Swimming in Hydro Falls
Benguet is a mountainous province, and as gifted as it is in rolling hills, it is also scattered with a plethora of waterfalls, caves, and other natural landscapes. No wonder it is a tourist destination. One of the many hidden treasures of Benguet is Hydro Falls, which stirred our adventurous spirits to go and see it.
Hydro Falls is a beautiful 3-tier waterfalls located at Camp 6 Baguio City, along Kennon Road. It is said that before it became known as a tourist spot, it was a site for small-scale mining. We found a cave in the area before the falls, but it is blocked and so we cannot enter. A multitude of boulders would be found before reaching the falls, each with different characteristics and identity. Many of the boulders are gigantic with weird shapes and some are difficult to climb up to.
Don't forget to take lots of pictures!
If you seek adventure that much, you could go the hard way and trek the boulders to reach the waterfalls. It's so fun to act like spiderman and feel like a hardcore cliff hiker haha. If you think this is too much of a hassle, you could walk in the periphery and avoid the boulders; but trekking through them is unavoidable as you get near the third tier of Hydro Falls. It is advisable to wear hiking shoes or running shoes, or whatever that has a nice grip to avoid slipping.
Also found are disconnected mini-pools, some of them deep enough you could drown, or a perfect pool to just dip in and relax. Pass through these mini-pools and avoid making your gadgets swim in it! Haha
Preparation before going to Hydro Falls took almost one week, most of it spent convincing and inviting as many friends as we could. You know, the more the better! In the end, there were only 9 of us. Bring many snacks to the falls because I'm telling you, you'd be wishing you're eating one entire lechon.
Upon reaching Hydro Falls, the third tier would be the welcoming sight. All of the tiers are so deep, so be careful and don't dip in the water if you don't know how to swim. Hydro Falls is indeed beautiful and magnificent, but there's a certain vibe to it. I can't quite put my finger in what I'm feeling, but it kinda feels like it's enchanted. Like there's something surrounding the falls. Anyway, be extra careful because there's a reported case of drowning in the area.
The second tier can be reached through another hiking. The start of the trail is located at the right side of the third falls if you are facing the falls( Please don't be confused, ignore this sentence if you don't understand). Anyhow, it is easily visible. Be careful on the way to the second tier because the trail is so steep and rocks may fall off on your ascent (and your descent too if you're going back).
It is very dangerous, especially into the descent to the 2nd tier, because one wrong move and it may be the cause of your death (maybe I'm exaggerating, but that's exactly what I felt). It can be reached after 5-10 minutes. It was so rewarding after I reached the second tier, mainly because I was alive and because of the view given by the vantage point at the second tier. It felt like we had our own private waterfalls! haha. The pool is more shallow than in the third tier, but there are still deep parts.
It's so scary! I'm really glad I came back alive. Hahaha
The second tier is shallower than the first.
Goofing around with Team Lakwatsero
If plummeting in the water is what you're into, then you should be ecstatic upon reaching the second tier of Hydro Falls. There is about 30 feet high vantage point, perfect spot for cliff jumping. Be careful on your way, though. One mistake and you'd plummet to your death.
Swoosh! Applaud Ms. Inna Cheyenne Gewan for braving that cliff-jumping stunt! Haha.
Oops, awkward. She had bruises after the jump :(
We didn't reach the third tier, but it is difficult to climb up to and hiking gears are needed in order to reach it.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Jeepneys bound for Camp 6 are located behind Jollibee Harrison Road. Ride in it and tell the driver to drop you off at Hydro Falls.
The fare costs 17 pesos. Take note of the Lion Head and after getting pass through this landmark, look for a waiting shed which has a hanging bridge behind it. The driver should drop you in this area. There are also comfort rooms, sari-sari store, and I think, a gas station nearby. If you are not coming from Baguio or has a private vehicle, take note of these facts. It's not quite easy to locate, I daresay.
Cross the hanging bridge, turn right, and residential area would be found. Just ask the local residents for the path leading to the falls, or just hold sight of the boulders and surely, you'll get there.
Upon reaching the boulders, continue walking and look for signs of water. Follow the path of the stream and continue walking until you reach a bifurcation. To the left you'd see a heap of boulders, and to the right are boulders and stream of water. Walk straight up to the right. Upon reaching this, you'd be rewarded with the sight of Hydro Falls. In this area, you'd find the cave I mentioned earlier.
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