1. Asik-Asik Falls
It is a spectacular-curtain-like waterfall hiding in the mountainous area of Upper Dado, Alamada, North Cotabato. Its unique landscape and breathtaking beauty spread online, which captured the eyes of the world. Who says "no" to its majestic wall covered with lush green vegetation, such as moss and ferns, highlighted by the hardwood trees and the clear blue skies. In between these hanging ornaments are cold and crystal clear rushing water naturally falling on a shallow rocky pool surrounded by artistic rocks and boulders. Such a perfect place to relax and distress.
2. Palipaz Falls
After Asik-Asik Falls, still via habal-habal, I was brought to many more super-hidden waterfalls in Alamada - they call it Palipaz Falls. Travel time is more than an hour passing by the banana plantation and wide remote areas. The roads are not concrete, and it's more challenging than I thought, but you will be rewarded with a picture-perfect landscape. Though it's not as grand as the Asik-asik, it still has an amazing and relaxing ambiance as it is surrounded by greens. By the way, Palipaz has fewer people, so you can own it!
Reaching these two waterfalls of North Cotabato was not easy. Though the highway is broad and concrete, the ascending and descending will definitely give you a breathtaking and remarkable experience. During my travel, the sun was shining brightly, but the wind was strong and cold, still, tan lines were formed because I was wearing sando. Not only that, but you will also experience the "tagaktak pawis" because going to these waterfalls needs countless steps.
How to Get to North Cotabato:
- From Manila, you can take a flight to Cotabato City, then take a habal or jeepney to the bus terminal in Poblacion; just tell the driver to drop you off at the terminal with a bus bound for Libungan.
- At the terminal, ride a bus bound for Davao City (make sure that it's a bus with 10 stops). Then, alight in Libungan Terminal. In my case, I was at the Poblacion area in Cotabato City, I rode in a jeepney to a bus terminal and alighted in Libungan Terminal, where I met Yson, my driver/tour guide.
Where to Stay in Cotabato City:
- I had a day tour in North Cotabato and headed to Davao City, where I spent an overnight. But Yson mentioned that there is a homestay in Alamada, so, it's better if you coordinate with him prior to your travel. If your exit is in Cotabato City, I spent an overnight at Carta de Amor for 500 pesos for a room with AC and TV. I added its location in Google Maps, just search "Carta de Amor." READ: 9 Days Solo-Backpacking in Sarangani Province, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Sur, and Davao City.