UPDATED: August 2019
These information and tips on this world-famous destination close to his home for the cheapest tour of Pagsanjan Falls if you're allergic to usual travel packages offered by travel agencies-- the best guide you'll see on the Internet for this famous tourist spot.
Picture of Pagsanjan Falls (right) used with permission from Barok (hey, thanks)
The true name of Pagsanjan Falls is Magdapio Falls and actually located in Cavinti town.
There is a cave behind the waterfalls named Devil's Cave
The river is called Bumbungan river that cuts through a gorge lined with lush vegetation and various small waterfalls.
The 1979 movie Apocalypse Now winner of 1979 Academy Award, Cannes Palme d'Or and Golden Globe winning American film set during the Vietnam War. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starred Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Dennis Hopper, and Robert Duvall. (The surfing scenes were shot on the beaches of Baler, Aurora)
The upstream boat ride takes about an hour while the return trip is just around 45 minutes.
Each boat (banca) sits 4 people, two boatmen with paddles who jump from rocks on the way to steer the boat, and two tourists.
Cost of Pagsanjan Falls boat ride rate:
PhP1350.00/head standard rate for local and foreign tourists
This rate includes the use of resort lockers and washrooms after the boat ride
P1250.00 boat ride
P100 pagsanjan falls entrance fee
P500.00 cottage for lunch at picnic area
Pagsanjan Falls Package Tour:
1. Drive down or commute to a Pagsanjan Falls Resort
2. Pay the standard rate of PhP1250.00 which includes lockers and washrooms
3. Ride the rapids
Estimated budget is PhP2,000.00/person all in
Map of Pagsanjan Falls (click to see full resolution picture) courtesy of Pagsanjan LGU:
*There are also "optional" tips asked by boatmen and the ones manning the raft at the waterfalls (that gives you some sort of spa/hydro massage treatment)
Pagsanjan Falls Budget:
bus fare as of May 2019:
P148.50 fare from Cubao to Sta. Cruz (HM Transport)
P140.20 fare from Taft/Gil Puyat to Sta Cruz (Green Star)
PhP8.00 jeepney fare from Sta Cruz to Pagsanjan
PhP50.00 tricycle fare from Sta Cruz to Pagsanjan should you not take the jeepney
Note: an alternate access to Pagsanjan Falls is in Cavinti (where's it is really located). You need to go to Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park and Picnic Grove located at Brgy. Tibatib, Cavinti, trek and rappel down the falls aand back up. Entrance fee of PhP270.00
Commute time from Cubao to Pagsanjan via air-conditioned buses and the short jeepney ride is around 3 hours.
Browse the Map of Pagsanjan
Important Telephone Numbers:
Pagsanjan Police Station +63.49.808.4045; +63.49.821.0422
Tourism & Cultural Development Office +63.49.808.3544
Christian General Hospital +63.49.808.4051
Dr. Guillermo Chin Medical Clinic +63.49.808.4812
Pagsanjan Medical Clinic, Inc. +63.49.808.4228
Banks, ATM and Money changers:
There is an ATM in Pagsanjan by Banco De Oro (near Shell Gas station, Mercury Drug, 7-Eleven and Pagsanjan Municipal Hall, others near by are those in neighboring Sta. Cruz town, a short jeepney ride away. Money changers at resorts/hotels or Pagsanjan Rural Bank and Rural Bank of Paete near the town plaza.
Some resorts and hotels accept Visa, Mastercard credit cards.
Fiesta and Festival:
Town Fiesta is on December 12 in honor of of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the town's patron while there's also the annual Bangkero Festival, schedule varies in April, with boat race, street dancing and other activities.
Tourist Traps and Travel Tips:
You may opt to bring waterproof cameras, or casing to protect your gear.
Should you take the bus to Pagsanjan from Cubao or Pasay/Taft, there are times when a man will approach you inside the bus and offer to take you to a resort via a tricycle. Nothing unusual or wrong with this. Tutubi has seen it many times particularly with foreign tourists, usually Koreans. Stiff competition from thousands of licensed boatmen is to blame for incidents like this.
There are large billboards on the highway leading to Pagsanjan reminding you of the standard rates (PhP1,250.00 all in) for the boat ride with inclusions plus warnings and important telephone numbers.
Book only with resorts and inns to be safe from "enterprising" people. Don't talk to people offering rates other than the standard price for the boat ride.
Most of the time, you don't need to book a room or check in at a hotel/resort. There are cheap places where you can just rent a locker for a minimal amount that comes with use of a shower after shooting the rapids.
Beware of people offering you boat ride to Pagsanjan Falls far from Pagsanjan. There have been reports of people forced to cough up more money in addition to the standard rate.
There are reports about "optional" tips from boatmen who have their own standard rate. This is bad for tourism in the long run. those boatmen are only thinking about a day's money not knowing such practice can kill the thriving tourism industry just like years ago when "shooting the rapids" was de-listed by the Department of Tourism due to the presence in the past of pedophiles, mainly foreigners, looking for "naked boys swimming" in the area.
If your travel agency has a van waiting for you in Sta. Cruz, chances are there are also police escorts to accompany you to Pagsanjan. It seems local tourism officers pamper tourists but in the process disregard traffic rules thereby relegating ordinary citizens to mere spectators watching policemen blatantly disobey traffic rules just to please foreign tourists.
