Asik-Asik Falls is as enchanting as any waterfall can be. Her allure will instantly take you into a page of a fairy tale book. Her magic is irresistible. The kind that will keep you entangled in a seemingly endless dream. She bemuses while slowly working her spell on you. Her pristine waters cascading from stone walls covered in lush curtain-like greens is like no other. She will keep you wondering but she will never ever give away her secrets. She is a tease, keeps you coming back no matter how painfully agonizing are the roads leading to her. Her coldness is excruciatingly refreshing. Just before you know it, she has you completely wrapped in her hands and there’s no more escaping her charm.
Update 2022: Going to Asik-Asik Falls no longer requires you to book your visit via the tourism office. You can now go directly to the site. Just bring with you your vaccination cards and wear face masks.
THE JOURNEY TO ASIK-ASIK FALLS
I live in Midsayap which is just a town away from Dado Alamada where this beauty is safely tucked from the chaos of the world. When news about it spread amongst my friends like wildfire, I was already in Manila busy with my 9 by 5 life. I would have loved for my eyes to be two of the first to witness this stunner in action. My regrets but I was trying to live the dream in the city. From my friends crazy Facebook accounts, soon Asik-Asik Falls was all over the internet.
Four years after it was discovered, I finally was able to meet this beaut. It was a day after the start of the year 2016 and a day before I was to return to Metro Manila that I, Ian (The Great Boyfie), Jose (The Undisputed 3rd Wheel), my brother Saboy and his girl Apple, took off for the unknown adventure to Asik-Asik Falls.
We planned to set out early at 5 in the morning but was not even ready until it was 7 AM. We wanted to ride the double tire (double-tired jeep) to Brgy. Dado Alamada as it was cheaper but since it was a bit late, we had to settle for motorcycles (habal-habal). We spent almost half an hour haggling for the price. Good thing we were with our Dad who was a well-known Police Officer in our town as we were closed to being rip off. They were charging us P800/motorcycle as a roundtrip fare to Asik-Asik Falls. With my Dad’s help, we were able to bring it down to P600/motorcycle.
The ride began through a smooth paved road. The early morning air blowing against us was totally refreshing. Trees along the road obscured the sun which have just risen the cloud filled sky. We passed by several Barangays before reaching the road leading to Brgy. Upper Dado. We stopped for a moment to rest our butts and do some stretching. The ride then resumed along an unpaved road.
The bumpy ride lasted for over an hour through slopes of rockstrewn road. The paved road then resumed when we were nearing Upper Dado. We reached the busy Brgy. Upper Dado after almost 2 hours of journey. We quickly grabbed a bite, bought some snacks and ran to the washroom. When we were all set, we resumed the ride to an even more precarious uphill road with segments scattered with rocks.
The uphill ride went on for almost an hour with the final stretch being the most treacherous. The concrete road stopped several miles before reaching the registration point so we had to endure the ragged, too-impossible-to-pass-through-even-for-a-powerful-motorcycle road. There were times when we needed to alight the motorcycles and hike up until it was safe for us to hop on them again. Throughout the journey, I was holding my breath and bracing myself for whatever we may encounter along the way. The only thing I could do to stop my nerve was to engage myself in a non-sense conversation with Jose or better yet, admire the beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. After an hour of guessing whether the road can still become ever more difficult, we finally arrived at the registration area shaken but still full of excitement.
We registered and paid the fees then quickly went to descend the 1500-step stair leading to where Asik-Asik Falls lies. If you think going down is just a walk in the park, think of that no more. It was yet another arduous, knee-breaking task. Our descent lasted for another 30 minutes. Upon reaching the base of the stair, we then walk along a ragged terrain, passed through a log, and hopped on a small canal before finally being able to gaze at the uniqueness of this once unspoken wonder of nature that haunted me for years.
MY 50 CENTS AND OTHER USEFUL INFO
- Asik-Asik Falls is nothing like anything I have seen before. She was exceptionally beautiful. Her waters cascading from stone walls covered with lush greenery is truly unique to her. I’ve never seen one myself within years of me chasing waterfalls.
