Tinago Falls is one of the premier vacation destinations in the Philippines. Known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls, Iligan in Lanao del Norte is home to this beautiful cascade. The falls got their name from a word in the Tagalog language that means “hidden,” and it aptly applies: once you have made your way to the site of the falls, there are five hundred steep steps that wind down the side of the cliff as the only entrance. While there are two ways to get to the falls, via Iligan City or via Linamon, you will still need to traverse the winding staircase in order to
Tinago Falls is approximately 240-feet-high, and visitors love the waters that magnificently cascade down to a deep, turquoise lagoon that begs for you to take a swim. Behind the cascade is a cavern mouth which allows you to see the falls from behind and relax with the soothing sounds of the waterfall. If you have a deep desire to feel as one with nature, local legend says that Tinago Falls is alive and draws weary spirits to its waters for restoration. Just the journey itself to the falls instantly immerses you in nature.
While many waterfalls are nature’s means of flowing water, Tinago Falls (as well as Maria Christina Falls) actually comes of the outpouring from a man-made lake, Lanao, in Baloi. This outpouring flows into the Agus River and splits into two channels before dispersing into Iligan Bay. The two channels create both of these falls on their way to the bay.
Regardless of the way you decide to travel, the means with which you travel will be relatively the same. You will travel by bus to either Barangay Buru-un or to Linamon. You can drive yourself if you so desire, but the roads here are better left to the locals to maneuver. At both destinations you’ll then have to switch your mode of travel to motorbike. Round trip fares are as low as 100 Philippine Pisos. Once you arrive, the remainder is on foot.
Entrance to the falls is just 10 pisos per person and, if you desire, there are luxury cottages for rent from 100-300 pisos.