Laguna - Taytay Falls

Taytay Falls
Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna
Difficulty: Minor 1/9
Trail Class: 1
Trekking Time: 10-15 minutes

Another body of water that Laguna can boast is this very falls that sits at the southern part of province, the Taytay Falls. Always synonymous from it's location, when Filipinos mention Majayjay, the first thing that comes to their mind is the Taytay Falls. As a matter of fact, Filipinos usually mistake Taytay Falls as Majayjay Falls and the name Taytay Falls have gained less famed than the later.

Majayajay is home for some falls, but the Taytay has the name that sounds even in other places. Maybe it is because that the place has been almost commercialized since one of few falls that does not require much of a trek, although it is a long trip from Manila and the last trip to and from the falls leaves at 17:00.

Taytay Falls, also known as Imelda Falls, boasts it's cold water that flows from the mountain of Banahaw. Plus, the mossy trees and rocks near the swimming pool like catch basin of the falls.
 
With Taytay Falls' commercialism, the locals have thought of a way to attract more visitors and same way earn, the tent rental. Locals have invested tents that can be rented by visitors that don't have tent since it is possible to camp near the falls. There are various of sizes available wherein accommodation varies. But that's not all yet, there are lots of nearby store so campers can enjoy their activities without thinking their supplies.However, the sad part of the commercialism is that this nature's treasure suffers like many other tourist destinations with lots of visitors, the wound created by vandalism and littering.
 

TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

From Buendia(LRT) or Cubao, you may take buses bound to Sta. Cruz and have a trip all the way to Sta. Cruz. From there, you can see jeeps bound to Majayjay which you should take. And from Majayjay, jeeps bound to falls are already available.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

04:30 Assembly
05:00 ETD to Sta. Cruz
08:00 ETA Sta. Cruz, head to Majayjay
09:00 ETA Majayjay, head to Brgy. Gagalot
10:00 ETA Brgy. Gagalot, Register, start trek
10:15 ETA Falls, swimming time!
12:00 Lunch break
16:00 ETD for home (trip leaves every hour, last trip 17:00, suggest to take one hour earlier to avoid inconveniences such as short of seats)

*Don't forget to buy Buko Pie along the way at Los Banos, Laguna.

Photo thanks to Ed Avelino & Oliver Mina