So refreshing! This summer retreat in the Philippines offers waterfall rafting for an exhilarating cool-down...
Pagsanjan Falls Rafting & Hulugan Falls Adventure
Pagsanjan is located about 105 km southeast of Manila. Its famous Pagsanjan Falls has a drop of about 100 meters and is renowned for its thrilling rafting activity.
At the turnaround point of Pagsanjan Falls, the water volume is exceptionally abundant. Some adventurous young people ride bamboo rafts through the cascading waters to experience the thunderous force of the plunging waterfall.
Rafting
The Pagsanjan Rapids stretch approximately 7 km, forming various landscapes including streams, waterfalls, pools, and currents amidst the canyon rocks, presenting a breathtaking and diverse natural beauty.
The creative locals have ingeniously designed a special boat called "Bangka," taking advantage of the natural terrain. Tourists can ride the Bangka to cruise along the river, enjoying the scenic beauty of the valley formed by rocky cliffs and tropical trees along the way.
Visitors typically ride in pairs on a slender canoe, with one at the bow and one at the stern, first paddling upstream.
The boatman navigated along the river for a while before reaching the narrow entrance of the gorge. Ahead lay a shallow stretch of riverbed with only a narrow water channel passable for the boat, though paddling was impossible. The boatman stood with one foot on the boat and pushed off the riverbed rocks with the other to propel forward.
Further ahead, large rocks emerge from the water, requiring agile maneuvering around them, with the boatman moving as nimbly as a monkey.
In some places, you need to get off the boat and push hard upwards, but the boatman still handles it with ease.
After an hour, we finally arrived at Pagsanjan Falls! The waterfall has an incredibly abundant flow, with massive amounts of river water cascading down from a 300-foot-high cliff.
Upon entering the valley, the temperature suddenly becomes pleasantly cool. The valley is only a few meters wide, with cliffs on both sides towering 40 to 50 meters high. Being in the tropics, the vegetation is lush, and occasional waterfalls cascade down like water curtains.
Some adventurous young people ride rafts through the waterfall to experience the thunderous impact of the cascading torrent.
As the massive waterfall crashes down upon us, screams echo all around, and then the boat gradually glides into the cool, shaded cave.
At this moment, as the cascading waterfall water drenches your entire body, you'll feel completely refreshed and invigorated. The cool sensation is like taking a refreshing cold shower, bringing ultimate comfort and relaxation.
On the return trip downstream from the turnaround point at Pagsanjan Falls, the speed of travel increases significantly.
The boatman let the canoe rise and fall as it navigated through the rocky riverbed, winding its way between boulders and rapids,
With bursts of screams, you can truly experience the thrill of rafting!
Hulu Gan Waterfall
Returning from Pagsanjan Falls, if you're still captivated by the majestic waterfalls, we'll next head to the even more spectacular Hulugan Falls to explore its breathtaking scenery.
Hulugan Falls got its name when someone fell from the waterfall due to the strong current. It's strange yet fascinating.
Reaching Hulugan Falls is no small challenge, as we must trek along a long walking trail. However, all fatigue instantly vanishes the moment you catch a glimpse of the waterfall.
The waterfalls I've seen before pale in comparison to Hulugan Falls. The waterfall is massive, and just standing beneath it is overwhelming.
While marveling at nature's breathtaking beauty, you can also change into your swimwear and frolic freely in the spring waters beneath the waterfall.
Basic itinerary
08:00 in the morning
Gather at the designated location at 8:00 AM. Take a business vehicle (2.5 hrs) to reach the rafting site.
10:30 am
The rafting distance is approximately 7 km, with 2 boatmen assigned per group of 3 people. Participants will join the rafting activity, with a total duration of about 2-2.5 hr.
1:00 PM
Enjoy a Filipino-style lunch at the restaurant
2:00 PM
Drive to the next destination, Hulu Gan Waterfall, for sightseeing.
2:30 PM
Arrive at the ticket checkpoint and take a motorcycle to the attraction entrance, then begin your mountain climbing adventure.
4:00 PM
End your tour and prepare for the return trip, with approximately a 2.5 hr drive back to Manila.
Itinerary includes:
Meeting point for round-trip business vehicle;
Chinese-speaking guide throughout the tour
Special Lunch (Filipino-style)
Rafting fees
Hulu Gan Waterfall Hiking Adventure.
• 1-day join-in tour series products (minimum 6 people per group)
• Accepts bookings for 1–5 people
• If fewer than 6 people:
• Optional:
1) Pay the price difference to continue your journey
2) Date Change
3) Full Refund
Not included in the itinerary
Breakfast; snacks, etc.
Personal optional activities (fees excluded).
Remind travelers to purchase their own travel insurance;
Please remember to bring: swimwear, change of clothes, slippers, snacks, sunglasses, sports shoes, sunscreen (or sun-protective clothing), towels, mosquito repellent, 2-3 liters of water, etc. (Long sleeves and pants are recommended for hiking).
