The One-Day Trio Falls Survival
By Maybeline F. Nacis, Ruther Ray C. Ruado, and Sarah Onangey–Garcia
Chasing waterfalls in the Philippine Cordilleras sounds like the ultimate serene getaway, until Bakun Central’s vertical trails and screaming quads crash your highland daydream. Reaching Tekip, Pattan, and Mangta Falls in a single day is far from a casual wander through the woods; it is an absolute leg-day challenge concealed as an outdoor adventure.
The journey to Bakun begins with a lengthy drive from Baguio City that winds through the unending mountain bends of Kapangan and Kibungan. Upon arrival at the Bakun Central jump-off, the setup is surprisingly convenient. There are public bathrooms to change into gear, sari-sari stores to grab extra snacks, and cottages or transient houses for two-day treks. For those daring enough to visit all three falls in six hours, the clock starts immediately. Hiring a local guide at the tourism office is mandatory, whether booked in advance or on-site. Navigating these unmarked mountain gorges without a guide can easily lead to getting lost.
The Three-Falls Grind
There are no tricycles, habal-habal (modified motorcycles), or shortcuts. Moving forward requires pure foot power, and the trail wastes no time proving it.
Tekip Falls: The name Tekip comes from a local word for bathing. Found on a short side path near the start, it serves as a spot for a quick rinse where hikers step under the cold water to shake off early tiredness before returning to the main trail.
Pattan Falls: After returning to the main path, which follows part of the well-known Mt. Kabunian trail, the route passes the famed cliffside basketball court before turning toward Pattan. This part of the hike is all business: you can take photos, but swimming and eating are forbidden out of respect for local water customs.
Mangta Falls: From Pattan, the trail becomes a continuous, knee-jarring descent past the massive Aboitiz Hydroelectric plant to the floor of the gorge. Mangta is the ultimate prize. Hikers finally bust open their packed lunches, collapse onto the rocks, and dive into the deep natural pool for two solid hours of freezing, glorious swimming.
The Pipe Walk and the Ascent Back
Some local engineering ingenuity gets you back to the jump-off without repeating the tough descent. The guide routes the return journey directly over the colossal steel Aboitiz hydro pipes that run across the municipality. Walking along these flat, elevated structures offers a much-needed break for tired legs, paired with scenic views of distant peaks.
The surroundings along the path are full of small notes: towering pine trees, wild pine mushrooms popping up along the wet ground, and shade-grown coffee bushes lining the edges. The real test is at the end—the dreaded climb up the last stretch of cemented village stairs. Here, it is common to see other groups throwing in the towel, having realized too late the sheer difficulty of the circuit.
By the time the trail finally flattens out at the jump-off, your legs are shaking, and your lungs are blazing. But sitting down with cold refreshments, soaking in the view, and knowing all three falls were conquered in a single day makes every painful step totally worth it.
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About the Writers:
Maybeline F. Nacis is a dedicated educator serving the Alternative Learning System in Lucban, Baguio City, where she focuses on providing accessible education to diverse learners. She is currently advancing her professional leadership skills by pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Management at Baguio Central University.
Ruther Ray C. Ruado is presently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree, majoring in Educational Management, at Baguio Central University (BCU). Driven by a passion that balances conventional and unconventional approaches to contemporary issues, he explores the dynamic intersections of popular culture, education, and social change.
Sarah Onangey–Garcia is an educational leader and community advocate with a strong commitment to holistic learning and student development. Her involvement in sports, scouting, and campus journalism reflects her belief that meaningful education extends beyond academic instruction. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Management at Baguio Central University,
