The Concealed Beauty of Kapatagan, the Charming Sta. Cruz Falls (Chasing Waterfalls) [Lanao Del Norte Invasion]
Hello steemians from all corners of earth. This day mark my 60th days at steemit. 60th days of sharing of positive experience, life changing lessons, life motivation and life goals inspiration. I’m truly grateful being part of this wonderful community. So, let’s get back to our journey. Once again this is your traveler mate, adventure buddy and outdoor friend knocking your door as we encourage you to come with us and venture to Sta. Cruz Falls of Lanao del Norte.
Photo credit by Renatology (Sony Xperia Aqua)
Sta. Cruz Falls situated at outskirt area of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Municipality of Kapatagan, and Lanao Del Norte. Sta. Cruz Falls is featured as a close relative of Tinuy –an Falls of Surigao del Norte, They share the same structure which is block type falls. Block falls are known as waterfalls with minimal power distribution of river water from top to its natural pool below. Sta. Cruz is half of the size of Tinuy-an Falls. Its towering length is around 80-90 feet high from its peak down to is natural pool underneath.
Sta. Cruz falls is covered with its surrounding with evergreen vegetation with different plant and tree species. With a perfectly match different sizes of boulders scattered around the stunning falls Making it a perfect subject for panoramic photography and a striking instagram-worthy post.
Fast Facts
Sta. Cruz Falls derived its present name from Barangay Sta. Cruz. Its old named given by old native folks is Bi’ayran Falls. Bi’ayran means Blessings from Heaven. In the previous date severe drought cripple the community and its nearby lands. All rivers and streams are dried up. With no means of water the natives seek far and wide, in search for water. On the brink of losing hope one native saw the forest deity which led him to Bi’ayran Falls. The people from different lands flock in the said falls to attain salvation.
Sta. Cruz Falls is still untouched by modernization and urbanization. Still pristine and nature unique form natural.
Sta. Cruz falls is one of many watershed contributory of Mount Ragang Mountain Range.
As soon as we left Cathedral falls of Barangay waterfalls. Our driver took us at Barangay Sta. Cruz. We meet up with their local tourism personnel who warmly welcomed us as we arrived. We initiated the formal procedure of registration then left several of our things at the registration area and carry with us the essential stuffs needed for the river trekking.
As soon as we finish packing things, we were greeted by our local guide Kuya Nading. A resident of Barangay Sta. Cruz, a local farmer and an active guide of Sta. Cruz Falls. He oriented us about the trail up ahead. After the quick reminders. We head ourselves to the adventure destination we are eager to reach. We pass by a small community where Kuya Nading live. We gone through several agricultural farmland. Went up and down from small hills before reaching the river bank. It was a refreshing scene to look at. The place is very simple and filled with green things. A typical country side view or province side view.
As we arrive the river bank site, our mind reminded us the easy trail ends here. And the adventure we all been waiting for is now a few steps ahead. As we cross the river we saw nicely made rock formation around the corners of the river bank area. We spotted cool natural pools with various sizes and length.
Starting point of our river trekking. Due to difficulty of balancing and high raising water level i safe keep my phone.
The rocks we are crossing at is really slippery. One false move will injure you ankle or feet. We crosses several rivers with different water levels some are hip level and but majority are knee level. But Kuya Nading informed us that during rainy season the water level could reach as high as 7 feet which is above a person with 6 feet below, which is quite dangerous. We were lucky the rain just stopped. Heavy strike rain strike the place last night. And the water is fortunately low when we pass through.
The whole river trekking was a battle of might and strength. It tested our legs as we battle ourselves with the water while balancing ourselves to avoid from falling or slipping from the rocks. After the river trekking we ascended to a small cliff and traverse to a thick grassland area. It seems to me people rarely visit this place for the reason the trails are still unpaved with human footprints. And after several minutes we could hear the tremendous roar of the falls from a far. Making us more excited to see it up close. We face off with a technical trail as we descend to the final point of our trekking. So better grab yourself with some roots to safely climb down.
As we head down we were greeted by different sizes of boulders roaming from different directions and after a few shorts steps from the boulders the awe-inspiring beauty stun us with us magical wonders. It definitely made my jaw drop. Yeah, literally guys. After a few minutes of staring we settle down our bags and immediately grab our camera and snap some photos. After a few shots we explored every corner of the place before we took our lunch.
Stunning beauty beyond compare
It was a perfect site to relax, unwind and reconnect oneself with nature. After the sumptuous meal we feast ourselves with the cool and refreshing natural pool of Sta. Cruz. Some part of it are shallow and some part of it are deep. We feast ourselves with the fantastic site and refreshing water. It is truly an amazing way pampering oneself with nature.
Friendly Travel Reminders
Dry Bag – To keep your Electronics, Gadgets and Personal Belongings from being wet.
Hiking Shoes, Slippers, Sandals, Slippers or Flip-flops – Are highly recommended during this trip. You will be encountering several river trekking.
Water – You will need at least two (2) liters to keep you hydrate during the river trekking.
Medicine – Bring your personal medicine, no nearby pharmacy available.
Practice responsible waste management. Don’t leave your trash anywhere.
Mingle with the Locals – You will learn a lot from your native guide.
After several hours of bathing and swimming. We decided to pack up and returned home. Before I sling my bag. I look at it for the last time. The exquisite view reminded me of something Walt Disney quoted “The wonders of nature are endless”. Which I strongly agree with. We live in a planet filled with enormous wonders of nature. Mother earth made magical beauty of nature we all could enjoy, spend at and savor. And we are fortunate to able to see and experience it. But we must also be responsible of taking good care of it so the next generation could enjoy and experience it.
Final glaze at Sta. Cruz falls before leaving the place.
Hey, there everyone I hope you enjoy journey with us. Stay tune for more adventure trips and outdoor travel with us. Have a wonderful day ahead of you.
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