Where to Stay: Pagsanjan falls Resorts Inns, Lodges, and Hotels:
Pagsanjan falls is just a day tour for most people but if you want to stay for the night, there are many resorts from pricey hotels to cheap inns in town from simple and affordable Bonanza Resort to touristy La Corona de Pagsanjan Hotel. Telephone numbers of resorts and hotels below:
Pagsanjan Rapids Hotel +63.49.808-4181
Pagsanjan Falls Lodge and Summer Resort +63.49.808.4209; +63.49.808.4251
Pagsanjan Garden Resort +63.49.808.4451
La Corona de Pagsanjan Resort Hotel +63.49.808.1752
Lolo Tuge's Landing and Lodging +63.49.501.7550
Pagsanjan Paradise Resort +63.49.808.5494; +63.49.808.5493
La Vista Pagsanjan Resort and Landing Area +63.49.808.1229
Magdapio Hotel, Inc. +63.49.808.4128
Bonanza Landing Area and Restaurant +63.49.821.0409
Camino Real Lodging House +63.49.821.0051; +63.49.821.0016
Tropical Inn and Restaurant +63.49.808.4697; +63.49.808.5677
Rio Vista Lodge Resort +63.49.808.2210
Fresh & Green Lodging House +63.49.808.4498
818 Lodging House +63.49.821.0409
Wendy's Resort +63.49.821.0283
Monetevel Resort & Restaurant +63.49.808.6403
Pagsanjan Palm Resort
Pagsanjan Riceland Hotel and Restaurant
Lagaslas Picnic Area (Entrance Fee: P20 daytour, P200 overnight camping site/campsite)
*call the contact number or visit official website for room rates, day tour rate, sample restaurant menu or swimming/entrance fee. No information on cheap accommodations; pictures to follow also.
Other Waterfalls Along the Route to Pagsanjan Falls (Magdapio River):
Monkey Falls
Kalay Falls
Bridai Veil Falls
The First Falls (Talahib Falls)
Hugusan Falls
Lingkagang Malaki
Where to eat in Pagsanjan (restaurants):
The ultimate Pagsanjan Restaurant is Jollibee at Pagsanjan Public market on the highway :P
Seriously, mostly on the mainroad (Manila East Road):
83 Gallery,
Binalot sa Dahon Bar and Restaurant
Pansitan sa Plaza Restaurant
Dura-Fe Restaurant
Aling Taleng's Halo-halo Since 1933
Calle Arco Cafe and Restaurant
Hana Japanese Restaurant
Yellow Bell
Deco's Bar Grill and Restaurant
Barrio Ihaw-ihaw Restaurant and Videoke
Hidden Garden Restaurant
Ningning's Fastfood Bulalohan
Foreplay Bar and Restaurant
Rajah Sulaiman Restaurant
Emin and Mila's Canteen
Balai Ilocos
New Ylaya Bakery
Lolo Tuge's Halo-halo
There's also these places in nearby towns:
Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay
Isdaan Laguna Floating Restaurant in Calauan
Chef Mau Restaurant in Liliw
Exotikk Restaurant in Kalayaan
Tutubi's tip: Look for the matamis na calamansi (sweetened Philippine lemon) at Aling Emma's Kakanin in front of Step Rite footwear store near Pagsanjan church. It's said to be a favorite of the late actor Fernando Poe, Jr. but unknown to most people of Metro Manila. Try also old-style New Ilaya Bakery on Rizal St near Pagsanjan arch selling heirloom breads and biscuits.
Other Interesting places to See near Pagsanjan:
Old Churches of Mabitac, Pakil, Paete, Longos (Kalayaan), Cavinti, Majayjay, Pila, Luisiana, Liliw, Magdalena, Nagcarlan.
Old houses and historic square in Pila, Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan, paper mache and wood carvings in Paete, Barong embroidery in Lumban, Tsinelas in Liliw, Caliraya Lake, Japanese Garden in Cavinti, kesong puti (white cheese) factory in Sta. Cruz
How to get to Pagsanjan Falls:
How to Commute to Pagsanjan Falls: Board a HM Transport bus, with terminal on EDSA, Cubao near Victory Liner, going to Sta. Cruz/Calamba (fare: P148.50) or Green Star Express with terminal on Taft Avenue near corner Gil Puyat (Buendia) and LRT Gil Puyat station (fare: P140.20)
then drop off at the Jam terminal in Pagsanjan. Board a jeepney bound for Pagsanjan, Lumban, Paete or Siniloan then alight at your destination resort or inn (or ride a tricycle).
Driving Directions to Pagsanjan from Makati: from SLEX take Calamba exit then head straight to Calamba. turn right at Calamba junction and follow this road and highway until you reach Pagsanjan (after Los Banos, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta Cruz towns). There's parking inside the Pagsanjan patio or inside your resort/inn of choice.
Directions by car from Quezon City, it's faster to take the Rizal route by going to Marcos Highway, turn right at the junction Masinag Wet and Dry Market, on reaching Antipolo intersection turn left going to Baras (straight ahead leads to Antipolo Church while a right turn leads to Hinulugang Taktak) where you'll pass by Teresa, Morong, Baras, Tanay, and Pililla towns of Rizal province before reaching Laguna towns of Mabitac, Siniloan, Pangil, Pakil, Paete, Kalayaan, Lumban then finally Pagsanjan. Follow only the highway in getting there where you'll pass the zigzag road of Manila East Road with great views of the shimmering Laguna de Bay.
