HULUGAN FALLS AND ALIW FALLS DAYTRIP _ Part 1 – Hulugan Waterfalls

Laguna is famous not just for Pagsanjan Falls but of other waterfalls as well and we’ve visited quite a number already.  So when we heard of gigantic waterfalls in Luisiana, we wasted no time and organized an instant daytrip…

It was 5am when we took off for our Luisiana adventure with a two waterfalls goal, Hulugan Falls and Aliw Falls.  We had a quick breakfast at Paviola in Siniloan and even punned of Buruwisan Falls instead.

Hulugan Falls

We nearly missed Brgy. San Salvador being the first Luisiana barangay after the municipality of Cavinti.  Thanks to the Hulugan Falls poster for directing the way.  At the barangay entrance is an information area where you will first secure your guide.

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Our assigned guides led us to the captain’s residence for registration and last minute prep.  I had some lansones and bibingka for our trail food.


We started our trek by the road with an on-going construction until we immersed into the forest where we crossed path with returning visitors, some with bikes along.  We were tramping downhill and can’t imagine the reverse march.


After 30 minutes, we emerged by a river which is also the crest of Hulugan waterfalls.



We had a short river cross then we resumed the forest trek. 


The forest is a lansones plantation and we saw locals harvesting fruits.  We were even given some for taste…



15 minutes more and the stunning Hulugan Waterfalls hailed before us… The first sight was partly covered by trees but even at that point, the 45-min trek merited early.

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When facing the waterfalls, the main drop is fronting southwest.  As you near the river, you will see the smaller tiers first until the full waterfalls uncovers your view.


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To have a full glimpse and a closer stare, we traversed the rocks…


And voila... the mighty Hulugan Falls.

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The best part of my Hulugan Falls experience was the sighting of a two-tailed butterfly with wings partly adorned in blue… I was speechless during our close encounter until the tiny beau flew away.  According to our guide, that winged-creature is the shepherd of the place.  What can I say, a rare fate indeed!


After an hour, we bade goodbye to Hulugan’s wonder and like several waterfalls I’ve chased, maybe next time I can stay longer to enjoy and explore more…

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We returned via the shorter trail but a lot steeper and more challenging…


The reward though was a peek of Hulugan Falls from above…  It’s truly beautiful from any angle.

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It took us an hour to reach our start point and how else to end Hulugan Falls adventure but through a boodle meal complemented with the Luisiana’s version of pansit habhab.


Back at the captain’s house, we noticed that the local government is not yet ready for the sudden influx of tourist; no proper jump-off or holding/wash-up area, the registration process, even eateries or dining options.  We can expect that soon, the local houses will have its own offerings and we hope they won't end up brawling each other for profit.

We were informed that the place was opened barely 4-5 months and we appreciate that guides were made mandatory this early.  According to them, they went through training and they themselves were dedicated to preserve the place.  Also, the campsite was far from the waterfalls and cooking should be away from the river.

The registration fee is only P10, very affordable for the attraction it offers.  We yearn that Hulugan Falls will not hunt the sad fate of other Laguna waterfalls, also initially unprepared for its guests, turned out unprotected, became filthy and ended unappealing to visitors.  We plead that the LGU or the local tourism will go for early preservation.  In the meantime, we appeal to the tourist to do its share; let’s all help sustain the place J

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Travel Date: October 2015 

46 comments:

  1. Sir, may contact po kayo ng guide? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. the barangay will assign a guide for you... they have about 40 guides and they are training more...

      we highly discourage favoring a particular guide as we believe that each one should be given equal chance... don't worry, mabait at maasikaso naman sila lahat :)

      Delete
  2. Clear po ba yung water for swimming?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. the place is not much for a swimming area (shallow in most parts) but you can lounged around and enjoy :)

      Delete
    2. Can we take a dip in the falls area after the trek?

      Delete
    3. Can we take a dip in the falls area after the trek?

      Delete
  3. I had a chance to explore Hulugan Falls this last weekend, and it is the best waterfalls I've seen so far. It's beautiful and I was just in awe.

    Although Hulugan Falls was the highlight of the trip, the entire experience of our travel to Luisiana, Laguna was truly remarkable.

    We were able to explore 3 waterfalls - Aliw, Talay and Hulugan! It was an overnight camping and we experienced the heavy downpour from that night up until the next day. We were treking while raining, and the trail was really muddy, steep and slippery.

    Whew! I will never forget that thrip to Laguna. One thing I realized about the travel is that, we actually have some stunning creations of nature which are just near Manila.

