Mag-Aso a 75-meter high waterfalls that creates a smoky-like foggy effect with a clear turquoise green water is a perfect summer getaway and must-see destination for nature lovers, like me. The refreshing air, cool ambiance, relaxing gush of the water and beautiful green trees and flowers will surely take all your stress away. I remember during my college days this used to be our bonding place and escape from the busy college-life. Kabankalan is a first class and second wealthiest city in Negros Occidental. It is also tagged as one of the cleanest city Negros Occidental.
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My last visit to Mag-Aso Falls was back in April 2015 when I went home for my sisters wedding. My college mates and I had a mini reunion (we were only 9 in our batch so it wasn’t that hard to call for a reunion) and of course where else should we go? Since it was summer time, we all agreed to visit Mag-Aso Falls.
There were quite few renovations and additions to the camp but it’s refreshing ambiance was still the same. The swimming pools greeted us as we walk towards our cottage and it’s as if inviting us to plunge in the water. There were two pools in the area, one for the adults and one for the kids. The water that fills the pool also comes from the falls so there is really no need for you to wear proper swimming attire like swimsuit or trunks but if you really want to, by all means you are free to wear those.
There are different cottages stationed in the area. There are also few picnic tables that you can use in case the cottages are fully booked. As of the moment, there are two villas available if you want to stay overnight. Restrooms are also available but there’s a one-time 2 peso charge, I guess this will be use for the maintenance and/or salary of those who are maintaining the comfort rooms. Don’t lose your ticket as you will be showing it to the person in charge whenever you have to use the comfort rooms.
The falls itself is located at the lower part of the area (another perfect moment for hikers). The management made some stairs with railings down to the falls so it’ll be easier and safe for everyone but it’s still kind of fun because you’re like in a mini roller coaster. Going down is very easy but going back up will probably numb your feet.
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| It was summer time when we went there so the water was not that strong. Sorry for the picture quality. |
As the water cascades down the twin cliffs, it creates a smoky-like effect (aso is the local word for smoke) and the perfect turquoise green water is cold and relaxing. Beware though as there are lot’s of stone in the shallow part of falls and they’re slippery. For those who know how to swim (unfortunately not me) there is also a part where you can swim and enjoy.
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| View of the waterfalls from above. As you can see, that turquoise green water below is very clear which kinda creates a smoky effect as well. |
HOW TO GET TO MAG-ASO FALLS FROM BACOLOD-SILAY AIRPORT
Mag-Aso Falls is located at Sitio Dug-anon, Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City. It is 2-3 hours away from Bacolod City.
- From Bacolod-Silay International Airport, take a van (Php150/pax) or a taxi (Php500) going to the Ceres Liner South Terminal.
- From the Ceres Terminal, take a Bus with a Dumaguete-Mabinay Route.
- Inform the ticketing officer to drop you off at the Oringao old Public Market or Mag-Aso Falls.
- From there, take a tricycle or a motorbike (if you’re alone) to Mag-Aso Falls. It is a 15-minute ride. Take note that some parts of the road are very steep and bumpy.
Please take note that the Bus will have a short stop over at Kabankalan Ceres Terminal but that isn’t your destination yet. If you want to roam around the City and explore it first you can definitely do so. To go to Mag-Aso Falls from Kabankalan City.
- Ride a tricycle going to Kabankalan Public Market or tell the driver to drop you off at the Jeepney Terminal going to Oringao or Mag-Aso (all tricycle drivers know where it is).
- Tell the jeepney driver or “kundoktor” to drop you off at Mag-Aso Falls.
- From there, take a tricycle or a motorbike (if you’re alone) to Mag-Aso Falls. It is a 15-minute ride. Take note that some parts of the road are very steep and bumpy.
If you want to have a little bit of an adventure you can also hike all the way up to the falls. Just like us during college days, we used to hike it back and forth.
ENTRANCE FEE AND COTTAGE/VILLA RATES
The entrance fee is 50 pesos for adults while children up to 7 years old are free. Cottage rates depends on how big it is, it ranges from 200-300 pesos for day-stay. If you want to extend and stay overnight, they also have 2 Villa’s amounting to 1000 pesos per night good for as many persons as you can fit in, good for barkada overnight stay. You can also bring a tent with no extra charge. As for the picnic tables, I don’t have a specific price information if it is for rent or free if all cottages are full. I’ll update you once I got an answer from a friend working in the City government ;).
ARE WE ALLOWED TO BRING FOODS?
Definitely YES! I highly suggest that you bring your own food,in fact bring everything that you will need such as water and any other essential things. There is only one store in the area and there’s really nothing much in it.
Just a reminder, do not wander far from the camp and be careful as there are cliffs and sharp stones. Also, it would be much better if you bring an insect repellent just in-case you will need it.
Disclaimer: Pictures were taken almost a year or 2 years ago. Will update it when I have the chance to visit the place again.
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