Camiguin: Katibawasan Falls

by lakwatserong tatay

Right after our Pastel Eating while riding on our rented multicab, together with our big backpacks, we then proceeded to our 1st waterfalls sighting in Northern Mindanao. We actually targeted to see the two falls of Camiguin, Katibawasan and Tuasan, but sad to say due to time constraint we passed it out and decided just to see this very accesible falls. So Kuya Chris, suggested better to see Katibawasan because it was accesible from the Town of Mambajao at the foot of Mt. Timpoong not like Tuasan where you will have to travel to the west coast of the island and drive to Brgy. Catibac or Compol or Mainit and hike for more or less 20 minutes just to see the majestic falls.

Katibawasan Falls

Katibawasan falls is one of the majestic falls can be seen in Camiguin, although already been developed. Not like Tuasan Falls that is untouched and located up in the mountains. Katibawasan has its unique beauty. Infact as you will enter the premises of this falls, you will be greeted by a wild monkey that is been chain and place in the trees branch with kawayans. Please don't get near with this monkey because it might scratched you, as per its caretaker.

this monkey will greet you as you enter to Katibawasan falls

As you walk to the cemented grounds down to stairs to Katibawasan, you will the chance to see the glimpse of this majestic falls towering up 250 ft high, cascaded to a rock pool surrounded by trees, boulders, wild ferns, ground orchids and different flower fauna's.

Glimpse of Katibawasan Falls

The start of the cemented path going down to Katibawasan falls, be careful and watch your step because few of the cemented paths has some moss or "lumot", so be sure to watch your step specially when the path is wet.

I do not know if this is the comfort room where you could change dress to swim, but i just hope this place could be repaired by the city government of Camiguin, for the tourist have the chance to really enjoy the place. Aside being a favorable place or jumpoff by outdoor enthusiast to trek the slopes of Mt. Timpoong.

comfort room (?)

As we get near to the ground, a green pool that was been created by the city government, which waters falls rushes down, splashes of water will really refresh you and invites you to go and swim. Just like what we did...^_^ Giant ferns decorate the surrounding, aside from the huge trees and dropping vines that surround the cascading waterfalls of Katibawasan.

Photo opps with Katibawasan..

Upon asking the caretaker on entrance section of this park, and asking how the name of this falls derived, he wasn't able to give me a concrete answer, but based from other story entries, in a ilonggo dialects it means "to have overcome", (based from hiligaynon dictionary) emancipation, to act of setting free from the power of another.

the green pool....

where the water continues to flow...

Of course, we will not missed to have our photoshoot...^_^ and the chance to go swimming on the ice cold waters of Katibawasan.....here are some of our photos while having fun and exploring Katibawasan falls.

Xplorerboyz @ Katibawasan Falls

Lakwatserong Tatay @ Katibawasan Falls

Upon its amenities, rock picnic tables, seats and some cookout facilities are available to use. The falls is maintained by the city government of Camiguin and has a minimal entrance of php 15 (adult) and i'm not sure if 7 years old below is php 6.00 only ...^_^

Welcome....^_^

Aside from this majestic falls and its park....Just right outside the park is one of the most favorite part of tourist and travelers alike, the souvenir shop, right on this alley of souvenir shops, one of the unique dessert in Camiguin, Kiping can be found.

Lakwatserong Tatay @ Katibawasan Souvenir Shops...

Done with our 1st waterfalls " Katibawasan Falls" encounter in Northern Mindanao....Next stop....visit to Camiguin's Provincial Animal Breeding and Ostrich Production Center in Town of Mahinog, Camiguin.....^_^

This is part of our 6-Days Northern Mindanao Escapades. Visited and X-plored 4 Provinces: Misamis Oriental, Camiguin Island, Bukidnon and Lanao Del Norte. Our second stop is Camiguin Island , that is known as the "Island Born of Fire", the 2nd province of Northern Mindanao.

Food Trips:
Food finds: Camiguin's Unique Dessert : Kiping
Food finds: Vjandep Bakeshop : Camiguin's Famous Pastel

Accomodation:
Pabua Cottages

Tours & Activities:
Having Fun at Sto. Niño Cold Spring Resort
Bura Soda Pool Resort
Walk to the Old Church Ruins
Trek to Walkway to the Old Volcano and Station of the Cross
Sunken Cemetery
Relaxation at Ardent Hot Spring Resort
A Glance with Katibawasan Falls
Camiguin's Ostrich Farm
Snorkeling at Giant Clams Sanctuary
Glimpse of Tanguines Lagoon

Island Hopping:
White Island
Mantigue Island