It was mid-afternoon already and I was contemplating whether to visit another fall. One thing is for sure, my motorbike driver Alex is not familiar with all these places we’ve been visiting. For him, it was also an adventure but for me, it takes a bit more time to stop by, ask for directions, and at times get lost. I decided to gamble on the last fall on my way back. Tuburan Falls is already within the municipality of Odiongan so we left the main road again to find this falls on our way back from San Andres.
Follow the Stream
Like Garing Falls, Tuburan Falls is found deep into the village. The road is more accessible up to the stream where we found workers collecting some rocks by the bed. Despite many suggestions from the locals, Mang Alex didn’t want to leave his motorbike behind and would try to ride out the shallow stream until it could no longer pass on deeper water. We had no guide with us. Since he didn’t want to leave his bike, he was afraid some locals might puncture his tire I told him to wait for me instead.
From the people we passed by, they kept telling me to just follow the stream. I found a house and a local and he told me to just go straight. So I walked on the shallow rocky stream then going on the sides until I found what seemed to be a trail. It crisscrossed the river which I was confident was the way. Then I found some fresh tracks of people’s footsteps ahead of the soft soil. I was relieved when I crossed paths with another local who told me it’s just a few minutes up ahead of a turn. Finally, I found the hut by the falls and the two foreigners with their guide. They were just about to leave when I arrived. “Wala ka pong guide? (Do you have a guide?)” their guide asked. I said none. But I was glad to finally reach the falls in less than half an hour.
Tuburan Falls
Tuburan Falls is a multi-layered falls. Again, it’s a low fall just like any other fall on the island of Tablas. What I liked about this one is the flow is strong and there are pools on different levels. I went up and found this clear water basin which leads to the bigger drop below. I went up a little and found I could navigate on the higher levels going up the white rocky boulders. I see a cave opening up ahead which I heard leads to “Cayatong”, an enchanted home of the fairies.
Being alone at the place and afternoon going deeper, I don’t think I’m adventurous enough to explore the land of the fairies. Instead, I took the opportunity to take a dip in the clear pool for a few minutes. It was cool and refreshing as expected. I would have stayed longer but we still have a way to go back to Aglicay Beach Resort in Alcantara. Tuburan Falls may be the last I visited for the day but it certainly became one of my fave on the island.
Essential Info
TUburan Falls is at Barangay Tuburan in Odiongan. Motorbikes can take you to the jump-off of the fall. The hike by the river/stream is less than 30 minutes. Wear comfortable footwear that is okay for river crossing. Bring enough water and snacks.
For assistance, contact the Municipal Tourism Office at (042) 567.6300
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.
