Iligan City: Maria Cristina Falls and Tinago Falls

 Feb 28, 2015

Traveling to Maria Cristina Falls and Tinago Falls:

I personally haven't tried commuting around Iligan City because there was a van available when we went there but as far as I know, you can rent a jeepney for PHP1000 to tour you around Iligan.

Maria Cristina Falls:

We just used Google maps to find Maria Cristina Falls and then asked around when we were near the area or the town. We turned left at a sign going to NPC, I think. This is what the park entrance looks like.

The park is open from 9am to 4pm and the fees are as follows:

You will need the vehicle ride if you are not willing to walk going to the falls. I think it took us 5 mins to reach the falls via vehicle.

The falls is not so majestic in photographs but it really is magnificent when you see it in person.

Here is a video of the falls

You cannot take a swim in the area because the flow of the water is too strong. However, there were some parts that were so calm.

We were quite in a hurry that day so we just took some photo-ops and then went to our next destination, Tinago Falls.

Tinago Falls

Again, we just asked around to reach that place.

Fees are as follows:
Entrance - 25php
Usage of raft - 10php
Usage of vest (required) - 25php

There is a reason why the falls is called as such. "Tinago" means hidden in Filipino language and you have to go down through the stairs which is approximately 460+ steps.

By the way, the falls has two entrance. One from Linamon, the other from Buru-un. The stairs from Buru-un is approximately 300+steps but the steps are more steep than that in the Linamon side. Aside from that, the stairs had no handrails. So I guess it is easier to use the stairs in Linamon.

It was easy on the way down and then when we were on the last few steps of the stairs, we saw this. The view was just wow!

 I didn't expect for it to be this beautiful. Even though the place was crowded, it still has retained its beauty.

Before taking a dip in the water, you will be required to wear a life vest. Tables can also be rented in the area. Since we paid for the raft, we tried using it.

There was a long and sturdy rope which you have to pull to reach the falls. Beware because someone will offer to pull the ropes for you for a fee. YOU DON'T NEED THIS. You can do it by yourself. Also, people there who are also in the raft will help you. You will witness some kind of Bayanihan. 

Here is a preview of how they pulled the rope.

The water from the falls had so much impact that when it comes into contact with the body, it was already painful but still bearable.

We also climbed the rocks at the left side of the falls and just hangout there.

When it was already around 5P.M., we had to leave the place because it was also getting dark. We changed to dry and clean clothes at the comfort rooms near the registration area where we parked the van and went back to Cagayan De Oro.