CROWDED BUT ACCESSIBLE MAJAYJAY/TAYTAY WATER FALLS

Location: Majayjay, Laguna, Philippines

Majayjay Falls as favorite place for family camping

Some are confused if what is really the name of Majayjay Falls. Well, it is also called Taytay Falls and at times called Imelda Falls because ex-First Lady Imelda Marcos financed the promotion of tourism of this destination when she was still in power.

Majayjay Falls with its deep basin serving as the swimming area

As early as 1998, I have been frequenting already in visiting this place along with my group in Philippine National Bank (PNB) Mountaineering Club since I had worked with the bank for 9 years. By that time, going to this place is difficult as you have to trek for almost an hour from the barangay road. Rainy season makes it even difficult because the road was not yet cemented. But we always go there as a part of our regular bonding not only with PNB Mountaineers but with some acquaintances who wanted to experience the place.

The Grotto within the vicinity

This water falls is actually 7-tier according to our guide and what you see is the bottom of all these seven. I have already navigated up to the 5th but it is very dangerous because the moss is so thick and there is no defined trail. You will be exploring a thick forest. The interval of each falls is too distant and I would never go back there because prior to the 5th falls, I lost my balance then because it was too slippery. Black and big leeches are waiting there for humans to suck their blood.

Obviously the most crowded water falls I've ever seen

Presently, the amenities of the water falls has been developed where the part around the swimming basin area has been cemented and ropes were installed so that non-swimmers who wanted to get close the water falls will be safer and easier.

Camping area is crowded with campers

BASIC AND OTHER CONCERNS

Trekking from the barangay hall where you will pay a registration fee/environmental fee of P20 per head which serves as the jump-off point to the falls is only a 15-minute walk through a cemented pathway. If you opt to stay overnight, the fee is P30. You have the option to pitch your tent in surrounding area where most of it are big boulders of rocks. The place is so crowded during weekends and holidays and you will find it difficult to find a place for you to eat and pitch tent especially if it is already late in the morning till afternoon. Usually, some campers would prefer to stay overnight because of its cold water.

On your jeepney ride from Majayjay town to the barangay hall along the national road, you will pass thru another beautiful resort of Virginia Dalitiwan. In going back to Majayjay town, you have the option to drop by here or stay overnight.

HOW TO GO THERE

1. Take a bus from either Cubao (HM Transport) or Buendia LRT (DLTB) with a sign board of Sta. Cruz (Laguna) for fare of P180. with a travel time of 3 – 4 hours but will be shorter if early in the morning.

2. From Sta. Cruz drop-off area, take a tricycle to the public market but only up to the jeepney terminal of Majayjay for a fare of P28. The terminal is just near the old church of Saint Bartholomew.

3. Remind the driver on the terminal to drop you off at the barangay hall along the national road for Taytay Falls. Since the actual jump-off point where you will pay for the entrance fee/environmental fee is still few kilometers away, take a tricycle to take you to that barangay hall with a fare of P30 per person. The rate may increase. After paying the required fees, trekking starts.