From Lucena and Lucban, Quezon: there are jeepneys plying the route Lucena to Sta. Cruz that pass by Pagsanjan, Cavinti and Luisina. Jumbo jeeps that go to Lucban, Quezon terminal at Pagsanjan town plaza.
Commuting from Cavite: board the Pagsanjan or Sta. Cruz vans at Pala-pala terminal in Dasmarinas, Cavite (near Robinsons Dasmarinas and SM). Board a jeep for Pagsanjan (or Lumban, Paete, Siniloan) or a tricycle to your destination resort.
Bus Companies:
DLTB
Terminal: Taft Avenue in Pasay and Edsa, Cubao
Fare: LRT Gil Puyat Avenue to Sta. Cruz: PhP132.00
Trip Schedules: daily, first trip at 4am, last trip at 10pm
Green Star Express
Terminal: Taft Avenue near corner Gil Puyat, Pasay City (accessible from LRT Buendia)
Route: Pasay Taft/LRT to Sta. Cruz/Calamba, Laguna
Telephone Number: +63.49.808.3172; +63.49.808.3701
First Trip is 4am and last trip at 10pm with trips depart about every 20 minutes (there's no fixed schedule). There's no advance or ticket reservation, just show up at the terminal
HM Transport
Terminal: EDSA Cubao, Quezon City near Victory Liner terminal
route: Cubao, Quezon City to Sta. Cruz/Calamba, Laguna
Pagsanjan Terminal Contact Number: +63.49.821.0531
Cubao Terminal Tel. No.: +63.2.416.6192
First Trip is 4am and last trip at 10pm with trips depart about every 20 minutes. There's no advance or ticket reservation, just show up at the terminal
HM Liner route: Alabang, Muntinlupa to Sta. Cruz/Calamba, Laguna
(note: ordinary buses only)
AH Transportation
Route: Lucena City to Infanta Real via Lucban, Tayabas, and national highway of the towns of Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan, and Famy in Laguna
Terminal: Lucena City, Quezon; Famy, Laguna; Infanta, Quezon
Bus terminals of the three is in Brgy. Pagsawitan, Pagsanjan, Laguna
(jeepney drivers call the terminal Jam, after Jam Transit. Jam Transit is also the company behind Laguna Trans.)
Note: there's an alternative route to Pagsanjan Falls via Cavinti with entrance fee to Pagsanjan Falls price of P270.00 only but with trekking and rappelling instead of boat ride
UPDATED: November 2016 (the best travel guide to Pagsanjan Falls)
Related Posts:
Bunga Twin Falls
Laguna Waterfalls
Kalayaan Twin Falls
Taytay Falls, Majayjay
wao! this is like the directory of Pagsanjan! i've got a better idea, bring us there yourself =)
ReplyDeletewow you changed your format. well, i think there is a need for this now since more and more people can afford to travel.
ReplyDeleteei J, if i can find the time for that.i prefer to explore other places i've never been to :P
ReplyDeletephoto cache, what format are you referring to?
galing! all the things and info for a Pagsanjan escapade are here already :)
ReplyDeletethe video clip is helpful in getting a glimpse of how enjoyable Pagsanjan trip is going to be.
Very useful and informative post.
ReplyDeleteI went once, as a newbie in the Philippines (this was 15 (?) years ago), to a boat ride there.
It was a nightmare... my brother had the same bad experiences a few years later.
Honestly, I will probably never try a boat ride again in Pagsanjan (EVER). By the way, I still see large groups of people jumping at my car if I show the slightest intention to stop in Pagsanjan.
Of course, I am almost a local now ;-) and they would have a hard time to cheat me. Anyway I was there for the Bangkero Festival and I made peace with the people of Pagsanjan;-)
I don't know how it historically grew but those "fixers" and "boat men" are probably the most aggressive in the country.
I won't elaborate too much but I will tell you a funny story.
Fifteen years ago I took the bus from Manila. At the same time a young man boarded the bus. He asked to sit next to me and he started a conversation. Of course I talked to him. When we arrived in Pagsanjan he asked me 500 pesos because I hired him (sic)to be his official guide to Pagsanjan.
And that was just the beginning of my long long nightmare in Pagsanjan...
I could write a novel ! ;-)
orange, pagnsanjan falls is more of the journey and less of the destination
ReplyDeletesidney, thanks for the "short" comment. it's really bad some people think only of the day and not tomorrow by being pesky to tourists.
Galing ng site mo bro! Very informative. I will be there at Pagsanjan this coming May 19 at mejo nagre-research then this site comes up. Nice post.
ReplyDeletegeri, thanks. hope you enjoy your trip to pagsanjan. do also drop by to my hometown :P
ReplyDeletethank you for this wonderful site... my soon to be korean husband is actually nagging me for weeks now about seeing pagsanjan falls-- he heard a lot about it daw from fellow koreans... i kept on telling him i dont know how to get there but he'd often say ""research"".. haha.. thanks a lot...
