Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Taytay Falls [or Imelda Falls] of Majayjay, Laguna

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Three names yet referring to one beautiful spot in Laguna. That's how I recall this waterfall...

Taytay Falls is a two-story high waterfall which others call it as the Majayjay Falls and even the Imelda Falls. The reason why it has so many names is because of its rich background. Its famous name is actually Taytay Falls but since it is located at Brgy. Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna, people has started calling it Majayjay Falls. Another story is, it got its other name (which is Imelda Falls) from the First Lady of the late Ferdinand Marcos named Imelda Marcos, as she financed the promotion of tourism in this place and because of this, there was a time where the World Bank has sponsored the promotion of tourism in Taytay Falls. With those stories, I hope I eliminated the confusion when I use these 3 different names to refer the place for this post.

Off to Majayjay Falls!
How to get there?
Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna at Buendia (Gil Puyat - LRT) bus terminal. Fare is around 150 - 160 pesos. Notify the bus conductor that you are heading to Taytay Falls and to drop you off at the terminal where jeepneys going to Majayjay are located. Afterwards, take one of those jeepneys that bound to Majayjay which costs for about 40 pesos. Then from Majayjay proper, take a direct trip to Taytay/Brgy. Gagalot where you'll be needing to register first at the Barangay Hall before you can proceed to the location of the falls. Jeepney fare is 16 pesos and registration/entrance fee is 35 pesos per head. It was approximately 3-4 hours of travel time from Manila to Majayjay.

As soon as we finished paying our fees at the barangay hall, we started trekking all the way down to Taytay Falls. You need to walk for about 10-15 minutes in order to reach its location. Don't worry because you'll be breathing in and out fresh air since the way to Taytay Falls is surrounded with plants and trees. I can say that it is almost like a forest but with a concrete path way for the visitors to walk in.

All were excited as the splashes of falling water gets louder and louder
Upon reaching the Taytay Falls, every one of us got excited and astounded with the beauty of this waterfall. It is tall, wide and beautifully surrounded with nature on the side. Not to mention how clear the water running on Taytay Falls. Perhaps this is the clearest and cleanest waterfall I've been through. We could all say that the long travel was really worth it.

Presenting... the Taytay Falls [aka Majayjay Falls/Imelda Falls]
Water that came all the way from Mt Banahaw
After we found a spot where we can settle and put our things into safety, its time to dive on that water. Wait! I have to warn you that Taytay Falls water is cold... i mean very cold... what i really mean is, it is freezing cold,  like icy cold. To prove this, we even put our bottled drinks into the water to make it cold and it was effective. It was like a big refrigerator. Well, we just put stones around our drinks so that it wouldn't flown away down to the river. All I can say is, although the water is freezing cold, it is also refreshing. It didn't stop us from diving on it.

Photo op before the actual swimming
Its not cold [Mind over matter]... oh well, its not working because it is really cold

We pause from swimming to have our lunch and it was great. We are all hungry and all our canned goods tasted like lechon of Cebu. I guess that was because of the long travel we've been through. This adventure releases all our stress. It was nice to take a break away from the pollution of the city.

The best! Eating after diving into the waterfall
Tents are the only means of lodging in Taytay Falls. Expect no services like electricity and phone coverage. There are toilets and bathrooms available but don't expect too much. There were lots of campers the day we visited Taytay Falls. I can't blame them. If only this place is near my place, I'll definitely camp here most of my nights and drink out with a bonfire. Too bad we only planned for a day visit. I didn't experience an overnight. I bet it will be colder than during the day... feels like a fully air conditioned room at its maximum.

Down stream part of Majayjay Falls
Well, that's the end of our adventure. We departed at around 4:00 PM to go back to Manila. I hope the local community authority continues on enforcing strict rules on waste management in the area. In that way, the beauty of this waterfall will be remain and preserve for the future generations.

