Discover the Magical Beauty of Pinipisakan Falls in Samar

Here’s the thing about fairytales—they’re not real. But what if they are?

Deep in the jungle of San Jorge, Northern Samar, Leyte lies a hidden treasure. A postcard-worthy curtain of falls with gaping cave is one of the most beautiful paradise to see. From a well-preserved ferns and wild flowers, to a resting fog just above the peeking mountain, Pinipisakan Falls can be very challenging to trek.

The Perilous Route

 Getting to the destination is not as simple as hailing a cab and asking the driver to drop you off the falls. No. Taking a bus from Catbalogan City, you will reach the little town of San Jorge. From there, you ride habal-habal for half an hour to a small village called Blanca Aurora. The road is not completely paved. During rainy season, there are small puddles in the road which can be very slippery.

The Canoe Ride

You can pass by a popular swimming spot next to the community called Blanca Aurora Falls where tents and cottages are setup for usage. But that’s not the goal, is it? Boarding a small canoe, you have a two-hours of solitude with another beauty while following the stream. It’s like an Amazon experience as you pass in the middle of heavy forest with brick-like rock formation at the side.

There are no houses at the riverbanks. The only thing you hear is the sound of the gushing water, purr of the canoe engine, and the hum of nature filled with crickets and forest insects. Upon reaching the sandbank called Duro-ongan, it is time to disembark from the canoe.

The Jungle Trail

If you run out of energy from the two-hour ride, then there is no turning back at this point. You still have another two-hour hike in the middle of the forest. The trail can be very tricky. You pass by limestone while walking under the sky of tree branches. The lush of the forest is fool of mystery but no worries, it’s safe from wild animals—and hope it really is. At the end of the long hike is the camp site where a simple hut sits with rows of makeshift bed made of sacks and bamboo. Time to finally take a rest.

The Fulfilling Reward

A few minutes from the campsite sites the breath-taking four-tier Pinipisakan Waterfalls. Almost untouched, this majestic paradise is such an amazing destination to experience fairytale in all angles. Wild ferns and flowers bloom everywhere as the mossy rock adds more drama to the landscape. It sure is a reward after half a day of getting there.

The Choices to Make

A day tour is nice but it will be more it if you spend the night in the area. You can explore the Sulpan Cave the following day—five to six hours more or less—to make the best out of your adventure before heading back by canyoneering. Just make sure to pack light so you will not be burden along the way.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

DAY USE:

• Entrance fee: PHP 5,000 PESOS PER PERSON
• Opening hours: Tour starts at 6am

 OTHER INFORMATION:

• Contact numbers:  0919-2943865 / 09276750062 (Joni Bonifacio at Trexplore the Adventure)
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PinipisakanFallsLasNavasNorthernSamar/ / Trexplore the Adventures

FEATURES:

• Amenities:  DAY TOUR
• Activities: 
  • RIDING HABAL-HABAL
  • BOATING, RIVER TREKKING
  • MOUNTAIN  TREKKING
  • SWIMMING
  • POTHOLING
  • ROCK CLIMBING
  • BOULDERING 

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Catbalogan, Northern Samar, Visayas

BY V-HIRE/BUS/TRICYCLE (FOR COMMUTERS): 

Step by step (Via tour):

1. DEPARTURE CATBALOGAN CITY TO SAN JORGE, SAMAR 
   (GRAND TOURS VAN)
2. ARRIVE SAN JORGE, SAMAR
3. RIDE MOTORCYCLE (HABAL-HABAL)
4. ARRIVE BRGY. BLANCA AURORA
5. RIDE A BOAT GOING DUROONGAN (BOATING UP STREAM)
6. ARRIVE DUROONGAN (START JUNGLE TREKKING AND RIVER TREKKING)
7. ARRIVE PINIPISAKAN FALLS