Monday, March 4, 2013

Discovering Hagimit Falls, IGACOS

If you are an enthusiast for everything about nature, Hagimit Falls, IGACOS will probably have a place in your heart. It’s underdeveloped and not yet grossly over exposed to commercialism. Yes, there are fees for the maintenance but the owners/caretakers did a decent job in keeping the place “secluded and natural”.



How to get there:

There are several ways to get to Hagimit Falls. Option one is to ride a bus (Davao – PeƱaplata route) at Sta. Ana Wharf/Magsaysay Park. This will bring you to Central Warehouse IGACOS (bus terminal) at PeƱaplata and from there you can ride a “habal2x” or “payong2x” that will take you to the entrance of Hagimit Falls. Fare for payong2x costs around P15/head or up (depends on how you haggle with the driver). Option two is to ride the Ferry (Barge) at Sasa 11 to take you to Samal. From the Samal Ferry Wharf you can ride “habal2x” (single motor) that will take you to Hagimit Falls. Ferry costs P10/head and the habal2x costs P50/head. Option three is to take your own vehicle and follow the road signs. Don’t worry about the safety of your vehicle because they have a parking lot and there are caretakers who will look after your vehicle. The ride going to Hagimit Falls is smooth and easy. However, there may be a few bumps on the way to the entrance gate but all is tolerable.


At the Hagimit Falls:


There are two resorts at Hagimit where you can choose to stay. The Mahal Resort (where they offer battery powered lights for people staying overnight) and the other resort we dubbed as “Barato resort” (where they offer “sulo” or torch for people staying overnight). From the entrance gate you will have to hike a not so steep stairway to get to these resorts. It is advisable to go there during daylight because there is no electricity and the place is really dark. If you wish to stay overnight, make sure to bring flashlight.


A piece of advice for first timers who plans to arrive there at night, make sure that you ask someone in your group to go there ahead (during daylight) so that they can guide you in arriving at the resort because the path may be confusing if you are not familiar with the place.







Mahal Resort


My experience:

The people at the entrance told us that a caretaker will meet us on your way there but unfortunately there was no one who greeted us and we were forced to go through the whole hike by ourselves. We got a little lost but eventually found our way.

There was no activity during the night at Hagimit because of the lack of electricity. However, the coolness of the fresh air and the pleasant sound of the rushing falls and the surrounding nature was heavenly. We experienced the feeling of a typical “bukid” atmosphere.

When the sun rose, I was awed by the beauty of the whole place. I finally saw the different faces of the Hagimit Falls. It was a real beauty. The whole trip and hiking was really worth it.











If you sit at the bottom of the falls, the water that hits you feels like a massage.


Jump in and take the plunge!!




Rates (subject to change without prior notice):
Entrance Fee – P40/head
Room Rates (“Barato” Resort where we stayed):
Closed Cottage (with small table) – P600 good for 2 persons, extra person P50/head
Open cottage – P250 
Mahal Resort Closed Cottage – P800

There is also a mini sari2x store inside where you can buy chips and drinks.

Have you experience  Hagimit? Tell me about it in the comments below.

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