Photo by Gay General

Apart from Maria Christina Falls, Tinago Falls is considered as one of the primary tourist attractions in Iligan, a metropolitan recognized as the City of Majestic Waterfalls. The moniker Tinago Falls was coined from a Tagalog word which means concealed or hidden since the falls requires an estimate of 500 downhill, winding steps before it can be reached.

The falls is around 240-feet high and is well-love for its picturesque waters, cascading magnificently into a deep, tranquil puddle which embodies that of a blue-hued lagoon that is ideal for swimming. Beneath the falls is a little cavern where tourists can come in and be drawn by the calming sound of the waters. Furthermore, it is believed that Tinago Falls is a haven for those with worn-out spirits who long to be one with nature. The journey towards the falls’ deep ravine immerses you to diverse flora and fauna.

HOW TO GET THERE

1. From Manila/Cebu/Davao-Cagayan de Oro (By plane via Cagayan de Oro) The closest airport to Iligan City is Laguindingan International Airport. If you are from Manila, Cebu or Davao City, you may opt to take a direct flight to CDO via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. 2. From Cagayan de Oro City to Iligan City From CDO Airport or terminal, take a bus heading to Iligan City at Balua Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal. Travel time is around 2 hours with an interval of 15-20 minutes before the next bus. Fare is @85 Pesos. 3. From Iligan City to Tinago Falls Tinago Falls lies in the middle of Iligan City and the municipality of Linamos, so two route options can be explored if you want to get there.

Buruun Route (Iligan City) : From Iligan City, take a jeepney that leads to Buruun. Inform the driver to drop you in an intersection to Tinago Falls. From crossing, hire a single motor or habal habal heading to the jump off point of Tinago Falls. Fare varies from P50-P80 per way depending on how you haggle with the driver. Also don’t forget that you need to hike for around 10-15 minutes to get to the entry point of the falls. From the entry area, you have to take around 500 steep steps downwards. So if you are weak-hearted and you are afraid of heights then it is not advisable for you to pursue Tinago Falls.

Linamon Route: From Iligan City, ride a jeep that leads to Buruan. Notify the driver to drop you off at the border of Linamon and Buruan. From the small market or Talipapa, ask the single motorcycle driver to take you to the Highland Resort , the jump off point of Tinago Falls. Don’t forget to bargain well with the price and to ask for the driver’s cell phone number so he can pick you up after. Fare ranges from 50-80 Php per way. Note:  Linamon route is deemed to be more convenient since streets are entirely paved. Moreover, Highland Resort has a more secured parking space for vehicles instead you choose to bring one.

Rates:

• Entrance fee – Php 10.00
• Cottages – Php 100-300
• Life Jackets – Php 20.00/ person(subject to negotiation)

Ammenities:

• The Small Cave
• The Magnificent
• WaterFall
• The 500-step winding staircase
• Swimming Pools