- The waters are cold. One of the coldest I’ve ever bathed in. It is surprisingly potable. My Mom says it has healing powers and works wonders with quenching your thirst that no ordinary water can.
- Asik-Asik Falls stretches for about 200 meters and she has no catch basin, unlike other waterfalls. Her water falls directly into the river which isn’t too deep, making it perfectly safe to bathe in even for kids. It’s also floored with many rocks which are unfortunately not suitable for cliff diving.
- The place is completely unspoiled. No signs of human intervention. There are no cottages nor benches where visiting tourists can stay. Better to bring picnic mats.
- There was only one room where you can change your clothes. Toilet and bath are available back in the registration area.
- There was only one garbage sack placed in the picnic area where all the trash are collated. Please have the decency to make use of it.
- The local council managing the area does everything in keeping Asik-Asik Falls and its surroundings clean. Please do your part to keep it that way.
- Take time to read the Do’s and Don’ts pinned in the registration area. It will be useful in guiding you on being a good steward of nature.
- Roads to Asik-Asik Falls from Upper Dado is under construction. Easier access to the falls may be available come to the end of 2016 or in 2017.
HOW TO GO TO ASIK-ASIK FALLS
- From Manila – Fly to Cotabato which is the nearest airport. From there ride a jeep going to the bus terminal then ride the bus going to Davao and alight in Libungan Public Market and Terminal. From there you can ride a double-tired jeep going to Barangay Upper Dado. Upon arriving in Brgy. Upper Dado, charter a motorcycle to Asik-Asik Falls. Alternatively, from Libungan Public Market and Terminal, you can ride a trike going to the motorcycle terminal bound for Alamada and charter one to take you to Asik-Asik Falls.
- From Davao – Ride a bus in Ecoland Bus Terminal or a van in G-Mall or SM Davao bound to Cotabato and alight in Libungan specifically the road leading to Alamada then charter a motorcycle going to Asik-Asik Falls.
BUDGET (Excluding Airfare) & OTHER ESSENTIALS
| FROM DAVAO | RT Fare Davao-Libungan - P520 RT Fare Double-Tired Jeep - P170 RT Fare Motorcyle (Habal-Habal) - P100 Environmental Fee - P30 Total - P820 (Best option for people travelling alone) or RT Fare Davao-Libungan - P520 RT Fare Motorcycle (Habal-Habal) @ P600 good for 3 people - P200 Environmental Fee - P30 Total - P750 (Please note that 3 people in a motorcycle is only a possibility if you are of the normal size like you are not overweight so just do the math if only 2 of you can share the cost.) |
| FROM COTABATO | RT Fare Cotabato-Libungan - P150 RT Fare Double-Tired Jeep - P170 RT Fare Motorcyle - P100 Environmental Fee - P30 Total - P450 (Best option for people travelling alone) or RT Fare Cot-Libungan - P150 RT Fare (Habal-Habal) @ P600 good for 3 people - P200 Environmental Fee - P30 Total - P380 (Again 3 people in a motorcycle is only a possibility if you are of the normal size like you are not overweight) |
Update: Chartering a motorcycle (habal-habal) rates are now more expensive. Roundtrip rates start at P800/motorcyle, at the very least.
—IMPORTANT!
- For those bringing their cars, there is a parking fee of P25. Please note that the roads to Asik Asik Falls are completely unpaved so if you don’t want your Vios, Innova, or the like murdered, leave them at home and take your best passenger trucks! UPDATE: Roads are now paved all the way to the registration site so driving on small vehicles and motorcycles will no longer be a problem.
- Considering the current peace and order situation in the area, the last trip of buses and vans from Libungan going to Davao is at 5 PM. If you won’t be able to make it in time, there are tons of budget hotels and resorts in Alamada, Libungan, and Midsayap.
