JODELYN MAE S.
CANGREJO GRADE 12- WISDOM
CONQUERING ASIK-ASIK FALLS
A Travel Blog
Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, Cotabato is definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines.
The fresh waters are calling and we must go!
Located deep within the mountainous terrain of Alamada in the province
of Cotabato is one of the country's most beautiful waterfalls, Asik-Asik. The
once undisturbed town of Alamada in the highland of North Cotabato is now a
booming tourist destination. Thanks to the majestic Asik-Asik Falls for a
promise of a brighter tourism landscape for this part of Mindanao.
Asik-asik falls as a stunning wanderlust destination
“Asik-Asik”. The Karay-a people, an ethnolinguistic group with origins
from Antique province which dominates the area, popularized the term which
means sprinkles in English. Kinaray-a, an Austronesian language spoken by
the Karay-a people who settled in Alamada in the first half of the century, is
JODELYN MAE S. CANGREJO GRADE 12- WISDOM
the mother tongue of Ilonggo. Residents of Sitio (sub-village) Dulao in
Alamada’s Barangay (village) Upper Dado call the natural wonder “asik-asik”
because water from rocks on the cliff sprinkle the river beside it, creating
gossamer curtains. “Asik” in Hiligaynon language, means “sprinkle.”
Asik-Asik Falls, situated in the remote sub-village of Dulao in Barangay
Upper Dado, Alamada town, North Cotabato Philippines but more than its
captivating splendor, Asik-Asik Falls is a unique phenomenon. You won’t see a
river or a stream above the towering wall, the cold water emanates from the
spring covered by rocks and lush vegetation, cascading into a 60-meter high
wall carpeted with variety of foliage, mostly ferns and moss.
At approximately 140-meter wide, it visually looks like a green curtain of
cascading water! The water then drops to a shallow rocky pool below before
flowing into a stream tributary of Alamada River. Water raining down from the
falls is so cold and clean that visitors can drink from it. Other locals even claim
the water from the falls could heal some illnesses.
Its water source has remained a mystery. The area surrounding the falls
is a dry agricultural upland, planted mostly with corn and a number of other
upland crops. The nearest body of water, Lake Baranibud, is approximately 10
kilometers from the site toward the boundary of North Cotabato and Lanao del
JODELYN MAE S. CANGREJO GRADE 12- WISDOM
Sur. Its discovery was also accidental. Residents that live and come to North
Cotabato Philippines have known that water is flowing from that side of the hill
but were not quite sure of its form, as the area was covered by thick vegetation.
Alamada Mayor Bartolome Lataza reported that a series of events led to
the discovery of the hidden treasure, starting with a fire that razed some of the
vegetation covering of the area followed by a landslide that carved out part of
the hill and uprooted some trees, bamboos, and a large “balete” tree.
In December 2010, Jun Miranda, a village councillor, visited the area
and discovered the falls.
“I found this very beautiful and amazing view, which I immediately
reported to the barangay council,” Miranda said, “which led the village council
to conduct a site inspection.”
The beauty of the Asik-Asik waterfalls in Alamada town in North
Cotabato had remained hidden from the public eye until its photo went viral on
the Internet. Thanks to Facebook and other social networks, blogging by some
enthusiasts, and a report by a national TV network, Asik-Asik Falls has
become a sensation.
How to get to Asik-asik Falls?
There is no easy way of going to Asik-Asik Falls, one must endure more
than half-an-hour of bumpy motorbike ride and climb down the 376-stone
steps before getting rewarded with the awe-inspiring work of nature. Mind you,
the hardship is all worth it!
The nearest airport would be Cotabato City. From there, make your way
to the town of Midsayap in North Cotabato. There are vans as early as 6AM
and as late as 5PM from Cotabato City going to Midsayap, travel time is at
most one-and-a-half hour and fare is P60.
JODELYN MAE S. CANGREJO GRADE 12- WISDOM
It is advisable to hire one habal-habal per guest.
From Midsayap, you can either charter a habal-habal or motorbike for as
low as P700 straight to Asik-Asik Falls (1.5 hours) and back , or take a jeep to
Dado (2.5 hours, P70 per person) and transfer to another motorbike or skylab
to Asik-Asik Falls (30 minutes, P75 per person). While the latter is the cheapest
option, the former is the fastest and most convenient specially for those with
time constraints.
It’s advisable to start travelling early in the morning that the sun has not
released its fiery rays yet. It’ll be an extremely rough and bumpy ride by the off-
road trails as well as sets of buttery ride along the concrete roads.
However, anyone can traverse through the agricultural fields of
Midsayap, Libungan, and Alamada that will give you a refreshing view of the
rural scene of the region. The endless view of the valley bordered by the
mountains of the nearby provinces will keep you entertained and amused
during the trip. The vastness of the mountains will surely entertain the heart of
a wanderlust soul.
JODELYN MAE S. CANGREJO GRADE 12- WISDOM
It will be a very long ride. This, however, will test us to prove worthy of
seeing this wonder of Cotabato.
As you arrive, you will be required to log on to the visitor’s log book and
pay the fees.
After appreciating the area and when you’re stomachs are aching, you
can have a heartful breakfast at the nearby karenderya (food stall) that offer
something like packed lunch, traditional style. Rice with shredded native
chicken meat wrapped in banana leaves. They call it "pastel" and is available at
P10-P30.
A breakfast of pastil a day keeps the hunger away. Always.
Along the way, you can encounter small gardens where you are allowed
to personally pick fresh strawberries. They also sell key chains.
JODELYN MAE S. CANGREJO GRADE 12- WISDOM
The trekking starts down the ridge to the waterfalls. The downhill trek is
easy because of the cemented staircase which is approximately 700 steps.
There are shaded rest stops along the way but it is more often used during the
uphill trek back. One would not notice the descending footsteps down the trail
because your eyes will be treated with a panoramic view of Alamada's
mountain farmlands.
The view of Asik-Asik Falls up close left me breathless. The trip was worth it.
JODELYN MAE S. CANGREJO GRADE 12- WISDOM
The place is really too beautiful and ethereal not to be seized and
enjoyed. A little sacrifice for a piece of heaven, I believe, is more than its worth.
One just couldn't help thyself but to be mesmerized with this wonder of nature
that is seldom reached by the general public.
There is no doubt that Asik-Asik Falls is one the most photogenic
waterfalls in the country. Every corner and every angle is worth capturing on
photo. The fallen trees and potruding rocks add to the drama of the scene. The
best area to capture a panoramic shot of Asik-Asik Falls is downstream ofcthe
tributary where you get to see the whole beauty of the falls. The best time to
visit is early in the morning to avoid the crowd.
Showering under Asik-Asik Falls’ enchanting and majestic waterfalls
located in Alamada, North Cotabato, is an experience not to be missed.
So, stop dreaming about these bucket list, and start living it.
Never say “I can’t.” Always say “I’ll try.”
