For someone who has been captivated by waterfalls, I could not resist the urge to get a glimpse of Hulugan Falls in Luisiana (Loo-shana). I have been to the southern part of Cebu and was able to witness 11 of its mesmerizing waterfalls. So, there was no excuse for me not to experience the grandeur of Hulugan Falls considering that it is just located in Laguna and it does not require me to take a plane to get there.
Laguna of My Childhood
Going to Laguna has been a part of my childhood memory. When we were kids, whenever there were special occasions like birthdays and what not, we used to visit relatives near Pacita Complex in San Pedro. Laguna is home to two of my favorite local delicacies too, Espasol and Buko Pie.
Probably, the most famous landmark that I knew of Laguna back in the day was Jose Rizal’s Ancestral House in Calamba as it was included in most field trips during my grade school days. Then there were those places that we only read in textbooks like Pagsanjan Falls (also known as Cavinti Falls nowadays).
Another popular Laguna destination for us in the past was Pansol for its hot springs and private pools where we had some of our family reunions. However, that was it; we did not really take the time to do more. I guess because it was more than enough for us as kids at that time.
It’s Time to Explore Laguna
Now that I am older and have access to more resources, I have this epic plan in mind of chasing all the waterfalls in Laguna. Though it may seem far-fetched, I am making an effort to get it done one waterfalls at a time. I have already crossed out the enchanting Kilangin Falls in Liliw so that was one down and just a few more to go and my journey to Hulugan Falls was the next one.
I hit the road early to get to Hulugan Falls before midday so I would not be toasted but the sun was the least of my worries at that time. It was just a few days shy before the official summer season begins but the sky has been gloomy since I left our house. Up until I reached Pagsawitan in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, the sky remained grey. As much as I wanted for the sun to show up, there was no turning back, rain or shine, I pushed through with my solo DIY travel plan to Hulugan Falls.
I hopped on a mini bus-like jeepney bound for Lucena and asked the driver to drop me off in Luisiana. It took around 45 minutes to get to Barangay San Salvador, the jump off point going to Hulugan Falls. From the main road, I followed where the signage was pointing and by the outpost not too far away, the guides were already waiting for visitors like me.
One of the guides asked a tricycle driver to transport us to the registration area. As soon as we have reached the registration area which is at the Barangay Captain’s compound, the person in-charge briefed me of the fees and charges and the places where we can go.
The Waterfalls Trilogy – Hulugan Falls, Talay Falls and Hidden Falls
Prior to travelling to Luisiana, I already knew that there are actually four waterfalls close to each other. However, the trilogy of Hulugan Falls, Talay Falls and Hidden Falls (some say that Hidden Falls is just the upstream part of Talay Falls) are the only ones accessible from Barangay San Salvador. The fourth one is already off limits due to jurisdiction restrictions. I’ll reserve that for another story.
After logging in my details in their record book, my guide (who is one of the few female tour guides) and I took off on another 5-minute tricycle ride to the real jump off point.
They have already cemented the road from the main highway all the way to the area where the visitors would have to start to trek. If there were no tricycles available, it will probably take up to 30 minutes or so by foot just to get to the starting point.
We have decided to go to Talay Falls and Hidden Falls first and made Hulugan Falls as our last stop. My guide said that that route would be easier as the trail is mostly downhill. We will only go uphill on the way back from Hulugan Falls.
Since it rained the night before and it was still drizzling that morning, the trail was muddy and slippery as expected.
Keeping It Natural
While we were walking down the path to Talay Falls, I cannot help but notice that the locals have kept the natural state of the trail. They have only put up handrails made of bamboo and tree branches on some areas to assist travelers as they ascend and descend. The steps were not cemented at all instead, they just carved the soil to form them.
There were still trees that were cut down in the process of paving the main road but compared to the others that I’ve seen, it is still impressively natural looking. I hope that they keep it that way and that there will be no more major constructions in the future.
