Kapuka Falls: Travel Guide, Budget + Itinerary to Exploring Caraga’s Hidden Gem

I have spent the most part of the first half of 2022 unraveling all there is to Davao Oriental. Scouring untouched lands and off-beaten paths in hopes of discovering hidden gems. It’s June now. It’s the month when a new season is about to begin. The most ideal to chase waterfalls for it’s the time when the rainy days are about to end and summer has just started. My efforts paid off as one weekend, I was blessed to have spent a morning in Kapuka Falls.

Kapuka Falls is a precious jewel that boasts of a pool of Gatorade-like waters concealed in the mountains of the quaint little town of Caraga. Its beauty resembles that of a delicate siren, with its water flowing so graciously into its pool of freezing cold turquoise water. Surrounded by rocky mountains and lush forest, and complemented by a beautiful river, the entire place looks like a scene where one can only imagine fairies, wonder, and magic.

The Journey To Kapuka Falls

One weekend, I decided to explore Caraga with my favorite cousin/best buddy, Pani. We drove our rented motorcycle from our home in San Antonio Cateel to our destination at 10AM. We stopped by our favorite resto, Manang Inasal in Baganga for lunch and feasted on tuna belly, tuna ceviche, and unlimited cups of steamed rice before finally making our way through to Barangay Lamiawan.

Unlike the first time we drove to this small town in April when it was all gloom and rain, that day, the sun was out and all about burning the entire land. It was so scorching hot that it made me look forward to a refreshing dip on a waterfall. The thought of it was a delight. T’was 1PM when we finally made the left turn past the Iglesia Ni Cristo Church in Baugo just before crossing Caraga Bridge.

The road to Brgy Lamiawan started with a concrete road and then turned into a rough road. It was rugged but it wasn’t that difficult for a motorcycle to pass through. The entire ride was comforting as well, as the road offered a scenic view of towering trees and a river snaking through. It was 1:30PM when we reached a beautiful community. When we were about to cross a bridge, we decided to ask a local for directions to the falls. That’s when we were told that we needed to employ a guide.

Hiring a guide is not necessarily bad but it wasn’t our thing. We were used to exploring on our own but since it was required, we didn’t argue. We waited for about 30 minutes for a guide to be available. None came and we were forced to postpone our visit for another day. We decided to explore Prinsesa Falls instead and when we were done, we camped for the night in Bango Beach.

First thing the following morning, we got up early and scoured the town for Bulalo. After we were satisfied, we headed to Brgy. Lamiawan, speeding up the road at 60kph. Pani loves driving fast. Had he not had me with him, he would have loved to take advantage of that empty road. We reached Brgy. Lamiawan at 7AM. A guide was already there waiting for us. Without further adieu, we headed for the much-awaited quest of discovering Kapuka Falls.

The ride started by crossing a bridge and continued to a concrete road that snaked up into the highlands. After covering about 2 kilometers, the concrete road ended and we had to endure one of the bumpiest rides of my entire travel life so far. No wonder a guide was required. The road leading to the falls was not for the fainthearted. It reminded me of the road to Asik-Asik Falls in its early years but much worse.

The drive was far too difficult for someone who’s not used to it. The road was wickedly emblazoned with huge rocks and with treacherous cliffs on the side. There’d be parts where it was too narrow that one wrong turn on a steep downhill would send one instantly rolling all the way down. I’ve known Pani for being careful but even then, I could sense his tension that I decided to get off and ride with our guide instead all the way to the falls.

The final stop was at a waiting shed. At the time of our visit, the path was under construction. Their goal was to cut the hike down to Kapuka Falls to 300 steps on concrete stairs. I didn’t mind the steep downhill walk. What I dreaded was the hike back from the falls but that would be a worry for later. When I hike, I usually love downhills but at the time, my knees were shaking. It felt really weak and brittle. I probably would have given up halfway through had I not heard the sounds of gushing water inherent to when a waterfall is closeby.

I hurried down, ignoring the pain in my knees. When I finally caught a glimpse of Kapuka Falls, I thought I’d never seen such beauty before. I’ve seen so many waterfalls but even then, I was completely enchanted. Kapuka Falls was astonishingly captivating. The river. Its turquoise pool. The way its water so graciously falls down from 80 feet. They would simply create a different version of paradise inside your head. One that’s totally unrivaled, setting the bar a mile high.

How To Go To Kapuka Falls

From Manila – Fly to Davao. Once there, ride a cab to Ecoland Terminal. Hop on a Bachelor bus going to Cateel and alight in Brgy. Baugo in Caraga, just before Iglesia Ni Kristo and right after crossing Caraga Bridge (P500/way | 5Hrs). Hire a motorcycle to Brgy. Lamiawan (P50/way | 15 minutes).

Useful Travel Tips To Kapuka Falls

• Waterfalls are best visited during the rainy season which for Davao Oriental is during the months of November to June.
• Exercise caution when visiting during days with heavy rainfall. Going to the falls requires crossing a river and this may be dangerous as unexpected flooding may occur.
• The months of February to April have the most rains so make sure to account for the weather when planning your visit.
• Hiring a guide is required and visitors must always coordinate with the barangay before going to the falls. The guide has his own motorcycle that can ride 2 passengers. The fee per guide is P400.
• The roads going to Kapuka Falls are under construction. Access to the falls may be possible for all vehicles in the years to come. Right now, it’s only accessible to motorcycles.
• There’s a single receiving area near Kapuka Falls. There are also toilets and bathrooms available.
• To have more time exploring the falls and to avoid the crowd, make your way there early at 6AM. The falls may become crowded starting 10AM on weekends.
• As always, LEAVE NO TRACE. Pick up your trash and dispose of them properly. Don’t vandalize and respect the place and its people.

Budget & Other Essentials

There you have it, lovelies. I hope you enjoyed this post about a beautiful waterfall you would only normally see in Cebu and other parts of the Visayas. If you want to keep tabs of my adventure, follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Until next time. Ciao!