In life, we are confronted with several options. Travelling may serve the same options life gives – the more popular and safe ones or the off-beaten tracks that is defined by uncertainty. Which path to take is determined entirely by our own actions, our decisions, and our priorities. I personally like roads that are less travelled. One of my backpacking experiences in the Visayas has led me to explore a place only to most locals knew of. After an awesome trip to Biri and Capul Islands in Northern Samar, my friend Imma and I were off to Tacloban. But for some reasons, we ended up working pur way to a quiet town in Western Samar called Calbiga. Calbiga is home to a cave system known to some. But we were more interested when their tourism officer mentioned about a falls they call their version of a “Mini Niagara” at this side of the Philippines.So, without any know-how of this waterfalls, we bravely made our way to the mountainous area of Calbiga and see for ourselves Lulugayan Falls. The term “lologayan” or “lulugayan” came from the waray-waray root word “logay” meaning to unfold a braided long hair.  The term probably came from a legend of a maiden who frequently visited the place to rinse her long hair.  Lulugayan Falls is is said to have originated from Calidongan Lake to which the water goes down the Calbiga River.The fastest way is through a “habal-habal”/ motorcycle. Going to the site, we had to endure some butt-cracking-cramping ride. The roads are exquisitely unpaved, muddy and long and winding. It took as an hour or so before we reached the jump-off site. From the registration area, a 740 meter trail awaits to saunter for approximately twenty to thirty minutes well before you see the waterfalls. (Actually, from afar, one could already see the surprisingly wide waterfalls plus its cascading waters flowing into the Calbiga River).As we continue walking through the narrow trail, we were greeted by trees that reach a hundred feet into the air, and some chirping birds and butterflies freely roaming. Then you’ll notice a butterfly tiled path that leads directly to the waterfalls.As we draw nearer, the mist coming from the waterfalls gently touched my face as if it is telling me – “God bless you for you have seen such great beauty”. And the thud of water pouring is telling me to “come and take a plunge”.I had to stop for a moment from where I was standing and allowed myself to be amazed (once again) by God’s awesome creation. It wasn’t something I have expected. The utter volume of water gushing over the rocks and the picturesque view of the falls (despite the gloomy/cloudy weather that day) is such a sight to behold. Really stunning! Truly, the Philippines is gifted with so many natural wonders. How To Get There: Calbiga is an hour travel away from Tacloban, known to be a fourth class municipality in the province of Samar. Passing through the famous San Juanico Bridge that connects the province of Samar and Leyte, couple of towns of Samar. From the town of Calbiga, hire a habal-habal that will take you to Lulugayan Falls in Brgy. Literon. Note: Other than taking a relaxing bath at the falls, you can also do tubing activity. And if the current from the waterfalls isnt too strong, one may hike up to Calidongan Lake  🙂