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Waterfalls are one of Mother Nature’s priceless wonders and
the Philippines have the pride to possess abundance that many wanderlusts aim to
explore. One of them is Sagada, Mountain Province’s wonder, the endearing big
200 meters Bomod-Ok Falls. Also known as Fidelisan Falls named after the
Barangay’s name where it is located. It has been famous as one of the important
scenic geographical landmark you should visit when you explore the province.
Before our adventure, some of my friends who already went
there told me to be prepared for the journey because going down trekking from
the jump point will require extra physical strength plus determination for
walking in approximately one hour along the narrow roads, rocks, man-made
stairs, rice fields and the small village. The Falls is estimated 5 Kilometers away from the Tourism Registration Center.
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| To Bomod-Ok Falls. |
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| Posing with our walking sticks. |
HOW TO GO TO BOMOD-OK FALLS?
From the town center where the Sagada Municipal Hall is
situated, we rented a van that would take us to Barangay Banga-An. We just
paid 200PhP as a whole for a group of five, I think the prices depend on the
driver because I have read in some blog articles that sometimes they are higher
or lower. We then registered at their Tourist Information Center. After the process,
they endorsed a friendly reliable female guide. Before heading, they provided
us sturdy sticks to be used as canes to aid us in walking for hours. Our tour
guide prepared us with some information of the number of steps or the time
estimated to reach the falls.
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| The start of our walk. |
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| There is a small village in between the jump-off to the Falls. |
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| A selfie with the terraced rice fields. |
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| Us having a short Photo Session in the red bridge. |
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| Resting on the rocks. |
A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
As a newbie in walking through irregular rocky elevated land
platforms, I will say that the journey made me really exhausted due to aching
feet and trembling knees. My advice is that you go on with a group of friends.
Having a great company will boost each other up on the journey. The hike was
somehow exhausting but as they say, good things come to those who wait. In the
heart of the area, there you will you will find a small peaceful village with
smiling people. I admire their lifestyle amidst being very far from technology,
pollutions and noises of the urban areas, they look so happy. I almost gave up
when we stopped by to rest and find a comfort room. My friends suggested me to
just rest in the village and wait until they come back. Thinking of what great things would I miss if I do, I bravely hold up my head high and continue
walking. We then reached the red bridge, took some photos with smiles in our
faces because of excitement that we are near the Bomod-Ok Falls.
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| My friends Rio and Denise in front of the Falls and the clear water. |
NATURE’S BEAUTY
As we reached our goal, we finally saw the treasure we
patiently struggled to reach and it never failed our eyes so as our feels. That
beautiful sight of crystal clear waters of the big falls surrounded with rocks,
lush green trees and plants truly exhibit the beauty only nature can give us.
All the steps going down were all worth it. If planning to swim, be careful of
the rocks surrounding the falls as they are slippery, you could get injured. The water from the falls is cold so make sure
to be physically healthy before swimming.
GOING BACK
More than hiking down to the falls, going back up is more
excruciating for a first timer like me; you will require more effort due to
gravity. Just enjoy every step while the sun is setting, appreciate the beauty
of the land formations in the valley. We finished at 7PM. Ate Tour Guide said
that in all the travellers she assisted, we are the ones who travelled that
long time and we know why.
Overall, the Bomod-Ok Falls is one of the most amazing
landmarks I visited in the Philippines, also one of the most challenging so
far. If you are that kind of an adventurer who loves hiking and challenges, the
Bomod-Ok Falls of Sagada, Mountain Province should be on your list.