ReplyDeletehi! we went to pagsanjan last saturday and we really had a great time... medyo naturn-off nga lang kami when we got back to the resort coz since foreigner yung kasama ko, we were expected to give a generous tip. however, the companions of our boatmen were forcing us to give more... it was even posted in any wall the local could post that forced tipping is illegal... sa mga foreigners, di naman uso ang tip talaga coz for them, a price is a price... but my fiance has been generous already... but he's still happy coz we really had a great time together...
ReplyDeletejehan, glad to be of help. it warms my heart for you to come back here and leave another comment plus your gratitude.i created this blog just for this purpose
ReplyDeleteI went to Pagsanjan Falls and it was also a great experience!
ReplyDeleteThe pesky flaggers and boatmen were a nuisance! The boatmen were asking 200 pesos each. Apparently, this has been happening for so long already. I don't think it will be going away anytime soon.
marvin, those people worry more about day to day earnings but not the damage their "tips" do to the future of their tourism initiatives. turn offs for other people
ReplyDeletehi there! im new in this site..me and my husband want to visit pagsanjan as well..do you guys have any idea how much is the house rent in laguna? like in calamba or bay area? is there a lease like 6 months contract or advance deposit to rent a apartment over..please response..thank you
ReplyDeleterichiel, in paete, you can get a nice house with 2 rooms for P2.5k/month but i don't know the rate in calamba, probably more expensive.
ReplyDeleteis lunch included in P660 boat fare?
ReplyDeleteanonymous, last week I passed by the town again and saw on the billboard that Pagsanjan falls rates for banca ride is now PhP800.00 per head. And no, it does not include lunch nor your resort/accommodations
ReplyDeletehi.....
ReplyDeletevery very informative..... helpful to me who plans to visit overnight May 10.....
we will be coming from villa escudero..... how do i get to pagsanjan???? and travel time please?
thanks
jean
jean, i suppose you have your own vehicle. to get there, it's best to pass by San Pablo via Calauan town then turn right on the highway going to Sta Cruz then pagsanjan. not much traffic there so i guess around 2 hours is conservative. if you don't have your own car, ride a jeep to san pablo city, transfer to a sta cruz-bound jeep then another short jeepney ride to pagsanjan. 3 hours probably for jeepneys are so unpredictable
ReplyDeleteHi..Nice post you have there..What do you think is a better alternative to pagsanjan since i've been seeing a lot of bad feedback about it..
ReplyDeleteD_A, i don't know of others like the thrill of it. try white water rafting but that's a different category. Tip really is to get to accredited resorts and hire your boatmen from there. Complain if you found boatmen to overcharge you. Pagsanjan thru Mayor Ejercito should really crack the whip on abusive boatmen or risk tourists avoiding their town
ReplyDeleteThis website is really worthwhile. During my college summer vacation at the University of the East in Manila, I used to spend my vacation in Pagsanjan every year. I have the chance to see the Pagsanjan Falls in 1976 and thattime the boat fare was really affordable, around P100.00 and the tip was already included. My late grandmother used to live in front of the church and beside the Pagsanjan River. I want to see the Falls again when I go in July of this year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the information and comments posted.
thank you for this post very helpful!
ReplyDeletehi!i read this site and its very informative!i think someone can help me out,,on june 7,my 4 japanese friends and i are going to hidden valley resort located at alaminos,laguna.its just a day trip and we are planning to stay a night in any hotel near pagsanjan because we wanna experience the shooting the rapids boat ride early in the morning.i checked the la corona de pagsanjan resort but unfortunately they will close the resort starting this june,im really having hard time to book to any acrredited resort near pagsanjan because they dont have their own website,i also called the numbers written from pagsanjan.org but they are all not in service,,can u introduce me to someone who can help me to have a reservation near pagsanjan or any useful contact numbers..kindly response..thanks!
ReplyDeletesheryl, i'll ask my sister in paete if she can ask around for updated phone numbers. keep your fingers crossed :P
ReplyDeleteWe are going to Pagsanjan this weekend and staying overnight in Caliraya. Could you please recommend a resort we can use as a take off point for the boat ride? Also, what is the best time to do the rapids - morning or afternoon? Thanks.
ReplyDeletemlozam, i don't recommend going there these days due to rains and typhoons. The storm might sweep you away and the water is turbid (muddy colored)
ReplyDeleteThe boat ride is now PhP1000 per person. Going there now, and the main falls is now open after of days being closes due to the rains.
ReplyDeleteLA VISTA PAGSANJAN RESORT&HOTEL IS IDEALLY LOCATED NEAR 7-11 IN FRONT OF MERCURY DRUG&shell gasoline stn.YOU CAN SEE POST W La Vista signage,see our yellow mediterrenean bldg..fullof flowering plants...GOING TO PAGSANJAN FALLS
ReplyDeleteat the back landing area of the hotel wherein the bangkeros are waiting for our guests..after exploring the beauty of nature, we have our clean cozy rooms for you to relax...our website www.lavistaresort.multiply.com
email..lavista_pagsanjan@yahoo.com.ph
tel no.0495011229/09073324065/09183011775
will go there this weekend. is it a good time? thanks!
ReplyDeleteanonymous, your only problem's the rain...if it rains it's sometimes dangerous and during rainy season they have chocolate water (brownish, muddy, turbid)
ReplyDeletehi...