—GETTING OUT
- Cotabato – Ride a bus from Libungan bus Terminal or you can wait in the designated waiting area.
- Davao – Ride a bus or a van from Libungan bus Terminal or the designated waiting area. If you can’t catch one, ride a tricycle going to Midsayap Public Terminal and ride a bus or van back to Davao. This route also applies to those bound for Kidapawan, Kabacan, Bansalan, Digos, and other nearby cities and towns situated along the National Hwy going to Davao.
- General Santos (Gensan) – There is a van bound directly to Gensan from Midsayap Public Terminal.
- Cagayan De Oro – Ride a bus or a van going to Kabacan Public Terminal. From there, ride a bus going to CDO. Update: There are now trips to Cagayan De Oro and Bukidnon via Libungan. Just go to their public terminal. Note that trips are limited due to the pandemic but this might change when things slowly go back to normal.
- Sultan Kudarat – There are vans from Midsayap that goes directly to Sultan Kudarat. If you’re not lucky to find one, you can take the bus to Cotabato and ride the Husky bus to Sultan Kudarat. Alternatively, you can go to Kabacan then ride a bus bound to Bukidnon and alight in Tacurong.
- Lake Holon – Ride a van going to Marbel from Midsayap or Libungan. Once in Marbel, you can ride another van to T’boli. If direct trips are no longer available, you can instead ride a van to Surallah and another one to T’boli.
- Lake Sebu – Ride a van going to Marbel from Midsayap or Libungan. Once in Marbel, you can ride another van to Lake Sebu. If direct trips are no longer available, you can instead ride a van to Surallah and another one to Lake Sebu.
Some photos of our recent visit in July 2022. Asik-Asik Falls still is the beaut that it is even after these years.
There you go! I hope this budget travel guide to one of Mindanao’s gems helps you in discovering what this southern Philippine island has to offer. For other information, feel free to shoot your queries in the comments below. Until next time. Ciao!
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73 Comments
Good day mam, is it possible for itineraries 5d Diy tour only. Coming from Bukidnon . Asik falls, Lake Sebu, Saranggani, Gensan is my last it is our exit point back to Iloilo. June 25-29 late night flight?
Thank you very much…
Yes. That’s doable. You can do Asik Asik > Lake Sebu > Sarangani > Gensan.
Hi Keza,
Thanks for your quick reply! Well, reading online I see there are still some abductions in the last couple of years in Mindanao (but indeed, mostly in the far (south)west). And four years ago you replied to someone that Caucasians would attract more attention than Asians, so had that been changed the last 4 years?
Thanks,
Marijn
Hi Marjin,
That hasn’t changed. Caucasians would absolutely attract attention as any foreigner would. Just exercise extra caution, avoid remote areas and places I’ve mentioned, don’t travel alone and you should be okay here in Mindanao. There’s actually a lot of foreigners who have made Mindanao their home. It’s a great place and shouldn’t be identified for deeds done by a minority group.
Hi Keza, thanks again for your reply and information. Good to hear from a local what it’s like!
Best,
Marijn
Hi Keza,
We are from Europe and would love to visit the Asik-Asik Falls. The concern we have is that our government (and also Filipino people) tell us that it is not safe to go there (mostly due to rebel groups targeting tourists). What are your experiences?
Best regards,
Marijn
Hi Marjin,
I understand where they’re coming from because Mindanao is not completely safe but it’s only unsafe for tourists in some areas like Sulu, Basilan, and Maguindanao. I’m from Mindanao and only a town away from Asik-Asik Falls so I know. Going to Asik-Asik is completely fine as long as you have company or have arranged a tour from a reliable agency. I also suggest that you don’t go somewhere too remote. So far, there has been no incident of abduction of foreigners in Mindanao, even in recent years. The first and last time was over a decade ago if I’m not mistaken.
Hi Keza! How many hours does it take for the bus to go from Davao to Cotabato? I’m currently looking at flights to Cotabato but also alternatively looking for other cities to fly into Mindanao (cheaper flights). Thank you.
