PINAMALOGTUHAN FALLS: A Budget Travel Guide

Pinamalogtuhan Falls is a hidden gem that many people in Bukidnon may not know about. It is located in Brgy. Lilingayon, on the outskirts of Valencia City, which is known for having the highest number of waterfalls in the area. This waterfall can be visited alongside Kimatahay Falls, making for a delightful experience. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore off the beaten path, Pinamalogtuhan Falls is the perfect destination for you.

This was my second attempt to visit Pinamalogtuhan Falls. The first time I tried to go was in February, as I had a plan to visit as many waterfalls as possible as part of my training in climbing Mt. Apo. After visiting Kimatahay Falls, I set off on a hike to reach Pinamalogtuhan, but I encountered a massive landslide that we were unable to navigate. I felt disappointed and went home feeling unfulfilled. It was a letdown, especially since my local guide, Charlie, had described Pinamalogtuhan as one of the coldest and cleanest waterfalls in the area. After that experience, I promised myself that I would return to see it, no matter what.

After several months of waiting for the trail to be repaired, I regularly checked in with Charlie about the status of visiting Pinamalogtuhan Falls. When he finally gave me the green light, I didn’t hesitate to go as soon as I returned to Bukidnon. This time, I brought my cousin Andrea along to share the adventure. She had just graduated from college, so I thought this trip would be a great way for her to unwind before facing the challenges of the real world.

From our rented dorm in Malaybalay, we made our way to the Bagontaas junction and hired a motorcycle to take us to Brgy. Lilingayon. After a scenic 30-minute ride, we finally arrived at the Barangay Hall, where we found Charlie patiently waiting for us. He mentioned that he thought we might not make it since he hadn’t heard from us for a couple of hours after we texted him to say we were on our way. I explained that it was difficult to communicate because there was no signal during our ride.

We quickly hopped on Charlie’s motorcycle and set off for Pinamalogtuhan Falls. The road was just as I remembered from my first visit—rugged and scattered with rocks of various sizes. Despite the challenging conditions, Charlie skillfully navigated the road, ensuring our safety. I finally breathed a sigh of relief when we arrived at the trailhead for Pinamalogtuhan Falls.

We initially attempted to reach the falls via a shortcut, which involved a slippery and steep descent along the cliffside. I felt confident in managing the climb, but I was concerned about Andrea, as she was a complete beginner. Recalling Charlie mentioning an alternative route to Pinamalogtuhan Falls, I began to think things through. Although it was a longer route, it was safer so I suggested we take that route instead. Charlie hesitated for a moment, but ultimately agreed, as safety was our top priority.

We made our way back to the spot where we had parked our motorcycle and followed the path to the riverbanks. The longer route involved trekking alongside the stream until we reached Pinamalogtuhan. This trail required us to navigate over rocks and through rushing water. At times, we had to swim through deeper sections of the river, but these parts were brief, and we quickly found ourselves back on solid ground. This continued for about an hour until we finally caught a glimpse of Pinamalogtuhan Falls.

Pinamalogtuhan Falls was a sight to behold. Marveling at its beauty helped me understand why it is often referred to as the “Twin Falls.” Towering at about 30-50 meters, two slender cascades plunge into a pool of freezing, crystal-clear water. The surroundings are pristine, and filled with lush vegetation. The raw beauty of the falls reminded me of how wonderful nature is when it is left completely undisturbed. Its untouched charm made it all the more endearing and delicate, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with it. The best part was having the falls all to myself once again, which made me appreciate even more the essence of traveling on less-traveled roads.

I lost track of time while enjoying my visit to Pinamalogtuhan Falls. We weren’t in a hurry, so I took in every moment. This stunning waterfall truly deserved our full attention and appreciation. Amid my reverie, however, my stomach suddenly growled. I remembered that we had left the city in a rush and only had coffee before embarking on this adventure. A little hesitant, I suggested to my companions that we head back. It was disappointing, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Finally getting to see Pinamalogtuhan Falls fulfilled a longing I had felt for so long, so I was content.

From Cagayan De Oro – Ride a bus going to Davao City and get off at the junction in Bagontaas. From there, hop on a motorcycle to take you to Brgy. Lilingayon. Alight at the barangay hall to pay the fee and get a guide.

From Davao City – Ride a bus going to Cagayan De Oro and get off at the junction in Bagontaas. From there, hop on a motorcycle to take you to Brgy. Lilingayon. Alight at the barangay hall to pay the fee and get a guide.

There are many other waterfalls in Bukidnon that you can visit. Other than waterfalls, beautiful spots abound as well. If you’re planning to spend multiple days in this province, the best thing to do is spend the night in one of their mountain resorts for a delightful view in the morning. However, if you prefer a more comfy stay that would allow you to remain connected and near places of interest such as bars and restaurants then here are some of your best choices in the area.

• Pinamalogtuhan Falls is a 4-kilometer walk from Kimatahay Falls, but you can also take a motorcycle to reach the trailhead. The road is rugged, making the ride a bit exciting, but the local drivers are skilled at navigating it, so there’s no need to worry. You can visit both these waterfalls on the same day.
• I recommend visiting during the rainy season, which starts in July. The waterfalls are stunning at that time.
• No need to contact the Tourism Office of Valencia. You can go directly to Brgy. Lilingayon and hire a guide to assist you in exploring the falls.
• These waterfalls are sacred to the Lumad tribe in the area. They are off-limits to outsiders, so it’s important to keep in touch with the local barangay.
• Brgy. Lilingayon is known to have the highest number of waterfalls in Valencia. Currently, only two of these are accessible to the public.
• Bring food and drinks during your trip. Local eateries are hard to come by in the area.

There you have it, lovelies. That’s it for my hike in Pinamalogtuhan Falls. Stay tuned for more of my waterfall-chasing adventures. To keep tabs on my adventure, just follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Until next time. Ciao!