Breakdown of Expenses:
Bus ride (Buendia - Sta Cruz) - 160.00 PhP
Jeepney ride (Sta Cruz - Majayjay) - 40.00 PhP
Jeepney ride (Majayjay - Taytay) - 16.00 PhP
Registration Fee - 35.00 PhP
Jeepney ride (Taytay - Bus terminal) - 50.00 PhP
Bus ride (Bus terminal - Manila) - 170.00 PhP
Food - **.**

85 comments:

  1. I've been here before and it was a really tiring minutes of walk to see the falls. But it was very relaxing when you're there. When I started to swim, O my gosh! the water is really cold!

    -chi

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    1. Is the walk that long? Hmmm, maybe we never felt it because we're busy taking photos and selfies hahahahaha. And I agree with the cold part! :) hahahaha

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  2. Is there an additional fee if you camp overnight? Natense ako sa pagkakadescribe ng icy cold water, pero andami pa rin nagdidip. LOL.

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    1. There is no additional fee for overnight stay. It is still 30 pesos.
      Yup, super lamig talaga yung water dun. Madaming nag-didip pero mahirap magbabad. :P

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  3. boss, my ma rerentahan kaya dun na tent for overnight?

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    1. Yup, meron po. yung mga locals dun is nagooffer ng tent rentals and even rooms po. Kaso di ko lang alam yung magkano.

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  4. galing lang kmi jan kahapon maganda tlga sya.. 500pesos na budget sulit na kmi ng tropa ko.. ^_^

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  5. Hi. Hindi ba delikado yung place? you know, wild animals. hehehe tsaka sa trekking ba may magguide naman sayo papunta dun? Salamat!

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    1. Haven't heard about animal attacks sa place tapos wala din pong guide papunta sa mismong falls. Dont worry mo kasi madali lang po yung daan papunta, sementado po. :)

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  6. are they open monday to sunday?and time? Thanks for sharing this.

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  7. is it not dangerous for overnight stay...? i mean,abusayaff,and etc

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    1. Hi. I couldn't say this place is safe or it is not safe from NPA. However, Taytay Falls is established years ago and I haven't heard any news about NPAs encounter since then. So by that, I'll let you decide Chaddao.

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  8. Wow! Are there rooms for rent near Majayjay falls?

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    1. I heard from the locals na meron pero di ko po alam kung saan. I only saw tents and huts in Majayjay Falls

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  9. greetings to all and to Geejay, thanks for blogging about Taytay Falls
    I'm a half Majayjay native, tatay ko tubong Majayjay, and we still have a house there and relatives of course. First time I visited Taytay falls was in 1997 or 98? back then, rough road pa yung papunta dun sa looban where you can park your car. after that, it was a 15-20 minute trek on muddy trail with huge stones, then saka ka pa lang aabot dun sa maliit na trail na papaba papuntang Taytay falls. wala pang sementadong foot trail nun, parang yung pasilyo lang na tinatapakan made of earth, stone and mud, and you can see the crystal clear water flowing thru the "sapa" down to the falls. wala ding mga metal guard rails pa nun, kawayan lang or some flimsy ropes, pag nadulas ka laglag ka sa bangin sa gilid hehehe. So at that time, it was a real mountaineer's adventure trail.
    but then when you finally arrive at the site, and get to dip in the ice cold and clear water, sulit lahat ng pagod. How I wish it was maintained that way, talagang unspoiled beauty of nature.
    But of course, many people got wind of Taytay falls, and dumami na trekkers and campers going there. Been there a number of times and last time I went there (2009 or 2010?) dami ng tao, and sementado na yung mga trails at pati yung road papasok. Even the barangay officials there has already made parking some kind of business, which is not really bad per se since the residents own the land where you park your car (it's their farm land after all).
    I hope to visit there again, and hope to enjoy it once again... I just hope the barangay men who are charged to look after that place really do enforce strict rules on banning throwing of trash and other stuff. Sabi nga ng mga mountaineers (which I'm not), take only pictures and leave memories, but don't take the natural flora or fauna and don't leave your trash. Ikaw din, in case you go back there, do your part, and to all other visitors. wag po tayong magtapon ng basura, specially yung mga plastic and non biodegradables. nakakalungkot at nakakahinayang, kasi nung nag swim kami dyan in one of our trips there, ang ganda ganda ng falls tapos swim palapit sa falls only to find empty plastic bottles and wrappers trapped under the water falls. sayang... pagtulong tulungan natin i-preserve for all to enjoy.
    salamat po.

