Located in Brgy. San Joaquin of Calbayog City, Bangon-Bugtong- Bugtong Falls is one of the most splendid and spectacular spots that is worth visiting. Anybody who would dare to visit the stream will be amazed to see a circular pond about 30 meters in diameter, wide enough for swimming and deep enough for diving.
The cascading water seems to come from streams which flow endlessly, resulting from the pressure of its disgorge, that becomes even bigger in volume and noticeable as the time of the day passes. It is said that Bugtong Falls is not only a tourist spot but also a potential source of power (electricity) for Calbayog City and its neighboring localities.
Visitors bring their own foods and beverages because no store can be found on the falls vicinity. The people of Brgy. Tinaplacan are hospitable that they are willing to guide visitors without asking something in return. Along the way, visitors will encounter coconut farmers preparing copras. One kilometer before the Bangon-Bugtong Falls, Larik Falls, one of the best falls also, can be found.
Bangon-Bugtong falls is a three-layer falls. Visitors have to walk on the riverbed and climb on the rocks to reach the highest layer. Caretakers of the said falls, made the way to the top easier by putting ropes on the rocks and on the roots of the tress on the waterfall side. The water level on the three layers differs from each other. First layer is about 3-6 feet, second layer is about 10-15 feet and on the third layer, it is not yet measured.
Children can enjoy their swimming on the first layer fall. It will take a minute upon getting from one layer to another. There’s a huge rock on the third layer which is good for setting up things like tent, foods, gadgets and others. The huge rock is not reachable by water. Eating, drinking and doing other outdoor activities can be made there.
There are no other villages or any small barangays can be found afterward so visitors can enjoy the fresh air there. They can also enjoy the splash of the falling waters which cause to make some rainbows. The water is cold and clean that the waterbed can be seen from above. Visitors can also enjoy the humming of birds and the noise of different animals.
The beauty of the Bangon-Bugtong Falls already captured the eyes of some celebrities like Bea Benini, Love Anover and the whole cast of the road trip show, “Lovely Day” of GMA7.
How to get there (From Manila):
By Air
Tourists who want to see the waterfall can directly catch a flight from Manila going to Calbayog City via Philippine Airlines, Airphil Express, Cebu Pacific or Zest Airlines with approximately 2,000php – 2,500php in a way trip. From there, you can hire a tricycle that will bring you to the place, an hour-and-15-minute ride, plus 45 minute walk to the vicinity of the falls.
By Bus
You may ride bus from Metro Manila at the Ali Mall Bus Terminal in Cubao and from different terminals in Pasay City along EDSA they are plying the Luzon-Visayas –Mindanao route that pass through the province. In Calbayog city, you can ride a tricycle that will bring you to San Joaquin and a 45-minute walk to the vicinity of the falls.