There is always a thrill in discovering new places that are overlooked and at the same time the sense of responsibility to take care of it for the next generation.
When my friend, Red told me that they were organizing a trip to Marilog for a trek to Kwagsik and its three nearby Caves - Cathedral Cave, Underground Cave and White Peak (I will be writing a separate blog for the caves.) , I didn't hesitate to say YES. It is an undeveloped tourist destination so I know it's unadulterated -- my cravings when it comes to visiting tourist destinations. So as an adventurous person willing to take the risk for some "instagrammable" photos and some quality time with the nature, I then quickly packed my bag and went to Ecoland Terminal where our meeting place was.
It was around 5 AM when we rode a bus bound for Cagayan de Oro. The 2 hour travel was enough for me and my friends to take a long and needed rest for the trek as we were too early to arrive in the terminal, while our other fellows have arrived late -- Typically Filipino time (that we need to change). We then get off Sitio Maharlika, Barangay Baganihan, adjacent to Hakhakan Farm to meet our guide, James.
The road to forever
The trek to Kwagsik was not your typical walk in the park. You need to endure the long and tiresome trek, the uphill and the steep downward slopes, the slippery clay soil, and the "kiss and hugs" of ants, mosquitoes and other insects that you may encounter along your way.
However, every single stress and complaints were completely wiped out as we reached the facade of the falls. I was in awe and gasping for air at the same time due to the tiresome trek, but hell yeah everything was worth it. As they say, those that are hard to get are simply worth the wait. We stopped and bathe there as if there is no tomorrow. We jumped, splashed, shiver, took pictures and jumped some more until we froze cold. The reticence of the place gave us time to meditate, to calm our souls and to rest our physical bodies to conquer again the 2 hour back trail.
How to get there?
From Davao, ride a bus going to Cagayan de Oro then tell the conductor to drop you off Sitio Maharlika, Barangay Baganihan. There newly- constructed barangay hall is situated near the Philippine Eagle landmark along Davao - Bukidnon road. You must need to register and pay for the environmental fee and they will be the one to get a tour guide for you.
P.S. As of this writing, it is still unclear on how much one must pay because there is still no clear barangay ordinance. However, it is best to go to the barangay hall for safety purposes as there are some mountaineers that were being lost due to the difficulty of the trail. This is still an undeveloped tourist attraction and there is no person in charge for the maintenance of the trail. For us, we only paid for the guide fee and haven't registered. However, upon leaving Marilog we were being reprimanded by one barangay councilor that we must coordinate with the local government unit should next time we opt to visit the falls for safety purposes.
Additional advice: to best enjoy the waterfalls, one must wear non-slip sandals or trekking shoes. You will need every single grip of your footwear especially when it rains. Always bring some chocolate for your trail food to beat the energy gap during the journey.
Breakdown of expenses
Ecoland Terminal - Barangay Baganihan Php 100 (SP) / Php 115 (Non - AC)
Guide Fee Php 400 / group ( 5 - 6 person is a good number )
Barangay Baganihan - Ecoland Terminal Php 100 (SP) / Php 115 (Non - AC)
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You do not need to be rich to travel, you just got to have the guts to do it. Let me show you the world.