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    Replies
    1. Wow!!! That was a lengthy comment but I would like to thank you for sharing your story and dropping by my blog

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    2. I agree with you po. In order to preserve the place dapat bawat turista na nagpupunta dun ay maging responsable. Magdala na lang ng sariling garbage bag at dun ilagay lahat ng basura. Pag-alis sa lugar, bitbit din ang basura at itapon sa wastong tapunan. Yes, take only pictures and leave memories. :)

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  10. thank you Geejay for this blog!! It makes me more proud to be Majayjayeno! Nakakamiss!!! Take charge and Godbless.!:)

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  11. Pagkatpos ko mpanuod yn s good ne chanel 11,namangha ako s ganda..
    D nman sya gaanu mlayo s sta.rosa kya itry ko pmunta jn..

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    1. nice :) ayus naman po talaga na trip tong lugar na to. Enjoy and have a safe trip ahead!

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  12. Pwd po ba magpunta ng my dalang sasakyan?may parking po kya?from mandaluyong may pupuntahan kmi sa calamba laguna, mga ilan hrs pa kya papunta majayjay? Tia

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    1. Yes meron parking area malapit sa barangay and the jumpoff to the falls. 3-4 hours po from Manila

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  13. Hi Geejay

    Ask ko lang po sana possible po ba na from kamay ni hesus dumiretso ng majayjay falls?

    thanks

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    Replies
    1. Yup2. possible po. Time management lang ang kailangan. Ang totoo nyan nagawa na namin yun. 1 day = Kamay ni Hesus then diretso Majayjay Falls

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  14. Hello po, thank you po sa napakagandan blog. My compliments to the chef! :) :) :)
    Since ako din po ay lumaki noong kabataan ko sa blumentrit st, majayjay, laguna.
    Anyway, gusto ko lang po sana itanong kung sino po may contact doon sa mga rooms sa mismong site ng falls, the last time i've been there may mga rooms na doon sa loob ng area. Gusto sana namin magpareserve good for 9pax. :) hehehe thank you po sa sasagot. :)

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  15. Sir gusto ko lang po sana itanong kung madami po kayang tao ngayong weekend? Balak kasi namin pumunta

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    1. Sa tingin ko maraming darayo dito tuwing weekend. Sa init ng panahon ngayon, masarap mag swimming sa mala yelong tubig ng Majayjay falls :)

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  16. hi geejay! thanks for your post...would you know kung may safe parking lot dun? thanks

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    1. Yes there is. It is near the jump off point going to Majayjay. I believe it is safe because it is just near the Barangay Hall

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  17. Great photos sir! We've been to Taytay Falls and it's one of the easier falls to get to! Haha. I recently learned that Costales Nature Farm (also in Majayjay) offers a trip to the falls in their tour packages, a good offer to those who want to see more of Majayjay. :)

    Regards,
    Jon

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  18. Thanks. informative. Because we are going to visit the falls tom with the kids. We drive with car and just curious how is parking there?

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    1. I can't tell if it's safe since I haven't tried going there with my car but it is decent and near the barangay hall. With that, last say will still be yours :)

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  19. Ok. Thanks. Ready to go..

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  20. Wow! it was nature experience. I like the place, forested. Like the water in the falls super lamig at and very clean. I even taste-drink it..hehe. So many visitors enjoying the experience. It was great experience/awareness for my kids too. It was a first time family experience in a water falls.The 10-minute going down walk in shaded-forest is a good warm up..hehe. The P20/p entrance is just fair and hope the Brgy officials continue to manage the place well. And hope they will improve toilets too.Parking is ok, wide parking space with fee of P40 for a day of stay.

