Maapon Falls: Beautiful Cascades in Lucban, Quezon

Lucban in Quezon Province is best known for its vibrant Pahiyas Festival held every 15th of May, where colorful kip...

Lucban in Quezon Province is best known for its vibrant Pahiyas Festival held every 15th of May, where colorful kiping (edible, leaf-shaped wafers) decorate the town's houses. Beyond the festival, Lucban is a charming heritage town with several nature escapes on its outskirts. During a recent long weekend, we discovered a captivating cascade with several names. Nestled in Barangay Piis, Maapon Falls—also known as Hangga Falls or Asana Falls—offers a serene retreat. As a yoga teacher, I found the name "Asana Falls" especially inviting. Why not bring along a group of yogi friends and practice asanas against the backdrop of these beautiful cascades?

The concrete pathway to the falls

Where is Maapon Falls?

Maapon Falls is about 120 km from Manila (in our case, from Pasig). Located within the municipality of Lucban in Quezon Province, the falls are tucked away in the lush forest of Barangay Piis, near the border of Sampaloc, Quezon. The falls flow along the Maapon River.

How to Get to Maapon Falls

Reaching Maapon Falls is quite accessible, whether by private vehicle or public transportation.

• Self-Drive or Private Vehicle: We visited the falls in a privately hired van, simply pinning “Maapon Falls” on Google Maps. For a more accurate route, you can use “Paaralang Elementarya ng Piis” as your destination, which is near the registration and jump-off point to the falls.

Public Transportation:

1. Via Sta. Cruz, Laguna: Take a bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna (from LRT Buendia or Cubao) and get off at Pagsawitan, Sta. Cruz. Then, transfer to a jeepney headed to Lucban, Quezon via Luisiana, Laguna. From Lucban, take a tricycle to Barangay Piis (P100).
2. Via Lucena: Take a bus bound for Lucena. From the Grand Terminal in Lucena, ride a jeepney to Lucban, and from Lucban, take a tricycle to Barangay Piis (P100).

Flora at Maapon Falls trail. A Jade Vine and Yellow Orange Camia

Trail to the Falls

The journey to Maapon Falls starts with registration (P30 per person) and securing a guide (P300 per 10 people) at the Tourist Center, a small roadside store. If you don’t have a vehicle, the trek begins here and follows an established concrete path almost 3 km long leading to the falls. If you have a vehicle or hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi), you can cut the hike time by nearly a kilometer, taking you to the turning point from the main road.

Rest stop midway the trail.

Much of the trail is concrete, which can be slippery in some parts as it passes through private properties to allow motorcycle access. Fortunately, the surroundings are lush, and the final few meters are on a dirt trail with makeshift bamboo railings. The path can be slick, so proceed cautiously. On average, the trek to the falls takes about an hour one way.

Arriving at Maapon Falls

Maapon Falls

Excitement builds as you hear the rushing waters, and finally, you're rewarded with the sight of the stunning cascades. Maapon Falls, Hangga Falls, or Asana Falls—whichever name you prefer—is a tall waterfall with wide-spreading cascades clinging to its rock walls. A basin at the base provides a perfect spot for swimming. The water flow is moderate, making it safe and enjoyable to explore the different levels of the falls.

The Maapon River area features multiple falls, with the main one being the most majestic. Nearby is another, more secluded fall that flows cohesively into a small basin, surrounded by trees that offer shade and a cool breeze.

Tips and Other Information

Maapon Falls is a refreshing escape from the city, perfect for a picnic with friends and family while communing with nature. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:

• Coordinate with Maapon Falls Tourism before arriving to secure guides early. Maapon Falls Tourist Information
• There’s a registration fee of P20 per person and a guide fee of P300 for a group of 10 people.
• Bring your own food, snacks, and at least 1.5 liters of water per person, as there are no commercial establishments nearby.
• There are no restrooms or changing facilities along the trail except at the registration area.
• There are no shower facilities at the falls due to a water shortage in Barangay Piis. After your visit, you can head to Lucban to find a place to shower and change.
• Maapon Falls remains pristine. Despite the concrete pathway, there are no signs of development near the falls. Please remember to LEAVE NO TRACE and take any trash back with you.

One of the smaller falls in the area.

Tree poses at Asana Falls