Pagsanjan Falls

As a kid it is always part of our textbooks in Sibika and Kultura.Haven't heard of it yet? Then check it out!

Let's go to Cavinti falls! (also known as Pagsanjan Falls)

Here's a simple guide for you to follow on going to the place (for trekkers like me):
1. Go find a bus/van terminal going to Sta.Cruz, Laguna. 
     a. If you are from Laguna:
          i. You can ride a jeep to Alabang go to south station, there's a van terminal going to Sta.Cruz.
          ii. You can ride a jeep to Alabang go to Starmall Alabang, there are bus terminal going to Sta.Cruz.
     b. If you are from NCR, Go to one of the bus terminals below:

          i. Go to the HM Transport Bus Terminal(EDSA corner New York Street, Cubao)

         ii. Go to the Green Star Bus Terminal (Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia) corner Taft Avenue)
2. Ride a bus or van to Sta. Cruz, and get off at Pagsanjan/Jam bus terminal in Barangay Pagsawitan, Pagsanjan, Laguna. 
3. Go to Pagsanjan/Cavinti Falls, you can choose from below ways:
      a. Ride a jeep to Cavinti, Lumban, or Caliraya. Drop off town proper, ride a tricycle to drop you off on Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park and Picnic Grove located in Brgy. Tibatib, Cavinti. (You can drop off in the old cemetery in Cavinti as a landmark, there are tricycle you can hire to drop you off in Pueblo El Salvador) 
     b. Ride a tricycle to your destination (This one is pricey and I do not recommend this one).
4. Go to Cavinti Tourist Office register, pay and start your trek going to the falls. (You do not need to hire any guide, the office have their own guide. It is part of the mayor’s project in promoting the place.)
**You have to be physically fit, you will need to trek down with around 600 steep steel stairs plus around 2 ft vertical rappelling with 90 degrees angle. 

NOTE: If you want to try the rapids (via boat), the standard rate is 1250 pesos per head. You no longer need to ride a jeep to Cavinti and you just need to be in Pagsanjan Laguna. Just be sure to negotiate directly at the tourism office. Avoid people offering you package tour, the right way is to get a package from the tourism office.

How to go back: 
1. Ride a tricycle to Cavinti Town Proper. (You can ask your guide to help you out.) 
2. Ride a jeepney to Pagsanjan or Sta Cruz town. 
3. Ride a tricycle to Pagsawitan Bus Terminal. 
4. Ride a Bus that will take you to Cubao/Alabang/Buendia.

Estimate Itinerary: 
30 minutes to Alabang 
2 - 3 hours to Sta Cruz (if you are from alabang this may only take you 2 hours) 
45 minutes - 1 hour to Cavinti Town Proper 
10 - 20 minutes to Pueble El Salvador 
45 minutes – 1.5 hours on trekking (depends on your speed) 

Have at least 12 - 16hours of your time, this may also depend if you stay on the cave. Be sure to be on pagsawitan before it gets dark, it is wise to be back on Cavinti Falls office before the night take over the place. You can also visit town Proper and try Laguna's delicacies.

Money Matters: 

P16 – Alabang 
P180 – to Pagsawitan, Pagsanjan Laguna (if you are from Alabang it is less around 50-80 pesos) 
P27 – Jeep to Cemetery/Cavinti Town Proper 
P15 – Tricycle (per head, you may be asked for 75 pesos for some driver’s reasons) 
P270 – Registration fee (trek, bamboo rafting, trip to cave) 
P250 -  Estimated Fare going back 
____________ 
P758 - Total without food :)

Tips:

-Ask the driver if you are still not sure about the exact drop off point. -Be sun ready.(You may bring jacket/malong/cap/sunglasses) -Leggings that are long(Jeggings) and long sleeves are most suitable to avoid wounds from braches or the like. -Bring extra clothes and be sure it won't get wet. 
-Bring a water proof camera. -Bring snacks or your own lunch. (Note: You cannot throw your garbage on the place so might as well be trash ready :p ) 
-Bring something where you can seat and eat (Like picnic table cloth)-Bring water and Gatorade. 
-Bring energy boosting foods like banana and chocolates. -Check the weather before traveling. -If you want a cheap travel don't ask for any guide, the trail is so simple. There are locals offering assistance so you might ask them for help and give a small amount of money. 
-Lastly, be brave and enjoy the trek!

Location: 

Pagsanjan/Cavinti Falls -  Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park and Picnic Grove located in Brgy. Tibatib, Cavinti. 

Don’t be confused, Cavinti Falls is known as Pagsanjan Falls because of it’s tourist route, it was renamed to Cavinti Falls because it is actually located in Cavinti Laguna.

***I'm not an expert in English Grammar or Language so please bear with me :) 

Here's some of the pictures to help you decide if you want to go and try the trek: 
(Photo Courtesy Lime Obsequio)

  

 Before we start, let's pray...

 Wandering into the wild :)

 

Don't look down!!!

Steepy Stairs o___o

 Vertical Rappelling, rappel down, climb the stairs going up.

Don't fall. Hold on tight! No one will catch you! :p

 

Bamboo rafting to the cave, enjoy the water as it fall! :)

 Meditate inside the cave, the ambiance is too serene!

 The usual plants on our garden is bigger than me.

 

Sidetrip: Pray before going home.

 

Cheap yet tasty food :)