Tales from Tinubdan Falls

Hello, Hivers! Happy Monday to all. I hope you have a productive week ahead. It's hard to believe, but we're already halfway through October!

What better way to end a camping adventure than to embark on another one? As I mentioned in my previous blog post about that one weekend at Mt. Kapayas, it would be a missed opportunity if you didn't visit the nearby waterfall. Along the way, you'll come across a sign that points the direction to Tinubdan Falls.

Tinubdan Falls derives its name from the Cebuano word 'tinubdan,' meaning 'source.' Nestled in Brgy. Tabili, Catmon, the falls are tucked within a dense jungle, far removed from civilization. It boasts six cascades that converge into two catch basins at the bottom.

Our adventure began at the jump-off point of our campsite at Mt. Kapayas. We contacted the motorcycle taxi drivers who had dropped us off the previous day to pick us up from the same spot. Unfortunately, one of our friends had to head home early due to a prior commitment.

To reach the waterfall, we had to travel approximately 10 kilometers from the jump-off point. Once there, a 10-minute walk along a trail led us to a short concrete stairway, culminating at the entrance where we paid the entrance fee.

Upon arrival, a few people were already enjoying a swim. We settled down, rented a table and chairs and placed our bags to the table, and began exploring the area.

The rocks surrounding the falls were slippery, demanding caution as we navigated. A rope stretched across the falls, providing a handle for those attempting to cross in strong water currents.

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I chose to stay at the first catch basin, perfect for swimming with its shallow areas where you could stand. The first catch basin has an estimated depth of three to four feet. There was also a small space behind the miniature waterfall, creating a serene hideaway.

While I enjoyed the water, some of my friends were engrossed in capturing the falls on camera.

Our memorable stay concluded with a group picture at the catch basin.

We were already feeling hungry, so we decided to conclude our adventure before lunchtime. After bidding farewell, we embarked on the hike back to where the motorcycle taxis patiently waited.

A few months after our visit to Tinubdan Falls, a tragic incident compelled the local government of Catmon to close the falls to tourists. The incident was caught on camera: the muddy water started gushing, causing people to panic and scramble out of the water. Sadly, three individuals went missing and were later found dead after the raging waters from the mountains swept them away.

This experience served as a profound lesson for me. It emphasized the importance of checking the weather before swimming in waterfalls, especially during the rainy season. Exploring waterfalls alone is never advisable; unexpected events may occur, such as tripping and hitting your head on rocks, with potentially dire consequences. It's crucial to be observant, noticing changes in the water's color, as muddy water might indicate rainfall upstream, causing a rush of water toward the waterfall and triggering flash floods.

This incident did not deter us from exploring waterfalls; instead, it made us more vigilant and cautious. We remain eager to embark on new adventures while prioritizing safety. Looking forward to my next thrilling experience!