    People from Manila who love travel and adventure have no reason not to experience Hulugan. This is beautiful and I hope everyone will be able to experience what we experienced - the awe and amazement. I just hope that the barangay will be able to handle well the influx of tourists. People there are also very friendly from Kapitan and his neighbors to the guides.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi jon, thanks for sharing your Luisiana experiece.

      we share the same prayer regarding the influx of tourist and we pray for the upkeep of the place...

      btw, there are more of Laguna waterfalls that are worth a visit as well.. i'll be coming up with a blog about it soon.

      thanks again.
      m&b

      Delete
    2. may parking po ba don if we decide to bring our own vehicle? and safe naman po ang parking? how long is the trek?

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    3. you can park on street sides...
      we trekked for nearly an hour :)

      Delete
    4. Hi,

      What if we want to have an overnight camping, do we have to bring an additional tent for the guide or they'll just leave us and they'll return in the morning?

      Thank you!

      Delete
    5. sa batlag falls pwede mag overnight. Bring your own tent, and the guide lives in the area so no need to provide him an extra tent.

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. the latest update we got is that they regulated already the guide fee and the guest to guide ratio.. not sure though how much it is now :)

      Delete
  5. That is a beautiful waterfall indeed! Is it possible to visit both Pagsanjan and Hulugan Falls in one day?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i believe it's doable especially if you're visiting pagsanjan by boat (river cruise).

      i suggest though that you start either of the two is possible before 7am so you will have time to enjoy both waterfalls :)

      Delete
  6. pwede po mag overnight sa hulugan?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi! I'm interested in seeing both Hulugan and Aliw. Is it near each other or does one come after the other? Thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I suggest you coordinate with your guide on what waterfalls to visit first :)

      Delete
  8. mataas po ba ang aakyatin na bundok pra makarating dun sa falls? ung parking ba dun lang malapit sa registration area?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. parking can be at the registration area... nope, di sya mataas :)

      Delete
  9. How much po yung guide fee? Me and my friend lang po yung aakyat ? Required to have a guide po? Thank you so much :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. not sure about the latest regulation on the guide fee but guides are assigned to you at the registration area.

      yes, a guide is mandatory :)

      Delete
    2. Thank you then for quick response :) Will be there this Sunday !

      Delete
  10. Thank you then for quick response :) Will be there this Sunday !

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kaya ba ng motor/enduro ang trail going to hulugan falls?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. wag naman please :) mas mapapadali ang paglaspag ng trail nun :)

      Delete
  12. Hello sir. Me and my friend will be there nxt sunday. Ask ko lang kung after maligo meron po bang bahay or pwede pagbanlawan?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kailangan po b mag inform muna bgo pumunta dun?tnx po

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kailangan po b mag inform muna bgo pumunta dun?tnx po

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello po, we were here yesterday and the falls is really majestic pati na rin yung Hidden falls above Talay. Parang nakita rin nga po kita, ikaw ba yun?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi ma'am pwede bang sayo nalang ako mag ask ng mga info about here? ung contact number kasi nila di manlangma contact :(
      gusto talaga namin pumunta dito :(

      Delete
    2. Hi Miss Rachel, ako po ba? If yes, you can also check out my blog about hulugan here: https://kyaasurin.wordpress.com/2016/02/08/the-mighty-hulugan-falls-in-luisiana-laguna/

      Delete
    3. Hello can i ask how much the guide fee ? thank u

      Delete
  16. can i ask kung meron contact person n pedeng mkpgcoordinate pra mgplan ng day tour? if possble dalawang fals mapuntahan:? please help poh..

    ReplyDelete
  17. Allowed b mg camping s mga falls? tia!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Allowed b mg camping s mga falls? tia!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi do they have a place to change clothes after dipping in the waters?? Thanks! We're planning to go there this Saturday.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi do they have a place to change clothes after dipping in the waters?? Thanks! We're planning to go there this Saturday.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Kung magdadala ng sasakyan is there a parking area na safe? Thanks in advance. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. may contact nmber po ba kau dun

    ReplyDelete
  23. any number of your tour guide? planning to go there this sept 29 nd 30, magkanu po bayad pag over night stay?

    ReplyDelete
  24. I appreciate your work because i enjoyed reading alot. keep up the good work. Will look forward for more such informative blogs shimla tour package

    ReplyDelete
  25. I appreciate your work because i enjoyed reading alot. keep up the good work. Will look forward for more such informative blogs shimla tour package

    ReplyDelete

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