ReplyDeletethis site is very helpful..
me and my family are planning to spend halfday only at pagsanjan then go tagaytay. do we need to rent an Inn to take a shower or there are public showers near the place? what is the best time to get there? 7 am do the boatmen sail?
thank's God Bless you!
anonymous, there are resorts there like La corona who offer lockers and shower use for daytrippers, no need to book rooms/accommodations. 7am is fine, lots of boatmen raring to shoot the rapids for you
ReplyDeletehi! i've been doin' some research for info on pagsanjan and your site is the most helpful--thanks! =)
ReplyDeletesayang lang the resorts don't have websites, i think? i mean, i'd like to know their rates na rin sana. so i don't have to call each resort long-distance mode. nagtitipid lang. =D
-joycemorrison
joycemorisson, as much as i like to inlcude the rates, i can't for change so fast and i end up with unupdated post. sorry too that the resorts and hotels don't have official websites :(
ReplyDelete^hey tis not your fault! your info is already a most helpful guide. =) you'll now be one of my references for future trips/destinations as well. thanks again! ;>
ReplyDelete-joycemorrison
hi, i'm planning to go to pagsanjan 2 weeks from now as part of my laguna hiking adventure. any tip where shod i stay? should i go to liliw first and check-in there or do vice versa. i will just take bus coming from makati. any suggestion? thank you
ReplyDeleteHi, please blog about hidden valley naman especially how to get there by commuting. Your site is such a big help for those on a shoestring budget like me.. thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteanonymous, many resorts in pagsanjan are just on the main road, you can visit them by walking from one another or just short tricycle rides away.
ReplyDeleteanonymous 2, i've never been to hidden valley though i know how to get there. it's also not high on my list as my shoestring's shorter than yours :( will post about it one of these days
hello po... id like to ask help on your guys....im planning to go to paete, liliw and nagcarlan then lastly villa escudero. can somebody help me on how to get there by public transportation? pls po..
ReplyDeletebale, the plan is to go to paete first.. so:
1.paete
2.liliw
3. nagcarlan
4.villa escudero
and how long will it take to go to paete from antipolo.. then how long will it take to go to villa escudero from nagcarlan...
thanks for the help!!
anonymous, from
ReplyDeleteantipolo to paete is around 2 hours and 2 rides (Siniloan then jeep to Sta. Cruz passing by paete)
paete to liliw is about an hour and 2 rides( ride a jeep to sta cruz, alight in Jollibee Pagsanjan, an area called Sambat on the highway then transfer to a Liliw-bound jeep)
liliw to nagcarlan is about 15 minutes and 1 jeepney ride
nagcarlan to villa escudero probably 2 hours (not sure though as i've never took this route before). ride a jeepney to San Pablo then another jeepney/bus to Tiaong (not sure about the last mile going inside Villa Escudero as i've never been inside the popular yet not-so-cheap resort :(
Hi Tutubi,
ReplyDeleteYou are the best! For 2 days, I've been looking for information on how to get to Pagsanjan Falls, rates etc. and your site have all the info that I need.
Thanks a lot for posting this. You've been a great help!
Cheers!
Chingy
chingy, 2 days? hmmm I really need to work on getting a higher ranking for this page. i mde it the most informative post on pagsanjan falls tour, rates and other info and yet it's not on the first page of Google :(
ReplyDeleteHi - Great info here, Tutubi!! As a solo female traveler, can you recommend a resort or inn through which I should book my Pagsanjan Falls boat ride tomorrow am?
ReplyDeleteI'm planning to catch an early Green Star Express bus from Pasay and was hoping to be back in Manila around 3pm or so, is this doable?
Thanks for your help and kudos again to your great website!
hi Ronna, hope you had a great time. i missed this comment of yours by an hour. You can get there early morning but the trip back to manila is about 3 hours so you have a very tight window schedule. you need not check in also at a pagsanjan resort, there are resorts there where you can just rent a locker and washroom facilities like at La Corona de Pagsanjan
ReplyDeletehi! thanks for the info. very helpful. i'm planning ahead for august 2010. i know it's rainy season so i'm trying to c if it's worth it to go to pagsanjan? last time, i didn't c the main falls and the waters were all brown. =( how long do i have to wait after rain before it would be good to c pagsanjan falls? (a couple of hours, a day, a week?) also, would it still be good to see if i arrive there like 4pm afternoon? what's the latest run that's safe to go?
ReplyDelete-cathy
p.s. i think ur ranking up google since u came up 3rd from top on my search =)
Anonymous, sorry but don't expect the water to turn from brown/muddy during the rainy season as it's mostly like that during the rainy months. Going there too is unpredictable that flash floods or sudden surge in currents in dangerous. August is right smack in the middle of the typhoon season and so I advise to observe the weather well before continuing with your pagsanjan falls tour.
ReplyDeletebtw, what keyword did you use in Google? Did you just type "pagsanjan falls"? or pagsanjan falls tour? please try just "pagsanjan falls" and let me know of the result. thanks
thanks. i guess i'll have to wait until another time! i typed "pagsanjan falls tour" in google and u came up 3rd (today ur 4th). i tried "pagsanjan falls" and did not see your blog (i stopped at like page 5, 6). i suggest adding it in your metadata keywords if u know how to do that and if your blog app allows u.
ReplyDeletehello poh..
