Ply The Trail To Mag-aso Falls Of Bohol

The Mag-aso Falls is one of Bohol's natural treasures. With a height of 25 feet, the twin falls is picturesque against a backdrop of tall trees, wild plants including giant ferns, and deep ravines. Seemingly surrounded by a jungle, the interminable chirping of the birds and the rush of flowing waters are music to the ears.

Carved out under the cascading waters is a pool. It is naturally deep under the falls and shallower at the rim with a deep ravine at one side. Concrete steps and shelters are at the other side.

The slow and often painful descent is well worth it. At the point where you hear the roaring of the waters as they go over the ravine, one feels the tiredness leave as if by magic. Excitement takes over. You quicken your steps . . . and in a jiffy, you are at the foot of the trail.

Behold the magnificent twin falls! It is often obscured by fine mist that appears smoke-like. That's where Mag-aso falls got its name. "Aso", in the local Boholano dialect means "smoke".

Feeling hot and sticky, the humid atmosphere not helping, the very cool and refreshing water is a sure relief. Go take a dip! For swimmers, try the deepest point near the falls but for the non-swimmers, just content yourself on swimming at the water's edge.

Do avoid the area where the water flows out! The current from the falls to its outlet is definitely strong. And beware the moss-covered stones, too. They are slippery!

Want to see the falls at an entirely different perspective? Go climb up and see how it feels to be above the falls. See the winding narrow stream that feeds the falls and watch the water fall down the rock boulders to the lagoon below.

The top of the boulders, where the water flows over from the lagoon, looks flat and shiny. Exposed to the sun, they look almost white. Lie on the flat stones and feel the tingling coolness of the stream as it rushes down and flows over your body. Wow! Lovely!

Some parts of the stones look green and dark though. Carved out by the flowing stream for years and always wet and with moss, the green and dark brown colors add up to the beauty of nature.

Care for caving? Yes, the area has a cave and it is well hidden! Guess where? If you are daring enough, climb the rocks from below and seek the small cave behind the waterfall. It is a secret nook of local boys.

Going down towards the stream is made easy with steps carved out from the stone sides. Way off down the stream is a deep part where one can also wade and swim. One has to be a strong swimmer though for the current here is strong. The stream flows down thru dense foliage and snakes thru rugged terrain to its river outlet.

Come and visit the Mag-aso Falls! It is located in the barrio of Mag-aso in the town of Antequera, Bohol, Philippines. It is about 20 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, roughly a 30 minutes ride away.

The falls is a major attraction of the town together with karst caves such as the Buhong Tiawan, Hagakgak, Inambacan, and Antequera.