Hulugan Falls - Laguna

Hulugan Falls is the tallest and largest of the three waterfalls found in Barangay San Salvador, Luisiana, in the province of Laguna, Philippines. 

Hulugan Falls

Hulugan Falls details

Hulugan Falls stands around 285 feet tall and as mentioned is the tallest and largest of the waterfalls in Barangay San Salvador. Aside from that, Hulugan Falls is also the nearest to the jump-off point. The name Hulugan Falls comes from the Filipino word hulugan which translates to  "to fall" which probably stems from the idea or fear of falling over the waterfalls. 

From the jumpoff point, expect a 15-20 minute descent if you plan to go straight to Hulugan Falls.

If you visited Talay Falls and Hidden Falls, expect several river crossings to reach Hulugan Falls.

It was rainy and muddy during our visit

Be careful the trail could be slippery.

This is probably the most challenging part of your adventure.

Almost there!

According to our guide Tatay Juaning, Hulugan Falls was once known mostly by the locals and only a handful of people outside Barangay San Salvador. It gained attention with the rise of social media but began receiving droves of tourists when the Cavinti-Luisiana Road was improved and widened. 

Hulugan Falls

Wow! Just wow!

Had a great time with the fam

Often partnered with Talay Falls and Hidden Falls, Hulugan Falls is the main attraction of Luisiana's Tri-Falls Trek hence usually visited the last. Aside from its picture-perfect beauty and its towering size, Hulugan Falls is also the best place among the three falls to take a dip. Visitors can actually swim under the gushing falls and go behind them. However, this is disallowed during the wet season especially during or after heavy rain as the volume and velocity of the water are greater and more dangerous. 

The Backpack Adventures visits Hulugan Falls:

In case you're wondering, yes Hulugan Falls is open even if it's raining. To be honest, it looks more majestic during rainy days compared to how it looks during the dry season. As a matter of fact, I got to visit Hulugan Falls on a rainy February day. Although a bit hesitant at first due to fears of landslides and flash floods, my cousins and I still pushed through and was rewarded with lesser crowds and a more majestic view of Hulugan Falls. 

Going back up to the jump-off point

Thank God there is a rest area after that ascent

Don't forget to take that souvenir photo here.

Of course, we didn't miss the opportunity to have a picture there

The Backpack Adventures visits Hulugan Falls

On the other hand, the downside of visiting during a rainy day is the soggy mud that one has to conquer in order to reach not only Hulugan Falls but also Talay Falls and Hidden Falls. 

Hulugan Falls Fees:

Visitors need to pay a registration fee of 40 pesos per person and a guide fee of 500 pesos for 10 people. If you plan to camp or stay overnight, you need to pay a camping fee of 50 pesos. 

Hulugan Falls Opening Hours:

Hulugan Falls can be visited at any time of the day. As a matter of fact, there is a designated area where visitors can set camp for overnight trips. 

Why visit Hulugan Falls?

If you're observant, you will notice that there is little to no human litter found around Hulugan Falls. If there, these are brought by the currents or are left by uneducated idiotic tourists and were not seen by their guides. The cleanliness of the area is brought about by the guides and locals who dedicate a day every week for cleanup drives. They will also scold you if you intentionally litter. This makes Hulugan Falls a must-visit. 

Getting to Hulugan Falls:

 

Commute:

1. From Taft or Cubao, ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The fare is around 150 -200 pesos.
2. Once you reach Sta. Cruz terminal, hop on a jeepney bound to Lucban or Lucena. Tell the driver to drop you off Barangay San Salvador. The fare is around 30-50 pesos.
3. From the Barangay San Salvador arch, you can walk toward the registration area where you will pay the registration fee and attend a 10-15 minute orientation before being partnered with a local guide. 
4. You will then ride a tricycle (max 3 passengers) to the drop-off point. Fare is 20 pesos per person. 

Hulugan Falls orientation = required

Hulugan Falls Registration Area

Parking area for those visiting Hulugan Falls

Tricycles which brings visitors from the parking area to the jump-off point

By Car:

1. From Manila, the fastest route is via SLEX to Calamba. The toll fee varies depending on where you entered. 
2. Continue on the Manila South Road also called the National Highway which passes through the towns of Los Banos, Victoria, Pila, Santa Cruz, and Pagsanjan.
3. Turn right to Cavinti-Luisiana Road after driving through Pagsanjan-Cavinti Road.
4. Turn right when you see the San Salvador Arch and proceed to the registration area for the required 10-15 minute orientation.
5. After the orientation, you will be ushered to the available parking area several blocks away. You need to pay a 40 pesos parking fee here. They also offer shower areas for post-trek freshening up. This costs 20 pesos.
6. From there, you are required to ride a tricycle to the jump-off point. The fare is 20 pesos per person. 

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