The towering second falls of Lake Sebu, Hikong Bente teases with is raging waters cutting through the mountain vegetation clearly seen from afar as we went down the second zipline. We took a rocky habal-habal ride up to first falls Hikon Alu to get our gears and sprint back to Hikong Bente jump-off. Even from afar, we started taking pictures of Hikong Bente.
We took a short hike down on a winding unpaved path. A large gazebo there with red roof was a sight for sore eyes, it wasn’t there the first time I went. They could have done it differently. Nothing much we can do with that one except to go past it and head straight to the falls.
There are several viewpoints for the falls. I carefully crossed this concrete bridge making sure I wouldn’t slip on the rain drenched mossy surface. The falls is directly seen on the rocky portion there but it’s still far. There’s also a pathway going up for a higher vantage point of the falls.
Going back across the bridge there’s another path that takes people up close the waterfalls. The fall’s strong spray falls over the side of the path which is akin to a light rain. At that time, the falls was raging and powerful, spreading out more spray as the waters hit the ground and the walls. Because of the rains, there is more water pouring on this falls.
Hikong Bente falls is just majestic! Standing in front of it for the second time still elicits that sense of awe and power. Its beauty is just fitting its T’boli name Hikong Bente which also means “immeasurable”. We took time taking photos there but it was challenging as the spray keeps on getting in front of the lens, but we did get some really good shots nonetheless.
That was our last main stop for the day. It was a splendid way to end our exploration of Lake Sebu. I’m betting when a I come back here again I’ll see additional changes. Our guide told us that they are planning to add a cable car here somewhere along the zipline. Also some activities like rock climbing and rappelling along the waterfall. I’m sure this additional would bid well for local tourism. I won’t complain as long as they keep the place as pristine as possible.
—
Join our Backpack Photography Outdoors and Travel Photo Workshop at Bewitching Siquijor (Novmber 27-30, 2010) and Winter in Batanes (December 26-31, 2010)
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
