Pyalitan Falls – Chasing Waterfalls in Maragusan, Compostela Valley
Challenging as it seems to reach Pyalitan Falls in Compostela Valley, but it made me bow down before its towering cascade as soon as I saw it.
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Coming all the way from Mati City in Davao Oriental, we ventured further north on our second day in Davao Region.
Compostela Valley, now Davao De Oro is often dubbed as the summer capital of Davao Region. Moreover, the climate here is cool almost all year round given that the elevation is around 1400MASL and it is surrounded by valleys and mountains.
Pyalitan Falls
From the jump-off point at the side of the road in Brgy. Dapongpong, a small banner will welcome you. Then we took a left turn following the established trail for about 15-20 minutes.
The first challenge to reach Pyalitan Falls was when I arrived at the first cascade. Moreover, you will have to rappel going up a small rock wall to scale it with the raging water on your side. I went alone this time since I still had to check-out the trail for my companion, the ensuing trail turned out to be risky for her.
Upon arrival at the second cascade, a large makeshift ladder made of local wood will lead you into an opening between boulders barely large for an adult person to fit.
This hole beside the second tier is formed by three boulders smacked right into each other. It felt like I was in the womb then pulled out into the world when I squeezed myself in. I even feared snakes were taking their naps at both sides.
Then Pyalitan’s main tier comes into view after a short walk along the river: a gash of white in between so much green foliage of ferns and creeping vines from both sides. The rush of chilled mountain water crashes down into a deep catch basin at an impressive height of 46 meters.
Simply put, this is another waterfall waiting to be rediscovered again for its sheer size and grand cascade.
The climb takes a toll on your limbs, leaving you with aching calves and stretched upper arms. But as I am saying, it is all worth it once you got up there.
You can also visit Marangig Falls which is thirteen (13) tiers which also happens to be the ones you’ll be passing through if scaling Mt. Candalaga
How To Get There
- From Davao Ecoland Terminal, take any bus bound for Maragusan in Compostela Valley, although trips as of writing is limited.(144kms,4-5hrs)
- Alternately, you can take buses bound for Nabunturan or Butuan and drop off at Nabunturan. Travel time is around 2.5-3hrs depending on traffic conditions (90kms)
- From Nabunturan, transfer to any buses bound for Maragusan
- Upon arrival in Maragusan, hire any habal-habal to take you to the different waterfalls in the municipality.
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- Pyalitan Falls is located in Brgy. Mapawa in Maragusan, cemented roads leads up to the jump-off point, although the maps is only up until the intersection (6.9kms from the town proper, then another 2.5 to 3kms going up)
- As of writing, there is an established trail but be sure to talk with locals first so they can find you a guide.
- No entrance fee, no stores around to buy drinks
- Pyalitan Falls is located in Brgy. Mapawa in Maragusan, cemented roads leads up to the jump-off point, although the maps is only up until the intersection (6.9kms from the town proper, then another 2.5 to 3kms going up)
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- It is best to coordinate with the tourism office of Compostela Valley first.
- We did the ComVal/ Davao de Oro tour through the help of our guide on a 2-day Mati-ComVal Tour. You can contact Junjie Salibay at 0997 794 8783 or Earl Salibay at 0997 762 5491
Itinerary and Expenses
This is part of our Mati, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley 2D1N Adventure
Day 01
0030 Arrival at Davao, Cebu Pacific (1,300php RT Promo Fare)
0045 Take Taxi to Ecoland Terminal (275php)
0300 Davao Ecoland Terminal, wait for van to fill up
0345 Depart for Mati City (250php/pax)
0730 Arrival at Mati, Breakfast, Meet Guide
0800 Start tour
0815 Sleeping Dinosaur view deck
0900 Subangan Museum (50php)
1010 Provincial Capitol
1020 Mati Baywalk, snacks
1100 Pangyan Falls (20php)
1300 Lunch at Mati City
1430 Dahican Beach
1730 Supply run at Market, check in at Tom’s Hometel
1930 Dinner
2200 Lights Off
Day 02
0500 Wake up, prepare for Ultralight Flying
0600 Ultralight Flying at Mindanao Saga Flying Club (2700php)
0730 Depart for Compostela Valley
0830 Capalagan Man Made Forest
1015 Tagbibinta Falls, Coronabe (20php)
1115 Pyalit Falls, Mapawa
1430 Late Lunch at Maragusan Bus Terminal
1630 Lake Leonard Kniaseff View Deck
1715 Mainit Sulfuric Spring, Maco (Back Massage 30mins – 150php)
1930 Mawab, Compostela Valley National Highway (Tour fee for 2 pax, 2,550php/pax)
1940 Bus Back to Davao City (225php/pax)
2200 Arrival Fracisco Bangoy International Airport
2345 Depart for Manila
Total Expenses: 3,220.00php for 2pax excluding food and Ultralight Plane Ride
Extend Your Trip
- Tagbibinta Falls – Chasing Waterfalls in Maragusan, Compostela Valley
- ComVal Untold: Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring in Maco
Planning to chase waterfalls in Compostela Valley? Drop us a message at the comments section below!
Pyalitan Falls – Chasing Waterfalls in Maragusan, Compostela Valley
Updated November 04, 2019
