HomeAsiaPhilippinesMindanaoCamiguinRaw Beauty of Tuasan Falls in Catarman, Camiguin By Marcos Detourist on February 5, 2012I was starting to get disappointed with places I’ve visited in Camiguin in the last two days. Maybe I was too critical or maybe the island’s famous attractions weren’t really that spectacular. One thing’s for sure, there was a moment when I thought Camiguin was bordering on being an overrated destination.I’ve read high recommendations and seen amazing photos of different spots in the island prior to the trip. It definitely built-up my expectations of Camiguin. When I finally got to see the usual spots like Katibasan Falls, White Island, Ardent Hot Springs, Walkway to the Old Volcano, and the uber popularized Sunken Cemetery, I guess I just wasn’t WOWed. I also felt that these places were a bit too “touristy” because there were a lot of organized developments already.After taking a P38 lunch at some random carinderia at the Catarman Public Market, I asked around about how to get to Tuasan Falls. It wasn’t as easy to get to as the ones I previously visited but the effort was indeed worthwhile.I was very happy I got to visit the Tuasan Falls. Its raw beauty totally turned my experience of Camiguin around. Tuasan Falls in Catarman, CamiguinGetting to Tuasan FallsFrom Catarman Town Proper, I chartered a habal-habal to take me to Tuason Falls for P250 (roundtrip). The driver also became my trekking guide. Lucky me he knew the way to the falls.It took us around 30 minutes to get to the jump-off point. A significant portion of the inland road wasn’t paved so expect a bumpy ride half of the way.Then it was trekking time, which took another 30 minutes. Ours was a rather fast hike because the guide seemed to be in a hurry. It would probably take 45 to 1 hour on a more leisurely pace. Nice views along the way Cool streamWe had an easy hike up until crossing the river. A challenging part was one steep downhill slope. It was tricky because the path was mostly made-up of loose soil. Looking downSteep part. This was taken on our way back.Nearing the falls, the guide told me we were going to use a shortcut. We passed through the dense foliage of the forest (instead of following the winding river upstream). Even though I was a bit worried thinking “where the hell we were going,” I loved that we took the shortcut because of the verdant views. The path was surrounded with an abundance of bright green ferns … everything looked so perky :) Surrounded by verdant undergrowthSome of the ferns were really tall. I was having trouble following the guide because he kept disappearing from view. Can’t see the guideOh there he is!Raw Beauty of Tuasan FallsFinally, the refreshing cascade of Tuasan Falls appeared. It wasn’t the tallest or grandest waterfalls I’ve seen but I was still drawn to it. There was a raw feel to the place that I loved … like the area has been kept in its pristine state. Walking upto Tuasan Falls Calm shallow poolWith the smaller cascadeThe main cascadeI was totally digging this huge fern near the main pool of Tuasan Falls.Under the huge fernThe natural placement of the boulders and small rocks broke the strong gush of water so perfectly that I felt like being in a zen garden.Slowing down the shutter speedI was so preoccupied taking photos that I totally forgot taking my usual self-portrait souvenir photos :(Perfect!Visiting the Tuasan Falls introduced me to this totally different side of Camiguin. The one which comes to mind now when I encounter its exotic allure as the “Island Borne of Fire.”Now I get excited thinking about the next time I’ll be visiting Camiguin. I want to get lost in its pristine inland forests … perhaps even conquer the active Mt. Hibok-Hibok Volcano.Don’t leave yet. There’s more!Camiguin Island 3-Day DIY Itinerary12 Days Northeast Mindanao Itinerary - Surigao, Camiguin,…Iligan Waterfalls and Cagayan de Oro 2-Day DIY ItinerarySurvived Palawan, the Philippines’ Last FrontierAdventure trip to the enchanted Isla de Gigantes in Carles…Planning at trip to Cuyo, PalawanComments nick dio saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 6:56 amty for the very informative uwi-inducing blog hahaha. I would surely include this place nxt time we visit. Also would like to show appreciation for your previous blogs, we just got back from our trip to Naga, Legaspi & Donsol, of course, with you as a guide. Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:06 amwow. cool nick! Glad to know my blog posts did get you lost or somethings, haha. Ryan Mach l Pinoy Wandering Boy saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 7:49 amShucks, didn’t get to see this when we were in Camiguin. Great guide you have here! Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:06 amThanks Ryan. It wasn’t promoted as much as the others. mervz | pinoyadventurista.com saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 11:12 amtoo bad, i didn’t know about this… I have to see this when I come back to Camiguin,… thanks for sharing! :) Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:11 amPasalubong na lang na Pastel sa akin, hehe :) Journeys and Travels saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 2:19 pmI love the thought that there is this kind of waterfalls in Camiguin. parang gusto ko to puntahan. I am planning a trip there soon so this is one of the places Il wander off. Love the photos too. Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:12 amCool. Highly recommended ang Tuasan Falls for me. Thanks Sir. EDMARATION saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 5:55 pmAng ganda ng environ ng Tuasan Falls. Talagang single drop lang siya ha and the source of water is narrow :)Ganda! Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:14 amyes single drop lang siya pero may mga micro cascades din after the big pool. adventurousfeet saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 6:18 pmbeautiful shots! and ang ganda ng falls :) Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:14 amThanks Ca! Makati Condo Vacation Rental saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 8:57 pmCamiguin here we come! Lovely….Nice photos! It’s definitely more fun in the Philippines! Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:16 amhehe. Safe trip! Hoobert the Awesome saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 10:47 pmYay talaga? I`ve been hearing a load of good stuffs about Camiguin from travel bloggers so your reviews came as a surprise. Pero I think it`s good naman cos at least we`re informed about the good and bad side of a place.First time ko ring marinig ang Tuasan Falls. Thanks for featuring it in your blog. Sana makapunta din ako dyan. :))) Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:20 amNot everybody get to have the same experience when visiting a particular place … and a things always have good and bad reviews. I do think Camiguin is a great place to visit but there’s also the factor of timing and personal preferences. teddy pabualan saysFebruary 7, 2012 at 11:55 pmnakz,,, walang sasakyan po na makakapunta dyan sa mismong tuasan falls puro hiking na yan. anyway, ill try to include that in my camiguin tour itirinary next time sa mga clients ko na may long stay here in camiguin.teddy m. pabualan camiguin tour operator 0939-2440521 http://www.camiguintransport.blogspot.com “providing excellent and reliable services” Phil Sykes saysFebruary 9, 2012 at 8:08 amAlso check out Binangawan Falls (Sagay) Tough hike taking around 2 hours definatley need hiking boots but well worth the effort. 3 falls that offer rainbows at noon time and cool pools. Need a guide to get there – enjoy titus saysFebruary 25, 2012 at 10:04 pmNice pics. Hope to see Camiguin this coming summer. camz saysMarch 25, 2012 at 12:36 amHi, i just wanna ask if it’s worth it going to Camiguin? I’m planning a vacation for two (my boyfriend) Camiguin is my second option (bora as first). Your opinion would be highly appreciated. :) please? thanks. Marcos saysApril 14, 2012 at 12:06 amDepends on your travel preferences. Boracay and Camguin offer very different experiences. If you’re looking for a beautiful long stretch of white sand beach, get to party at night, share the space with a big crowd then Boracay is alright. But if you want to travel to a place that’s more peaceful (and cheaper), Camiguin is a better option. As far as beaches (above water) go, Boracay trumps Camiguin. joseph reyes saysSeptember 20, 2012 at 4:16 pmFortunately my classmate in law review school happens to live near Tuasan Falls so going there was not much of a problem. I was able to enjoy the sight and bathing in its cool and refreshing water – this was in September of 2010. I was also able to visit the other places like the Ardent Hot Spring, Bora Swimming Pool, Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Sunken Cemeteryand the Way of the Cross, Church Ruins, view of the sand bar, Vjan Depp bakery where the famous pastel is made, the Provincial Capitol, the town halls of Catarman & Mambajao. I was not able to see the Katibawasan Falls because of a road problem going there at that time. I think there are more scenic spots to discover in my future travel there. Enjoyed eating lanzones there too, a month earlier before the festival in October. DELIA MABILANGA ONDANGAN saysNovember 26, 2012 at 10:56 amTHANK YOU SO MUCH YOU ENJOY MY MOTHER LAND CAMIGUIN…I REALLY MISS TUASAN FALLS 30MIN.WALK FROM MY GRANDMA HOUSE.. Jun Rey saysMay 2, 2013 at 1:39 pmnice feature, hopefully other travelers will get to experience as what you had. i will suggest for an adventurous person as you are- if u’ll have a chance to visit the place again- definitely u should try to do the cross country walk across mt. hibok2 and visit the binangawan falls- it will take to a place beyond imagination:) Diane saysMay 23, 2013 at 1:38 pmHi! thanks sa info! pwede malaman contact number ng driver mo? :) Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
nick dio saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 6:56 amty for the very informative uwi-inducing blog hahaha. I would surely include this place nxt time we visit. Also would like to show appreciation for your previous blogs, we just got back from our trip to Naga, Legaspi & Donsol, of course, with you as a guide.
Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:06 amwow. cool nick! Glad to know my blog posts did get you lost or somethings, haha.
Ryan Mach l Pinoy Wandering Boy saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 7:49 amShucks, didn’t get to see this when we were in Camiguin. Great guide you have here!
mervz | pinoyadventurista.com saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 11:12 amtoo bad, i didn’t know about this… I have to see this when I come back to Camiguin,… thanks for sharing! :)
Journeys and Travels saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 2:19 pmI love the thought that there is this kind of waterfalls in Camiguin. parang gusto ko to puntahan. I am planning a trip there soon so this is one of the places Il wander off. Love the photos too.
EDMARATION saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 5:55 pmAng ganda ng environ ng Tuasan Falls. Talagang single drop lang siya ha and the source of water is narrow :)Ganda!
Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:14 amyes single drop lang siya pero may mga micro cascades din after the big pool.
Makati Condo Vacation Rental saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 8:57 pmCamiguin here we come! Lovely….Nice photos! It’s definitely more fun in the Philippines!
Hoobert the Awesome saysFebruary 5, 2012 at 10:47 pmYay talaga? I`ve been hearing a load of good stuffs about Camiguin from travel bloggers so your reviews came as a surprise. Pero I think it`s good naman cos at least we`re informed about the good and bad side of a place.First time ko ring marinig ang Tuasan Falls. Thanks for featuring it in your blog. Sana makapunta din ako dyan. :)))
Marcos saysFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:20 amNot everybody get to have the same experience when visiting a particular place … and a things always have good and bad reviews. I do think Camiguin is a great place to visit but there’s also the factor of timing and personal preferences.
teddy pabualan saysFebruary 7, 2012 at 11:55 pmnakz,,, walang sasakyan po na makakapunta dyan sa mismong tuasan falls puro hiking na yan. anyway, ill try to include that in my camiguin tour itirinary next time sa mga clients ko na may long stay here in camiguin.teddy m. pabualan camiguin tour operator 0939-2440521 http://www.camiguintransport.blogspot.com “providing excellent and reliable services”
Phil Sykes saysFebruary 9, 2012 at 8:08 amAlso check out Binangawan Falls (Sagay) Tough hike taking around 2 hours definatley need hiking boots but well worth the effort. 3 falls that offer rainbows at noon time and cool pools. Need a guide to get there – enjoy
camz saysMarch 25, 2012 at 12:36 amHi, i just wanna ask if it’s worth it going to Camiguin? I’m planning a vacation for two (my boyfriend) Camiguin is my second option (bora as first). Your opinion would be highly appreciated. :) please? thanks.
Marcos saysApril 14, 2012 at 12:06 amDepends on your travel preferences. Boracay and Camguin offer very different experiences. If you’re looking for a beautiful long stretch of white sand beach, get to party at night, share the space with a big crowd then Boracay is alright. But if you want to travel to a place that’s more peaceful (and cheaper), Camiguin is a better option. As far as beaches (above water) go, Boracay trumps Camiguin.
joseph reyes saysSeptember 20, 2012 at 4:16 pmFortunately my classmate in law review school happens to live near Tuasan Falls so going there was not much of a problem. I was able to enjoy the sight and bathing in its cool and refreshing water – this was in September of 2010. I was also able to visit the other places like the Ardent Hot Spring, Bora Swimming Pool, Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Sunken Cemeteryand the Way of the Cross, Church Ruins, view of the sand bar, Vjan Depp bakery where the famous pastel is made, the Provincial Capitol, the town halls of Catarman & Mambajao. I was not able to see the Katibawasan Falls because of a road problem going there at that time. I think there are more scenic spots to discover in my future travel there. Enjoyed eating lanzones there too, a month earlier before the festival in October.
DELIA MABILANGA ONDANGAN saysNovember 26, 2012 at 10:56 amTHANK YOU SO MUCH YOU ENJOY MY MOTHER LAND CAMIGUIN…I REALLY MISS TUASAN FALLS 30MIN.WALK FROM MY GRANDMA HOUSE..
Jun Rey saysMay 2, 2013 at 1:39 pmnice feature, hopefully other travelers will get to experience as what you had. i will suggest for an adventurous person as you are- if u’ll have a chance to visit the place again- definitely u should try to do the cross country walk across mt. hibok2 and visit the binangawan falls- it will take to a place beyond imagination:)