My Bataraza, Palawan experience did not just stop in discovering Lalatuan Falls because apparently, it has one more awesome site waiting for us that day and that is Kapangyan Falls. I was as much as excited to see Kapangyan Falls but I must say that I have truly admired Lalatuan Falls not just for its distinct grandeur but also because it has been well sustained and protected. Even though I had to go through such a backbreaking trek, I was rewarded with profound tranquility witnessing and experiencing one of God’s exquisite creations.
An hour and a half had passed and it was already one in the afternoon when we decided to leave for Kapangyan Falls. A longer stay in Lalatuan Falls would be a brilliant idea but we must find our way back to the jump off point before the sun retreats.
Kapangyan Falls is an hour-long trek from Lalatuan Falls and we had to go through the same trail that we used coming in to get there. It only meant one thing though, that I had to channel the Spider-man in me to give me some special powers to perform some sort of a harnessless rock wall-climbing feat without falling down.
You see, I have not been blessed with long upper and lower extremities so it was a bit challenging for me to put my hands and feet on the right places without being in an awkward position. Nevertheless, with sheer strength of mind, I overcame such a hurdle shortly thereafter. From then on, except for the occasional sharp ascends where I had to take five to recover, the rest of the journey felt easier. Maybe my familiarity with the terrain plus putting the recovery techniques that Kuya Recto taught me into use abetted in managing my energy better.
Kapangyan Water Supply System Project
Halfway through our trek, we have reached a crossroads. We turned right and descended through tall dry grasses and into a forested area. Then, we finally emerged by the river where a huge water pipe is connected. The river serves as the source of the water supply system project of the municipality bringing fresh water to households of some of its barangays.
We pursued the trail where the river was flowing and to my relief, it was mostly downhill. According to Kuya Recto, they classify the area encompassing Kapangyan Falls as a waterfalls complex, as there were several minor cascades before reaching it and there are even more just below Kapangyan Falls itself. He said that these minor falls are popular with the locals because it is more accessible and the water is clear and refreshing too. A perfect alternative from the very far Lalatuan Falls.
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Unfortunately…
There was no one else around except for Kuya Recto and me but I have to agree with him that it was indeed popular for some people. How did I know? They have left behind some unwanted souvenirs of their visit. Plastic food wrappers and plastic water bottles among other stuff. I simply cannot understand how some people could just care less. It was not that much and maybe an isolated case but it was plain negligence by whoever did it. Kuya Recto said that he would make rounds the following day to check up on other areas and do a clean-up.
Final Strides to Kapangyan Falls
As we carried on with our trek and made our final strides to Kapangyan Falls, we have reached a wide river. Kuya Recto said that we have to cross it as Kapangyan Falls is just over the rise. He started to step on the huge boulders and I followed him straightaway trying to place my feet on to where he had put his, but he was too fast for me. He was already on the opposite side of the river, while I was stuck in the middle trying to get some snaps.
I was trying to figure out which rock he stepped on but I was afraid of landing the wrong foot and slipping into the water. I was cautious because I was carrying a dslr camera and I didn’t want it to get wet or worse, smash it on the rocks and shatter it to bits. Then, I noticed that the water was just shallow and its surge was not too powerful so I opted to get my feet wet rather than falling.
Face to Face with Kapangyan Falls
With just a few meters away, we squandered no more time, made those last few steps and there was Kapangyan Falls at last!
Its waters cascading against the tiered rocks were forceful yet soothing. Gazing at its verdant surroundings felt so invigorating. A huge slab of rock lies right in front of Kapangyan Falls as if a stage or a viewing deck was laid exclusively for visitors. A log has been washed out to the pool from the mountain after heavy rains poured down some time ago but it didn’t look as a nuisance to the overall appearance of Kapangyan Falls.
The locals have built a table and a couple of benches that they’ve used for a meeting. Its materials were still fresh so, I guess it was fairly new. The fixture made up of bamboo and tree branches looked natural but I do hope that it would be the only one constructed EVER so it would not turn into a resort-type attraction.
As noted earlier, Kapangyan Falls has several minor waterfalls downstream and there was one area where you need to pass a narrow strip of land on the edge of a canyon. But I had spent too much time in Kapangyan Falls itself and was not able to check those out. Kuya Recto said that there is also a cave near it but it has not been explored fully thus access to the public is not yet allowed.
Kapangyan Falls is relatively smaller in height and land area than Lalatuan Falls. Its depth is also shallower ranging only between 8-10 feet deep. However, these differences with the latter are not tantamount to Kapangyan Falls being inferior; it is definitely a beauty.
I was glad that we went to Lalatuan Falls first and finished our journey in Kapangyan Falls. That was good planning on Kuya Recto’s part because if we did it the other way around, I would have been too lazy and may have not opted to pursue Lalatuan Falls anymore on that same day. But that’s just me. However, I suggest you do the same so you get to see both.
How to Get to Kapangyan Falls
From Puerto Princesa Airport, take a tricycle to San Jose Transport Terminal (150 pesos). Ride a van bound for Rio Tuba (400 pesos). Tell the driver to drop you off in Kapangyan jump off point going to Barangay Malihud, along the national highway approximately one and a half kilometers away from Bataraza town proper. Travel Time from Puerto Princesa to Bataraza is approximately 4-5 hours.
There are no prominent signs leading to the jump off point except for this water supply system project tarpaulin which can be seen on the right side of the road if you’re heading to Rio Tuba.
Useful Information
Aside from Lalatuan Falls and Kapangyan Falls there are also other attractions in Bataraza, Palawan that are worth visiting.
- Ursula Island Bird Sanctuary – visitors must secure a permit from the DENR before they can visit the island.
- Gangub Cave in Barangay Sandoval
- A newly discovered waterfall by the forest rangers of Mt. Mantalingahan. It’s in the outskirts of Bataraza and the trail is more difficult. They said that the trek can take up to 5 hours but it is more beautiful than Lalatuan Falls. They call it Magot Falls (not sure if I had it spelled correctly).
If you want to visit Kapangyan Falls and other sites in Bataraza, get in touch with Bataraza Municipal Tourism Office. You may reach them via their Facebook Page
MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICE, 2nd floor, Municipal Hall Building of Bataraza Palawan. Mobile #: +63 905 156 2365
Prior to my visit, I got in touch with Sir Eric Selga. He no longer works in the tourism office at that time however, he was kind enough to assist me to arrange for Kuya Recto to meet me up the following day. His contact number is +63 912 710 0305/+63 905 588 2848.
It is generally safe to visit this part of Palawan but it is always important to coordinate with the Municipal Tourism Office before heading to Lalatuan or Kapangyan Falls.
There is NO registration fee, but Guide fee is encouraged – be generous enough, the trail is difficult.
Only Take Photos. Kill Nothing but Time, Collect Only Memories. Leave Only Footprints.
BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER and LEAVE NO TRACE.
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How about you? Have you been to Bataraza? Have you trekked to Kapangyan Falls? How was your experience? We would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts.
Hi bro,
Indeed Lalatuan Falls can be one of the few wonderful creations of nature. Lucky that your country has got many of such beautiful falls.
Regards
Very thankful that we can find these here. We just have to take care of it. Thanks Sherab.