ReplyDeletemy friends are planning a nature trip this coming april..
we are all from bulacan are..
ask ko lang po sana f paano makakapunta sa pagsanjan falls f galing kami ng edsa?
magknu po kaya aabutin ng fare & un famous pagsanjan falls po b mismo may bayd f gusto namin mag-swim?
magkanu po kaya?
meron po ba dung cottage na pwedeng pag-stayan ng overnyt lang?f meron po magkano?
just wanna know po para makapag-budget kami..salamat po
anonymous, all answers to your questions are already posted above, please read. The only one not answered there is that swimming is allowed and free at pagsanjan falls but not the ride on the bamboo raft (balsa). PLease inquire at several pagsanjan falls resorts for current rates.
ReplyDeleteanonymous (the other one), i need more incoming links to this post. I notice a few bloggers asked me for info but didn't link this post when they posted their own account of the pagsanjan falls tour :(
ReplyDeleteMy question is how the hell do you get transport to Pagsanjan to stay there. no one seems to want to supply transport to the city itself, but only interested in day trips. Can anyone suggest good reliable private transport companies that are not too expensive, or maybe details on how to get to the city by bus
ReplyDeleteanonymous, seems you're another clueless foreigner ranting for something not common here in PI. if you want private transportation in the philippines, there are usually vans for hire (vhires) posted on internet forums but i recommend those referred by your friends
ReplyDeleteThanks this is very useful and this will be my family's first trip to the falls(Easter) -- hope it looks good during the summer?
ReplyDeletehello! nice blog, very helpful... will visit next month after the elections... :) Is there other resorts there that offer lockers for day trippers other than La Corona? i can't access their website. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeletevery nice blog and very helpful.
ReplyDeleteTutubi, Can you recommend any hotel that has a PACKAGE for the ff: use of pools, boat ride going to the falls and stay overnight?
we're planning to go to pagsanjan next week april 30 - may 1. or maybe may 1 only.
thank you so much for this info! we're going there soon kaya am so happy to find this blog.
ReplyDeleteHi there, nice post for us foreigners...
ReplyDeleteI plan to go there with families maybe in several days from now...however, we have a child (4 yrs) on board...
would you still suggest for us to take the ride?..d u think it'd be safe enough?...
So, La Carona provides licensed boatmen or what? And the fare would also be 1000 php/head ?
I plan to rent a van...any suggestion for us to tell to the driver? or probably he'd know it already? thx..
anonymous, don't ride the boats when it's raining, moreseo with a child in tow. river water may be brown these days as it's always raining. yes, P1000/head price of pagsanjan falls boat ride standard. you can request your resort to refer to boatmen to avoid miscreants. pagsanjan is fairly accesible, ask at the police station for directions and not those men swarming around visitors
ReplyDeletethanks for this very useful posting. i'm heading to the philippines for the first time this weekend and want to go to pagsanjan using local transport as you suggest in your guide. just to be clear, should i expect to be asked to tip in addition to the 1000? i'm a solo female traveler and totally new to the philippines. i just want to be ready for how firmly i have to say 'no' to people, but also not be insulting, if a tip is more or less expected.
ReplyDeletethanks!
hi anonymous, hope this reply reaches you in time. boatmen usually expect tips particularly from foreigners, but you're not obliged. I only warned about some (hopefully not all of them) who thinks a tip should be S.O.P. and not really out of gratitude or incentive for a job well done. just request from your chosen pagsanjan falls resort (where you can rent lockers for your things and shower washdown after the boat ride) trusted boatmen and you'll be ok.
ReplyDeletehi. your site is truly very helpful. i would like to know if it's a good time to go to pagsanjan falls now. i plan to go tomorrow. how's the weather there?
ReplyDeletethanks and keep up the good work!
jose, sorry for this reply didn't reach you on time. it's quite rainy here in laguna. i'm from paete and passed by pagsanjan on my way to liliw
ReplyDeleteHello there Tutubi..
ReplyDeleteCan we visit there in February? Is the place great during that month?
Thanks,
Carlo
anonymous, definitely! february is a great time. not too hot though I wish PAGASA weather forecast is wrong on the rains during summer :(
ReplyDeletei and my friends went our way in laguna yesterday, WE tried LA VISTA PAGSANJAN which is conveniently located walking distance to pagsanjan plaza, shell, mercury, andoks and 7-11..OUR room is very clean and cheap only 350 per night for two pax.. and thanks to ms.beth the lady so generous..boatriding to falls an experienced ill treasure in my life..soooooo beautiful!!!!! u can visit their website at www.lavistaresort.multiply.com or call 09077313831/ 0495011229, a treasure in pagsanjan
ReplyDeleteHi can u advise how much tip to give we are going to pagsanjan tom. I am filipino mestiza but my husband is english so we are sure to be hounded! Also should we book with la corona we are just doing a day trip JF
ReplyDeleteI am mestiza goin to pagsanjan tom wat u wud recomend as an amount for tip & should we book via la corona
ReplyDeleteanonymous, go straight to your hotel where accredited baotmen will take you there. no need for tips, it's not compulsory unless you like the service and you're feeling generous
ReplyDeleteAstig ang site na to..All infos are here na.
ReplyDeleteWe went to Pagsanjan falls last Sunday and really had a great time and great experience….Thanks God!
ReplyDeleteVERY INFORMATIVE :) THE SAME RATE PA RIN KAYA NGAYONG SUMMER KAHIT PEAK SEASON?? THANK YOU!!!
