Guides - Buntot Palos, Laguna Province 

Buntot Palos (a.k.a. Hidden Falls)

LOCATION : Laguna Province
ELEVATION : Not available
LEVEL : Minor Climb, Level I, Easy
JUMP OFF POINTS : Pangil, Laguna
AVERAGE DAYS REQUIRED : 2 Days (including travel time from Manila)
MINIMUM DAYS REQUIRED : 1 Day (including travel time from Manila)
IT CREATED BY : Long Henson, Metropolitan Mountaineering Soc.
DISTINCT CHARACTERISTICS :

Large and Deep Basin for Swimming

INFORMATION

Laguna is blessed with a lot of beautiful waterfalls such as the Pagsanjan Falls in Pagsanjan, the Imelda or Taytay Falls in Majayjay, the Twin Falls in Cavinti, the 5 water falls of Famy, the Hidden Valley in Alaminos, and other still unexplored water falls by people other than the local residents. Buntot Palos is one of the lesser known water falls except in the mountaineering community that is why it might have also been called the Hidden Falls.

The place is accessible by a 2-3 hour hike via a trail, which gets too muddy when it rains particularly during the rainy season. That is why some commented that the trek towards the waterfalls is not enjoyable. This accumulation of mud on pot holes are due to the marks left by logs being drawn by carabaos of the local farmers and loggers as well as horses, which is the usual mode of transportation by the locals. More often than that, the dung of the horses and carabaos mixes with the mud. The campsite is also not that ideal being small and significantly inclined. But the basin of the waterfalls is big and deep for swimmers to enjoy, though those who don’t know how to swim see it otherwise - having no shallow place to swim and play around. If you are the more adventurous type, you can camp in a shallow cave beneath the cascading waterfalls.

WHEN AND HOW TO GO

The hidden falls is near the Famy waterfalls thereby the way to go here is the same way as going to Famy. From Crossing EDSA Central in Mandaluyong, you can ride jeeps bound for Siniloan, Laguna. From Siniloan, you can ask the tricycle drivers to take you to "Buntot Palos" in Barangay Balian, Pangil, Laguna. Most of them know the place since it is becoming a popular destination. From the jump-off point, the trail can be easily followed to reach the final destination, which is the Buntot Palos waterfalls.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

DAY 1

07:30 - Assembly Time at 7/11 Crossing Along Shaw Boulevard
08:00 - ETD for Balinan, Pangil, Laguna
11:00 - ETA Barangay Balinan
11:30 - Packs on Back/ Start Trek/ Lunch on Trail
13:30 - ETA at Camp, pitch tent
14:30 - Exploration/ Swimming
17:00 - Back at Campsite
18:00 - Prepare for Dinner
19:00 - Dinner Time
22:00 - Lights Out

DAY 2

06:00 - Wake-up Call
07:00 - Breakfast
08:00 - Exploration/ Swimming
10:00 - Break Camp
11:00 - Start Trek Downwards
12:00 - ETA Base/ Lunch
14:30 - ETD for Crossing
16:30 - ETA Crossing Shaw Boulevard

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS IN CLIMBING

Water is available at the waterfalls itself but it is suggested to treat the water if you will be using it as drinking water. No permits are required. Trails are muddy so bring extra clothes or slippers/socks.  


Visit: Metropolitan Mountaineering Society Website
"101 Hiking and Climbing Destinations" by Long Henson is available at local bookstores.

Waiver and Disclaimer: This website is intended for information only. Although the author has tried to make the information as accurate as possible, any type of travel involves risks and the physical condition of places mentioned here may change over time, thereby, I accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person who uses this information. Users should consult other resources and agencies to obtain more updated information. THIS INFORMATION IS GIVEN "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OF OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED. BY USING THIS INFORMATION YOU RELEASE THE AUTHOR AND ANYONE ELSE WHO MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED FROM ANY LIABILITY WHATSOEVER.

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