Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. – Albert Einstein

Tinago Falls, a 240-feet cascading beauty, is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines’ City of Majestic Waterfalls, Iligan City. Tinago Falls is located in the heart of the abysmal ravine between Brgy. Ditucalan in Iligan and the Municipality of Linamon, Lanao del Norte, Mindanao. Next to Maria Christina Falls, this waterfalls is also a frequently visited natural wonder.

The moniker Tinago Falls was coined from a Tagalog word which means hidden since going to the falls requires an arduous downhill and winding trek before it can be reached. It’s as if the falls are tucked away and is meant only for adventure-spirited individuals.

Once you reach the falls, you’ll immediately be smitten by its charming waters, gushing admirably into a deep, serene catch-basin that looks like a lagoon with cerulean waters that’s very inviting for a dip. Underneath the waterfalls is a pothole where one can stay and be battered as if one is having a massage.

Being a photography enthusiast, Tinago falls is a delight to capture although I had a bit difficulty in taking photos as the mists from the waterfalls were forming droplets in front of my lens. Nonetheless, the beauty of this waterfalls made up for some of my hazy shots.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila/Cebu/Davao to Cagayan de Oro (By plane via Cagayan de Oro, more appropriately Laguindingan Airport). From the airport or terminal, take a bus heading to Iligan City at Balua Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal. Travel time is around 2 hours with an interval of 15-20 minutes before the next bus. Fare is @85 Pesos. Once in Iligan City, you may take either of these routes:

Buru-un Route (Iligan City) : From Iligan City, take a jeepney that leads to Buru-un. Tell the driver to drop you in an intersection to Tinago Falls. From crossing, hire a single motor or habal habal heading to the jump off point of Tinago Falls. Fare varies from P50-P80 per way (depending on your haggling skills).

Linamon Route: From Iligan City, ride a jeep that leads to Buruan. Again, tell the driver to drop you off at the border of Linamon and Buruan. From the small marke, ask the single motorcycle driver to take you to the Highland Resort, the jump off point of Tinago Falls. This route is said to be a more suitable one since the roads are entirely concreted.

Upon arriving at the area, a 10-15 minute trek is required to reach the waterfalls. The walk requires sauntering around 500 steep steps downwards.

Rates:

• Entrance fee – Php 25.00
• Cottages – Php 100-300
• Table only – Php 50.00
• Life Jackets – Php 25.00/ person
• Raft – Php 10.00/person
• Guide: no standard rate for the guide