Posted By philippine evolution staff on January 16, 2012

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DITUMABO FALLS

Photo from:  philippinewaterfalls.blogspot.com

 Ditumabo Falls is one of the key attractions of the province of Aurora.  Though currently the site of an ongoing hydroelectric project, the falls is still one enchanting site to behold and certainly worth the visit.  It towers more than a hundred feet above a wide basin and imposing cliffs on both sides hem the falls itself.  The locals have nicknamed it “the mother falls.”  The trek alone to the falls is a “treat in itself.  One gets to pass through lush vegetation, large boulders, a number of sprays and small waterfalls, and cross several streams and rivulets.  There are wooden footways already in place; perhaps to aid the construction crews ferrying supplies to the small dam being constructed near the falls.

Photo from:  flickr.com

There are no campsites in the area, although there are several wide cottages about 100 meters from the waterfalls.  At the time of our visit, these simple sheds were free for our use. – waypoints.ph

Photo from:  philippinewaterfalls.blogspot.com

The crystal clear water of Ditumabo Falls gushes endlessly, flowing and twisting among countless rocks and boulders. The trek to the falls traverses several kilometers through the river and over a few steep mountain trails surrounding the falls on both banks. Occasionally, the trekker will unavoidably come upon fallen or cut logs that serve as either natural bridges or obstacles. Approximately 140 feet high, the falls are surrounded by huge cliffs-an unforgettable sight for nature lovers! – aurora.ph

Photo from:  trippingsbydrew.com

At 140 feet, Ditumabo Falls is nothing short of spectacular. It is located within Ditumabo-Diteki Watershed reservation and can be reached on foot from jump-off point less than an hour. This natural wonder is set against towering hardwood trees and exotic flora, and is adjacent to the rich ecosystem of Mount Danayag. – sanluisaurora.ph

Photo from:  pusangkalye.net

This amazing wonder is not called Aurora’s “Mother Falls” for nothing. Standing more than a hundred feet, water thunders as it hits the catch basin. I watched in awe as the spray swirled around us. Standing a few feet away from the falls, I could certainly feel its power.

Photo from:  thegoodmike.tumblr.com

The falls is nested in a glen at the foot of the mountains bordering the town of San Luis in Aurora province, a picturesque province in Luzon’s eastern side (made popular by the surfing spots in its capital town of Baler). The falls is a good 30-45 minutes hike, depending on where you’ll start the hike. The rough road leading to the actual trail head (where you’ll see a non operational hydro electric power plant) gets pretty bad at times.

Photo from:  philippinewaterfalls.blogspot.com

From the trail head, we followed the river upstream. The water was icy cold and there are sections where we had to climb over slippery boulders. If you are hiking there with your camera gears, a dry bag is an absolute necessity. Along the way you’ll see the water pipes that lead up to the falls.

Photo from:  tamanggala.com

This falls was one of the challenging ones to shoot. A small dam was constructed to close its catch basin and to get its full length, you’ll have to come closer and be in its “spray zone”. It was practically raining in there and everyone of us were all wet. I was glad I brought a “camera raincoat”, thus my camera was protected as only the front of the lens is exposed.

Photo from:  ramblersoptic.com

There are spots were the sprays are coming from above and from the back. These are the sweet spots where you’ll least likely to get water droplets on your lens.

The mist is constantly swirling around us, as if we’re in a vortex. This is being fueled by the strong wind generated as the water hits the catch basin. But there are lull times, a window of a few seconds where you can take off your lens cap, shoot 1 or two frames before your lens gets fogged up again. Its a lot of work for a few shots, but seeing the beauty of the place was enough reward. – lantaw.blogspot.com

 Photo from:  thetravelingnomad.com

RELATED POSTS:

http://philippinewaterfalls.blogspot.com/2012/04/ditumabo-falls.html

http://www.traveltothephilippines.info/2012/10/26/the-magnificent-ditumabo-falls-in-aurora/