It’s summer time now and aside from beach outing, trekking is another fun activity to do in this season. And what’s more exciting is to have a cold dip after an exhausting trek.
Luckily, our home in Laguna is filled with stunning waterfalls.
Seeing pictures of those beautiful falls, we immediately started packing our bags. Chos! haha
HULUGAN FALLS IN LAGUNA
We left from Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna at 4:00 a.m., catching a van to Sta. Cruz. The two-hour journey flew by, and soon we were hopping onto a jeep headed for Brgy. San Salvador, the gateway to Hulugan Falls.
It’s a well-known spot, so we didn’t worry about getting lost. All we had to do was tell the driver we were heading to Brgy. San Salvador.
Just a few steps from the barangay’s welcoming arch, we found the Information Desk. Here, they assigned a guide to our group and arranged a short, 5-10 minute tricycle ride for us to the registration area. There were bathrooms available for a small fee (like 5php for using the toilet to pee). They even had shower facilities.
After arriving, we registered by writing down our names and paying a small fee. On weekdays, they usually assign two guides for a group of 10, but since it was a busy weekend, we only had one guide due to the high number of visitors.
Our guide, Kuya Rowel, briefed us with a few important reminders for our trek to Hulugan Falls. Then, full of excitement, we began our adventure.
As we walked, Kuya Rowel mentioned that there were other waterfalls nearby – Talay and Hidden Falls – that we could visit after seeing Hulugan. But, if we chose to explore these, we wouldn’t have time for Aliw Falls, which only accepts visitors until 3:00 p.m. After a bit of thought, and hearing Kuya Rowel describe Aliw Falls as more majestic, we decided to stick to our original plan and head there after Hulugan.
The path from the barangay was under construction, with some parts already cemented, which made the walk a bit easier.
However, it had rained the day before, so the trail to Hulugan was extremely muddy. We were jokingly ‘lucky’ to experience the trek in such sticky, muddy conditions. Pffft.
The path to Hulugan Falls was a downward trek along a rocky slope. Kuya Rowel shared with us that the locals had crafted this trail themselves, using large bamboo sticks as handrails. The mud from the recent rain added an extra layer of challenge and excitement to our trek, which, believe it or not, actually made the experience more fun!
Here’s an interesting tidbit: There used to be a trail right above Hulugan Falls, but it was closed for safety reasons. It seems they had trouble keeping adventurous visitors from trying to peek over the edge of the falls.
Our progress was somewhat slow due to the sticky mud, and despite our cautiousness, many of us, well, most of us, ended up slipping and tripping several times. It was a true muddy trail adventure, complete with laughs and a few muddy tumbles! Hahaha.
As we drew closer to the falls, the sound of rushing water grew louder, ramping up our excitement. It was as if Hulugan Falls was calling out to us, teasing us with its hidden splendor.
Then, just a few meters away, we caught our first glimpses of the falls through the trees. The sight was astonishing.
Finally, after about 45 minutes to an hour of trekking, we were there, face to face with the magnificent Hulugan Falls. For me, it was my first time seeing such a massive and towering waterfall. All I could do was stand there, awestruck, repeatedly murmuring “wow.”
And indeed, it was a “wow” moment! You could see how tiny people looked at the base of the falls, giving a real sense of the enormity of Hulugan Falls.
We seized the opportunity for a photo session with the majestic falls.
The mist from the waterfall was so dense that it soaked us through, as if we were under a giant shower. Luckily, we had dressed in clothes suitable for swimming. The funny thing is, even if you hadn’t planned on swimming, you’d end up wanting to dive in anyway since you’re already wet from the mist. Why not enjoy a plunge?
A tip for future visitors: bring something like a plastic mat to keep your belongings dry while you enjoy the falls. 🙂
Kuya Rowel mentioned that we could swim at the base of the falls, but none of us felt brave enough to get too close. However, we did find a pile of rocks nearby and clambered up for a group photo – that was as near as we dared to get! Apologies that some of the pictures came out a bit blurry.
