Magdapio Falls (Pagsanjan Falls) and the River Cruise

Synonymous to the province of laguna is the Pagsanjan Falls. The canoe ride that comes as a package in visiting the falls is among the most recommended daytrip for local and foreign tourist alike.Though Laguna would boast of numerous other beautiful falls, with no extra expense needed for the boat ride, this should be the 1st in the list. Allow me to share.

With only 2 hrs ride away from Manila and the transportation regular up till 9:30 pm, way in and out of Pagsanjan town is not a hassle. We left Manila almost 2:30 in the afternoon on board a van in Alabang City terminal and were already in Pagsanjan by 4:30 pm. The fare was 90/pax. In town, near the municipal hall, one will never ran out of tricycles that will whisk trippers to the resorts (40). The drivers will also come handy if one will want to try the independent boat operators who arrange impromptu river cruise. But since we were to stay the night, we opted for the riverside resorts which also offer the canoe ride. The cost at the time of our visit was almost 1400 for solo passenger, and 650/pax for groups. There was also 70 pesos additional for the raft ride and 30 for the vests. And believe me, it was worth every penny.

First ten minutes into the ride was a relaxing cruise into the narrowing Bumbungan river. Then, we passed thru a government sign posting standard rates and welcoming visitors. From hereon, we were witnesses to fantastic scenery. We were awed by 15 small falls lining the mountain gorges on both sides (the falls are reduced to just a few on the months of March-May) . The river snaked thru this spectacular mountain scenery and finally ended at the falls of our destination.


While the view is splendid, we were also amazed with the skills of the boatmen navigating the rocks and the rapids. They were both foot and paddle to lift the boat thru rock edges. For us who were just spectators, it was admirable how they knew which rock to step on, how their toes would grip and let go, and altogether how their bodies coordinated gracefully.

It was also not unusual to come across fellow trippers. I had this childish delight when we waived to an American couple and a Japanese family (felt real touristy, eh).

Talahib Falls. The local calls this the 1st falls, the Magdapio being the main. We had a brief stop here, enough for us to breathe the delicious scent of the mountain showers, the boatmen to regenerate.

We then proceeded to the main falls a couple meters more ahead and oh boy! It was magnificent! There was a viewing area around the rocks and a waiting area for the raft ride so we could get closer to the falls and finally to the cave underneath. Before us, there were a dozen or so tourists who were shouting and screaming. And though I was excited, I swore, I will not exhaust my lungs like that.

And yet, I had barely stepped on to the raft and I was already feeling giddy. We were the last to arrive and though we were a small group, the rafters gave us one last “special” ride.
Still meters away from the falls, I already felt the uproar, that force when you know current and strength collide. Here it comes.... and I, I cannot not screaaaam!! There was no way for me to take hold of my thrill. Being below this thundering falls is terrifyingly exciting.

Being clouded under is another. it uncovered the romantic instincts. (I know, I know. I am a helpless!)

But imagine this… Your significant other helps you from the raft, into the cold water just 4 feet deep, gives you a lingering kiss, embraces you, and lets a few seconds tick with only the music of the falls, and the rhythm of the pounding of your heart, all these in a cave protected by the falls and the mountain.
I am indeed helpless!


The return trip downriver on this rock-casted body of water was dangerously exhilarating. Faster and even wilder. The funnnnnn here was obviously on the ride. And at the end of the 1hr trip, a tip for these mucled-men was well-deserved.

Afterwards, we feasted on the huge steamed fish and calamari for dinner beside the pool with a solemn view of the river we had just been acquainted with. We also had a few laps swimming in the resort pool, taking into ourselves the wonderful experience.

We were easily lulled into asleep looking forward for an appetizing aroma of breakfast in the restaurant by the river the next morning.

NOTE: please bring your camera in a water-protected case. The only thing I regret here was not bringing my own camera. The photos were courtesy of google.