The province of Aurora being one of the coastal provinces of the Philippines bordering the world's largest ocean, the Pacific, is truly blessed with natural resources. Yes, travel to Aurora and you'll never run out of things to explore - its beaches considered a haven for surfing enthusiasts, its coves, historical sites, food and the warm welcoming people - there is so much more waiting to be discovered within. Certainly, a 2-day or 3-day stay may not be enough for you to spoil yourself and fully enjoy the sceneries and activities the province has to offer..
After our encounter with the 6-century old Balete Tree, we continue the Day 1 of our 2-day Aurora trip to San Luis, a neighboring town of Baler to see the Ditumabo Mother Falls located in Barangay Ditumabo. This was our first trip to Aurora and we had this trip is for a very good reason.. ;). We learned from some blogs and other friends who have visited Aurora already that for you to see the falls, you need to trek for about 30-45 minutes.
From the national road where 4-wheel vehicles are being parked, you need to ride a tricycle and pay P100.00 for 3 persons for one way (another P100.00 back as the driver will wait for you). You may also opt to start the trekking from the national road, but i tell you if you're not into trekking this will not be easy for you as it would take you an hour or more to reach the falls.
Tricycles park near the San Luis Hydro-Electric Power Plant. It's a small plant so you may not notice it and you may think its a small warehouse.. ;) From there, you will be crossing the first makeshift bamboo bridge and need to register at one of the cottages beside the mini power plant. The falls is still 1.3 kilometers from the registration area.
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| 1) Tricycle ride from the national road to the power plant. 2) A sign-board at the registration area. 3) Lush greenery will be adorning your way as you take the trail going to the falls. Highly noticeable along the way is the long metal pipeline constructed for the hydro-electric power plant. This will also serve as your guide to the falls as the main source of power plant is the Ditumabo Falls. 4) One of so many stores you will pass through that sells food and drink. |
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| (Photo Credits: Derrick Murillo/Travel North) |
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| (Photo Credits: Derrick Murillo/Travel North) |
Your adventure to Ditumabo Falls actually starts when you reach this point. Here you will be paying the entrance fee of P10/head and will be asked to eat or leave your "baon". Yes, they do not allow bringing any kind of food to the falls. Water is allowed of course, but they will label your bottles with your name and will remind you not to through garbage on the falls. This is good by the way. At least they have a way of protecting the mother nature. There's also a comfort room in the site for your immediate need.
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| The three makeshift bamboo bridges you will be passing. In one of these bridges (2nd picture), they will ask you for a donation. |
They said crossing these bridges is part of the adventure.. But hey! They actually makes the trekking easier. Notice that these bridges are constructed in clear areas where you can cross the river with less effort? One of the hardest parts of the trekking is crossing the river with big rocks where the current is strong and you really need to battle against the hurrying cold water coming from the falls.
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| GO BLUE TEAM! |
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Oh by the way, there will be a local tourguide that will be assigned to you after paying. The tourguide will assist you in crossing the river and will look after you when you reach the falls. Any amount you want to give as "tip" will be greatly appreciated.  |
The trekking will get easy when you reach this point - a concrete pathway that leads to a dam constructed for the hydro-electric power plant. This is the path they refer to as the "Temple Run Path" with rocks and flowing water on the side and wall covered with moss of some variety of ferns and wild banyans on the other side.
A small waterfalls and a small dam will welcome you before you see the grandeur of Ditumabo Falls. It seems that the falls settled on a small cove to protect itself and remind the people to take good care of her.
Nestled at the foot of Sierra Madre Mountain Range, the Dimatubo Falls or commonly called Ditumabo Mother Falls, as the name suggests is the grandest and biggest waterfalls in Aurora. With a height of around 140 feet, the very cold water cascades freely into a wide basin that formed a natural pool where tourists can plunge into and enjoy.
A thick green forest carpeting the big lump of rocks surround the falls add to its majestic beauty. It is a spectacle sight after a tiring trek and a dip into its cold water is a refreshing reward.
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| (Photo Credits: Derrick Murillo/Travel North) |
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| This is a camera trick only using panoramic setting. I don't know how this happened but looks cool, right? |
The construction of the dam that supplies water to San Luis Hydro-Electric Power Plant is not in any way a disturbance to the falls' splendid beauty but a a good example that we can be modernized without destroying the gift and work of nature. On a positive note, the plant supplies enough energy that their community needs and at the same time decreases the greenhouse effect.
So far, this is the biggest waterfalls I've seen and visited. I am greatly impressed with how the place have been maintained. The trail is very clean, wide and flanked with lush greenery. The flowing water coming from the falls, although in some parts is a test on your stamina, adds to your excitement to see the falls. Here, you can really feel at close with mother nature and indulge as it soothes your battered body and soul.
Ditumabo Mother Falls is a must-see tourist attraction in Aurora. It is a gift worthy to keep for the next generation to see and experience..
Credits: Travel North, our travel partner
With: Sheryl Lorenzo, Anthony Lorenzo, Diony Castro, Lady Obra, Jerry Obra, Leo Salazar, Arlyn Bautista , Aileen Columbino, Pamela Mallorca, Derrick Murillo & Chris Agas
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