The first thing that comes to mind when you heard Cavinti is the famous man-made Lumot lake and Caliraya lake. But little do we know is that Pagsanjan falls is also known as Cavinti Falls as it is located in Cavinti Laguna.
I’ve heard a lot of good things and also some bad things about the thrilling adventure going to Cavinti Falls or famously known as Pagsanjan Falls. Let’s start with the bad ones, I’ve heard from many tourist that the metal stairways are already old and rustic which many of them are afraid of stepping on it. I’ve also heard that many tourist lost their belongings such as cellphones, bags, and wallet. Scary huh? But the good things are the local government is now making its way to improve more the facilities, securities and services for every tourist.
Anyways, Let’s start the journey. It was a good sunny day but we'd not that prepared. Honestly, It was indeed an unplan trip but it turned out to be amazing. It was great to breath fresh air again and it was incredible to feel the water massage at the base of the falls as the water cascades down.
It wasn’t that easy to reach the Cavinti Falls. It was a combination of trekking and rappelling down to the main lodge of the falls. It was quite challenging because you have to experienced a long and exhausting rappelling and hundred steps up and down to see this wonder of Cavinti Town.
The trail going to Cavinti falls excites me and at the same time gave me so much emotions because I suddenly miss mountains and my mountaineer friends. Sad to say but it was quite a while since I last climbed and I really miss it. ( I still haven’t climb yet as of the current (Sad Emoticon). The trail was quite easy but when we reached the rappelling part I was seriously scared because it was too high and it was my first time to experience that kind of rappelling. It was really unforgettable. I was also thankful to the guide who assisted us from the start until we reached the falls.
I still can't imagine how did I come down from this spiral stairs by rappelling.
At the main lodge near the falls, We were supplied our life vests then we proceed to the bamboo raft that was waiting for us. I was really amazed as the raft go near the falls. I was thinking how this falls was created. It was really high and It looks breathtakingly beautiful. Everything was gently fades as the raft goes inside. I felt only the force of the cascades of water all over my body. No words can depict the sensation I felt while embracing the amazing feelings at the bottom of Cavinti Falls.
Cavinti Falls is just one of many beautiful falls that is just few hours away from Manila. It is perfect destination for a short weekend vacation and a perfect spot for those who are outdoorsy, soul searcher, specially for those who are looking for an extreme adventure.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Public Transport:
1. Take bus to Sta. Cruz Laguna – ETA 2 1/2 hours Cubao ( (HM Transport): 180 php or 140 php regular
Pasay/Buendia/Gil Puyat (Jac Liner, DLTB, Greenstar): 140 php
2.Upon reaching Sta. Cruz Laguna, take jeep to Cavinti: 15 php – ETA 30 minutes
3.Upon reaching Cavinti, take tricycle to Pueblo El Salvador Nature’s Park and Picnic Grove, Brgy. Tibatib: 40 php – ETA 30 minutes
Private Vehicle:
SLEX: Take the Calamba exit going all the way down to the town of Pagsanjan. Upon reaching the public plaza of Pagsanjan, you either turn right from the municipal hall heading to the municipal proper of Cavinti or turn left taking the Lumban-Caliraya route.
Eastern Route (through Antipolo or Tanay, Rizal): Turn right upon reaching Municipality of Mabitac-Famy going to the direction of Pagsanjan, passing through the towns of Siniloan, Paete, and Lumban. When you reach Brgy. Bagong Silang, Lumban, you either make a u-turn and start ascend going to the direction of Caliraya Lake or go straight to the Pagsanjan Hall and start ascend going to Cavinti Proper.