Hi Cha. If you meant Davao to Libungan, it’s 5-6 hrs. Try to ride the non-stop bus so it would only take 4hrs at most. Sadly, Cotabato is the most ideal airport but flights are so expensive.
Hi, Ms. Keza M.
Ask ko lang if may guide po na available doon kapag pupunta ng asik asik falls? Solo traveler kasi ako.
Hi MJ! Wala pong guide. Wala nman po ligaw dun. Pagbaba mo ng hagdan, kita mo na agad ang falls.
Hi po, makakadaan po ba yung motor paakyat ng asik asik falls? or need tlga ng hike?
Hi Mark. Makakaabot nman yung motor hanggang sa parking area. Then need tlga maghike pababa at pabalik ng falls.
Hi keza,
What months do you recommend visiting asik asik falls? I was thinking the falls might run dry during the summer months.
Hi Ara! You can visit the falls anytime. You’re right, best months would be during July to February.
Hi Keza!
Would you be so kind to help me finalize my itinerary? 🥺
So we only have 6 days to travel around this area and we are planning to do Asik asik, La Palmera, Sitio Maupot, Lake Holon and Pearl Farm in Davao.. Since medyo naguguluhan ako san kaya ang mas convenient na entry point.. Or sa Davao? Or sa Cotabato o sa Gensan? Thank you in advance sa response!
You can do entry in Cotabato and exit in Davao.
Hello. Mga ilang hrs kaya yung hike paakyat pababa sa Asik Asik. Will arrive at 9am sa Cotabato. Plan ko daan lang sa pink mosque then derecho na Asik Asik. Kaya ba in one day yun.
After asik asik plan ko sana mag Sultan Kudarat. may byahe pa kaya sa gabi?
Mas maganda siguro mauna ka na lang sa Asik-asik then Pink Mosque then Sultan Kudarat para di kna magpabalik balik. Yung byahe kasi to and from Asik-Asik Falls aabutin ng 3-4 hrs dala na hike.
Hi! Thank you for this. We are planning to go there next week. How long before we reach the falls from the start off? Is there anything we should be aware of that isn’t in this very informative blog? Thank you so much.
Hi Love!
If what you’re asking is if how long it takes to go down the falls, it may take 30 minutes at most but depends on your pace.
Please bring your vaccination cards and wear face masks. Other than that, I think you’re good to go.
I like to see this place I am from Bahrain
You are welcome to come and visit anytime.
Hi po. We are going there this coming August 4. I just want to ask pano po kami makapunta ng Lake Sebu from Asik Asik? ilan pong oras ung byahe? at ano po ung mga oras ng last trip ng mga sasakyan.
thank you so much po.
Hi Jaie. From asik-asik, go back to Libungan proper and ride a van to Marbel. If wala sa Libungan, go to Midsayap instead and ride the van to Marbel from there. Then in Marbel, ride a yellow bus to Surallah. In Surallah, may van/jeep na diretso to Lake Sebu. Not sure po anong last trip but just to be on the safe side, dapat early afternoon before 3-4 pm byahe na po kayo. Mga nasa 5 hrs din po byahe.
Hi..galing kami duon April 5,2022. Sa mga gustong bumisita sa asik asik falls dumaan Muna kayo sa Pamahalaang Bayan Ng Alamada para magpA register sa tourist information And assistance desk. Bring your vaccine card and valid ID. Ang keep the reciept dahil hihingiin Yun pag dating nyo sa entrance Ng falls. Marami kaming kasabay na grupo na Hindi pinayagan makababa sa falls dahil nakalimutan nila magpA register.
Thank you so much po.
Ask ko lang din po ganun p din po ba ung daan as in sobrang maputik p din po ba ung dadaanan po ng habal habal? marami pong salamat ulit.
No na. Concrete na all the way sa registration.
Hi Po love it ask KO lng best time go best po ba kahit summer
Hi Melinda, super crowded pag summer. So better pumunta on other months.
