The Province of Iloilo is home to few mountains and when there is a mountain, usually a waterfall exists. Last week, I and a few friends head to the town of Igbaras to explore one of the waterfalls in the area.
We left Iloilo City at around 6:00 in the morning and by 7:30 am, we were already in their public plaza waiting for the motorcycle that will take us to the drop off point. The hike, and even the motorcycle ride, is not for the faint-hearted. Two or three passengers plus one driver were crammed in one motorcycle and have to endure the approximately 30-minute bumpy ride. The ride can be tiring but the view of the mountain ranges is really worth it. The motorcycle ride ended before the bridge that is ruined by flood and is no longer passable, both by people and vehicles.
 |
| New bridge and hydroplant area (Photo credit) |
With this, we crossed the shallow river where a hydro plant is also being built. From the river, we hiked the uphill dirt road that is more than 100 meters long. For me, this is one of the toughest parts of the trail as I almost ran out of air and had to take minute-long stops to rest and catch my breath. Maybe, this didn’t happen if I have been consistent with my running. :D
From the dirt road, we turned right to enter the real trail. Along the trail, there are various kinds and sizes of trees as well as rocks. There are rocks taller than me, smooth ones as well as rough ones so be careful when passing on those as they can be slippery. Wrong placement of your feet or distribution of weight can land you flat on your face so take extra caution.
 |
| Big rocks along the way. (Photo credit) |
 |
| Nadsadjan falls from afar (Photo credit) |
How to get there:
From Iloilo City Supermarket (Igbaras terminal), take a jeepney bound for Igbaras. Fare is Php 50 and travel time takes one and a half hour. From Igbaras town plaza, ride a motorcycle to Brgy. Passi, tell the driver that you are going to Nadsadjan so that he can take you to the drop off point. You can’t miss this as a hydro plant is being built there at the moment (April 2014). You can also ask the construction workers for direction as to where to head next.
From the hydro plant, you will have to walk the dirt road that is about 100 meters from the plant/collapsed bridge. Before entering the trail going to the falls, there is a small nipa hut/sari sari store in which you can ask directions from. The foot trail from the dirt road to the river leading to the waterfall can be confusing as it is narrow and faint… almost unused. You will know when you have reached the river by the giant stones along the way. Follow where the water is coming from and you will eventually reach the waterfall.
 |
| Nadsadjan Falls from the side. (Photo credit) |
Tips:
- Leave Iloilo City early in the morning so that it’s not yet too hot when you ride the motorcycle.
- You may want to contact the local government/tourism office prior to your trip to help you with transportation and tour guide should you want one.
- Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear.
- The use of sun block and protective clothing such as hat is highly recommended.
- Pack your own food and water. There is no restaurant or karinderia in the area
- Avoid white clothing… it has greater chance of turning into green or brown after swimming.
No comments