The province of Lanao del Norte is home to more than a dozen waterfalls, and the most well-known or recognizable ones are, without a doubt, the Maria Cristina Falls and the Tinago Falls. But there is such a thing as the “Tourism Triangle” of Iligan, and those two waterfalls are among the three. What completes the triangle is Mimbalut Falls.
As I mentioned on my previous blog post, this was not in the itinerary originally. We just wanted something to appease our disappointment for not having been able to check out Maria Cristina Falls, due to security reasons. This was a last-minute suggestion that I’m glad we heeded.
From the national highway after spending time at the Macaraeg-Macapagal Ancestral House (check out my account of that short visit here), our hired ride for the day followed side roads, muddy at some parts no thanks to recent rains, until we arrived at a small resort close to a waterfalls.
The Mimbalut Falls.
There wasn’t even a hike required. No wonder Mimbalut Falls is known as the most accessible waterfalls in Lanao del Norte.
When you arrive at the parking area, you’d immediately see the sign indicating the resort or, more specifically, its picnic grove.
From here, you can’t see the waterfalls, only the river that flows from it. On the right side is the resort, with its sheds and cottages. Maybe it’s because it was still relatively early when we were there (but it was already 9:20 am!) but there weren’t a lot of people. I read several accounts saying the place can get quite crowded.
We had no plans of paying for how ever much the entrance fee to the resort is (I’m pretty sure there is one) so we chose to go on the left side and do a short walk through underbrush and overgrown tree roots.
On this spot, there were several families having their picnics. Presumably to not have to pay the entrance fee and rental fees of the sheds at the resort.
As we walked forward, we started to get a glimpse of the falls.
And there she is: Mimbalut Falls.
It is not as tall as, say, Katibawasan Falls in Camiguin, but the water was plentiful, and how it cascaded noisily down the craggy rock face was definitely fascinating. Supposedly, it originates in the same point that Maria Cristina Falls also originates from.
We just could not help but walk up and get as close as we can, without getting wet.
(You see, we had no plans of getting soaked. At least, not yet. At least, not in this waterfall.)
Swimming isn’t probably the best idea if you come here, because the basin was not really made for doing some laps. It was very rocky, and we’re talking sharp, hard rocks here.
But if you’re up for a shower, or some water massage just by standing by the rock face, then you’re definitely going to have the time of your life.
I can never fully put into words how much I feel refreshed and re-invigorated whenever I see – and come close to – a waterfall. It’s kinda like when you climb for several hours, and then you reach the summit, then all exhaustion from those hours of climbing seem to just melt off.
It’s the same when I see a waterfall.
To get here, you can ride on a jeepney bound for the town of Buru-un, tell the driver about where you intend to go. He’d likely drop you off the nearby elementary school, where you can make that short walk to the Mimbalut Falls Picnic Grove.
But if you’re like us and you’re in a group, and you plan to make a day of visiting Iligan’s Tourism Triangle, then it is much more economical to hire a van or taxi for the day. If you’re coming from Cagayan de Oro, there are several service providers for that. I suggest you inquire with your hotel or BnB or inn about getting in contact with one.
We hung around Mimbalut Falls for around 20 minutes only, then we went back to our ride to resume our trip to the day’s highlight, which is Tinago Falls.
I shall see you then.
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