Asik asik is a great place to explore.
Indeed. 🙂
Hi, I really enjoyed your post and this makes me want to visit Asik Asik falls! I will be going to the Philippines next week, entering through Davao and I would love to visit the falls right after arriving that very morning. My Filipino friends have expressed concern in me travelling outside Davao City and I would like to ask you if it safe, or if there are any safety precautions I should take note off. I am a Singaporean male solo backpacker who have been to Davao City before and would like to venture out of the city. Thanks in advance for any help you can give!
Hi John, it is safe to visit Asik-asik Falls. Just look ordinary. I think caucasians are more vulnerable to the red flags in Mindanao but if your Asian, you are most likely not going to attract any attention as long as you keep everything low key.
Hi Keza, thank you for your very prompt reply! That is great to hear and really reassuring. I still have some questions and I hope you don’t mind me asking you here since I read you live one town away.
I might be travelling during Eid’l Fitr/Hari Raya which I understand is also a public holiday in the Philippines .Will that affect the traffic/van spaces from Davao City? Or should I head a day earlier?
If I arrive in Davao airport at 8.30am, is it too ambitious for me to plan to be in a van to Libungan by 10am? I heard that they allow overnight stays by the falls too so I want to form a more realistic idea of where I might end up in for the night (Midsayap or Alamada or the drop off).
Once again, thank you for any advice you can give!
Hi. You should travel a day earlier since it’s possible trips are going to be limited and it’s best to avoid the holiday crowd in Asik-asik. If you are traveling from the airport, allot an hour for delays like your travel to the van terminal and the time it takes to load up passengers. So yeah 10AM should be a safe estimate. You should arrive in Libungan after 3.5 hrs. Then maybe an hour or more to the falls.
Noted 🙂 Thanks for the quick reply! You have been very helpful in my planning! Can’t wait to see the falls!
No worries. Have fun! 😊
Hi keza,
Nagpaplano kasi kami ng friend ko na magtravel to asik asik falls this weekend May 18-19,2018. Our plan is to travel from Davao and will stay overnight on Saturday at Alamada. As per mentioned above understand that you live in Midsayap, appreciate if you can advise us kung safe ba magtravel this time, hindi kasi kami familiar sa place and 2 lang kami ng friend ko.
Thanking you in advance for your suggestions.
Rhaz
Hi Rhaz,
Safe nman to travel basta wag lang late. Take the early trip from Davao going to Cotabato and just alight in Libungan. Same with going back to Davao. Don’t be on the road far too late. Yung critical areas lang nman is beyond Kabacan especially Pikit but once you get passed that area while the sun is still up, you should be fine. 😊
Hello! 🙂 If I travel from Davao City, which do you suggest I first go, Lake Sebu or Asik-asik Falls? Thanks.
Hi. I would suggest you go to asik asik first then lake sebu. It’ll be more convinient
Im planning to there ds month tnx sa info
Have fun William 🙂
hi keza, im from cebu i just want to ask your opinion if what do you think is the more convenient route for me via cdo or via dvo? thanks.
DAvao is way more convenient than CDO.
hi! how to get there from cdo? T_T
Hi Queen,
Ride a bus bound for Tacurong and get off in Kabacan, then ride a bus or van going to Cotabato and get off in Libungan Public market. Ride a tric to the habal-habal terminal. Hire habal habal to take you directly to asikasik falls
Hi, my girlfriend and I will be going here on the 25th of this month. We’ve been doing some inquiry and habal-habal rate was 1k daw if solo and 700-800/head if more than one. After reading your post, I think what they might be charging us is a rip-off. Do you have any contact info of the habal habal riders you’ve contracted with? We could use every penny we could save here. 🙂 thanks!
