Cagayan: The Quiet Twin Falls of Macatel in Claveria

The Macatel Twin Falls in Claveria
The Macatel Twin Falls in Claveria

A bit disappointed with Portabaga Falls our tricycle made our way back to the direction of the town centro hoping that the other two falls would be better. Mang Pedro made a few occasional stop to ask or greet some people on their native Ilocano language. Just a few minutes of drive from Portabaga Falls we left the main road and entered a dirt road along the rice fields. The drive seemed longer on the rocky road but it was only 15minutes from the highway. We have now reached Macatel Falls.

Macatel Falls and basin seen at the top
Macatel Falls and basin seen at the top

It was a falls amidst the rice fields. A place one could easily miss since the falls can only be seen looking below the road. But the sound of gushing water was unmistakeable with no crowd noise to mask its distinct sound. It was only a short way down to the falls where a few native huts could be found. Yes this is much better.

The running stream headed to the falls
The running stream headed to the falls

Macatel Falls has a nice low twin falls that reminds me so much of Magaso Falls in Siquijor. The natural basin isn’t deep but there are some moss of the rocks under the cool waters at that time. We were also able to explore the upper cascades and streams leading to the falls. It was just a challenge to photograph the place in the harsh afternoon light.

A hut and cascades
A hut and cascades

It was our kind of waterfalls, quiet, serene and natural. One could easily doze-off under the shade with the soothing sound of the water to lull you to sleep like what our friend Erick did. It was a pleasant place but we had to go and visit the last falls on our list.

Focus on the single falls
Focus on the single falls