We spent about an hour there, enjoying the refreshing water, although it was quite chilly. It was still early, around 8:00 a.m., and the water felt like stepping into a cold sauna.
By 9:00 a.m., we were ready to head off to Aliw Falls.
Heading back, we took a different trail, which proved to be a bit more challenging. It was steep, rocky, and still muddy. Thankfully, there were bamboo handles along the way for support.
As we made our way back, we passed quite a few visitors. It was a good thing we arrived early; we practically had the falls to ourselves for a while – no photobombers, just us friends.
The return trip took us another 45 minutes. Once we reached the barangay, we found faucets to clean our mud-covered sandals. And here’s a nice little perk – the water usage was free! 🙂
ALIW FALLS
After leaving the barangay, we hopped on a tricycle for a quick 10-15 minute ride to the registration area for Aliw Falls. We paid the entrance fee, and Kuya Nick was assigned as our guide for this part of our adventure.
The registration area at Aliw Falls even had a resort where visitors could relax post-visit – a thoughtful touch, I thought. Once we’d handled the formalities, we set off immediately towards Aliw Falls.
Kuya Nick mentioned that the hike to Aliw usually takes about 25-30 minutes. It was a more relaxed walk compared to our earlier trek, with just a few gentle slopes. However, the trail was still muddy from the previous day’s rain, leading to a few comical slips and slides – myself included. Proud member of the #SandulasTeam (Slip-and-Fall Team)!
Honestly, if it weren’t for the muddy trails, our hike might have been a tad dull. Each time someone slipped, we couldn’t help but laugh – it was all in good fun. Hehe.
Our journey to Aliw Falls took us alongside a river, winding through a landscape that felt more densely forested than the route to Hulugan Falls. There was a certain enchantment in this part of the trek, surrounded by the lushness of nature.
After about 25 minutes of walking, we were greeted by the magnificent sight of Aliw Falls. Its gentle cascades were like a delicate embrace from nature, eliciting yet another round of awestruck “wows” from us. It was a moment of gratitude and appreciation for such a beautiful natural creation.
There were only a couple of other groups there at the time, which Kuya Nick attributed to Aliw Falls’ relative obscurity compared to Hulugan Falls. He mentioned it had only been opened to the public a few months earlier, and there were only 16 guides assigned to it.
Kuya Nick was quite the adventurer himself! He encouraged us to climb up near the falls for an even more spectacular view. There was a trail beside the falls, a bit steep and challenging, possibly a tough climb for older folks. But the promise of an even more amazing view spurred us on, following Kuya Nick’s adventurous lead.
Reaching the top, we were rewarded with a view that left us speechless. Nature, in all its glory, was spread out before us, eliciting a heartfelt “Wow!” from each of us. The beauty of the natural world never ceases to amaze me. Sigh!
We had the option to enjoy our lunch right there, surrounded by the flowing water and sheltered under the trees. However, we chose to savor the moment and decided to eat later at the resort instead.
Unlike at Hulugan Falls where we hesitated to get too close, at Aliw Falls we fully embraced the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the water. We even ventured to a spot right at the edge, atop the falls, for some daring photo opportunities. Feeling like one tough adventurer!
The sensation of the natural water rushing over us was incredibly relaxing and satisfying, a truly fulfilling experience. However, we did notice that the force of the water was quite strong, almost to the point of being painful if you stayed under it for too long.
We spent around two hours there, simply soaking in the beauty and gratitude for such a wonderful experience. It was a day not just about enjoying nature, but also celebrating the gift of friendship. Even now, I’m still overwhelmed by the magnificence of it all.
By around 1:00 pm, we reluctantly decided it was time to leave Aliw Falls. We could have easily stayed overnight, that’s how much we enjoyed our time there.
