CHASING WATERFALLS IN SAGADA:BOMOD-OK FALLS and BOKONG FALLS

Sagada have two  waterfalls namely very famous for tourist, Bomod-ok Falls and Bokong Falls. These two waterfalls differ in terms of their sizes. One is easier to reach while the other is farther from the town center.

Bokong Falls a.k.a Small Falls
   This falls is part of the Echo Valley Tour. It's called Small Falls because it is  smaller in height of the two falls.  It can be reach by foot via the rice paddies. 

Bomod-ok falls a.k.a Big Falls
    From the town center hire a  jeepney or van and get off at the tourists center, register and pay the tour fee. A tour guide will be assigned to the group. 

 There are two ways to reach the waterfalls   either via  Anguid -Bangaan or Bangaan - Anguid.  Before commencing with your trek decide first on what route you would like to take so you can advise your driver on where he will pick you. We took the Bangaan - Anguid route as suggested by our guide. According to him, its better to take the more harder trek which is the Bangaan route in going to the falls then on return will be taking the Anguid route. Most of the time, the paths are cemented.

our guide, Efren| the cable car is use to transport stone quarried

From the tourist center, they gave us walking stick. Don't hesitate to take one because it will be really very helpful in your more than three hour trek. Half way through, you will pass by the village of Fidelisan. Either you started in Bangaan or Anguid you will still pass through the village. Here,they will collect a one time fee for every tourist. This is their own  version of  "toll fee" because whatever amount collected will be use for the improvement  and maintenance of the village's road.  You may opt for a  stopover before continuing the trek.

the Fidelisan village as seen from the Bangaan trail

the village hall of Fidelisan

 

 It is interesting to note that at the very foot of the mountain where the village stand is a mining quarry. We were even able to buy stones with small bits of golds in it.

miners  just at the foot of the mountain where Fidelisan village is located

Further on our trek,  the rice terraces became more and more beautiful. It was such a breath of fresh air walking in the midst of the terraced rice paddies.From time to time we would stop and took photos.  This photo ops made our trek longer. And sometimes we had to give way to other groups because of narrow pathway.

 

Finally we saw the falls! Since it was summertime in the Philippines when I went there, the waterfalls  was only 1/8th  of its actual size on colder season. Good thing though, we were able to trek as nearer to the falls as we can get. Some of our group mates even swam and braved its cold waters.

these young boys offer foot massage at a small fee

 

Going back, we passed by again the same rice terraces and the Fidelisan village. This time we took the Anguid route. Truly the trek was easier and an  advantage to us since it was already getting dark. We had only one rest stop , it was also then when we saw a young  balut  vendor in the middle of the rice terraces. We didn't ate balut but our Mexican group mate did obliged when  we dared him.. Bad us!

Our trek ended in a basketball court besides the market  of Anguid. There, our ride was already waiting for us.




Read my other stories on Sagada:
1. Sagada Fellowship
2. Sagada Tours and Fees
3. Where to Eat in Sagada
4. Where to stay in Sagada: Gecko Inn
5. Sagada's Hanging Coffins

6. Cave Connection: Conquering my Fears
7. Echo Valley Tour