ReplyDeletehi there! your site is really very helpful..super thanks. recently lng nmin nalaman na may 3days off kmi and nakakabaliw maghanap ng place kung san pwde pumunta. then i found ur site, which is very imformative. thank you very much...
ReplyDeleteanonymous, there's no such thing as peak season rate and off-season, low season rate in pagsanjan falls, only the current standard boat ride rate of PhP1000.00 all in. up to you to give tips, if boatmen are too persisntent, report them to the mayor or tourism officer.
ReplyDeletehi. this is a very informative site. i'm planning to go here on the first week of may with a friend. is it easy to find boatmen to take us there? we are just planning on commuting so is it easy to rent a place where we can put our things while going to the falls?
ReplyDeletewe been there today i was so dissappointed to all working people there spcialy the guy who book for boat he cheated us to pay 1688 per head name of they station were we book the boat paradise something like that, dont ever go there coz they r players. I was mad to them coz no reciept after we pay it and he say no more hidden fee.. and the boatman they asking too much tips I thought its the costumer that decide how much tip they going to give!! they r allways trying to fool their costumers in this place in general i know others that experienced the same problem with other operators there too, useless management they just put alot of warnen bullitin but no action and no security personel, its a place out of control, !!so we r not happy at all. We been all over Philippines this place is not unike in any way when it comes to look, my advice... use the money elsewhere.
ReplyDeletejaz, as i mentioned above, this palce is full of (*&(*& looking for easy money. too bad the people of pagsanjan suffer due to bad publicity of those )(*)(*^%&^T :(
ReplyDeleteHi, ask ko lng po paano ung way once gling ka ng batangas (particularly galing nasugbu)? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteour company will be doing an ocular to one of the hotels at pagsanjan and will try to experience the rapids..
ReplyDeletei'm really wishing that the bosses will be satisfied so they could work on their tourists from russia to come & visit the philippines..
i am really praying that we will not encounter a bad boatride experience like what i have read in this blog.. too bad if it'll be coz we are from a travel agency catering russian & european tourists..
will get back on this blag soon after the ocular :)
http://laguna-ph.com/
Hi, your site really helped us prepare how much to bring, which is 1,000 for the boat and P90 for the raft. When we entered Pagsanjan, we asked a police to direct us how to go to the falls, he pointed us to a man who brought us to Afuang's Boats.
ReplyDeleteYou may need to know (for verification purposes) that we were charged 1,090 for the boat and raft and P250 toll PER person and P160 insurance PER person, totaling P1,500 PER person. And there were 5 of us. The budget we had for food had to go to the toll and insurance. We were surprised with this, but we paid anyway.
We truly enjoyed the ride and the scenery especially, as well as the waterfalls. We didn't expect though that we were also to shoulder the boatmen's (2 per boat) water and lunch! Not to mention their "tip." Would you verify for me if these charges were really legit? If not, it may need to be reported to the Governor who asks for these reports. Because it is discouraging future tourism. Thank you again!
been there last weekend! the boat trip to the falls is exhilirating and im giving my two thumbs up to the boatmen for their agility in literally pulling the banca, steering it between boulders and lifting at some point. the main waterfalls is a sight to behold and crossing it by raft and the hydro massage is a must. we enjoyed the trip and so as my 92 year old lola. apparently, she claims to be the oldest to cross the cave beneath the falls.
ReplyDeletemy negative feedback is, the tour is MASSIVELY EXPENSIVE and the boatmen are rampant in asking for tip. considering the physical challenge, we have to understand but at the same amount in palawan, you can explore the underground river that includes transportation from puerto princesa to sabang and vice versa, boat ride from sabang to the underground river, the guided underground river cruise and a sumptuous lunch by the beach! plus, tour guides dont demand for anything more than the standard rate! maybe, the tourism council and the local government of pagsanjan have to consider what the palaweños govern insofar as tourism is concerned.
anonymous, those boatmen really think tips are compulsory to the point of almost robbing tourists. they should stop it else tourists will stop coming.
ReplyDeleteHi.. I like this blog so informative... I used to travel different destinations in our country Philippines and would love to try Pagsanjan Adventure however I am now hesitant that is because of those negative feed backs about the people who operates the tourism industry. I love to enjoy with nature but if I'll experience the same thing if I'll go there better opt to other tourist destination. Sweet_ORMOCanon.
ReplyDeleteHi. Do we need to book a tour to Pagsanjan Falls or not? Can we just go there and hire any boatman when we arrive?
ReplyDeleteanonymous, you can go there and hire any boatman but i recommend you proceed to your resort of choice, rent lockers to store your things and take showers (after the ride). the resort has a list of boatmen and make sure they're logged
ReplyDeletehow much is the rate of boatride? we are planning to go there on december pls inform para may idea ako at di ako masingil ng mahal
ReplyDeletethanks
tess
tess, nasa taas po sa sagot sa tanong nyo kung binasa lang
ReplyDeleteA fabulous site for travel information..well done!
ReplyDeletePlease can you tell me..I have plans to travel to Pagsanjan region late November-early December,what are the weather conditions like at that time generally?
I believe the going rate for boat rides is PP1000?
How long is the ride? Is lunch included? Should we bring food and water along anyway?
