Saturday, May 24, 2014

The Mystical Dodiongan Falls

Waterfalling Adventure Tour 3
May 17, 2014

It was already past 1PM when I arrived at Jacko’s Kan-anan in Hinaplanon where other members of IBS and  bloggers from other parts of the country gathered for the “meet and greet”. The place also served as the jumping-off point for the first waterfalling adventure which was scheduled on that gloomy afternoon. After some “hi-hellos” and picture takings, we started to gather our things and excitedly boarded the vehicle that was assigned to take us to our first destination – Dodiongan Falls.

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Dodiongan Falls is located in Brgy. Bonbonon some 14km away from the city proper. The waterfall has a height of 65.60 feet high cascading down to a concrete-like boulder. Photo by Rene Pernia.

It was already raining when we finally left Jacko’s Kan-anan. Everyone looked a little wary but it did not dampen the spirit of excitement of the eleven (11) waterfalls chasers. Not minding the bad weather and the bumpy ride, we continued to get to know more of our guest bloggers from Manila, Cebu, Ilo-Ilo and Agusan. Sharing the same passion, it was light and easy for everyone to build an atmosphere of camaraderie. A few minutes passed and we reached Sitio Dodiongan in Brgy. Bonbonon. Despite the continued rain, everyone excitedly alighted the vehicle and with the help of the two locals as guide, we started our first step towards discovering a different Dodiongan Falls.

Considering the bad weather at that time, the trek to the waterfalls was a test of one’s strength, flexibility, and agility. From the drop off point, we started our trek by the riverbank, crossed the raging river twice, and together through the rocks and mud, pushed ourselves as hard as we could just to come face to face with the falls.

The falls looked frightening with its raging waters. It was the first time that we saw Dodiongan Falls with such power unleashed - totally different from the pictures usually posted on the net.  A not-to-be-missed sight indeed. I carefully unpacked my camera and with the help of a fellow blogger, started to capture those rare moments.  

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We stayed for  a few more minutes and started to pack our things up when  the river begun to swell.  We immediately raced for our safety by following  an uncommon trail on the mountainside. Slowly but surely, we finally reached the drop off point.  It was a long, laborious, and arduous journey but I could clearly see the happiness and great pride in everyone for having achieved such victory.

Next stop:  Limunsudan Falls

3 comments:

  1. I already had a picture of my mind of the gentle Dodiongan, but that afternoon, it really surprised/awed me.

    Keep on sharing your wonderful updates on Iligan. I hope to see you and the gang perhaps, on the road someday.

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  2. These certainly are pics not usually seen of these falls. In the first pic the water looks more like liquid gold than it does muddy water. It is good to read that all of you made it to the falls and back again in spite of the less than favorable weather and hiking conditions.

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