On our first twenty minutes of trekking, we walked through the rich forest of the barangay, we passed by a mini dam and a stream with rushing water then back to the mud-covered and slippery uneven terrain. The sun was already piercing through the clouds but it was slightly raining and it remained like that until we have reached Talay Falls.
Talay Falls and Hidden Falls
Talay Falls is a low waterfall (first tier going up) measuring about 2-3 meters high with a 10-meter wide wall (just my own estimation). There are two protruding rocks dividing the wall that makes the water to drop from three different directions in three different ways to a wide-open catch basin.
On the right side of Talay Falls is an open area with tables and benches where travellers can take a rest and catch their breath or have a snack. When we got there, we caught up with the first group (6 persons and a dog) that trekked that day. It was a Tuesday so there were not too many visitors.
From the ground where we were standing, there is another tier of Talay Falls visible just a few meters above the first and further upstream is Hidden Falls.
I did not get the chance to check out Hidden Falls anymore because my guide said that the rocks are too slippery at that time. She admitted that she was actually worried that I might get to an accident just like her last guest who has the same built as mine. That was fine by me; we moved along and went to Hulugan Falls, which is what I really came there for.
The Otherworldly Beauty of Hulugan Falls
The rain eventually poured in as we were making our way to Hulugan Falls. I didn’t have a waterproof bag at that time luckily, my guide had a huge garbage bag and I used that to save my gears from getting wet.
After fifteen minutes of trekking the dense forest, I’ve had my first glimpse of the majestic cascade and it was just WOW! There was this forceful rapids running down a massive leaf-covered wall with abundant plant life all around. Was I really in Laguna? Seeing it for the first time, it is something that I did not expect that could be found in a place just 3-4 hours from the city.
We finished our descent and reached the base of the waterfalls just before noon while the other group was just trailing behind us. The trek will truly test your endurance especially if you are not in the best of shape like me but it is certainly doable.
Hulugan Falls is measuring at an estimated height of 70 meters according to the other guide that I talked to. The drop is so high and the water surge is so powerful that it produces mist even before it touches the plunge pool. The mist can reach quite a great distance too.
Evidently, it is one massive waterfall even from afar. One of the biggest I’ve seen in terms of height and width aside from Tumalog Falls in Cebu. I just realized its impressive scale after some of the guys from the group went closer to the drop.
Hulugan Falls is still relatively new to being one of the mainstream attractions in the province of Laguna (as of this writing). In the advent of social media, the so-called sleeping wonders and best-kept secrets of mostly every town suddenly propelled to the forefront of the travel and tourism scene and Hulugan Falls is a prime example. Now, it is one of the most sought after destinations in Laguna for nature-lovers, adventure-seekers and waterfalls-chasers alike.
How to Get to Hulugan Falls
From Buendia
Take a bus bound for Sta. Cruz and alight in Pagsawitan (at the intersection). Travel time is 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic.
The jeep parked at the terminal on the right side is the Lucena bound mini bus jeep. It usually waits for passengers for 15 minutes or so but it will leave the terminal even if it is not full.
Alternatively, you can just walk a bit towards the bridge/pedestrian overpass and wait for a regular jeep with Luisiana signboard. In my experience, there are not too many and waiting time could be longer so I always opt for the one going to Lucena.
Tell the driver/or conductor (if any) to drop you off in Barangay San Salvador in Luisiana. Jeep fare is 35 pesos.
Travel time is approximately 30-45 minutes from Sta. Cruz. You can see the marker and tarpaulin signage on the right side of the road.
Follow where the signage is pointing and the guides are already waiting by the outpost.
From Cavite – Pala-Pala Terminal
Take a van bound for Sta. Cruz from Pala-Pala terminal and follow the same as above. Travel time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Waiting for the van to have all seats filled up may take up to an hour. They do sometimes leave if there are already about 10 passengers.
What You Need To Know
Busy on Weekends, especially Sunday. Summer time is the busiest.
Start early
Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Pack light and use a comfortable back pack/waterproof bag. I was a bit wobbly / clumsy during the trek. My sandals were slippery and I have 2 separate bags for my camera and accessories plus another sling bag for my tripod.
