Nothing Short of Spectacular | Hulugan Falls, Luisiana, Laguna
Hulugan Falls in Luisiana, Laguna never fails to mesmerize anyone who lays their eyes on it.
Laguna is home to the largest lake in the country. In addition, it cradles a dozen of waterfalls that will surely make you want to swim the moment you see them.
San Salvador’s Sleeping Giant
We first visited this place back in 2014 after we were invited by a friend from Luisiana. From the welcome arch of San Salvador, the registration area outside the Brgy. Captain’s house is just a stone throw away.
After securing a guide, one of their Barangay Tanod on duty that day, we then started the trek. A few kilometers by foot along the dirt road, we reached the jump-off point near the top of the waterfall.
After crossing the river, we went down by using the foot path the locals used whenever they went to the falls. There aren’t any stores, resting areas nor any tourism related infrastructure in the area. It was relatively obscure.
Majestic and… (Add More Adjectives Here)
An hour passed from the registration area; all our efforts really paid off. Then there it was, Hulugan Falls was nothing short of spectacular. Spraying mist like crazy, the heavy downpour of water hitting the rocks underneath results in a thunderous roar.
This cascade instantly became one of my favorites.
It towers around 70+ meters high. Taking into consideration the Buntot Palos Falls of Pangil, or the recently explored Aambon Falls of Sta. Maria – Hulugan Falls is possibly the tallest one in the province of Laguna.
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There are also other smaller waterfalls along the traditional trail. There’s the Talay and Hidden Falls, around 15-20 minutes away from the trail. There is also another one, named aptly as Aliw Falls, which is 30 minutes away from the main road across Brgy. San Salvador.
The shortcut trail, albeit being steep and slippery will take you directly to Hulugan Falls.
A year later, word of mouth spread like wildfire through social media in 2015. And the lives of everyone in San Salvador was never the same.
Changing Lives
Fast forward to 2021, a lot has changed, not just for the locals, but the development in the area. I was a witness to the changes since I have been visiting every other year. Tourists started to arrive first in hundreds, now even thousands visit on a normal weekend (the impact to the environment though)
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The once dirt road leading to the jump-off is now paved all the way. Jobs has been created for the locals. A system of guides and accommodations has been set in place.
Imagine how ecotourism can change the lives of the locals for the better. So, if you’re reading this, be a responsible traveler, and follow Leave-No-Trace (LNT) rules!
How to Get There
- Hulugan Falls is located in Brgy. San Salvador, Luisiana, Laguna
- From Buendia or Cubao, ride any bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna and hop-off at Brgy. Pagsawitan. (Distance: 86 kilometers from Buendia, Travel time: 2-3 hours, Fare: 150-200php)
- Once you reach Sta. Cruz, transfer to Monster Jeeps bound for Lucban or Lucena, Quezon and ask the driver to drop you off at Brgy. San Salvador (Distance: 19 kilometers, Travel time: 30mins-1 hours, Fare: 30-50php)
- Once you reach the welcome arch of Brgy. San Salvador, ask the locals for the registration area, after the orientation you will take another tricycle going to the jump-off point:
- Registration Fee: 40php/pax
- Guide Fee: 500php for 10 pax
- Tricycle to Jump-off Point: 20php for three (3) persons
- Parking Fee: 40php (for private vehicles)
- Camping Fee: 100php (If planning to camp in the area)
- Shower Fee: 20php
- Trails:
- Traditional Trail – Longer but safer, will take you around 30-45 minutes to the falls. Through this trail, you can visit the Hidden and Talay Falls, it also has more rest areas.
- Shortcut Trail – Shorter but challenging. Will only take you 15-20 minutes going down but steeper and more slippery. The climb back is exhausting if you take this trail
- During summer months, there’s only a little water trickling down, so schedule accordingly during the rainy season, but be more careful as it is more muddy and slippery, and the water after a strong rain will turn the water murky
- Visit on a weekday, so you can have the place for yourselves.
- Practice LNT Principles. Do not litter!
Nothing Short of Spectacular | Hulugan Falls, Luisiana, Laguna
Updated July 23, 2021
