“Not all who wander are lost.”
J.R.R TOLKIEN
Have you ever tried wandering somewhere in a place you’re unfamiliar with? I thought it’s only in the movies, but we did this last April with a dauntless woman I knew, the Wanderful Sole, Ate Keza.
I was on a whole day adventure that started with the quick side trip in Aliwagwag Waterfalls however, the ecopark was closed due to renovations. So, this became an unplanned adventure again!
I stayed in Davao City for this supposed birthday adventure. Mt. Apo and Mt. Kalatungan was closed by the LGUs because of the threat of wildfires. I had to reroute.
HOW DID I GET HERE?
I rode a bus at the Ecoland Terminal Davao City with Mallen Transport Bus Services. We left at exactly 2 AM and I was dropped off at the Aliwagwag Ecopark. It took about more than four hours total travel time from Davao City to Cateel, Davao Oriental.
I was very fortunate to have Ate Keza because she fetched me with her baobao in Aliwagwag Ecopark, had a quick breakfast along the highway, went to the place where she temporarily stayed in Cateel, Davao Oriental, and immediately drove on our way to Baganga Curtain Falls. It was almost about an hour drive from where we came from in Barangay San Antonio.
The first few kilometers were smooth because the road was newly cemented until we arrive at the impassable bridge due to a storm last 2021 that damaged it. We passed through short series of bumpy road, short wooden bridge and some paved roads.
Fortunately, we met a local who also became our local tour guide to the foot of the curtain falls.
For the meantime, the Baganga Curtain Falls Resort was closed by the LGU because of damages from the recent earthquake last 2023. Yet, no one can stop our adventure!
Our baobao couldn’t pass through the damaged bridge, so we had to use the motorcycle of our guide and paid 250 pesos per head for the roundtrip ride to the foot of the curtain falls and back to the damaged bridge. We paid him 500 pesos for the tour guide service.
It would only take about 15 minutes motorcycle ride only to the Baganga Curtain Waterfalls.
After a few minutes ride, the waterfall was already roaring at a distance. I felt the excitement! You can notice the greens and lush forest which is mostly covered with healthy banana and coconut trees. I was amazed also that the local government was able to provide a good road pavement going to the Curtain Falls itself. It was indeed a chill adventure ride!
As we disembark from a short motorcycle ride, we entered the well-maintained Baganga Curtain Falls Entrance. You could see the damages from the recent earthquake which made the LGU decide to close the area. The paths are still visible but there are cracks all over the buildings and the sheds or shelters are partially to completely damaged.
With Ate Keza and our local guide only, we decided to tour around the area. Though it was summer, the water current is still strong. Winds blowing as the water fell, looking like a curtain. I said, “A curtain waterfalls, indeed!”
We decided to hike to the top of the curtain falls, it only took about 15 minutes. The metal stairs were already damaged, so we had to be very careful until we’re standing at the top of the beautiful Baganga Curtain Falls. I was just literally enjoying the view and I was not able to take that many pictures. I was in awe! I thank God for this beautiful nature! I’m very grateful to have met Ate Keza for without her I would not be able to see this grandeur.
I thought after a few minutes of enjoyment, we would be heading back to the damaged bridge. Ate Keza said that there’s a hidden two-tiered waterfall which is going at the top of the stream. The local guide wouldn’t believe. So, I had my drone flew and saw at a distance the hidden long waterfalls of Baganga.
Unknowingly, we had to hike through the huge boulders, rocks and passed through the river for four hours! It was all worth it. However, I felt Ate Keza’s dauntless spirit. In order to get to the foot of the two-tiered waterfall, we had to pass through a deep stream which I couldn’t follow them because I had no life vest and I don’t know how to swim. I was left alone waiting for them. I opted to just flew my drone on top of the waterfalls.
Ate Keza and the local guide did it! They were at the foot of the hidden two-tiered waterfalls.
It was indeed a very adventurous journey! I’m loving this kind of unplanned adventures more.
There are risks for sure but it’s just part of a beautiful memory.
Right now, I am reminiscing this adventure as I wrote this blog! I hope you too would find yourself wandering in an alien place but would give you the most memorable and happiest adventure.
This is a kind of happiness I want that no money can buy, nor no human affection can fill.
A VERY USEFUL TIP!
This is quite an inaccessible beautiful curtain waterfalls spot in Baganga, Davao Oriental. There are two tips I can suggest getting here:
- It is most recommended that you look for a motorcycle for rent in Cateel town proper because you may not find any motorcycle for rent in Barangay Campawasan itself.
- Or the best option is to rent a car from Davao City and drive directly here in Baganga, Davao Oriental. This is the most convenient way because of the accessibility of this place.
I am hoping that the local government of Baganga would provide accommodation and shuttle once they reopen this tourist spot.
We had a very sumptuous victory meal at the Baganga Town proper. Then eventually, Ate Keza and her cousin dropped me off at the Baganga Bus Terminal.
What made this more adventurous, I was left from the last trip travel to Davao City. There were only two van schedules here which is at 1AM and 1PM. I can either go to Cateel town proper Mati City proper, but I had to pay triple, or I can stay until 1AM to wait for the first trip to Davao City.
So, I decided to stay and slept at the bus terminal until 1AM.
This has been my most favorite unplanned trip so far. There may have been inconveniences but I found happiness even in the most inconvenient situation.
Indeed, a #ChillAdventure!
See you on my next chill adventures mga ka-Ahon!
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