Baganga, Davao Oriental | In Search of the Breathtaking Campawan Curtain Falls

“Sometimes the most breathtaking scenes are the ones you find by accident—and by intuition.”

An Unmapped Journey to Stillness

Like many of the spontaneous stops in my Davao Oriental trip, I hadn’t done a deep dive into Campawan Curtain Falls. The recommendation came from our good friend Chief Butch Rapiz, and with nothing but Google Maps and a surge of curiosity, I headed into the quiet highlands of Barangay Campawan.

The Road Less Traveled

The journey itself is an adventure. The access road has suffered from flash floods and sidewall collapses. It’s narrow, rough, and partially overgrown with arching tree branches. Signage is nonexistent, and traffic—human or vehicular—is almost nil.

And then come the questions from your internal voice:

“Did I miss a turn?”
“Looks like it’s going to rain…”
“If I fall into a ravine, will anyone even know?”

Doubt often rides shotgun in unfamiliar places. Sometimes it’s paralyzing, sometimes it’s precautionary—but it’s always part of the journey.

Transitioning to Two Wheels

Due to storm-damaged bridges and eroded roads, four-wheeled vehicles can only go as far as the Barangay Campawan community center. From there, a single motorcycle ride (locally known as habal-habal) is necessary to reach the receiving area. Until infrastructure is restored, this will likely remain the standard route.

Nature’s New Blueprint

A five-minute walk from the parking area, across makeshift wooden bridges and lumber scaffoldings, leads you to the falls. But be prepared—Typhoon Pablo reshaped the falls, with massive boulders now obscuring the frontal view. You’ll have to climb over these to fully experience the breathtaking curtain of water.

If you’ve been to Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Surigao del Sur, you’ll notice the striking similarity.

All for the Shot: Mindful Risk, Creative Reward

My motorcycle driver doubled as my guide, helping me navigate slippery rocks and unstable edges. I found a precarious ledge for the tripod—each leg balanced on a different rock midstream.

“All for the shot,” I whispered to myself, camera clicking.

The effort? Worth every balancing act. See the photos I took during the trip:

A group of riders from Mati were already enjoying the catch basin. We exchanged stories, and one even posed for scale in my photos. Moments like this—human connection, shared awe—are the real rewards.

Ice-Cold Clarity

After the photos came the plunge. The water at Campawan Curtain Falls is glacial—instant clarity in every cell. I was told there’s an upper tier with a clearing worth exploring, but with sunset approaching, I left that for next time.

Recommendations for Mindful Travelers

You absolutely must visit Campawan Curtain Falls when you’re in Baganga.

Here’s what to remember:

• Visit in the morning, when light and safety conditions are best.
• Avoid during heavy rains or flood warnings—the river can rise suddenly.
• Until the road is repaired, park at the barangay center and hire a single motorcycle.
• Wear sturdy footwear, bring dry bags, and prepare for a bit of climbing.

Campawan Curtain Falls is more than a destination. It’s a quiet reminder that beauty often lies just beyond our comfort zones.

Filed under: Mindful Frames | Mindfulness — for those who seek presence, beauty, and perspective on the edge of adventure.