Hagimit Falls

           Samal Island is known for its wonderful and clean beaches, exotic wildlife but not for a breathtaking waterfalls.  When Hagimit Falls, which is located in Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) opened in pubic - it adds up to the city's tourist attractions and its part of why the city is now known for.

               Surrounded by trees, herbal plants and bamboos - the falls is a sight to behold.  Not so tall  but its not a lonely falls, there are two, oh!, there's four - oh so many of them. Its a cascade of so many smaller falls that stream to a basin of cool water which is surround by hagimit trees  - where the place got its name.  

            Getting there is not a problem.  Its as simple as riding a bus from Magsaysay Park in Leon Garcia St., Davao City for P40/pax.  I suggest you ride the Island City Express bus in Sta. Ana Wharf, right beside Magsaysay Park and in front of Bureau of Fire Protection office.  The fare mentioned above is inclusive of barge fee.  It'll only take 15 minutes to cross Davao Gulf from Sasa Wharf to Penaplata pier.  The place is two(2) kilometers away from the Penaplata town proper.  The town proper is accessible by car or jeep, or you may want to hire a "habal-habal" (motorcycle) from the pier. If you took the Island City bus, it'll bring you to the drop-off point - infront of Central Warehouse - more or less 30 minutes from the pier.   One must ride a "habal-habal" to get to the falls, P30/pax.

                  Half of the ride to the falls was quiet relaxing for the road is concrete, big and wide trees surrounding the road, nipa houses, bananas and small-scale stores.  The other half? I would say, more exciting. More roller-coaster-liked road before the final destination.

               Entrance fee is P20 for kids ages from 2-7 years old and P40 for 8 years old and above.  While cottages rates ranges from P100-P250 and P750 for overnight stay.  You can choose to rent an umbrella and plastic chairs for a group of four or a close cottage for for 6pax and more.

           There are several picture-perfect area and smaller falls you can choose to swim. There are twos areas though where they collect separate entrances - P10/person.  As expected, my cousins and I tried it all.  having spent the whole morning swimming, jumping, walking, climbing and taking pictures - we reached our energy-limit and went back to our cottage happily exhausted.

              It is said that the source of the water in Hagimit falls is unlike other falls. Unlike other waterfalls, it also serves as an entrace to an underwater cave.  According to Mang Boy, a local from Penaplata -  international and local tourist discovered the cave.  Looking for some ways to supply the barangay more and clean water, they've discovered an underground river that runs more than one kilometer from the mouth of the cave. Amazingly, there are more waterfalls inside the cave but caretaker of the place forbidden anyone to enter unless you have secured permit from the municipal's office and you are a certified scuba diver.

              Guest can bring their own food, no corkage fee.  Hard liquor are not allowed though.  You may also bring raw food, there are areas where you can cook and grilled (ihaw-ihaw) your fresh tunas.  "Uling" are for sale, nothing to worry.  You can rent cooking utensils but I highly recommend bringing your own - to save some cash.:D  Call-of-nature will not be a problem, several comfort rooms are located in strategic areas, faucet for washing your cooking utensils and wash-up after swimming.  No pets and vendors are allowed inside.