Tinago Falls - Iligan City

February 26, 2013

Tinago Falls is known for its 240-foot water drop and its blue lagoon is one of the main tourist attractions of Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines.

Tinago Falls

Tinago Falls Details

Tinago Falls - Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte

The word Tinago is a Filipino term that means "to hide or be hidden." this is due to the fact that the falls are quite hidden in a deep ravine. To get there, you are required to trek the 500-step winding staircase.

This not-so-attractive signboard would greet you upon arriving at the falls.

You have to go down the 500-step stairs to reach the falls

300 more steps to go!

As you arrive at the base of the waterfall, a captivating azure lagoon awaits to welcome you. Nestled behind the cascading curtain of water, there lies a quaint and enticing cave beckoning for exploration.

The beautiful Tinago Falls.

Amidst our visit to the falls, throngs of tourists reveled in its splendor. Nevertheless, it remained an awe-inspiring spectacle to behold.

Team Nicerio visits Tinago Falls

Legend of Tinago Falls

Much like many of the nation's renowned tourist destinations, Tinago Falls boasts its own captivating legend. The tale unfolds with a Sultan who possessed wealth, power, and a breathtakingly beautiful wife, yet was burdened by a single absence: a child to inherit his legacy. As the narrative goes, the queen became pregnant, and the Sultan, in his pride, declared that their forthcoming offspring would be the most exquisite in the entire kingdom.

One fateful day, an enchantress, disguised as a haggard crone, paid a visit to the Sultan and his queen. Regrettably, her appearance led to her banishment from the kingdom. In her anger, the enchantress cast a malevolent curse upon the unborn child, and when the baby was born, it bore the mark of the curse, emerging deformed and unsightly. Overwhelmed by the child's appearance, the heartbroken couple chose to conceal their offspring within a concealed cavern known as Tin-ag, or the "hidden face." They would visit the child in secrecy, tending to their forsaken progeny.

Years passed, and the child matured, eventually glimpsing the beauty of the world beyond the cave's confines. Deeply moved by the child's plight, the enchantress, moved by compassion, extended an offer to transform her into something magnificent and resplendent. Accepting the enchantress's benevolent offer, the child was transfigured into what we now know as the extraordinary Tinago Falls.

You need to ride a raft pulled by locals to get nearer the falls

The current was too strong so the men did their share of pulling the rope to get closer to the falls

That was one heck of an adventure!

Our adventure didn't conclude there. My wife and I eagerly embraced another exhilarating challenge by leaping from a height ranging between 20 to 30 feet into the crystalline lagoon below, aptly known as the "Jump of Faith."

"Jump of Faith"

It was a scary experience for my wife but she definitely enjoyed it.

Our local guide informed me of the existence of a resort that once stood in close proximity to the falls. Regrettably, the resort's fortunes took a downturn, leading to its eventual closure. Now, the remnants of this failed venture are strewn about near the vicinity of the magnificent waterfall.

and on another side

Following a delightful stay at the falls, I indulged in one of my favorite activities - engaging in conversations with the local residents. From our guide, I discovered that after the resort's departure, it was the local community who assumed the responsibility for the falls' upkeep. Their paramount challenge revolves around the preservation of Tinago Falls' natural beauty. Sadly, they recounted that a substantial number of tourists often neglect to clean up after their picnics, and, regrettably, some even discard leftover food into the pristine waters. The locals expressed the arduous effort required to spend an entire day cleaning up the surroundings, removing the accumulated litter left behind.

Passing through the remnants of the old resort.

It was a fun and safe trip thanks to our local guides.

Getting to Tinago Falls:

Airline companies fly daily to Lumbia Airport in CDO (Cagayan de Oro). From there ride a jeep to Bulua Terminal then take a bus to Iligan City*.

*Because of the Public Service Act, bus fare rates from CDO to Iligan City and vice versa have been reduced from P145 to P85 for aircon buses and P120-P70 for ordinary buses.

Board down the bus at Iligan City's terminal.
We managed to rent a tricycle to take us to Tinago Falls from Maria Cristina Falls.