The highest waterfall in the country is the 388-meter-high Aliwagwag Falls, in Cateel town, Davao Oriental province. The cascade has 13 rapids and looks like a stairway with 84 steps of varying heights. Cateel is the home of the Aliwagwag Falls, located at Barangay Aliwagwag. It is a towering waterfalls considered by hydraulic engineers as the highest in the country and regarded as one of the most beautiful falls in Mindanao.

 

It is a series of 84 falls appearing like Stairway to Heaven with various heights among the steps ranging from 6 to 110 feet. One step is measured 72 feet and another is 67 feet. Overall Aliwagwag Falls is 1,110 feet of cascading energy and 20 meters in width. All these in the midst of virgin forest. River at the foot of the falls. 13 rapids to cross.”

The exotic beauty of the Aliwagwag Falls is indeed the pride of every Cateeleno. Not just because it is the highest waterfalls in the country but because of its magnificence, majesty, splendor and above all, its grandeur. Just imagine, 84 series of wonderful falls leading you to the main stream.

 

 

 

Isn’t it breathtaking? The trek of reaching up to the top starting from the first Series of Falls, experts say it will take you around 2 days to actually get there. The rapids are just awesome! Rock formations are astonishing. The whole place is surrounded by endagered flowers. Aliwagwag Falls is also the home of an infamous fish townfolks considered as town’s pride and favorite.

 

They call it Sawugnun. It is bitterly tasty. Best serve as paksiw. Old folks say this fish can only be found in waters of Aliwagwag. In addition to its grandeur, Alwagwag Falls serves also as one of the main sources of the clean and green Cateel River that was awarded as the cleanest river in Region XI.

Safety tips:

•  Carry practical all-weather clothing and remember that your mobile phone may be out of range.
•  Wear sturdy footwear with a good tread.
• Always carry water, food, matches and a torch, map and compass.
• Walking tracks involves uneven and slippery surfaces, water crossings and rock hopping so be extra careful.
• Respect the environment and stay on marked paths. Take note of signs and landmarks.
•  Don't wander off alone but stay with your group. Its so easy to get lost in the forest.

Its worth the trip to Maragusan or Cateel just to see and take a bath at the water falls, particularly in the summer season when the weather is at its hottest in the city. The trip will do wonders to your soul.

Getting there:

Cateel, which is some 360 kilometers from Davao City is accessible by bus at the Ecoland Transport terminal. L300 vans are also available from Davao City.

Maragusan is about three and a half hours bus ride from Davao City. Bus fare is P140. Motorcycles abound in Maragusan to transport visitors to the jump off area in Marangig or Tagbibinta falls.