I wonder why I was running after someone who would never feel the same way.
It was my first time to frolic by a waterfall without you. The cascade of the water numbed my skin. I thought to myself that I would stay there for good. I would count all the droplets until you come back.
– Riley, The Dictionary of a Lost Traveler
🇵🇭AWAO FALLS ADVENTURE PRIMER🇵🇭
✈🛳🚌 How to get to Awao Falls, Davao de Oro:
⏺ Take a plane from Metro Manila to Davao City (e.g. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia).
⏺ Hail a taxi to reach Davao City Transport Terminal/Ecoland Bus Terminal.
⏺ Ride a bus bound for Butuan City and alight at the town proper of Monkayo (travel time: 3 – 3.5 hours depending on traffic condition and number/duration of stop-overs).
⏺ Hire a motorcycle to reach the jump-off to Awao Falls (travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour).
⏺ Register then trek to reach the falls.
After visiting Bega Falls in Agusan del Sur, I quickly went back to the terminal at the town proper of Prosperidad. Luck was on my side since a van showed up right away the moment I alighted off the motorcycle. It was almost lunch time but the van ride to Monkayo lasted for about two hours. The sun was up and the weather was perfect for chasing waterfalls. And yes, I was traveling alone. Oh well, it’s not news anyway.
⏰⏳ SAMPLE ITINERARY:
6:00 AM ETD for Monkayo
9:30 AM ETD to jump-off
10:30 AM Register / commence trek
11:00 AM ETA main cascade of Awao Falls / lunch
1:00 PM Head back to registration area
1:30 PM Ride motorcycle
2:00 PM ETA 1st and 2nd levels of Awao
4:00 PM ETD for Monkayo town proper
5:00 PM ETD for Davao
💰💶 ESTIMATED BUDGET (for a solo traveler): Php 1,300 – Php 1,500 (exclusive of airfare)
***Expenses may vary depending on personal consumption of food and other necessities. If traveling alone, you will solely shoulder the guide fees and motorcycle transfer rates.
Upon arriving at the Poblacion of Monkayo, I rode a tricycle to get to the terminal of motorcycles. These motorcycles in this part of Mindanao are known as “skylab”. They have been configured with two wooden beams which look like the vehicle’s wings parallel to the motorcycle’s body. The planks would allow the vehicle to carry passengers and goods a couple of times heavier than the motorcycle’s normal capacity. It’s been named “skylab” because it looks like the US space station in the 1970s. My driver asked me if I have already experienced sitting on a skylab’s wooden wing. “Nope,” I honestly answered. So we pulled over by a computer shop where his cousin was and asked him to accompany us. He motioned to his cousin to sit on the left wing while I was seated on the right so the motorcycle would be balanced. So how would I explain my motorcycle ride? Just see for yourself. I am telling you, it’s “bumpy” to the nth level. We crossed a river before reaching the registration area after roughly an hour of traversing the rough roads. I asked my guide about the situation after a heavy rainfall because I’ve read in a blog that the river’s water level rises due to flash floods. He said that the worst-case scenario would be getting stuck on the other side and not being able to cross once the river overflows. It would be too dangerous to take the risk due to the strong current as well. It was getting late in the afternoon and I hoped for the best that there would be no thunderstorms considering it’s July and already the onset of rainy season.We trekked the steep trail for about half an hour before finally arriving here at the majestic cascade of Awao. This is one of my photos that would prove why I love Mindanao. I wouldn’t have to explain at all to my friends why I keep coming back to the Land of Promise. After all, it really is a paradise. Awao Falls is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. The motorcycle ride was worth it. This natural wonder was deserted during out visit which made the experience surreal and magical.
📜✏ Tips/Reminders:
📌Davao de Oro is formerly known as Compostela Valley.
📌The trek to get to Awao Falls takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on your pace.
📌Always check the weather first since your motorcycle will need to cross a river. You might get stranded if the water level is too high and the current is strong.
📌Expect rain during monsoon season (June-February).
📌Always observe the LNT principles.
☎ Contact:
📌Motorcycle Driver/Tour Guide: Kim (09197663226)
We hiked back to where we parked our motorcycle and reached this second tier of the waterfall after a quick drive. There were locals swimming at the basin below this cascade.I only took a few shots then called out to my companions that it was time to go. I really wanted to chill out and shower under the main cascade but I got no time left since I still had to travel to Tagum City where I would be spending the night. My trip to Awao Falls may be short but the experience was indeed one of my most memorable.
***For other destinations in Davao Region, you may visit this link.
