Curtain Falls, Piduan, DON VICTORIANO

The province of Misamis Occidental never ceases to surprise us with their hidden tourism wonders that would truly enthral visitors and guests. Located at the barangay of Piduaan, the seemingly surreally mystic waterfalls cascade from a mountain slope and through a rich flora collects through a waist-deep catchbasin filled with icy cold water. Fronting the main cascade is a natural plateau where you can marvel at the curtain falls from there. The main cascade is as tall as a 4-5 story building and about 60 meters wide – truly like a curtain cloaking the side of a mountain.

TRAVEL TIME

From Ozamis Airport, it is about two hours travel going to the jump-off point through a private vehicle. At the jump-off point, there is a spacious parking area beside the river.

The Curtain Falls would consume a considerable amount of time, however, the road views leading to the jump-off point are indeed scenic and breathtaking. Once you reached the mountain road, you will marvel at the lush green slopes of the Malindang ranges and the high-altitude cold wind soon will brush against you.

THE TRAIL

The trail starts on a paved road transitioning to a rocky trail. The elevation is fairly flat with minimal ascents and slopes. Once near the catchbasin, there is a lone river crossing which you need to tackle a natural log bridge that is actually stable. After the river crossing, it is a few strides to the main cascade where you can wade through its cool waist-deep waters.

WHAT CAN YOU DO MORE

After the 15-20 minute quick hike, you can prepare a picnic area where you can rest and regain your strength and most importantly, to rehydrate. You will be lounging surrounded by nothing but Mother Nature herself. The soothing music of the thundering cascade of the waterfalls will serenade your ears with the cacophony of the distant coos and squawks of the wildlife shrouded by the thick foliage. Cool mountain breeze alternately dances around like invisible wisps and the rustling of leaves completes the therapeutic orchestra of nature.

Dip in the clear and cold waters of the catchbasin that would truly soothe your tired muscles. The natural cold temperature would temporarily numb your limbs and the cooling effect would truly calm your nerves and invigorate your soul.

The quite long journey is indeed worth it with the amazing Curtain Falls of Piduaan, Don Victoriano.

SIDE TRIPS:

You can visit the Strawberry Farms of Don Victoriano, or visit their local market and purchase fresh highland vegetables. If you are lucky, you can witness Subanen Traditional Dance at Barangay Buenavista.

CONTACT

Don Victoriano Tourism Offce
Ms. Meriam Alensonorin
Municipal Tourism Officer
merimamalensonorin398@gmail.com
Official Facebook Account: Don Victoriano Tourism

SAPANG DALAGA FALLS

At the northwestern flank of Misamis Occidental is the location of the municipality of Sapang Dalaga. It actually borders Zamboanga Del Norte.

The Sapang Dalaga Falls is one of the poster destinations of the town. The main cascade of the waterfalls is towering at 60 feet tall freely falling on a deep catchbasin. With its height, you can actually feel the enormous amount of energy it releases from the natural spray, the thundering roar and the burst of wind emanating from the plunge. If you wish to take long shutter stills from there, it is better to weatherproof your expensive camera body.

If you wish for a refreshing cold dip, head out to the basin of the Sapang Dalaga Waterfalls. Since the natural is really deep, it is required to wear a lifevest should you wish to swim or wade its ultracool waters. A concrete bridge with steel handles is built to bring you safely to the other end.

Akin to the name of the town, there is a lady monument near the falls about 5-6 feet tall.

The developed nature park features easy of accessibility with huts and cabanas for day rent. There are comfort room kiosks located near the huts for ease of access.

TRAVEL TIME FROM OZAMIS AIRPORT

It is approximately two and a half hours drive from Ozamiz Airport. Alternative entry is via Dipolog Airport of Zamboanga Del Norte.

WHAT CAN YOU DO MORE

If you are a Marian devotee, there is a staircase leading to a grotto at the right side of the main cascade, and share your prayer intentions.

You can enjoy picnic gatherings there with your family and friends but observe CLAYGO.

You can also spend a night there since they have room accommodations.

After a cool plunge at Sapang Dalaga Falls, you can visit the Caluya Shrine with an overview of the nearby bay.

You can visit also the Floating Cottages where you can spend time and meals with your family and friends over the placid waters of the bay.

OPERATING HOURS

The Sapang Dalaga Falls operates from 8:00AM to 5:00PM every Monday to Friday, and from 7:00AM to 5:00PM every Saturday and Sunday.

CONTACT

Sapang Dalaga Tourism Office
Ms. Melchoniza Go
sapangdalagatourismoffice@yahoo.com
Official Facebook Page: Sapang Dalaga Municipal Tourism Office

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Thank you to the Tourism Promotions Board through Sir Alberto Gadia, to the Department of Tourism – North Mindanao Region through Regional Director May Unchuan, and to Misamis Occidental Provincial LGU through Gov. Henry S. Oaminal, for making our Misamis Occidental experience possible and unforgettable.

HOW TO GO TO MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL?

By Air:

The Province has direct flight routes to Manila and Cebu via Labo Airport in Ozamis City served by PHILIPPINE AIRLINES and CEBU PACIFIC. Alternative nearby airports are via Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte and via Pagadian in Zamboanga del Sur

By Sea:

Via Port of Ozamiz – via Manila with 2go, via Cebu with 2go, Cokaliong, Tran-Asia, via Kolambogan, Lanao del Norte by Daima.

By Port of Plaridel – via Cebu by Lite Ferries, via Tagbilaran by Lite Ferries and OceanJet, and via Larena, Siquijor by Lite Ferries.

By Land:

Bus companies have direct bus routes from Cagayan De Oro and Zamboanga City to Ozamis and Oroquieta.

PROVINCIAL TOURISM OFFICE

Office of the Provincial Tourism, Arts and Cultural Affairs
Provincial Capitol Building
7207 Oroquieta City, Misamia Occidental, Philippines
(088) 521 – 5187
misoccprovincialtourism@gmail.com