The Unusual Pagsanjan Falls Tour (via Cavinti)

My friends and I just wanted to take advantage of another holiday.  But our challenge is, we had to look for a place to go to, wherein we can have fun and adventure on a One Thousand Peso budget.

Unknown to many, there is another way, a new way to get to Magdapio or Pagsanjan falls.  Magdapio is the original name of the falls, but since it's known to many that the way to go there is through the town of Pagsanjan, it became Pagsanjan falls.  The waterfalls is actually located at the town of Cavinti, Laguna.

If you like adventure, then this is your way.  Please take note that I'm discouraging person's with high blood pressure, asthma, and the like to take this route.  This route requires a lot of stamina.  But there's always the usual route to go to the falls, and that is via Pagsanjan by a river trip on dugout canoe.

There's an HM bus liner that travels in ESDA from Cubao to Sta. Cruz, Laguna that leaves every hour.  We boarded at Crossing, asked the conductor of the bus to drop us at Pagsawitan.  Fare from Crossing to Pagsawitan is P140.25.  Travel takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

At Pagsawitan, there are a lot of jeepney's that travels through Sta. Cruz, Laguna.  We had to go to Sta. Cruz to meet our friend at the Cavinti terminal.  You'll know that you are at the Cavinti terminal because it's a street across Mercury Drug Store at the town proper of Sta. Cruz.

When we arrive at the terminal, we agreed to take our lunch at a local restaurant before boarding the jeep, since it's already past lunch time.  Jeepney's bound to Cavinti do not leave until it's full.  And most of the locals are with baggage.  Just ask the driver to drop you off at the tricycle terminal of Juction to Pueblo El Salvador.  Last trip from Cavinti to Sta. Cruz is at 5PM.

Upon arrival at Pueblo El Salvador.  You will be asked to register and pay the tour fee of P150.  That includes your entrance fee, a tour guide and all the things that you need for rappelling.  Here, we left our bags and just brought important things with us, including water.

With Raz at Pueblo El Salvador

The trek to the falls takes an hour or two.  Depends on your speed.  When we reached the statue of El Salvador Del Mundo and after walking for more than 30 minutes, I thought we were half of the trek, but I was wrong.  This statue is just a mark of the beginning of a hundred more steps down.

El Salvador Del Mundo

Longest stairs I've seen

I must admit, my knees and legs were shaking when we reached the falls.  But everything paid off when we were there, specially when were in the cave.  We had to stay there for a while to enjoy the cold and relaxing water.  We even asked the raftsmen to led us back right under the falls.  It was really fun.  But it was short.

On our way to the cave under the falls.

Helping the raftsmen pull us back.

We were wet, refreshed, and relaxed.  And then I remembered that our adventure has just begun.  We had to climb back to Pueblo El Salvador.  I even asked one of the boats men how much will they charge me if I ride on their boat to Pagsanjan.  But then I realized the essence of this trek.  So there's no way for me but UP.

Us playing around.

 There's actually another falls that you can pass by before going to Magdapio.  It's called Nakulo Falls.  Unfortunately for us, we need to come back for that.

Total expenses for this trip:

Note:  Tips & pasalubong are not included.




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The Tiger City

"I live in Mandaluyong City", I said.

"Sa loob o sa labas? (in or out?)".  That's the usual next question I hear when I say where I live.  People use that question as a joke, to break the ice.

Not only because Mandaluyong is a city that lies at the heart of Metro Manila.  It is also the place wherein the largest center for mental health in the Philippines is located.

Originally, Mandaluyong started from five (5) barrios (town), evolved to 22 sub-barrios to now what we call an independent Barangays.

As I always say to my friends, Mandaluyong is a place where you have an easy access anywhere around NCR (National Capital Region).

So if you're a traveler visiting Metro Manila, I suggest that you book a place in Mandaluyong City.  Aside from shopping malls, there's a lot of different hotels around that I'm sure will fit your standards.  It's not called "The Tiger City" for nothing.

And besides, Mandaluyong is a friendly city wherein you can walk on the streets at anytime of the day.

SOURCE:  Mandaluyong City Official Website

My Travel Grade - D

Today I was reading James' blog about why I should travel.  And after trying the Lakbayan Map that he recommended, I was back tracking the places that I've been to.  I realized that I know little about Philippines, I've only been to a few places. Infact, I got a D score. :(

My Travel Grade

I thought this is my first blog, but when I was checking my multiply albums, I noticed that I was unconsciously blogging too.  I love to share stories of my trips, like I love to listen or read stories of someone else's travel.  I learn from them.

Hope you get to learn from me too.  I'll start from my hometown, Mandaluyong.

About Gina

I'm in my early 30's and is dreaming of travelling, exploring, getting to know, feel and learn about different places, culture, and people.

My dream is to travel around the world (the heck! It's everybody's dream), but as the Department of Tourism said, "It's more fun in the Philippines", I'll get to know my own root first.


I want to pursue that dream.  Make it a reality.  I want a record of my plans and goals, and be able to share my travel adventures and misadventures.  I want to share what I know or give tips about anything.  Who knows, we might be learning from each other soon.