Ernest Hemingway once said, “You do not know how long you are in a river when the current moves swiftly. It seems a long time and it may be very short”, this quote holds true with our recent adventure in the wild waters of Pangi River in Maitum, Saranggani – so long yet so short.

With the goal of exploring the Western part of Saranggani, our team headed to our first stop in Maitum, Saranggani. What’s so special about this town is that it offers a popular sports activity known as White Water Tubing. This sport activity almost has the same thing as what white water rafting offers only that adventurers like us, will have to sit on a tube while taking on the mighty currents of the river. And oh, did I mention that is an individual adventure? Not that you take it out on your own because you have your guide at your back, but you can’t propel against the water together with your buddies like what white water rafting usually does.

La union, Maitum

Going There

Maitum is 9 kilometers away from the highway of Maitum Proper and from the drop-off point; you will have to traverse again for another kilometer to get to the Pangi River in La Union. Upon arrival you will have to undergo some briefing before you head on to start the challenge. Below is our actual journey wherein we rode a hired motorcycle to drop as off on the site. A guide is also shown here in the picture while he performs demo on how to properly ride the rubber tire with tube.

Going there

The Adventure

Our adventure started as soon as we had ourselves ready and the right apparel on. We were then asked to lie down on the tube. Guides were assigned to each of us to help us navigate through the waters and help us up should there be instances that we fall. It was their firm instruction to never let go of the rubber handles because it will keep our balance against the rapid waters.

Rapids

Boulders and the extreme rush of the waters kept the adventure very exciting! Its strong current will not only sway you through the rapids but will smack you down if you can’t keep your balance.

The entire journey is not all about rapids though; you come to pass as well gentle streams of the river. This is the time you enjoy the scenic beauty surrounding the river and enjoy the cool breeze of fresh air.

I survived!

You know you’re done when you survived the rapids and wear the biggest smile. I just did (look at my picture) and I survived!

Cost: The total cost of the adventure excluding the travel en route to Maitum is Php160.00 (Php150.00 for the adventure and Php10.00 for the environmental fee)

Tip: It is advisable though that you book your adventure ahead of time for the guides to prepare all the things that you will need for the adventure.