Hi Pedz unfortunately I didn’t get their number since I doubted they would give other passengers the same rate as the one they gave us. I guess the only reason why they gave it to us for that amount is because my dad was there with us. And 700/head is still a rip off. The price on the blog was already adjusted for my readers sake since that was the original amount they asked us before they agreed to our terms. So sorry if I wasn’t that helpful. Will try to get you a contact number before your travel. Hope I can get one before then. 🙂
Hi Keza, no worries. The information here is still a great help since I now know the baseline to bargain with. Will be going there tomorrow. One more thing, are there any direct transportation (van, bus, or trucks) from Midsayap to Koronadal? Or at least Tacurong? We’ll be going down South to Lake Cebe right after enjoying the Aski-Asik Falls. Again, many thanks!
Hi Pedz,
As to what I can remember, there are vans going directly to Tacurong from Midsayap.
Good Luck to your trip. 🙂
I’m excited na!!thank you for all the details!!sinulat kona lahat😊😊..
Enjoy and keep safe Christina! 😊
Thanks!!!
Nevermind.. I just read half way of your post then I saw the habal-habal info.. xD
Hi! Ilan pwedeng makasakay sa habal-habal? Thanks
hanggang 2 lang po.
hi plan ko po pumunta ng asik asik falls a october. meron po ba kayong pedeng maibigay na contact ng habal habal na pede ko ma rentahan papunta sa falls? thank you po.
Hi Tina. Sorry. Wala ako number ng habal habal driver. I just forgot na kumuha kasi sobra ako nagenjoy. I’ll try to update you. Will ask my friends around in the area
hi thank you for the reply, ask ko lang po ulet, may sakayan po ba sa mga public terminal ng midsayap papuntang marawi or diretsong iligan po? plan ko kasi after ng midsayap, diretso ako iligan, thank you po sa time,
Hi Tina. Wala pong diretsong Iligan from Midsayap. Your option is either Cotabato or Kabacan and travel from there.
Hi, planning to fly to cotabato soon. just curious in terms of safety is okay po ba sa cotabato?
Hi. I wouldn’t it is safe 100%. You can avoid trouble by doing some.precautions. Since common dun is bombing, might as well avoid crowded areas. Also dress simply, wag magara kasi marami din snatchers dun. In terms of speaking with the locals, di ka mahihirapan cause tagalog is the widely spoken dialect in cotabato city. If you are to explore nearby towns, avoid Parang, Pikit, Kabacan. Prone kasi sa bombing. And dont walk in lonely alleys. Basta. Just keep your guards up. Mageenjoy ka dun. 😍
pwede ang pick up papunta alamada?may parking area din po dun?
Hi Chinito. Pick up truck ba? Pwede nman. Kung maayos na daan kahit kotse na lang dalhin but I doubt. Pwede magpark sa may Dado then motor na papunta falls kasi masyado tlga sia matarik
May parking area dun sa mismong site ng falls kung kakayanin ng pick up na umakyat dun.
Hi.Magtatanong lang sana paano if marami kayo as in like group na pupunta about 15 persons.Ano ang dapat sakyan?
Hi Bing… If 15 people mas maganda sumakay kau ng double tire jeep sa may Libungan to upper dado. A big portion of the road from upper dado to asik asik falls was unpaved and was under construction when we were there. I just dont know if its all concrete now. From upper daddo, you can either hire a habalhabal or charter a double tired jeep to take u to asik asik falls. 🙂
Thanks for this site. We booked a trip for Cotabato city this Holy week bringing our 2year old daughter upto the Asik asik falls. What would you advice? Thanks
Hi Jude. Just get there as early as you can do you may still enjoy the falls coz proly a lot of people will be spending their holidays there as well. 🙂
Thanks for the reply. Is it ok for a two year old the long habal habal ride? Also, we will transfer from Midsayap to Lake sebu on Good friday, do you have enough transportation that day?
It’s ok naman. Just make sure she is well protected from dusts kasi maalikabok ang ride papunta dun. Regarding the transpo, mejo madalang ang biyahe on Good Friday. Just make arrangements na lang before finalizing your itinerary. 🙂