But, I’m here, we’re here and scaling it again. You know, twice isn’t enough stupidity when you’re with your best trekking friends. Luckily, our bestest trekking buddy, who overestimated our wall climbing capabilities back then, is (thank heavens) happily paddling the Balangay elsewhere! Wohoo! No, we didn’t miss you Onin!
How do you go to Matigol Falls?
Google maps here. There are many Matigol Falls itinerary online. From Davao City Ecoland Terminal, ride a bus to Kampo Uno, Arakan Cotabato. From there hire a habal habal to a tribal community and mini tourism house in Sitio Inamong where the hike to the falls begin. If you brought you’re own 4x 4 vehicle, passable rough road is up to the center of Brgy. Matigol where they have an open cemented basketball court. The people there are very accommodating and helpful but it’s not their responsibility to guard your vehicles.
The Campsite in Sitio Inamong
A courtesy call to the Manobo tribal community in Sitio Inamong is a must. Sitio Inamong is an ancestral domain for these tribes, mainly the Manobos. Get your guides here. These are very good, helpful, accommodating but very shy people. Some of them might have been forgotten their cultural practices but I hope visitors accord Manobos the same respect we give others when we visit their place. If possible, stay in the designated tourist house or campsites if its not occupied. Avoid loud noise at night. Remember these people are farmers and they sleep early. This campsite has only one flowing water source. If you’re not used to drinking water from an nopen flowing water source, boil it first or bring your own drinking water. The tourism house also doesn’t have a working CR and you have to ask the community ahead to allow you to use their CRs if need be. Don’t leave your trash behind or dispose it in designated areas only!
Hike to the bottom catch basin
The easiest trek to Matigol Falls is via the open, lush but sparsely forested rolling hills in front of it.
[hr]
[hr]
[hr]
[hr]
Thats the best viewing area also given that the falls is huge.
[hr]
[hr]In broad daylight the trek can be pretty exhausting. Raining and you’d probably slip more than you can remember. It’s the final down trek to the valley where the falls final catch basin is located that is probably the more difficult one.
Our group taking time to rest at the viewing deck opposite Matigol Falls
But down, we go.
Matigol Falls, from the bottom catch basin
I went back here for one good reason- to shoot Matigol in its entirety. I was hoping to get there early but by the time we were done, its lunch time and the sun is high up mid day. I was so consumed with looking for a better angle and is gasping for air of exhaustion. Well, I hope these pictures aren’t too bad for this very nice, imposing falls. And not too good either, so not many people flock to this place. I’m already seeing man made structures jutting out of boulders. Surely people here knew this area is not really safe during flooding and heavy rains.
[hr]
[hr]
I didn’t have time to dip in the cold waters. I find it quite surprising that despite an ardous trek, this place is teaming with visitors. Back then we were the only people down there. And we don’t have guides either.
Our group resting from the tiring downhill trek. And we brought a coleman box. Hahaha
” Kawa-Kawa”- The topmost, first catch basin and natural pool of Matigol Falls
The trek up is a lot easier now but you still need to catch breathe every 10 minutes or so of vertical trek. You also have to cross the falls several times which is scary for me.
One of the falls crisscrossing trail. All smiles but all fear also.
There’s a natural pool on top of Matigol Falls. This is actually one of the first catch basin of this multi tiered falls. It is the easiest portion of the falls to go to coming from the campsite at Sitio Inamong. If you’re not up for some long treks, this might be the best and only portion of the falls you might wanna go. It is not recommended that you take this route down to the bottom catch basin of Matigol. Too dangerously steep, but there are ropes in some portion of the trail.
Our group stayed a bit longer at the Kawa-Kawa Pool. Because this place is nearer to the campsite, this is teaming with visitors. The natural pool is very deep and sits on the edge of the mountain.
This seem to be the playground of the locals and kids are diving left and right into the natural pool. Be very careful when you swim. But it’s good to be back here!
On our way to the campsite I thought of riding a horse maybe because I’m too exhausted to carry my photo gears. Ten years ago when we’re still some suicidal numb knots, we river trekked upstream just for fun. That isn’t an option this time. No river trek upstream and not a horse showed up. So, I’m back dragging my heavy arse up and down this beautiful rolling hills. Nonetheless, this was a very fulfilling trek for me and my group’s reunion hike.
Recommendations:
If you’re up for some breath taking trek along open rolling hills and the side of a mountain, going to Matigol Falls should be a fulfilling and fun outdoor activity. If not just go to Kawa-Kawa Natural Pool instead.
Pluses include better roads to and from the place up to a certain point. Very accommodating and helpful tribal community and Manobos. The open, rolling hills backdrop (which reminds me of the open trail in Mt. Pulag) should be a nice landscape to shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The lack of CR and safe water source at the tourist house needs to be addressed. By safe I mean potable/drinkable and not left in the open where flooding could easily contaminate the pipe. There should be clear guidelines on the tribal interaction here. Apart from sustainable, eco friendly income generation for the locals, it might be an opportunity for the Manobos to showcase their culture, traditions and practices, while engaging visitors in an outdoor tribal immersion.
What are your thoughts about Matigol Falls?
