One of the light hiking destination for weekend hikers and beginners as well as non-hikers, the Twin Falls in Cavinti, Laguna is one beautiful destination to go to with a well-established trail that would entail only 1-hour of hike to reach the destination. Because of its relatively easily accessible destination point as well as a beautiful park located at its jump-off point, the place is ideal for introducing hiking to beginners as well as a place to bring non-hikers to enjoy nature without the hassle of strenuous hikes and inconvenient facilities. From the waterfalls, you can have a family picnic or swimming on the wide and deep basin at the base of the falls. It is truly more of an excursion or "walk in the park" than nature hiking.

WHEN AND HOW TO GO

Cavinti Twin Falls is open anytime of the year. The problem is that it lies within private properties so its existence relies on the discretion of the owner of the property. There are rumors that the place will be developed as a housing project which is the main concern regarding the preservation of the waterfalls. To go there, you can start by taking a bus towards Sta. Cruz, Laguna. From there, go to the public market where you can catch a jeepney ride towards Cavinti. Remember to verify with the driver if it would pass by the Japanese Botanical Garden. The trip alone is enjoyable in itself because it will show you scenic sights around Laguna particularly the man-made Kaliraya Lake which is a favorite tourist destination. The hike officially starts at the Japanese Botanical Garden, a project of the former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and a favorite picnic ground during weekends. Take time and explore the beauty of the garden. A short hike will bring you to the river system ending in the twin-falls. The campsite can be either established at the flat area before the waterfalls or at the small shoreline of the river basin. Either way, you need to ask permission from the caretaker of the place. The bigger falls has a platform where you can climb and enjoy the "hard massage" the waterfall will give you. Swimming is definitely enjoyable with a wide and deep basin you can play around. The dead tree trunk in the center of the river is a favorite mating place of exotic dragonflies, so don't miss it. The place was called "twin falls" because of the two waterfalls existing side by side at the wide river basin.

POINTS OF INTEREST

The Japanese Botanical garden is an interesting place to visit before the start of the hike. Other interesting points within the Cavinti Twin Falls area are the man-made Kaliraya Lake, and the towns of Sta. Cruz and Cavinti, Laguna. There are also some flat walls within the waterfall wherein you can try rock climbing or rappelling.

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SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The short trek passes by exposed fields so wear proper clothing to protect yourself from the heat of the sun. A courtesy registration is done at the park administration building inside the park itself. There is a minimal entrance fee to enter the Japanese Botanical Garden. There is a small store inside the park where you can buy refreshments and snacks.