Back at the registration area, hunger pangs hit us after all the walking. There was a resort right there, and if I remember correctly, the entrance fees were incredibly affordable – 20php for kids, 30php for adults, and 40php for an overnight stay, including access to their swimming pool.
Our guide, Kuya Nick, was so kind that he waived the cottage fee for us. We also had the option to go fishing for Tilapia at 95php per kilo, which is about 6 pieces per kilo, and they’d even cook it for us on site. Additionally, we tried their Pancit Habhab for 70php per plate, which was absolutely delicious – so much so that my friends inquired about their secret recipe. We filled our bellies with the tasty Habhab and some packed lunch.
Initially, we planned to go swimming after descending from Aliw Falls, but fatigue set in, so we decided to just freshen up and head home after enjoying a hearty lunch at the cottage.
The resort had clean bathrooms, which was a relief for those needing a shower or a quick bathroom break.
Kuya Nick even offered to arrange a van to take us back to the Sta. Cruz terminal for our trip back to Balibago, for a fee, of course. We departed around 3:00 pm.
And so concluded our successful waterfall hunting expedition! It’s a reminder that nature never ceases to amaze with its wonders. Let’s all do our part to preserve these beautiful places so future generations can experience them firsthand, not just through photographs.
HULUGAN FALLS IN LAGUNA - ITINERARY, BUDGET, TIPS
ITINERARY
(HULUGAN AND ALIW FALLS)
4:00 A.M. – ETD at Sta. Rosa, Laguna
6:00 a.m. – ETA at Sta. Cruz (Sunstar Mall), ride jeepney going to Luisiana
6:30 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. – ETA at Brgy. San Salvador, Luisiana, Laguna
7:10 a.m. – Arrival at JOP (Register, secure guide)
7:20 a.m. – Start trek
8:00 – 8:10 a.m. – ETA at Hulugan Falls
9:00 a.m. – ETD at Hulugan Falls
9:45 – 10:00 a.m. – ETA at Registration area (settle.. wash up)
10:30 a.m. – ETD to Aliw Falls
10:45 a.m. – ETA at Aliw Falls Registration area (register.. secure guide)
10:55 – 11:00 a.m. – Start trek to Aliw Falls
11:25 a.m. – ETA at Aliw Falls
1:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Trek back to Registration Area
2:00 p.m. – ETA at the Reg Area (eat, wash up, settle)
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – ETD to Sta. Cruz
4:45 – 5:00 p.m. – ETA at Sta. Cruz terminal (bound to Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna)
7:00 p.m. – Arrive at Sta. Rosa, Laguna
EXPENSES/BUDGET
Hulugan Falls
135php – Van from Balibago to Sta. Cruz (SunStar Mall)
30php – Jeep to Brgy. San Salvador
10php – Tricycle to the barangay
15php – Registration fee (fixed)
5php – CR
400php – Guide fee (not fixed; for the whole group already – 40php each)
Aliw Falls
25php – Tricycle to registration area
15php – Registration fee (not fixed; just a donation for the barangay)
400php – Guide fee (not fixed; for the whole group already – 40php each)
70php – Pancit Habhab
15php – Ligo
50php – Van to Sta. Cruz
90php – Van to Balibago
TIPS/SUGGESTIONS
1. Start your trek as early as you can so you will be able to visit at least two falls.
2. Wear something light that you can use straight to swimming. I wore rashguard and running pants here. And sandals for water activities.
3. Pack some food and trail foods. Bring just enough water so your bag won’t be heavy.
4. Waterproof your stuff. From food to your personal things. This is more of a water activitu so better to protect your things from getting wet. It should only be you to go swimming, okay? haha
5. Remember to bring extra clothes.
6. Waterproof camera is a must.
7. Bring plastic mat where you can put your bags to keep it dry.
29 thoughts on “Hulugan Falls in Laguna | Plus Aliw Falls – DIY Expenses”
Nice. It looked quite interesting and fun walking/hiking to the waterfalls. Great job posting all those pictures so that anyone going there has an idea of what to expect, besides the usual question on costs and how.
