falls Archives | Meghy Was Here

Luisiana, Laguna: Hulugan Falls Travel Guide

Meghy — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 15:28:39 +0000

Laguna might be known for its hot spring resorts, location of the country’s biggest freshwater lake, Laguna De Bay and being home of Philippine’s famous amusement park, Enchanted Kingdom but this province situated Southeast of Metro Manila has a lot of natural attractions waiting to be explored. Multiple waterfalls can be found in the province but for this article we’ll be talking about Hulugan Falls located on Laguna’s little Baguio, the town of Luisiana.

Knowing Hulugan Falls:

Hulugan Falls is one of the few falls that you can visit in Brgy. San Salvador, Luisiana. Locals would agree that it is the most stunning among all. Standing 230 feet, you’ll be amazed by its natural beauty and to be drizzled by its strong water drops is an experience you must look forward to. As per our guide, with the effort of the barangay’s ex captain the place was finally opened to the public last 2015 and since then many tourists were captured by its charm.

How to get there?

From Manila

From Manila ride a bus (Buendia, Cubao or Alabang) bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Upon reaching Sta. Cruz town proper, ride a jeepney bound to Luisiana. Jeepney terminal is located at the back of Jollibee Sta. Cuz, fare is P50 each and tell the driver to drop you off on Brgy. San Salvador. Upon arrival you’ll be seeing a sign “To Hulugan Falls” at your right. Walk to your right and you’ll be greeted by tour guides. Once they assigned a guide, they’ll accompany you to the old Captain’s house for registration. After registration, you have to ride another tricycle going to the jump off (80 Pesos per ride good for 4 pax).

From Laguna

Make your way to SM Calamba and look for jeepneys bound to Sta. Cruz on its transportation terminal. Fare will be P60 each and travel time is around 1 hour. Upon reaching Sta. Cruz town proper, ride a Luisiana bound jeepney (located at the back of Jollibee Sta. Cruz). Fare will be P50 and travel may take another 45 minutes to 1 hour. Dropped off at Brgy. San Salvador and walk to your right, have a tour guide assigned and have your group registered at the Captain’s house. After registration, ride a tricycle going to the jump off.

Journey to Hulugan Falls:

On this trip, we only decided to visit Hulugan Falls. Upon reaching the jump off, we make our way to the right where we were greeted by the “I Love Hulugan Falls” sign. Long tables and chairs are also available on the area where visitors can take a quick rest. After this part, this is where the real tricky trek starts. You have to descend a very steep natural stairs and since it poured the day before we went, the trail is too slippery, muddy and a bit complex. Good thing is they managed to put bamboo railings that one can hold and use as support all through his journey. We also have a very nice guide that holds and assists us anytime we need.

The trek may take around 30 minutes and after a tiring descent, you’ll be rewarded by the majesty that awaits you. It rained the day before we went to Hulugan, making the waterfalls white in color, larger than usual and water drops powerful. Regardless of its color and not being in its best glory (as per guides and locals), I was just stunned and overwhelmed by the beauty right in front of me at that moment. It’s such a gem that doesn’t deserve displeasure.

We have to put all our belongings inside a big plastic bag (prepared by our guide) to keep our things dry. Due to the strong current of water, we were not allowed to go below or near the falls itself for our safety. You can take photos on the big rocks around the area but make sure to be careful since it can be too slippery. Make sure to bring as well waterproof phone cases so you could take good pictures without worrying about your phone getting showered. Enjoying being poured by water drops from the falls is a must experience! It’s like bathing one rainy day back on your childhood days.

Getting Back From Hulugan Falls:

You have to take the same route to get back above. It may be extra tiring as you’ll need additional strength during ascent. Still, be mindful of your steps because one missed step could make you slide. Upon reaching the top where “I Love Hulugan Falls” sign is located we took some time to rest and that’s when I noticed that I lost my gold ring given to me by my mom. Our tour guide was too kind and decided to went back to the trail to look for it but unluckily, he didn’t find it. (He even went back to the falls by the next day to look for my ring again but still didn’t find it).

We continue our ascent until the drop off and ride a tricycle going to a house where we can take a bath and change clothes (P20/ligo). After fixing our things, we ride another tricycle back to the main highway and waited for a jeep back to Sta. Cruz.

Additional Information To Know:

Aside from Hulugan Falls, you can visit the other two falls in Brgy. San Salvador namely Talay Falls and Hidden Falls. You’ll take around 1.5 hours of trek when visiting the three waterfalls.
Registration Fee is 40 Pesos only. During this pandemic, they don’t require any requirements but you have to fill out their registration log book with your passing temperature.
Standard guide fee is 500 PHP (mandated July 2020) for Hulugan Falls.
For a recommended tour guide, you can contact Kuya Jayson. Once you are sure, tell him your desired date to visit so he can reserve you under his name. Kuya Jayson’s phone number is 09094522936.

It’s such a refreshing activity anyone could try since we have been forced not to leave our home for the past months due to the pandemic. We’ll surely be back and will try to visit the other known “Aliw Falls” on the nearby barangay. Please follow health protocols and safe travel to everyone!

The post Luisiana, Laguna: Hulugan Falls Travel Guide appeared first on Meghy Was Here.

Bolinao Travel Guide 2019: Places To Visit + Sample Itinerary + Budget

Meghy — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:14:55 +0000

Bolinao is becoming known now by tourists who wants to relax for a while away in the busy city life. Located in the west coast of Luzon Island and northwestern tip of the Pangasinan province, this peaceful town has so much things to offer from white sand beaches to best-kept green waterfalls to enchanting hidden caves. For sure, it can be your next destination for your family and barkada getaway.

