Aliw Falls was my next destination as I continue to explore the town of Luisiana in Laguna. I was still stunned with the grandiose beauty of Hulugan Falls that it had set the bar too high when it comes to waterfalls in my book. So, even if I have seen photos of Aliw Falls prior to my visit, I was expecting it to be just as impressive in reality.
Luisiana, An Introduction
Luisiana (Loo-shana) is one of the inner towns in the province of Laguna. It is a 4th class municipality bordering Cavinti in the north and Lucban in the south. With its zigzag roads and cool climate since it is located on a high altitude, it is referred to by locals as the “Little Baguio of Laguna”. Agriculture is their main source of income but animal farming also contributes to its growth.
The once sleepy town of Luisiana started to attract people’s attention when photos of the majestic Hulugan Falls surfaced on different social media platforms. Being just hours away from Manila, it has now become one of the major travel destinations for adventure seekers and weekend warriors.
As of this writing, most people know of the four waterfalls in Luisiana. Three of them can be accessed through Barangay San Salvador while the official jump off point for Aliw Falls is from Dafi Resort. With its close proximity to each other, visiting all four can be done in one day if you start really early.
Some Things Don’t Go As Planned…
I was so drained from my trip to Hulugan Falls that I have decided to head straight to my friend’s place in Liliw and planned my journey to Aliw Falls the next day.
The idea was to leave early from Liliw but I woke up at around 11 AM because we had a few drinks of Lambanog the night before. The thought of cancelling my trip to Aliw Falls crossed my mind but I do not want to waste a day doing nothing so I pushed through amidst the mild hangover under the searing heat.
Once in Luisiana, I knew that I should be getting off at Dafi Resort but I did not know exactly where it was. In the end, I missed my stop and I had to take a tricycle from the town proper to bring me to Dafi Resort, which was about a few kilometres back to where I came from.
Easy Peasy
Since I have visited quite a number of waterfalls over the past years, I have already psyched myself that it would be another gruelling trek to Aliw Falls. I already imagined that I might need to walk for an hour or so, cross a river with raging waters or have to rappel even just to get to the waterfalls.
To my surprise, it was one of the easiest hikes by far. Yes, there were few steep climbs, some slippery tracks and boulders along the way but it was not as difficult as the others that I have been to. We did not have to go deep in to the woods. We literally just followed the upstream stretch of the river. After passing where the placid river meets the raging water we have reached Aliw Falls. It only took us around 20-25 minutes and it can be faster for those who are more agile and physically fit.
Daydreaming in Aliw Falls
I sat on a dead tree trunk right in front of the cascades roughly 15 meters away and just gazed in amazement. Aliw Falls has a wide multi-tiered wall resembling an uneven stairs with lots of water flowing down its steps. Staring at it felt like watching a live action Windows desktop background. It was so soothing that it swept my hangover away.
There were no other souls around aside from my guide and myself until about 20 minutes later when a group of youngsters emerged from the opposite direction where I came from. The water in the catch basin was murky, almost chocolate-y due to the rain over the past few days but the young locals did not think twice to jump in.
Seeing those kids being carefree and enjoying their free time in an astounding playground right in their “backyard” made me feel a bit envious and reminiscent of my own childhood.
Even though I did not have the same nature vibe growing up, it took me back to a time when life was so simple, to a time when my only problem was to do well in school. It transported me back to when I would always wish for it to be Friday because tomorrow will be Saturday and we can be out in the streets playing all day long, play video games or go for an early morning bike ride around a mall parking lot among other things.
When we visit a place for the first time, either way good or bad, it would often leave a mark in our minds (and hearts). My trip to Aliw Falls did not just give me new experiences to treasure; it was not just about being enamored by its landscape and serene ambiance. More so, it gave me the chance to escape reality and be able to recharge my batteries even for a brief moment.
How to Get to Aliw 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 Dafi Resort in Luisiana. Jeep fare is 35 pesos. Travel time is approximately 30-45 minutes from Sta. Cruz. The signage is on the left side of the road. There is a chance that you will miss it because it is facing the opposite side if you’re coming from Sta. Cruz.
Follow where the signage is pointing. Go inside the compound all the way down to the dead end. Once you see the house with the blue roof, you’re at the right place; that is the registration area.
From Hulugan Falls
If you are coming from Hulugan Falls, take a jeep bound for Lucena from the main highway and tell the driver/or conductor (if any) to drop you off in Dafi Resort. The travel time should not take more than 10 minutes between the two jump off points.
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
- Do not be confused when you enter Dafi Resort; you’re in the right place. It is a residential compound and the resort itself where you need to register is located all the way down at the end of the road by the river. Beware of dogs as you enter the compound. When I first went there they were still puppies. On my second visit, they were already full grown.
- It can be 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.
- Take time to know more about the place and the story of the locals on your trek.
- Bring water and snacks just in case.
- Registration Fee – 20 pesos
- Mandatory to get a guide. Guide Fee – 300 pesos – standard rate.
- Don’t forget to try their version of bibingka (rice cake). Yummy! Stalls sprout along the national road (there are 2 a few steps outside Dafi Resort). 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 Aliw Falls of Luisiana, Laguna? How was your experience? We would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts.
Do they have overnight accommodations in Dafi Resort? Been looking for a number to call but can’t find any.TIA
I am not really sure. Although, when we where there, I did not notice any rooms/accommodations. They have mostly cottages for day visit.