Last weekend apol and I went nature tripping at Taytay Falls , also known as Imelda in Majayjay, Laguna. We have been planning to go here for almost a year now. Luckily, we had the time. Going to Taytay Falls is one of the memorable experiences we had. We got lost going to Brgy. Taytay and it was already dark when we pitched our tent. The trip was long because of many cutting trips. Yan ang nagagawa ng pagiging over confident at di pagbabasa ng mapa ng mabuti. From Palapala, we dropped of at Sta. Cruz, Laguna. We waited for a jeep leaving for Sinoloan. From Sinoloan, one can see the half stretch of Laguna de Bay. We also passed by the towns of Pagsanjan, Lumban, Pangil, Pakil, Paete (famous for wood carvings) then Mabitac. Upon arriving at Sinoloan, the folks there told us we went the wrong way. And that we should go back to Sta Cruz and take the jeep going to Majayjay. Hayzzz….That was already 6pm and it was already dark!. So we decided to have dinner at Jolibee first then visited the church.
Sinoloan church
From Sinoloan, we went back to Sta Cruz, waited for the jeep going to Majayjay. We thought it was the lastride. Finally, makakarating na rin sa wakas sa falls! Nung tinanong namin ang mga kasabay sa jeep, we were told that from the town of Majayjay , we still have one more jeepney ride. And since that was almost 7:30 in the evening, there are no more jeepneys going to Majayjay Falls . We need to hire a tricycle fro 200 pesos! Gasp! Ang mahal naman! There is another option which is to stay at a nearer resort named Dalaintiwan. Then wake up early, go back to town and then ride the jeep to the falls. First trip is 5am. We chose to hire a tricycle instead. Kahit mahal. Mas mapapagastos pa kame kung magstay pa sa ibang resort. What I appreciated though is that that the folks in Majayjay were very kind and warm. They are willing to help you out and provide as much information as they can.
The trip going up the falls was a scary experience for us. It was very pitch black and I was always praying that we have a safe trip. There are frogs and a snake jump up in the middle of the road! Ewww! Finally,we were at the baranggay hall. Thank God! We paid 30 pesos for an overnight stay, 20 pesos for day trips. I was happy to see that there are still stores open and baranggay tanod was visible in the area. So we trekked for about 10 – 15 minutes. Trekking was just easy. The path way is cemented. There are tents for hire and cottages or transient houses. The campsite was almost full. Luckily, we managed to still have a spot. We didn’t cook dinner because we were tired and full from our last meal and just ate chicha and drank gin. Pang estudyante lang eh! Hahaha!
The next morning, we woke up early excited to check out the falls. After the usual photo-op, we took a dip. The water was very cold. One couldn’t stay long. One might also have brain freeze. Hahaha! The place is really awesome, if you’re looking for an outdoor place with minor trekking, then you should go here. Tents and cottages are available so accomodations won’t be a problem. It is also a good place for bonding with your family. Or just nature triping.
Other points of interest are: the falls stands about 20 ft, clear and cold. Water flows from Mt Banahaw (Lukban side) through the untouched forest which keeps the water clear even during rainy season. It is a well maintaned destination though we were warned that before this place can be mess. The caretakers ensure garbage is always being collected and picked up and there are signages to remind us not to litter on the place. Aso na lang siguro ang hindi makakaintindi na bawal magkalat sa area. Majayjay is also popular for their lambanog, a local wine. Along the road to Lukban, you can see bamboo stilts interconnecting the coconut trees where lambanogs are being harvested. For pasalubong, you can take home baskets of rambutan or lanzones, or kesong puti or buko pie. The Original Orient is famous for their buko pie.
Orient…
All I can say, going to Majayjay was worth the effort and the time.
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