Always Wandering

On the hunt for a ninja adventure a couple of hours away from the metro? A trip to Cavinti Falls (or Magdapio Falls) in Laguna will satisfy the itch. Previously called Pagsanjan Falls, the mighty cascade actually straddles the river, and cool mountain range of the municipality of Cavinti. While most visitors ply the Pagsanjan route, the entry point via Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park and Picnic Grove (Pueblo) in Cavinti offers more activities.

“Shooting the rapids” from Pagsanjan involves a one-hour banca ride along the Balanac and Bumbungan river. Because of the sheer skills (in maneuvering and in enduring the rapids) required of the boatmen, this costs Php1,350.00 per person. On the other hand, the package offered by Pueblo amounts to Php270.00 only. The package includes the service of a guide, and the use of a harness for the vertical trek. In the first half of 2015, they will start offering a package that includes both the vertical trek going to the falls, and a one-way boat ride to Pagsanjan.

The trek starts with a quick stroll on a paved road and progresses to a well defined forest trail. The vertical trek commences after passing the statue of El Salvador Del Mundo. It involves a very steep descent through a steel stairwell, and includes two rappelling stations. At the foot of the metal staircase is the docking station of the boats coming from Pagsanjan.

Pueblo is managed by the municipal government and supports the livelihood of the locals. They highly encourage visitors to promote their park as an adventure destination. For inquiries and reservations, they can be reached at +63 998 3945609 or +6349 523 0012. For other activities near the area, the contact numbers of the tourism action center of Cavinti are +63 915 8234535 and +63 929 5841551.

The quick getaway can be finished in half a day. A suggested itinerary is:

04:30 Meet up at Buendia; breakfast
05:30 ETD Buendia via bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna (Php140.00)
07:30 ETA Sta. Cruz; ride jeepney to Cavinti (Php20.00)
08:00 ETA junction; ride tricyle to Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park and Picnic Grove (Php20.00 per head)
08:30 Register; start trek
09:00 Cavinti Falls; ride raft to Devil’s Cave
10:30 Return to jumpoff
11:30 ETA jumpoff; wash up