Located in the town of Majayjay, Laguna is a hidden jewel called Bukal Falls. Lying at the foot of Mt. Banahaw, makes this place a very enchanting one. I’m very captivated by the blues and greens that this place has to offer. Where can you find such freedom of disturbance and peacefulness near Metro Manila? Only in this place! You’ll definitely enjoy swimming and intoxicating in this ice-blast cold natural spring like there’s no tomorrow!
Look how beautiful it is! Rate it 1-10! This is the first lagoon and the highest level of Bukal Falls. It is somehow known as the Enchanted River of Luzon. But both waterforms have their own charms and uniqueness. As I’ve told you, it’s a very beautiful blue and green enchanting paradise!
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GETTING THERE:
1. From Cubao/Buendia (Lrt Gil Puyat), ride a bus (e.g. HM Transport) bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Drop off at the last stop: Sta. Cruz Terminal.
FARE: P140 (Discounted: P112)
2. From Sta. Cruz, ride a jeepney bound to Majayjay, Laguna. Tell the driver to drop you off at the tricycle toda going to Brgy. Bukal.
FARE: P35
3. Ride a tricycle going to the Registration/Brgy. Hall of Bukal beside the Elementary School.
FARE: P15/pax
–> Alternatively, you can ride a tricycle from Sta. Cruz going straight to Brgy. Bukal. It’s definitely hassle-free at a P25-P50 difference only.
FARE: P300/trike good for 3-4 pax or P75-100/pax
4. Register, Set a guide, then have a 45min-1hr trek to the waterfalls! ✨
THE TRAIL
The trail leading to the waterfalls is very established. It’s good even for the beginners since it’s not that challenging compare to mountain climbing. But still it can be slippery and muddy after a rain, so be cautious.
LAGOON 1
This is somehow the most beautiful level since it’s the highest among the cascading levels of the falls. Can you imagine swimming in its super cold and clear waters? It has a depth of almost 15ft so cliff diving is a must! Just be more extra careful whenever it rains!
Raindrops at Bukal Falls.
LAGOON 2
You have 2 beautiful lagoons to explore in this place. Swim like you own it! This lagoon is somehow good for non-swimmers since it has a depth of almost 5ft only. It’s ideal for the kids. I liked swimming here more since it’s a safer place to swim.
FAQs:
1. Is it required to get a guide? Getting a guide is mandatory for safety purposes. The trail can be slippery and the falls can be unpredictable if it rains. So it’s better safe than sorry.
2. How much is the guide fee? P300 per group of 5pax.
3. How much is the registration fee? P20/pax only.
4. Is it required to get a life vest? No, it’s up to you if you’ll rent a lifevest for P50. It’s better to rent one!
5. Are stalls available to buy refreshments/snacks along the trail? Yes. But they don’t have rice meals along the stalls.
6. Are Showers/CRs available near the falls? Comfort Rooms and Showers are available from the Brgy. Hall up to the beginning of the trail. There would be none as you get nearer the falls.
7. Can I eat beside the waterfalls? No. They strictly prohibit it to maintain the cleanliness. But don’t worry it’s allowed to eat along the trail near the falls.
8. How do I stay overnight? Their is a designated campsite but not at the falls itself. There are transient houses available too near the Brgy. Hall if you wish for an overnight stay.
Sample itinerary:
DAY 1
0515 Proceed to Bus Terminal
0530 ETD Buendia-Sta.Cruz
0800 ETA Sta. Cruz, ETD Majayjay
0845 ETA Majayjay, ETD Brgy. Bukal
0900 ETA Brgy. Bukal (Register, etc.)
0915 Start Trek
1000-1400 Falls, Free Time
1415 Trek back to jump-off
1500 Brgy, Bukal (Shower, Eat, etc.)
1515 ETD Brgy. Bukal-Majayjay
1630 ETA Sta. Cruz Terminal
1645 ETD Sta. Cruz-Buendia
1930 ETA Buendia
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BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES:
P224 – RT Bus Buendia-Sta. Cruz (Student Fare)
P70– RT Jeep Sta. Cruz-Majayjay
P30 – RT Trike Majayjay-Brgy. Bukal
P20 – Registration Fee
P100 – Guide Fee Share (P300 divided by 3 pax)
TOTAL: P444 Only! 🍂 Spending small amounts in this paradise is possible!!
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Please include Bukal Falls in your lists. It’s definitely worth all the tireness! I really enjoyed this rain or shine adventure. And always listen to your guide to have a wonderful and safe adventure! 💋 Special thanks to our guide for being friendly and giving us free kilos of tomatoes!