Only few places are gifted with waterfalls and Kapatagan is so lucky to have two. One of which is the Cathedral Falls and the other is Sta Cruz Waterfalls. These two waterfalls are very opposite as Cathedral Falls being so accessible while Sta Cruz Waterfalls is a bit hidden.
When in Kapatagan, you can visit these two waterfalls in half a day. Just an easy ride going to Cathedral Falls and a combination of commute and walk in going to Sta. Cruz Waterfalls.
I have a separate article on Cathedral Falls so this will all be about Sta. Cruz Waterfalls.
I have my first glimpse of Sta Cruz Waterfalls in 1995 when we are having a tree planting in the area. In the same year, we come back upon the kick-off program for the Araw ng Lanao del Norte. I am a high school student then. We have participations in the parade as members of the school band. I can still vividly remember the muddy roads we are marching on until we reach the waterfalls. There are lots of visitors coming from different municipalities in the province. The highlight of our participation is the time when we walk back towards the main road. Since the road condition is not that good, we escape from it, we just follow the river. We walk along the riverbank, walking along the rocks and even braving ourselves in crossing the waters. It is fun doing it.
After 20 years, I have a chance of visiting the place again. No more existing roads leading to the waterfalls. What we have now are farms with lush vegetation. The hanging bridge that is existing before are also long gone. So now, the trek going to the falls is a bit challenging.
From Kapatagan Town Center, take a 20-30 minute sidecar motorcycle ride going to the jump-off area. The regular fare is Php 15-20 per head. You may ask the driver to drop you off before Sta Cruz Bridge; it’s the third bridge from the town proper. A not-so-visible signage of Sta Cruz Waterfalls was built at the jump-off, left side before the bridge.
I can’t calculate the exact distance from the highway going to the falls but on a good weather and lower water levels, a 30-minute walk will take you to the waterfalls.
A short walk from the highway, you may approach somebody at the first house on the left side. They have the logbook there for the visitors. You have nothing to pay at the registration. They can also guide you in going to the Sta Cruz Waterfalls and it’s up to you how much you will give as a tip to your local guide. It is also best to coordinate with the Municipal Tourism Office of Kapatagan and the Barangay Office of Sta Cruz before going to the falls. Since I am from Kapatagan and I have been there also, I braved myself and my friends a quick adventure to the waterfalls.
After registration, you may start to walk following the narrow passage under the coconut trees. You will pass along some farms that the residents are tending. They cultivate several crops like corn and mongo. It will be somewhat a long walk in the farms before reaching the river.
Now, the river doesn’t have the hanging bridge anymore, you will need to cross and walk along the river to get to the other end. During rainy season, it is impossible for you to cross the river as the water level also rises. So if you plan for an escape to Sta Cruz Falls, check some week-long forecasts for a sunny weather for your enjoyable and safe journey.
Upon crossing the river, be very careful in choosing your way. You may opt to walk on the rocks but make sure it’s not slippery and moving; you may easily get out of balance. Only few meters walk along the river and you will get to the other end.
Before, there is a concrete walkway on the other side of the river before reaching the waterfalls. We still can see it now but sometimes unpassable due to tall grasses. The only way is the narrow passage usually used by the people farming around the area. As we really don’t know the farming conditions in the area, better equip yourselves with proper trekking gears to protect you from getting bruised on the grasses.
The adventure for sure is so worth it upon seeing the stunning waterfalls. Its unique feature is the wide range of waters dripping like a curtain. Unlike the Cathedral Falls that the waters concentrate at the center, Sta Cruz Waterfalls offers a kind of an approximately 20-30 meters wide waterfalls. Maybe it’s best to see it with lots of water but keep in mind; we cannot come here at high water levels as well.
On a good weather conditions, the water basin is so tempting for a swim. It is discouraged to swim since we don’t have any lifeguard in the area. Maybe you can take a dip on the side. Sometimes, the water also is murky. We really don’t have a best day for a swim into the waterfalls unlike Tinago Falls in Iligan which you can swim all year round.
For now, coming to Sta Cruz Waterfalls is just for the adventure. Anyway, all the efforts will pay off upon seeing this spectacular creation.
There are no restrictions if you want to do a picnic in the area. Please be responsible on the garbage. What you bring here shall not be left here, let us be wary on proper disposal of our garbage. By the way, we do not recommend you to drink the water at the waterfalls. Please source out from proper potable sources or simply bring your own water.
I encourage you to visit and discover this hidden gem of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. Do not be miss this when in Lanao del Norte.
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