Zamboanga del Sur is home to some of Mindanao’s most stunning and serene waterfalls offering travelers a refreshing escape into nature. From towering cascades hidden deep in the forest to accessible falls perfect for a quick swim, each destination showcases the province’s natural beauty and charm. Whether you’re an adventurer or a nature lover, these waterfalls are must visit spots you shouldn’t miss.
Merloquet Falls
Merloquet Falls is a two tiered cascade tucked in Barangay Sibulao, Zamboanga City with its main drop flowing over layers of rock that resemble a delicately pleated curtain. Its tranquil setting and staircase descent of over 300 steps offer a serene and immersive nature escape. You’ll only need to pay a minimal entrance fee that is around ₱5.00 and a modest parking fee. ₱10.00 for motorcycles and ₱20.00 for cars to enjoy this hidden gem.
How To Get There?
Location: Sibulao Brgy Rd, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Mindanao, Philippines
- By Car: From Zamboanga City proper, drive north along the National Highway toward Barangay Vitali. At Barangay Vitali, turn onto the Sibulao Barangay Road and follow this for about 14 km until you reach the jump off area. The last stretch may be rough and partly unpaved so a vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended.
- By Commute: From Zamboanga City Integrated Bus Terminal, take a bus or van bound for Ipil, Pagadian, or Dipolog and inform the conductor that you intend to alight at Barangay Vitali. From Barangay Vitali, take a habal-habal to carry you the rest of the way to the Merloquet Falls jump off. Then you’ll descend more than 300 steps to reach the falls themselves.
Masapak Falls
Masapak Falls in Barangay Ebarle, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur is often described as one of the province’s most dramatic natural treasures with cascading waters dropping through rugged terrain in an adventure worthy trek. The trail to the falls is steep and slippery in parts so it’s recommended to take a local guide that is coordinated through the barangay and come prepared with sturdy footwear and a spirit for wilderness. While there’s no fixed entrance fee listed, visitors typically pay a nominal guide fee or “tourist contribution” which is the amount that is arranged locally often by the barangay and any parking or transport fees depend on your mode of access.
How To Get There?
Location: Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines
- By Car: From Pagadian City, drive toward Josefina. Before you reach the town proper of Josefina, look for the sign “This way to Masapak Falls” branching off to the left. Take this road toward Barangay Moradji, then follow the path to Barangay Ebarle. The last 3 km or so may be partially concrete but could become muddy and rough especially after rains. Once in Barangay Ebarle, you’ll park or mount in a local’s home or guide hub, then trek about 1 hour through forested and sloped terrain to reach the falls.
- By Commute: Take a bus bound for Pagadian and tell the conductor you plan to head to Josefina. Once you reach or near Josefina, get off at the sign “This way to Masapak Falls,” then take a habal-habal to take you toward Barangay Ebarle or Moradji. From the drop off near a local guide’s house which is a “buongon” pomelo tree is a landmark used by locals, you’ll trek roughly an hour to get to Masapak Falls. Wear appropriate footwear and prepare for slippery or uneven trail sections.
Pulacan Falls
Pulacan Falls is a silent masterpiece of nature due to its soft falls beside a picturesque highway that instantly uplift the spirit. Visitors are urged to slow down by the serene beauty of the way the water spreads out in fan-like terraces over aged rocks that are surrounded by lush flora. It’s the ideal place to decompress because you can hear the calming sound of the running water and feel the cool refreshing air even from the other side of the street.
How To Get There?
Location: Labangan, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines
- By Car: Pulacan Falls lies just about 12 kilometers from Pagadian City, along the Labangan stretch of the national highway. You can drive there in approximately 30 minutes. The falls are quite visible and reachable from the highway with just a short walk or trail leading from the road.
- By Commute: From Pagadian City, take a bus, van, or multicab bound for Ozamiz, Iligan, or Dipolog routes that pass through the Labangan highway stretch. Ask to be dropped off near the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division Camp in Upper Pulacan or close to the highway section where Pulacan Falls is located. From the drop off, you’ll follow a short walking path through trees toward the falls which it’s only a minute or so walk from the road.
