopping is actually one of my favorite things to do when traveling. Last year, I have had another great experience in the Municipality of Bakun, Benguet.
Benguet is home to some of the highest peaks in the Philippines and is also a cradle for some of the best Mother Nature has to offer. I personally have not explored much of the province and I must say, there is more yet to be discovered.
Read also: Travel Guide: Northern Blossom Flower Farm
What to Expect in Bakun
Approximately 4 to 5 hours from Baguio, Bakun is one of the farthest municipalities in Benguet. It is also my first time to visit the place and I have no words but “wow!”
If it is your goal to go nature-bathing, you have come to the right place. The scenery in Bakun is just dope. With a view from their old municipal hall, you can see lots of mountain ranges with waterfalls in between.
Waterfalls Hopping!
Aside from mountain climbing, a.k.a. “The Bakun Trio,” there are also numerous waterfalls that you can visit! In one day, I have joined a group (shoutout to The Northern Nomads!) and we trekked three popular waterfalls in the place.
Pattan Falls
Just a 30- to 45-minute hike from the jump-off point, Pattan Falls is like the “Angel Falls of Bakun.” Its quiet façade is one for the books and you can even see Mangta Falls from afar!
Mangta Falls
Another 30-minute hike from Pattan Falls is Mangta Falls. I can say this waterfall is one of its kind in Bakun. Coming from a steep cliff, its waters fall to a pond carved by surrounding rocks.
Tekip Falls
Tekip is one of the nearest waterfalls from the jump-off point. You can hike to the falls for about 20 minutes. (Along the way, you get to see the Tres Marias Falls from afar.) The cascades of the falls make it more awesome (yes!) as it spreads out on the entire façade of the mountain.
Registration Details
Registration for any activity in Bakun is at its Old Municipal Hall. They are open every day and it is encouraged that you contact them beforehand. They will assist you immediately once you arrive.
Here is the summary of fees for each attraction in Bakun:
Environmental and Registration Fees:
| Mount Tenglawan | PhP 100 per person |
| Mount Kabunian | PhP 100 per person |
| Mount Gedgedayan | PhP 100 per person |
| Mount Lobo | PhP 100 per person |
| Nagasa Cave | PhP 100 per person |
| Mount Lobo and Nagasa Cave | PhP 100 per person |
| Tekip Falls | PhP 50 per person |
| Pikaw Falls | PhP 75 per person |
| Pattan Falls | PhP 75 per person |
| Sakup Falls | PhP 75 per person |
| Bagiw River | PhP 50 per person |
| Mangta Falls | PhP 75 per person |
Tour Guide Fees:
Hikers are required to engage with a tour guide in a ratio of 1:6 persons. If you exceed 6 individuals, you will have to pay the guide PhP 100 per excess. But you should not exceed 8 individuals. If you are beyond 8 persons, you are going to need two (2) guides.
Rate per tourist site:
| Poblacion – Mount Tenglawan – Poblacion:
12 hours, 3:00 am the earliest departure |
PhP 1300 per guide |
| Poblacion – Mt. Kabunian – Poblacion:
8 hours, 4:00 am the earliest departure |
PhP 1000 per guide |
| Poblacion – Mount Lobo / Mount Patullok – Poblacion:
7 hours |
PhP 900 per guide |
| Dada – Mount Lubo / Mount Patulok – Dada:
6 hours |
PhP 600 per guide |
| Dada – Mount Lubo / Mount Patullok – Poblacion:
7 hours |
PhP 800 per guide |
| Poblacion – Mount Tenglawan – Poblacion:
12 hours |
PhP 1300 per guide |
| Sinacbat – Mount Tenglawan – Sinacbat:
8 hours |
PhP 800 per guide |
| Sinacbat – Mount Tenglawan – Poblacion:
12 hours |
PhP 1300 per guide |
| Poblacion – Nagasa Cave – Poblacion:
8 hours |
PhP 600 per guide |
| Dada – Mount Lobo / Mount Patullok – Nagasa Cave – Poblacion:
10 hours |
PhP 1200 per guide |
| Poblacion – Mangta Falls – Poblacion:
7 hours |
PhP 700 per guide |
| Poblacion – Pattan Falls – Poblacion:
6 hours |
PhP 600 per guide |
| Poblacion – Mount Gedgedayan – Poblacion:
8 hours |
PhP 1000 per guide |
You can also contact these persons if you plan to pay a visit:
| Mr. Arthur A. Tolito
(Municipal Tourism Officer) |
+63 921 211 3687 / +63 905 317 2616 |
| Ms. Nenita A. Budas
(BTC President) |
+63 918 352 3722 |
| Mr. Peter A. Diclas
(Tour Guide Coordinator for Mount Kabunian) |
+63 930 362 5434 |
| Ms. Mylene Toanen
(Tour Guide Coordinator for Mount Lobo and Nagasa Cave) |
+63 909 870 9002 |
| Mr. Myrick Losente
(Tour Guide Coordinator for Mount Tenglawan) |
+63 912 808 3649 |
*Schedule of fees and contact persons and details may change without prior notice. Please feel free to contact / e-mail me if there are any changes so that I can update it on this blog, too! Other information can be asked from the contact persons above.*
***
For this particular tour, I suggest you go on a group tour so that your experience would be hassle-free. You can contact Arvin Balageo on his Facebook Page or e-mail me for his contact number for more information (and other exciting tours in and around Northern Philippines!)
Suggested Itinerary:
|
0300 – 0800 H |
Baguio – Bakun (travel time) + Breakfast in Kapangan |
|
0800 – 0830 H |
Registration and Orientation (Old Bakun Municipal Hall) |
|
0830 – 0930 H |
Trek to Pattan Falls |
|
0930 – 1000 H |
Pattan Falls |
|
1000 – 1100 H |
Trek to Mangta Falls |
|
1100 – 1200 H |
Mangta Falls |
|
1200 – 1330 H |
Trek to Old Bakun Municipal Hall |
|
1330 – 1430 H |
Lunch / Freshen Up (Old Bakun Municipal Hall) |
|
1430 – 1500 H |
Rest |
|
1500 – 1530 H |
Trek to Tekip Falls |
|
1530 – 1630 H |
Tekip Falls |
|
1630 – 1700 H |
Trek back to Old Bakun Municipal Hall |
|
1700 – 1800 H |
Freshen up and prepare for departure |
|
1800 – 2200 H |
Bakun – Baguio (travel time) |
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