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  21. Hi! Been planning to visit falls in Luzon. And this one is on my list. Thanks for the very informative blog. Anyway, you might want to visit Tinago Falls of Iligan City! :)

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    1. Me and my friends attempted to visit Tinago Falls last January of 2014. Unfortunately, there's a strong typhoon that hit Mindanao and we failed to see the it. But I'll definitely go back there and dive on Tinago Falls water!

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  22. I;d been there 3x already, the first time was truly treky because the roads then are just getting paved, that time we were still allowed to jump from the top of the water falls to the lagoon and it was exhilarating, The 2nd and 3rd trip was already a walk in the park. we stayed there overnight each time, the water is really ice cold but once you dipped, it's either you don't get up or don't go back. We will go there again this Sunday, perhaps after nearly 8 years. Best way to get there if you have your own ride is thru Los Banos-Calauan-Nagcarlan-Liliw-Majayjay route. This is perhaps the shortest. You can take a little bit longer via San Pablo-Nagcarlan-Liliw-Majayjay if you want to avoid traffic in Los Banos Area. Otherwise both trips are worth it with side trips either ways to palate your taste with buko pie in LB or fruits in SP area.

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  23. Pupunta kami jan sa June 12!!! sa wakas natuloy na din kami mag dadala ako ng Tent

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    1. Be there early, holiday yun kaya baka punuan. baka lang naman :) Ingat and enjoy!

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    2. OMG Nag reply ka hahahahahahaha 4am alis na kami sa San Pedro, Laguna Thanks sa Reply

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    3. hehehe tinatry ko pa din po magreply sa mga nagcocomment despite my busy working sched :p

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  24. We're planning to go Taytay Falls on 2nd week of Dec. Hindi ba sya crowded non?

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    1. yan po ang di ko masasagot. hehe... super accessible kasi ng lugar na ito sa locals dun kaya kalimitan madaming tao dun. ayun :)

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  25. Hi Sir! Thanks for the blog! May I ask if it is still ok to go to Majayjay on November? Is it really cold? Because I've experienced the cold water from Bato Spring and that was so cold.. We're planning to go on November just to see and visit (also to swim :)) even if its cold) the majayjay falls. Thank you!

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    1. Good luck on the swimming part coz its reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally cold :P

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  26. Hi po! =) ...plan po nmin ng family q pumunta sa taytay/majayjay falls this coming oct.18,1984 ...ask q po what time cla nag-oopen at may ma-suggest po b kau n hot spring n affordable peo maauz nmn po malapit dito?... ska po best way papunta dun from valenzuela city n nka van kmi, tnx po! =)

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    1. Time? hmmm... yan po ang di ako sure, pero bukas ang barangay as early as 7am kung saan dun kayo mag reregister. Hot spring na malapit? Sorry pero wala po akong alam... well, sa pansol ung madaming hot spring.

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    2. ang tagal pa pala.1984? nice blog. I've been there 10 years ago. naabutan pa namin yung hindi pa sementado. and I prefer it that way. accessible pa ba yung taas ng falls.? groto yata ang tawag nila.

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    3. yup2 when we went there po nakaakyat pa kami dun :)

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  27. I've been here 1time only, this year only! Its so nice here, Sobrang ganda, 20pesos lang entrance :) Sobrang lamig ng tubig, Actually we put our beverages in the water I think after few minutes malamig lamig na siya :) When the time come na may pamilya na ako, Hindi ko pwedeng imiss tong place na 'toh :) I will bring my family here :) I miss Taytay Falls, wonderful place :)

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  28. Me and officemates are Planning for a Christmas vacation, and I suggest Taytay Falls! Mura na Sulit pa sa Ganda :) Gusto nila sa Boracay, Palawan or Borawan somewhere in Quezon province, but I insist Taytay Falls talaga hehe :) @Geejay try to visit Borawan in Quezon Province! Virgin Island ang ganda :) Thanks :)

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    Replies
    1. Yup, madami na kong naririnig na magagandang feedback sa lugar na yan. Noted na yan :) Thanks din!

