Friday, February 26, 2016

Hulugan Falls, Lousiana Laguna


"The Filipino Backpacking community went abuzz when a photo of a newly discovered waterfall in Laguna surfaced the internet late September 2015. The photo was no doubt beautiful that it immediately took my breath away and triggered my inner curiosity. Words about it spread like wildfire. Days passed and more and more people are posting their wonderful experiences in Hulugan Falls on Facebook and Instagram." -(A Wanderful Sole)





Head to Luisiana, Laguna if you want to experience waterfalls with spectacular view.
Aside from the famous Pagsanjan Falls and Majayjay Falls, there you will find Hulugan Falls.

Luisiana is a fourth class municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines.
Locals call the town 'Little Baguio of Laguna' because of its high elevation and cooler climate like the City of Baguio.

Luisiana is basically an agricultural town. At the población, there are only a few commercial establishments which cater to the basic services of the people.
Most of them still go to Santa Crúz to do their shopping or marketing and to avail themselves of other services not available in their town.
Sources of income of the people of Luisiana are mainly focused on agriculture such as copra, pandan, palay, bamboo and bunliw,
with light industry base and service-sector economy. Piggery and poultry farming are also an additional income.

Trekking your way to Hulugan Falls:

    

  The trek there consists of rocks and soft soil with muddy trails near the river crossing.
  After which you can either take the long and winding trail down to the falls or take the straight downhill path.   Do note, it's really steep and could be slippery when it is raining.

       



"Standing on a rock at the base of the trail was where I first marveled at the exemplary Hulugan Falls.
Her water flowing softly down from a 150 ft. (just an estimate) elevation was oh so flawless. She was so elegant. Seemed so delicate with her mist engulfing everything within her reach. I can hear her singing with every pounce she makes at the basin. She was so enchanting that she had me entangled in her charm making me care less about how crowded was her world that day." -(MoreDanTravels)

   


HOW TO GO THERE
Laguna is atleast two hours away from Manila.

   Private Vehicle: 
      Via SLEX, use the Calamba Exit and head to Pagsanjan. Turn right from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish  Church in Pagsanjan. After about 15 minute drive, on the right, look for the San Salvador Arc.
      For those with private vehicles, you might get closer to the falls by parking in the road being constructed along the trail (expected completion in 2016).


   Via Bus:
      There are many buses that will take you to Sta. Cruz Laguna, gateway to Luisiana Laguna.
      You can ride either Jac Liner in Gil Puyat Taft Ave or DLTB in Taft Ave.


THINGS TO BRING
  •Waterproof bag
  •Waterproof camera (If you don’t have one, try putting them in a waterproof case. You’ll badly need it.)
  •2L Water
  •Packed Lunch
  •Trail food/Snack
  •Trash Bag
  •Waterproof mat (where you can place your valuables while you take a dip in the water)
  •Toiletries (For washing up)
  •Towel
  •Extra clothes

OTHER EXPENSES
  •Registration Fee – P20
  •Guide Fee – P650 (Hulugan-Talay-Aliw Falls) or P300 (Hulugan Falls)
  •Bath – P20
 
OTHER INFORMATION
  •Guides are available at the registration point.
  •The latest that local officials will allow tourists to the see Hulugan Falls is no later than 3PM unless you are to stay overnight.
  •There is a campsite situated by the river above Hulugan Falls.
  •If you still haven’t had enough chasing waterfalls, you can visit Talay and Aliw Falls. Please note that Aliw Falls is situated within a different Barangay than Hulugan and Talay Falls which may require you to get a new guide or pay another fee.
  •Locals sell special bibingka which is perfect as snack after the long trek while marveling at the beauty of the waterfalls.
  •The parking area for those bringing their car is beside the Brgy. captain’s house. Not sure though whether there is a parking fee.
 

-AWanderfulSole (Keza M)
-MoreDanTravels (Dan Hernandez)