So here is a travel guide if you are planning to visit this majestic town!

How to go to Bolinao?

You can ride a bus from Cubao or Pasay (Victory Liner, Five Star, Dagupan Bus) bound to Bolinao, Pangasinan. Fare is P500 and travel time may take 6-7 hours.

See bus schedule of Victory Liner here

See bus schedule of Five Star here

How to get around Bolinao?

Tricycle drivers may ask you to pay P200-P300 for a one way trip from the town center to Patar where resorts, hotels and inns are located so it is advisable to hire a tricycle for your Bolinao Tour to lessen your expenses. One day tour would only cost you P1000 good for 3-4 pax.

Recommended Tour Guide/Tricycle Driver: Kuya Gerald/Eugene De Guzman 09104019061

Places to visit in Bolinao:

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

It was constructed in the year 1905 and one of the well-known attraction nowadays in Pangasinan. Situated in Punta Piedra Point, it is one of the major lighthouses of our country and said to be the second tallest next to Cape Bojeador.

Entrance Fee: None

Bolinao Falls 1,2,3

Bolinao is famous for their emerald-green waterfalls and these three waterfalls were named based on numbering system due to their nearness to each other.

Bolinao Falls 1 is the highest, perfect for adventure seekers who wants to try waterfall diving but the pool area is much smaller compared to the other two waterfalls but the deepest.

Bolinao Falls 2 is perfect for kids due to the pool’s wide-open space that has many shallow areas. It is the shortest falls among the three but its wide-open space made it perfect for swimming.

Bolinao Falls 3, as suggested by our tour guide, is the most beautiful among the three. It has the combined characteristics of Bolinao Falls 1 and 2. Though it is not as high as Bolinao Falls 1, many people still preferred to do waterfall jumping here. Its pool space is the widest but deeper than Bolinao Falls 2. You wouldn’t take your eyes off on its green to turquoise water.

Entrance Fee: P20 per falls

Enchanted Cave

It is the most preferred cave to visit as suggested by our guide. Enchanted Cave Resort has various attractions but the main one is the cave itself. It is said that the resort was once part of the ocean making the place looks like a coral reef that emerge from the deep sea. Other popular caves are Wondeful Cave and Cindy’s Cave.

Entrance Fee: P150 for viewing and P200 for viewing + swimming

Patar White Beach

It is a public beach located next to the Bolinao Lighthouse. Since this is a public beach, no entrance fee is required but there are open cottages that you can rent. The sand is actually creamy white and the water is clear perfect for swimming.

Entrance Fee: None

Patar Rock Formation

This is my most favorite Bolinao destination and the place I really looked forward to see. Since we stayed in Rockview Beach Resort, we don’t need to pay any entrance fee. There are beautiful rock formations on the resort and due to its huge waves, swimming is not allowed for tourist’s safety but there are ropes that you can hold on if you wish to deep on its waters. It is popular for sunset viewing and it is no joke, it has one of the most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen! It made me fell in love with sunsets even more.

St. James the Great Parish Church

It is constructed on 1600s and one of the oldest church in Pangasinan. It is still standing strong after surviving natural calamities such as the 1788 earthquake, 1819 fire and 2009 typhoon that damaged some of the church structures. It is still under ongoing various renovations.

Where we stayed in Bolinao?

We stayed in Rockview Sunset Beach Resort and the place is good, clean, and offers affordable room selection. Rooms are well maintained and resort personnels are kind and approachable. They let us do early check-in as early as 6am without additional fee.

Rate: P2500 (air-conditioned room for 4 pax with free breakfast)

You can contact them through their facebook page here

Sample Itinerary (2D1N)

(Day 1) Time	Activity
5:00 AM	ETA in Bolinao
5:10 AM	Breakfast in Adoras
5:30 AM	Tricycle ride to Patar
6:00 AM	Arrival at Hotel
6:40 AM	Start of Bolinao Tour
7:00 AM	ETA Cape Bolinao
8:30 AM	ETA Enchanted Cave
10:15 AM	Early Lunch at Mangunguna Restaurant (Since there is no food stalls in Bolinao Falls)
11:15 AM	ETD to Bolinao Falls
12 NN	ETA Bolinao Falls 1
12:30 PM	ETA Bolinao Falls 2
1:15 PM	ETA Bolinao Falls 3
2:00 PM	ETD to Patar Beach
3:00 PM	ETA Patar Beach
4:30 PM	ETA Hotel (freshen up)
5:30 PM	Sunset viewing in Rock Formation
7:00 PM	Dinner

(Day 2) Time	Activity
7:00 AM	Breakfast
8:00 AM	Swimming at Beach
10:00 AM	ETD to town center
10:40 AM	ETA St. James Church
11:30 AM	ETD to Manila

Breakdown Of Expenses (Good for 4)

Expenses	Fares/Fees
Fare Manila-Bolinao	P500
Breakfast at Adoras	P40
Tricycle rental	P250 (P1000/4)
Enchanted Cave Entrance Fee	P200
Lunch at Mangunguna	P170
Bolinao Falls 1,2,3 Entrance Fee	P60 (P20X3)
Parking Fee	P15 (20 on each falls) (60/4)
Accommodation	P625 (P2500/4)
Dinner	P60
Tricycle Fare to town center	P50 (P200/4)
Lunch at town center	P60
Fare to Manila-Bolinao	P500
Total	P2530

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