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.

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.

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.

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

And voila... the mighty Hulugan Falls.

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…

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.

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

RELATED POSTS:

ALIW FALLS

Travel Date: October 2015