“A waterfall is the nature’s laughter.”
-UNKNOWN-
Looking for your next nature escape—a #ChillAdventure? Get ready as I take you on a journey to the second-highest waterfall in the Philippines!
I’ve shared plenty of mountain hiking tips and destinations, but after two exhilarating trips to Mindanao, I found myself chasing waterfalls. Never have I felt prouder to be Filipino, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and nature’s majestic wonders.
One such wonder is Mindamora Falls, also known as Bayug Falls to the locals in Bukidnon or Limunsudan Falls to the people of Iligan. There’s an ongoing dispute over its official location, as it sits near the border of Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte, yet is closer to Talakag, Bukidnon. In fact, to reach it, we had to pass through Lanao Del Norte before arriving at the jump-off site.
Though considered a hidden gem due to its remote location, Mindamora Falls holds the title of the second-highest waterfall in the Philippines, standing at an impressive 270 meters—just behind Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental.
As of this writing, Mindamora Falls is managed by the municipality of Talakag, Bukidnon.
How to Get There?
If you’re coming from Manila (which I assume many of you are), take a flight to Laguindingan International Airport in Cagayan de Oro. I recommend booking an early morning flight so you can catch the first available van to Talakag, Bukidnon.
Upon arrival at Laguindingan Airport:
- Take a shuttle to Agora Bus Terminal.
- From Agora Bus Terminal, ride a jeepney to Carmen and ask to be dropped off at the Carmen Wet Market.
- Just outside the wet market, you’ll find vans heading to Talakag, Bukidnon. The trip takes 45 minutes to an hour, costing around 100 PHP as of this writing.
- Once in Talakag, get off at the bus terminal, where you’ll find habal-habal riders or bao-bao tricycles. Some may charge as much as 1,500 PHP for a ride to Lantud or Mindamora Falls, but we were able to negotiate a round-trip bao-bao ride for 1,000 PHP. We also gave our driver a 200 PHP tip for his kindness.
From the jump-off site, you must register with the local tourism office and pay a guide fee of 1,000 PHP, which covers up to five people. If you’re hiking solo, you’ll still need to pay the full fee. Additionally, a ritual fee of 200 PHP is required for a traditional ceremony performed by the community’s Datu.
The Trek to Mindamora Falls
Accompanied by my friend, our guide, the Datu, and our driver, we set off on the adventure.
A 10-to-15-minute walk (depending on your pace) takes you to the breathtaking view deck, where you’ll see the stunning two-tiered waterfall. Here, the Datu performs a ritual before the descent through the lush forest begins.
To get up close to the second tier of the waterfall, expect about an hour-long trek through slippery trails and short ascents. For those wanting to reach the first tier—the very top of the waterfall—another hour-long hike awaits.
And that’s your chill adventure guide to Mindamora Falls Bukidnon!
Costs Breakdown (For Two People)
- 1,000 PHP – Bao-bao rental (round trip)
- 1,000 PHP – Guide and local fees
- 200 PHP – Ritual fee
- 200 PHP – Tip for the driver
Visiting during the rainy season means the waterfall will be at its most powerful, though mist and clouds may obscure the view from the deck. I visited in April, during summer, and while the water flow was slightly weaker, its beauty remained mesmerizing, with the sound of cascading water echoing through the valley.
Essential Things to Bring
- Cash (some areas have no ATMs or mobile payment options)
- Trail food (biscuits, chocolates, etc.)
- Raincoat/Poncho (weather can be unpredictable)
- Hiking shoes (the trail is slippery and steep in some areas)
- Water (though there are clean water sources along the way)
If you’re planning a trip to Mindamora Falls as a side adventure while visiting Bukidnon, feel free to message me on social media—I’d be happy to help!
And remember, be a responsible traveler—always follow the Leave No Trace Principle.
Follow me for more #ChillAdventures, and see you on the next trail, mga ka-Ahon!
Chill Adventures with Joms 