Argao at 400

For visitors with a streak of adventure, a trek to Bugasok falls in Barangay Conalum, one of Argao’s mountainous villages, is a must.

A national treasure, Bugasok can be reached by walking upriver along forested cliffs and solid boulders. One may be blessed to see unique birds and fauna. (View photos of Bugasok Falls)

A more enjoyable way of getting to the falls would be a 6- to 8- hour trek upstream from the bridge in the village of Linut-ud.

This trail upriver to the falls is an enchanted walk along forested cliffs and solid rock boulders.

An added bonus is the unique plants and birds that visitors can see along the way.

The eco-tour guardians of the Argao Tourism Commission led by tourism chair Alex K. Gonzales arrange nature tours to the falls and other areas.

Those pressed for time, though, can choose to do it in less than two hours by riding the “habal-habal,” a motorcycle that is the usual ride in the mountains.

Visitors will be brought to the area in the mountain nearest the falls that is still reachable by motorcycle. The “habal-habal” drivers can be asked to act as guide to Bugasok, but visitors must specify this arrangement beforehand.

From there, it is a 20-minute trek down to the river that feeds the falls. The hike though is only half of the effort of the trip

For a view of the falls, one needs to cross the river, climb some part of the mountain, and then go down on the other side.

These are by no means easy tasks but the breathtaking view of the falls will be reward enough for such a difficult and tedious excursion.