Malatan-og Falls – Chasing the Cigarette Cascade of Negros Occidental
Dubbed as the Cigarette Falls, Malatan-og Falls in Don Salvador Benedicto is a stunner that is truly worth the visit.
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Don Salvador Benedicto
Negros Occidental is not just about the MassKara Festival or The Ruins or Lakawon Island, but it is also home to Northern Negros Natural Park. Inside the park is the municipality of DSB or Don Salvador Benedicto.
This mountainous town is just an hour away from Bacolod City, which is home to its Baguio-like pine tree forests and untouched natural attractions.
From the South Bus Terminal in Bacolod City, we boarded a bus bound for San Carlos. A little over an hour later, we alighted in Brgy. Kumaliskis.
At over 800 meters above sea level, the surroundings were definitely the same as of that in Benguet for the forests and the cool climate in the area.
Then from the other side of the highway lies the Malatan-og view deck where you can see the waterfall from afar. There’s also a handful of small stores selling food and souvenirs where we had our snacks after registering and securing our guide.
Chasing the Cigarette Cascade
The journey starts on a series of gravel stairs that further leads down into a forested path. Moreover, the trail ensues into a clearing with coffee plantations and small rice terraces.
After a quick break in a resting hut, we treaded and followed the river upstream. After half an hour over slippery rocks and several river crossings, the sound of the gushing water welcomed us.
Malatan-og Falls is named as such since it resembles a cigarette stick from a distance. The cascade is considered to be the highest in Negros Occidental and will leave you in awe as you witness her undeniable beauty.
The chilling water at the basin is good for swimming and is a welcome respite from all the city stress.
Surprisingly, with its proximity from the highway, the attraction is devoid of human interventions and is as pristine as it gets. Kudos to the locals of DSB for a job nicely done!
How To Get There
- Malatang-og Falls is located in Brgy. Kumaliskis in Don Salvador Benedict, Negros Occidental
- From South Ceres Terminal in Bacolod City take any bus heading for San Carlos and alight in Malatan-og View Deck.
- Travel time is around 1 hour and costs 100php per pax
- From the view deck, register and pay for the entrance fee:
- Adults – 50php/pax
- Children/Student – 25php/pax
- Foreigner – 150php/pax
- Guide Fee is around 300php for a group of 5pax
- Trek going down to the waterfall will take you around 30-45 minutes depending on your fitness level
- Going back to Bacolod City, just wait for buses at the highway, they usually pass by every hour
- The trek going back to the jump-off is much harder, so it will take you twice the time it took than going down
Into the Land of Sweet Surprises – Negros Occidental
Updated August 21, 2021