Take time to know more about the place and the story of the locals on your trek.
Just enjoy the view when you’re already struggling with the trail 🙂
Rain or shine, Hulugan Falls is a must-see destination in Luisiana, Laguna.
Bring water and snacks just in case. I usually look for Coke after a hike to replenish my strength and to increase my sugar levels faster
During weekends, you can buy rice meals wrapped in banana leaves at the registration area.
Registration Fee – 20 pesos
Mandatory to get a guide. Guide Fee – 300 pesos – standard rate. The guide fee will cover all three waterfalls. You still pay 300 pesos even if you only want to visit one of the falls.
Tricycle fare is 60 pesos one way – From highway > to registration area > jump off point
Toilets and shower room are available at the registration area for a fee.
Don’t forget to try their version of bibingka (rice cake). Yummy! Stalls sprout along the national road. 3 pieces for 100 pesos and you get it in a nice handmade basket or box made from coconut leaves. Each piece is 35 pesos.
BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER.
RESPECT THE PLACES THAT YOU WILL VISIT.
LEAVE NO TRACE.
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How about you? Do you also love chasing waterfalls? Have you seen Hulugan Falls, Talay Falls and Hidden Falls of Luisiana, Laguna? How was your experience? We would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts.
Hello, I enjoyed reading your blog. I am visiting Laguna in December and planning on doing this hike with my kids (age ranges from 6-12). Do you think it’s doable (with a guide of course)? And how long is the total hike from start to end? Thanks in advance for the response…
Hi Christine,
I remember it took me around 45 minutes from the start of the trail up to Hulugan Falls with a short stop in Talay Falls to take some photos. It was another 10- 15 minutes ascending from Hulugan Falls to the main road. So, that’s around 1 hour of trekking from start to finish.
It would be nice for the kids to experience this kind of adventure. Try to go there when it is not raining; the trail can be very slippery and the water flowing in the stream that you need to cross can be challenging. Also, ask for a guide with experience in assisting kids.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I would love to hear about your visit. Be safe and have fun.
Thank you so much for the info!
I am looking forward to bringing my kids. We’ve been doing some hiking since the pandemic and they have seen some waterfalls but the trails have been cleared (sometimes even paved)…
There are a couple other falls in Laguna where I’ve been that you might be interested too.
One is in Aliw Falls. It is in the same town of Luisiana. A 15-20 minute nature walk from the registration area. I think this is the easiest trek among the ones I’ve been to. The water level is deep near the catch basin however, there is a shallow part downstream where you can take a dip.
The other one is Kilangin Falls in Liliw. Compared to the 2, in terms of trekking, Kilangin Falls is in the middle. The water is also deep but it is very clear and visitors can swim with a vest on or floaters. Caution: the water can be very cold.
Beautiful photo!
Thank you.
Nagpunta din kami! Salamat sa guide
https://michaelshut.blogspot.com/2020/03/hulugan-falls-at-luisiana-laguna-ph-drone-footage.html
Nice. You’re welcome. 🙂
Hi sumakay kayo ng bus buendia lrt?
Hindi na ko nag bus kasi galing na ako sa may amin sa Cavite pero pwede ka mag bus galing Buendia-LRT. Sakay ka ng byaheng Sta. Cruz na DLTB Bus. Yung terminal nila tawid ka lang sa tapat pwede ka ng mag-abang ng mga nadaan na jeep papuntang Luisiana. O kaya bago lumiko yung bus papuntang terminal nila eh bumaba ka na, Pagsawitan yung pangalan ng lugar. Hanapin mo na lang yung nakaparadang jeep na parang mini bus na byaheng Lucena tapos baba kayo ng Luisiana sa Brgy. San Salvador.
Hello! I love your blog. We are planning to go there may I know if you have contact to any guide?
Hi Sam, thank you for reading. I do not have a contact number of any of the guides but when you get there, someone will be assigned to you (your group) for sure. I find them to be very accommodating and helpful when I was there.