TINAGO FALLS: Travel Guides, Tips and Other Information

TINAGO FALLS is located in the municipality of Linamon, Lanao Del Norte near Iligan City. This waterfall is surprisingly still at its natural state. Except for that manmade staircase going down the falls, its surrounding environment is completely devoid of any sign of commercialization. There are cottages built to accommodate guest but none of those prove to threaten the pureness of this wonderful work of nature.

FOREVEN AND A DAY IN TINAGO FALLS

SPELL us dumbfounded as words refused to escape our lips to utter a single thing when a beguiling goddess so beautiful revealed herself and her inexplicable mystic to us. All we could do was stare in amazement as we felt helpless trapped in her allure. Who would think that what was hidden beneath the sea of luscious trees and flowers is a deity ever so worthy of admiration and worship. Concealed away from the malice of the world, her innocence is pure and with her is a wondrous surprise only she could unveil, hence she was Tinago Falls.

It was early morning Wednesday since we were not allowed entrance to Maria Christina Falls, we decided to see Tinago Falls instead. Never have we imagined that what we thought as an alternative should have been the first choice instead. Tinago falls is a million times more beautiful than the other waterfalls we’ve seen in the past. She is definitely a beauty like no other and the kind that deserves a bit of sacrifice.

I was growing a little impatient while going down the stairs that led to Tinago Falls. I could hear her singing from afar. Her waters were calling my name and I could not resist her spell inviting me to run over her side. Her playful voice was making my skin tingle. Everything seemed to sing with her. The birds. The flowers. The trees. They were all her allies. And when she finally unveiled herself to us, she seemed merrily dancing with the lone prick of light lucky enough to pierce through the canopy of trees that was her fortress.

Her waters were deep blue and cold as the heart of a murderer but she didn’t make me feel unsafe as I let her slowly take me in. She has the most gentle of touch, like a motherly care. I could not fathom her depth but from the way it seemed, she is immeasurable as her time encompasses that of mine and perhaps all of mankind.

She was vulnerable but she didn’t let a bit of that show as she most willingly open wide her arms to catch me while I fall from a cliff. She was quick to bring me to safety and was patient enough to understand that sometimes the young ones could be daredevils and lack the mind to judge better. That we could be stupid but fun. That we could sometimes abuse our freedom but at the end still longs for that refuge that was home. And she was home.

Still smiling with joy in my heart as I gazed at the loveliness that was her, I thought a day with her could become forever.

HOW TO GO THERE

1. From Cagayan De Oro – From your hotel or the city proper, ride a jeep or a cab going to Bulua Westbound Terminal. Then ride a Rural Transit or Super 5 bus going to Iligan. Fare is P145 (November 2014). Alight the bus in Iligan City Terminal. Afterwards there are 2 ways you can go to the falls or go around the city – (a) Through a motorcycle (habal-habal) – many drivers would come offering you a tour to the city for P600 which I think is overpriced but if you want your tour to be more convenient then this could be a perfect choice for you. (b) If your budget could not afford a P600 tour to various tourist attraction in Iligan and your only desire is to go to Tinago Falls then this is probably the best option for you. From Iligan Integrated Bus Terminal ride a jeep going to the city proper then alight near or at the public market. Fare is P8. Then ride another jeep with signage of Maria Christina or Purakan. Ask the driver to drop you off the crossing in Purakan where you can hire a motorcycle or habalhabal going to Tinago Falls. Fare is P11. Then hire a motorcycle going to Tinago Falls for P35/head.
2. From Manila – Take a flight via Cebupac or Palexpress to Cagayan de Oro then follow the step#: 1.
3. From Davao City – Ride a bus (Bachelor Express or Rural Transit) to Butuan. Fare is roughly around P300. Then from Butuan, ride another bus (Bachelor Express or Rural Transit) to Cagayan de Oro City. Fare is again roughly around P300 then follow step#: 1.

***For people coming from Ozamis, Zamboanga and other nearby provinces, you might want to check with your local tourism office or inquire through any bus or Roro ferry transport liners in your area.

OTHER INFORMATION

• There is no convenient stores available near the area nor any restaurants or eatery so it is important that you bring your own food and drinks
• You can visit other nearby waterfalls such as Mimbalut Falls and Maria Christina Falls through hiring a motorcycle or habalhabal
• The road to Tinago Falls is paved but the ride is still a bit bumpy.

BUDGET, ITINERARY & OTHER ESSENTIALS

There you go. If I miss any information, feel free to leave your comments below. Don’t forget to share this article as this might come in handy to some soles out there. 🙂