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  29. Hi Gee! A blessed wednesday morning to you! This blog is awesome especially for those who are planning to go in mahayhay like me! :) Gee, do you have an updated price for the entrance fee? also for the parking, plhuease? may i know din if we can bring bottled beers? and lastly, beside to the falls and church where we can go else? haha! thank you.. looking forward for your soonest response!
    i.g; @akirabulous_

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    1. Sorry but I dont have any updates regarding the price list. And yes you can bring and drink beers there. Just drink moderately, ok? :)

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  30. Maraming tao po ba pag holy week?

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    1. di ako sure pero tingin ko po, oo. malapit kasi to sa metro kaya malaki possibility na dumugin.

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  31. Hello.. Great Blog! :) ang ganda ng mga shots :D Just wanna know, do you think madame tao sa Saturday or end of the month kasi we are planning to visit Taytay Falls.. And maeenjoy pa din ba namin yung falls kahit crowded? Nakita ko din kasi ibang blog parang ang dameng tao and siksikan sa falls :) Appreciate your response. Thanks! :)

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    1. Hi Romina! Sorry pero di ko masasabi ungbuhos ng tao that time. PEro dahil mainit sa Pinas ngayon, possible na dumugin ung place, possible lang. hahahha

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    2. HAHAHA. :) Aww! Mukha ngang madameng tao pero thanks.. we'll appreciate na lang yung beauty of nature dun.

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  32. Hi ask ko lang po if pwede kaya magdala ng Pet?

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  33. Hi Geejay.. May available bang mga comfort rooms sa place?

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    Replies
    1. Yes there are po pero wag masyado mag expect na malinis hehe :)

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  34. Chief may tubig pa don na pwede gamitin pang saing at panghugas ng pinagkainan? or need pa namen magdala ng tubig para don?
    TIA

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    1. Well may tindahan po malapit sa jump off point but I suggest na magdala nalang kayo

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  35. Pwede bang magihaw or may pagiihawan dun?

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    1. Yes pwede mag ihaw kasi manakita ako. Pero kung may pagiihawan, dun ako hindi sure

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  36. Looks awesome man! Planning to go there this October which I will definitely put in my blog. Feel free to visit it :)

    Keep it up!

    http://wanderlustwarjie.wordpress.com/

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  37. BEAUTFUL, THANKS FOR THIS BLOG.
    GOD BLESS

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  38. Boss, ask ko lng kung pwde magdala ng Liquors? hndi nman totally mgpapakalasing tsaka syempre bago kame umalis lilinisin namen ung kalat

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    1. I think pwede since wala naman akong nakitang sign na bawal ang alak. And yes drink moderately and iwasan mag kalat.

      Salamat sa pag visit ng blog ko!

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  39. hi pwede ba ang liqour? we're planning to go sa Dec.

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    1. I believe pwede since may dala kami last time. Iwasan nalang ang ingay pag nag katama na para di makagambala ng ibang campers :)

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  40. Thanks for this blog. We're planning to go there maybe next week or before the may ends. Excited with that very cold, you mean freezing, icy cold water. Hehehe. :)

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  41. good day po!

    last time we went to bunga twin falls in nagcarlan via bike. our next target is this majayjay falls. here are my major concerns po:

    1) from bayan ng nagcarlan, paahon/paakyat pa rin po ba ang road going falls? (para makapag-kundisyon sa ahon if ever hehe)

    2) may safe parking po ba kaya ng bikes doon?

    salamat po!

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    Replies
    1. Hi po,

      1) Honestly, di ako sure sa sitwasyon ng road dun. But be prepared nalang. Dagdag excitement ung gulatan sa mga paahon pababang daan. :)

      2) Irrerecommend ko na dalhin nyo ung bikes nyo hanggang baba. Sementado naman ung way pababa ng falls so i believe di un magiging problema.

      Sana kahit paano nakatulong ako kahit parang hindi. Anyways, ingat sa pagpadyak kapatid!

      Delete

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