Buruwisan Falls

The first time I went to Buruwisan Falls, I told myself it was one of those places I didn't think I would go back to.

But, I did. Last weekend was, in fact, the third time.

Buruwisan

Buruwisan falls is not hard to get to. You only need to get on one of those Raymond buses going to Infanta Quezon. Get off at KM3 (Trois) restaurant in Barangay Macatad, Siniloan, Laguna. Once there, just ask around for the way to the registration center (a sari-sari store), where you pay 50 pesos to register.
Hiking to the falls is not very difficult. It takes just 2 hours for first-time hikers if you do not take too many (and too long) breaks on the way. There are also stores along the trail, selling Buko juice and other drinks, so no need to stuff your bag with too many bottles of water.

Hiking there in the rainy season could be a challenge, however. It could get very muddy. You may not be able to count the number of times you slip before you get to the camp site. On the other hand, during the dry season, the heat of the sun may be too much for you to enjoy the hike.

Lanzones

Last weekend's weather was very good, meaning, very hot (about 34C). We started our hike at 9am, so from the registration center to the first store, where we took the first break, it was gruelling. But that's also the best part about the hike to Buruwisan falls. You only need to get through the first part. The trail going to the camp site after that is not very steep.

According to the locals, there are supposedly 8 falls that we should be able to see. I have only been able to check out three of them: Batya-batya, Lanzones and Buruwisan. These falls are part of the Romelo river system that hails from the Sierra Madre mountains.
For me, Lanzones is the most beautiful, Buruwisan the grandest (especially during the rainy season) and Batya-batya is, well, cute. 

A sad thing about this place, though, is garbage. People who stay overnight are probably too drunk to care that they are slowly killing this place with the pastic bags, cups , bottles cigarette butts, etc, that they leave behind. Sadder still is the fact that it seems local officals are not allocating a part of the 50-peso registration fee in ensuring that this place's cleanliness is maintained.


Travel notes:
Terminal Location: Legarda Manila
Schedule: There is a bus leaving every hour.
Travel Time: 3 hours from the terminal

Batya-batya

Fare: 110
Note: Going back home, you can opt to take the vans in Famy. The fare is just 10 pesos higher.

Tips:
-You might be able to enjoy the hike better if you hike early in the morning to avoid the heat of the sun. Others trek at night or dawn even.
-If you decide to hike during the rainy season, be prepared for the muddy and slippery trail. 
-There are huts for rent at the camp site if you don't want to bring your tent.
-There are stores there, too, for drinks, canned goods, cooking oil, alcohol, etc.
-Avoid camping too close to the river during the rainy season.



See more of my travels here.