Thank you po! Yes, I really want to be of help for those trying to have an idea of the details. 🙂
I am looking for a place to explore once I got home from my current trip. And my hometown is in Bulacan too! This post is meant for me.. just wow! Thank you for this!
This is in Laguna by the way.. Thanks 🙂
Wow!! The article was great!!.
httl://www.random times.in
Looks real fun and adventure. Mukhang enjoy na pang-barkada lakad. Nice photo on a rock at the middle of the falls. I thought you jumped from the top.
If only I could. But can’t brave the heights yet. hehe Thank you! 🙂
I will share this to my friends. This is a perfect place to visit this summer! 🙂
It really is! Thank you 🙂
Looks like a wonderful adventure to try this year! I haven’t seen a waterfall yet so this kinda of excites me. It will be a memorable experience for sure.
♡ Louise | http://www.louisechelleblog.com
Sure it will! There are a lot of waterfalls in Laguna you can choose from. We’re so blessed with nature wonders 🙂
Wow, Laguna Province is rich in adventures. I feel the excitement in you blog. I also love your photos and the smiles in you faces. It’s really nice to have friends like you have.
Thank you! Laguna is really blessed with nature gems. Try to visit here some time and get to see these falls through your own eyes. 🙂
Gosh perfect places for summer. I bookmarked this. I wanna visit this falls soon. Thanks also for sharing your expenses. It gives me an idea how much it would cost me to go there.
Thank you! Yes, these are really good places to go this summer. Yhe water is really cold even under the heat of the sun! 🙂
A hidden oasis in Laguna. That place is full of gems 🙂 Thank you for sharing! Will try this out during holy week 🙂
True! These are just some of the many majestic waterfalls of Laguna. 🙂 Looking forward on your fun holiday with these falls!
Hulugan falls is really beautiful, the last time I was there, 2 friends slipped on a muddy slope, which makes our trail blazing more fun, memorable and challenging.
Witty ng title! Haha. I want to go here! I love trekking and the expense breakdown is really helpful!
Hehe thank you! I promise, this is worth it. You’ll never gonna regret visiting our province. 🙂
Ah this is really my ideal trip this summer but I’m not sure which place to go though! One of my bucket list this year is to witness an actual fall haha I have never seen one in my entire life so I badly want to witness one this year! Hopefully my convincing power will work and encourage my family or my friends to visit at least one fall! Anyway, i’m sure you had a blast here! it must be a very rewarding experience that after that challenging trek, you will be welcomed by a majestic waterfall!
Try to go here this summer! The cold water is perfect para sa napakainit na panahon. And I promise, you’ll be wowed by how huge Hulugan Falls is. I still have feels up to now that I got to see it personally. Really so mighty! 🙂 Thanks for dropping by!
I love this post! I lived in Laguna for 11 years, but did not see most of its natural attractions. My family, friends, and I often relied on artificial resorts and hot springs along the main road. I’d love to hike and visit the falls on this article! Thanks for sharing!
That looks fun! I wish I can go to places like that. It’s very natural and fresh, you know.
WOW, your little adventure looks fantastic! I have never been to your province, unfortunately! However, your photos reminded me visiting Palawan and trekking to the waterfalls there. We didn’t want to take a guide and followed to wet footsteps. Then we new that this was the way other visitors we coming back from the falls.
Thank youuuu. xoxo 🙂
Hi! beautiful blog, btw, did you hire two tour guides or only one guide and paid him 800 for visiting Hulugan and Aliw falls?
Two guides. 🙂 There are set of guides specifically just for Hulugan and another set just for Aliw. Punta kayo dun, sobrang ganda. 🙂 Thank you for reading. xoxo
Pingback: Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Gola Twin Day Hike (with side trip)