The last stretch requires a bit of caution and courage. We had to carefully hold close to the slippery walls and rocks to reach the main drop. Even crossing what looks to be a fragile set of fallen trees as a bridge/ After an hour, we were finally at the falls. Humuyyo Falls is tall. By my estimation about 50–80 feet. The water flow was strong that it was tricky to take close up photos because of the strong water spray. I did manage to get close to the lower basin. It was small with depth up to the waist but good enough for dips.
Humuyyo Falls is fed by the lake Hiniblawan Talaw, further up the mountains. A legendary lake for the locals. For them, it is where the stars takes a bath.The local elders also perform the local rain dance to their gods called “manerwap” here. It sounded real interesting but our guide tells us that we had to hike another three hours to reach this lake. Since it rains every afternoon, we had to make our way back sooner lest the rain falls and make the trail more challenging. We took a different trail on the later part of our descend. This time going down nearer to town which was a lot convenient but steeper descend.
I really enjoyed this nature hike to Humuyyo Falls. It’s not that easy and requires a bit of fitness but I’m sure adventure seekers would enjoy as it offers moderate challenges too. It’s one side trip in Bontoc I would highly recommend.
Essential Info
Humuyyo Falls is located in Talubin Village, 6.1km from Bontoc town. Talubin can be reached the following ways
- There are jeeps to Talubin in front of Sonnorah’s Inn from 12nn to 5pm. Jeep leaves when full. Fare is Php 20/pax. Travel time is 30 minutes.
- An alternative if one wants to hike earlier, take a Banaue bound bus (Von Von bus at 7:00am, AV Trans at 8:00am and Immanuel Trans at 9:00am), Jeeps or Van from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Tell the driver to drop you off at Talubin.
- From Talubin regsiter at the Barangay Hall and secure a guide.
- Going back to Bontoc, there are jeeps that leave for Bontoc at the junction from 2:30pm. Also watch out for vans heading to Bontoc. Fare is Php 20.
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.
