Sungkilaw Falls Dipolog Zamboanga del Norte Philippines

This Adventure required acout a 3 hour drive from where we live in the Philippines. I have always loved hiking and this place has many similarities to where I grew up. When I was a child, two sides of my parent’s property bordered a State Forest. The really great thing was this was the forgotten part of the forest. It was sort of like it was our own.

I grew up where I could walk out of my yard and go in one direction 5 miles and another 7, and not encounter a road or a house. Trout fishing, White tailed Deer, Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse amd many other creatures as an every day sight.

I have always liked a sight that required some efffort. A hike, or rock climbing. Something that made the place unique you, but also included the others that also made the trek.

495 STAIRS

The fact there are stairs, actually makes this place accessible to many. I can see why they added the stairs, as it is pretty steep and would require a rope to descend to the bottom. Or the fast trip, where you step on the path and your arrive at the bottom quickly with some broke limbs and no way back out.

Here is a photo of our entourage!

With us is my wife’s precious aunt or Tia Linda. 72 years old a strong as a horse. We also had in tow two 5 year olds and 1 one year old. The stair steps made it possible for us all to make it down and come back up. There was a fellow there that ventured down with us and he informed us that there were 495 stairs steps to the falls.

The photo here is the beginning and the least steep part of the trip.

What we did not realize was a ways down the path, there is a fork. If you go to the left you can see the falls and if you go to the right you can swim and there are a few more beautiful sights. Much of our group opted out of the second down hill adventure. They rested at the intersection. At first I was the only one going, but those between 15 and 25 came afterwards.

By the time we were ar the intersection you could hear the falls and the attraction of the sound had us going the left fork in the path. This was very steep and we were all carefully watching the kids to keep them safe.

I took this photo at the top of our last set of stairs going to the viewing area for the falls.

Here is a photo of the last set of steps before getting to our destination.

The falls were pretty high, but it was difficult to get a photo including the entire falls. The power and the sound of this beautiful falls was so soothing. The rumble drowned out all other sounds. It was definately with the trip and I have a feeling we may go back to this place again.

Here is a photo of the entire gang, minus the guy with the camera. There may be one somewhere to prove I was along on this trip. Lol!

It is always great to have the kids along and enjoy the amazement in their eyes and try to see things through their youth. When it comes to nature and the beauty of God’s creation, I don’t want to grow out of that youthful excitement.

My son and niece!

Just our boy!

After enjoying our time at the bottom, we headed back up the steep stairs. As I inferred earlier there was an “Y” in the path. When we made it to this point, most everyone was gassed. I heard my wife say, “Daddy, we will wait for you here”. My wife knows I wouldn’t come this far and not see the rest. The first photo I put in this article was taken at the bottom of the second leg.

The second area was above the falls.

You could still hear the falls downstream, but this area was so peaceful. The water was so clear and cold. Our volunteer guide told us at times wild monkeys can be seen in this area. There is no cost to enter this park and to view the falls. I am not sure if this “tour guide” was there in an official capacity, or if he decided to do this for something to do. He was a very nice man and he brought with him, his three dogs.

A few shots as we arrived at our new destination.

I noticed my brother in law speaking to the guide.

He was pointing to this small place at the bottom of the cliff. It was like a wash basin. Very small, but full of water. I took this picture just for reference to show the size. This will give you a perspective for the next couple of photos.

This basin if full of water flowing from the side of this rock cliff. The water tastes salty! Yes, I did taste it for myself. Mineral water! When I got close to the basin I could see a clear reflection of the forest above. The photos really don’t do justice to what I could cede with my eyes.

And closer!

There are so many wonderful things to see and learn. Life is full of the unexpected and wonder, if we would pursue these things.

Before the trip, I read up on these falls. I also have found out that there are many other similar places within reach of where we live. I have a feeling, this will not be the last of the “Adventures of Daddy William.”

Sungkilaw Falls has some cabins for people to stay in if this is your kind of place. The drive to this pretty remote place was also beautiful and an adventure of its own. The site is about 14 kilometers off of the highway that passes Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

For those who would like to stay on the beach and just go to the falls as a side adventure, Dipolog has a 1 1/2 kilometer boulevard, grey sand beaches, hiking trails canoeing, camping and a few nice hotels or resorts.

Sungkilaw Falls are over 20 feet high and 25 kilometers away from the city.
The falls are located in Sitio Virginia, in the Barangay furthest from Dipolog City. Barangay Diwan! The trees in this forest are very tall and the foliage is very green.

If you are visiting and don’t have your own transportation, you can take a bus to the road that leads here, then get a ride with a Jeepney or “Habal Habal” driver to take you to the falls.

No entrance fee! Can’t beat that. If I lived close to this place, I would visit every week. Maybe one day encounter the wild monkeys.

Once there, one can behold the gushing of waters surrounded by rock strewn cliff that thrills the carefree. Concrete steps will take one to reach a Y-trail. The left trail will lead you to the view deck of Sungkilaw falls roughly 30 meters away. The right trail will direct you to the “mineral” well and spring where you can take a dip into the enticing cool water.

However, one must have a rough walk in going to the rugged peak of the falls, at the bottom of which the wondrous river lies.
There are trails prepared by the city government to aid visitors in traversing the forest’s terrain.
I read that the Japanese Government has something to do with establishing this park, building the stairs as many believe the mineral water to have therapeutic qualities.