ABAGA TA BAYUG: THE TALLEST WATERFALLS IN THE PHILIPPINES

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 ABAGA TA BAYUG or BAYUG Falls means to blow by its immense wind.  A name was given by the Higaonon-Maranao tribes the dwellers among the area and the rightful owner of its ancestors' land. Hence, it is a sacred place for Indigenous People all over Mindanao; they perform their rituals to venerate Apo Magbabaya once in a while.




This two-story gigantic waterfall is under dispute from the three(3) provinces namely Lanao del Sur, Iligan City of Lanao del Norte, and Talakag, Bukidnon. Those places have different names Mindamora Falls from Talakag and Limunsudan Falls for Iligan city. 

Why do I call this the Tallest waterfall? On the internet, Aliwagwag falls of Davao Oriental holds the highest records but it does not represent the veracious height of its single plunge. The respective tier of Bayug falls has a distinct height, a lower plunge measured 400 feet, and an upper plunge towers up to 470 feet. Enough to be named the tallest!




Exactly 2 years ago, the third quarter of 2019 was my first visit.

 I was with Kent, Hassan, Jomar, and Kenneth. We were high-spirited but seemingly unnoticed what lies ahead.

We started our ride at 10am, Sunday. We still have no idea how to track down Bayug falls; we were relentless in asking locals. Nearly 12noon when we arrived at Poblacion Talakag to fetch lunch and snacks along the trail. 

Still, we're on the lip of collecting pieces of information, while blazing the roads.

Eventually, the odds were on our side. We met the daughter of the Datu on the road.

With an open heart, She took us to their humble abode. We paid 50 pesos each. She said for the entrance and we signed in. And later on, she gave us a local guide to bring us to the falls. 

Kent took a pose at an old fell tree, adorns the trail. 

Thunderous resonating sounds I heard, clocking my ears. A few steps from the jump-off point, a glimpse of magical silver linings vivid my eyes' excitement! I couldn't stop myself to yell, WOOOW! My heart leaps, amazed by its beauty from afar.

So we start trailing closer. Steep, muddy, and rolling trails haunt us.


Almost an hour of arduous trek. Fascinating spectacle startles me, blissful vast fills my being in awe.


The daughter of Datu and her friends who also trailed with us, she gathers us and starts its rituals. She said for the permission of Apo Magbabaya...  (No picture, nor video, I was just astonished how she perform the ritual)

Subsequently, 'Pictioneering' goes on and on...
Too tiny for this colossal plunge. 





Look at us. We're bathing by the mists incessantly showering our skins.
Feeling of satisfaction, fulfilled hearts intrudes on our minds. Such a blessing to experience Bayug falls' glory.

After an hour, past 4pm we head back to the view deck. We pay 100 pesos each for our local guide.


 So we head back to the Sitio Limunsudan, where we met Datu and other locals.
 Thanking him, endlessly, for letting us in. 

GRATEFUL! SUCCESS!


Last May 2021, I was given a chance to visit again...

Through a friend, that I just met that night before the scheduled tour, an organized travel group--DAKID!
All were in arranged, no frantic moments for trails. Just enjoying the travel with other joiners.


A sight to behold. I was still in awe, second time around. 


What to bring?

Prepare yourself to visit Bayug falls with basic essentials for trekking.
1. Wear proper hiking attire. 
2. Bring water at least 2 liters.
3. Drybag.
4. Sandals, trekking shoes, or flip-flops. Whatever as long as you are comfortable.

Where is Bayug Falls located?



How to get to Bayug falls?

1. The closest route going to Bayug falls is from Cagayan de Oro-Talakag, Bukidnon roads with an approximate distance of 58KM.

2. From Cagayan de Oro ride a Jeepney or Vans bound for Talakag at Carmen Public terminal, 1-hour travel time. The estimated fare is 50 pesos.

3. Drop off at Talakag Public market. 

4. Hire a local Tricabs or Habalhabal that will bring you to Sitio Limunsudan. Initiate the driver properly. Regular rates are 500 pesos back-n-forth.

Fees and Fares:
The last time I visited the place, it was developed by the LGU of Talakag, organized tour guides, and fees are being collected within the entrance.

Jeepney fare: 50x2 = 100 pesos
Tricabs: 250x2 = 500 each.
Guide fees: 500 pesos for a maximum of 5 pax.
Ritual fees: 200 pesos by a group.

To save from fares, use your own vehicle.

TO MAINTAIN OUR NATURAL WONDER CLEAN, ALWAYS KEEP YOUR GARBAGE.
PLEASE, ALWAYS OBSERVE THE LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLE.

Is it a helpful blog? I would appreciate your reactions, leave a comment below. Thank you. 







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