San Andres | Follow the Flow to Tigbi Falls

The many cascades on the lower levels of Tigbi Falls Our bleary eyes and drowsy heads from the six-hour red-eye road trip from Manila to San...

The many cascades on the lower levels of Tigbi Falls

Our bleary eyes and drowsy heads from the six-hour red-eye road trip from Manila to San Andres, Quezon was suddenly shook awake. We knew we would take a motorbike to our first destination which is Tigbi Falls, but I guess we were not ready for the tough and rough road (which is an understatement) ahead. Suddenly, I was harkened back to those butt-beating rides to waterfalls like in Asik-asik Falls in Cotabato and Tulgao Palan-ah Falls in Kalinga. While it’s certainly not of the same level of difficulty, it is that close to a tough ride in at least half an hour for me to recall them. But all that was a rewarding transit. Aside from the scenic landscape of Banaba village on the way, Tigbi Falls is where stuff of enchantments and lore are born.

Scenic but rought ride of the Banaba Hills on the way to Barangay Mabunga

Road to Tigbi Falls

Where is Tigbi Falls exactly? Since this is a side-trip from a more popular destination, the Alibijaban Island in San Andres, Quezon, it seems common knowledge that the falls is under the same municipality. In fact, its common name for the locals is Banaba Falls which is a Barangay in San Andres. But the jump-off point goes through Baranggay Mabunga which is already on the next municipality of San Francisco. I asked several of our motorbike drivers where exactly the falls fall under, the closest answer I could accept is that it’s at the border of both San Andres and San Francisco. Going by GPS and the geotag of my photos which I know isn’t exactly accurate, the location from google indicates that the spot is under San Andres.

The green trail. My companions seen far behind the trail

Wondrous Levels

No matter where it’s at, we had to hike about 30 minutes to reach the falls. We had to pass through a couple of streams and walk through soft soil and evergreen trail along a river. I thought the hike was easy to moderate but can get really difficult if it rains as it gets really muddy and slippery.

The firs level we could see the the cascades already getting stronger. There’s a nice small cascade on the left as we enter the trail. Then we had to navigate the side of the falls to go down. I noticed that the locals have already carved some steps on the rocks to make it easier to descend amidst the gushing water. I thought this wide curtain of a falls was already the main falls but its not.

Finding this small cascade on our left on the first level of the falls

More photos and essential info on the next page…

Descending the mid-falls

We still had to go down a notch to reach the main falls. It was wonderful as I expected. The basin was wide and inviting and there were several falls too. A small one on other side and a strong main falls were people can get under. One of our guides tell me there are also caves there where people can get in and out on another opening. I didn’t have time to find out. I took time taking photos but the lighting was not ideal at the time still I tried to get what I can. I saw my companions already enjoying the waters and I was excited to see how it was.

I only had a quick dip as the rest of the group was in a hurry back already. I thank one of our friends Tin for taking a posterity shot here at the falls. I wish I had more time here though as it was fun to have the falls all by ourselves. Maybe next visit will make sure to enjoy it more. My only concern here is that, like the popular island in San Andres, I could see some trash littering the area already. I told our guide the local government should do something about keeping the area clean. I wouldn’t mind paying a minimum to have the area maintained.

Finally at the main falls

Essential Info

How to got to San Andres from Manila

• Direct bus to San Andres from Manila. Superlines Transport in Cubao have daily trips three times a day. 4:30am, 2:30pm and 5:30pm. Fare is Php 470.00 with a travel time of 8–10 hours. For inquiries and reservations (02) 414.3119, (02) 4143321 and 0922.522.5192.
• Direct bus to San Andres from Alabang Barney Auto Lines in Starmall, Alabang, also have daily trips to San Andres. Schedules are 4:00am, 5:30am, 8:30am, 1:00pm, 6:30pm, 8:30pm and 10:00pm. Fare is Php 417. For inquiries and reservations 0918.368.2318.
• San Andres Via Lucena. From Cubao, Manila take the many bus options to Lucena like JAC Liner, Lucena Lines DLTB and Tritran. Fare is Php 220 with 4–5 hours travel time. From Lucena Grand Terminal there are buses (Superlines and Barney Auto Lines) to San Andres leaving starting 2:00am and last trip at 12 midnight. Fare is Php 216 with 4–5 hours travel time. There are also vans at SM Lucena for Php 270.

From San Andres, Quezon, head to the Triangle Plaza where most of the motorbikes for hire can be found. It is recommended to hire one motorbike per person for safety as the road is very rough. Fare is usually at Php 250 with waiting time. At the moment, there are no entrance fees.

Fun time under the falls

Going down on the lower cascades

Finding a bit of time to practice some yoga lifts (Utthita Padmasana) at the falls