Laguna is home to many hidden natural wonders, and one of them is Buntot Palos Falls. Tucked away in the province’s lush forests, this waterfall is perfect for adventure seekers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
The Journey Begins
It was a Monday when me and my friends decided to visit Buntot Palos Falls. Since we couldn’t find a contact person or guide online, we had no choice but to go as walk-in visitors.
We drove to Brgy. Eme Hall to ask for directions and learned that there are two possible entry points: one through Brgy. Eme and the other via Pangil Eco-Park. Since we were already in Brgy. Eme, we decided to use it as our starting point.
Upon arriving at the barangay hall, we registered and paid a ₱30 per person fee. After waiting for about 15 minutes, the barangay captain assigned a guide to our group—Kuya Adao.
Kuya Adao led us to a private resort about five minutes away from the barangay hall. This was where we parked our car and prepared our gear, as the trek to the falls would begin from there.
Starting the Trek
From the resort where we parked, we began our trek on an uphill cemented road, which was accessible to both cars and motorcycles. After about 10 minutes of walking, the cemented trail ended, marking the start of a rugged, rocky path. It felt as if we were entering a dense forest. The further we walked, the muddier the trail became—but in return, the scenery grew even more breathtaking.
We took our first break at a kubo (a small hut) that offered a stunning overlook of Pangil, Laguna, and Laguna de Bay. If you forgot to bring water, don’t worry—there’s a natural water source nearby where you can refill your bottles or simply freshen up before continuing the journey.
The Journey Continues
As we ventured deeper into the forest, the trail became more diverse and challenging. We encountered at least two river crossings, narrow paths running alongside cliffs, thick muddy stretches, and other rugged terrains that tested our endurance. Each step took us deeper into nature, making us appreciate the raw beauty of Laguna’s hidden gem.
The Challenges
As someone with hiking experience, I initially thought the trek to Buntot Palos Falls would be relatively easy. However, one of my friends, who wasn’t an active hiker, found the trail much more challenging than expected.
Since we assumed that the path wouldn’t be too difficult, my friend decided to wear slippers instead of proper hiking shoes—a decision he quickly regretted. The muddy trails and wetlands took their toll, and his slippers eventually broke, making the rest of the hike even more challenging. Despite this setback, he bravely pushed forward, walking the remaining distance barefoot. It was a true test of endurance and determination, proving that preparation is key when venturing into nature.
Another unexpected challenge we faced during the hike was getting lost on the trail. Throughout the trek, Kuya Adao, our guide, kept reassuring us that we just needed to cross one more small river before reaching the campsite. He insisted that we were almost there.
However, at one point, we noticed him looking around anxiously, as if searching for something. That’s when we realized—we had missed our turn. We had unknowingly veered off the correct path, and now we had to backtrack.
It took us another 30 minutes to find the right trail. It was frustrating, especially since we had assumed that with an experienced guide, we wouldn’t have to worry about getting lost. The extra walking wasn’t exactly a welcome surprise either. But instead of letting the setback ruin our spirits, we chose to shake it off and move forward. After all, dwelling on it would only dampen the adventure.
Approaching Fast
Reaching the campsite marked the final stretch of our journey. Those opting for an overnight stay could set up camp here, but for us, it was a quick rest stop before the descent to the waterfalls.
Kuya Adao assured us it would take only about 15 minutes to reach the falls. However, unlike the uphill trek earlier, this part of the trail was steep and slippery, making it more challenging.
True enough, several in our group slipped along the way. Extra caution was definitely needed!
Staring Into a Gem
After nearly two hours of trekking, we finally arrived—face to face with the breathtaking Buntot Palos Falls. The sight alone filled us with a deep sense of fulfillment. It was crazy beautiful! And the best part? We had it all to ourselves—no other visitors in sight.
Wasting no time, we dipped our toes in to test the water. It was freezing! But that didn’t stop us—we plunged in and let the cold, refreshing water wash away our exhaustion. The serenity of the place was unmatched.
As much as we wanted to go directly under the falls, our guide warned us against it due to the risk of falling rocks. The closest we got was its side, where a man-made water spout let us bathe under its powerful flow. We were so close to the falls that the roar of the water drowned out our voices. The deafening sound, oddly enough, felt peaceful.
Buntot Palos Falls was undeniably beautiful. But our guide shared some heartbreaking news—there’s a high chance the falls could dry up soon due to a dam being built nearby. Knowing this natural wonder might disappear in just a few months made us cherish every moment even more. So we pushed our limits, soaked in the beauty, and made the most of our time in this hidden paradise.
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