Thank you in advance for your advice.. :-))
anonymous, much of your questions were already answered above. weather generally should be ok in november and december but pagasa warns of la nina so expect more rains
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteHad linked you on my latest blog post about my trip to Pagsanjan.
edsan, thanks
ReplyDeleteJust went there this morning. Updated prices are listed below:
ReplyDeletePhp 1350 per person (boat ride, tourism fee and to board the raft that'll take you to the falls itself)
We rode the Green Star bus from Taft/Gil Puyat to Sta Cruz -- Php 106.00; HM Transport from Sta. Cruz to Mantrade -- Php 136.50 and from Sta. Cruz to Cubao -- Php 148.50
hi im planning to go there tom am for an overnight stay. which resort/hotel would you recommend?yung affordable lang sana. yung ksama na sna sa amenities yung boatride. thanks!
ReplyDeletehi! we are planning to go on december 24, 2011 to see the pagsanjan falls saan po ang mas magandang hotel na sefety at mura lang na mag eenjoy kaming magpapamilya
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to go to Pagsanjan Falls and Daranak Falls (Tanay, Rizal) in the same day using public transportation? I plan to go to Pagsanjan Falls in mid-January with my girlfriend. Im thinking to take the bus to Sta. Cruz/Calamba then jeepney to Pagsanjan (as described). After seeing Pagsanjan Falls how can I get to Tanay? Is there a bus? Is this even practical? I dont want to hire a private driver because I know they charge at least P4000. Im trying to stay within a budget. By the way, Im American (dont know if that makes it more dangerous for me to use public transportation). --Dave
ReplyDeletedave, i hope you still get to read this. yes you probably can do it but hit the road after you finished pagsanjan falls. in pagsanjan, ride the jeepney to siniloan (fare about P20), then at siniloan public market, ride the jeepney to tanay. in tanay you still need to ride the tricycle to take you to daranak falls. travel time is around 2 hours from pagsanjan but not including waiting time. if you have your own car, cut it to 1.5 hours at most (just passed by tanay on my way back to manila)...good luck...your being american does not make you a target but expect stares from amused locals :P
ReplyDeleteYep, I got to read it. Thank you. I'm expecting to be there later this month. I still did not decide if I will hire a driver. By the way, great travel blog post. Also, I just saw your interactive map of Pagsanjan on another page ...amazing detail. --Dave
ReplyDeleteHi.. I would like to ask if it is possible to visit pagsanjan on daily tour only?
ReplyDeleteand how much it will cost me?
I have this idea of visiting famous places on Philippines.. and I think I should not miss Pagsanjan falls :))
thanks so much for help..
anonymous, pagsanjan falls is just a daytour from manila
ReplyDeletethank you for the comments
ReplyDeletedont feel like coming
We do have plans to visit pagsanjan falls this coming january 25,2012.We just want to know if how much in specific the cost of getting there on a day basis.
ReplyDeletebtw, can we do some camping there using our tents, if possible?
Really excited to visit the place...
thankss!
I would like to know the boat rate you have quoted i.e PhP1,000 is one way trip or return trip? I know it is late but tomorrow is my last day for travelling.
ReplyDeletethis is very informative.Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNatakot ako bigla dito sa mga nabasa ko tungkol sa mga boatmen. Buti pa sa palawan at hindi nangba braso ng tip ang mga boatmen. Kapal pala ng apog ng mga bangkero sa pagsanjan. Sayang ang lugar, maganda pa naman pero masama pala ang ugali ng mga bangkero diyan. Babalik na lang ako sa islang hopping sa honda bay at underground river sa palawan. Tyvm to those who posted their thoughts here. I learned a lot from you guys.
ReplyDeleteP1350 na per head?
ReplyDeleteP1375 info from the pagsanjan falls lodge front desk
ReplyDeleteHelp please advise on how i can go to alaminos, laguna by bus. i'll be coming from marikina city.
ReplyDeleteI want to print all the details and comments on this site and send them all to the governor, mayor, brgy captain and tourism officer of that place! My goodness! Posting warnings is NOT the solution! I hope this is not the only thing they could do about this problem. Are there no tourism or police officers stationed at the very start of the rapids even before tourists board the boat so that in front of the boatmen themselves they could orient the tourists and proactively prevent these unpleasant experiences. And in the event they still experienced any, they can immediately complain as they return and alight the boat. I found this website while researching for tips to go to pagsanjan. Best site Ive seen so far: detailed, the host obviously exerts so much effort to promptly respond, includes all "hidden" info one needs to know. I wish a truly honest, accommodating and competent boatman would be assigned to us when we try the rapids next week--one who epitomizes the true Filipino. And yes, after I post this comment, I will go to the pagsanjan, laguna government website and link this site. Hopefully, they would be more aggressive in responding to this concern and save their tourism industry and REPUTATION.
ReplyDeleteMunicipality of Pagsanjan tourism made a centralized boatman for each hotel in pagsanjan..meaning it is approved by the town mayor now governor. They are the one who give and choose boatmen for every hotel that need a ride going to the falls. Hotels in pagsanjan buy ticket from tourism for every guest who wanted a boat ride.. FEE regulated to be paid by guest is 1250/ pax...kpag more than this amount SideLinE un ng kaUsap nyo...Only 140 pesos per pax will be the income of the hotel if minus the operating cost..wala n halos mayoral lalo konti lang guest....how can a hotel will exist on that income...boatman earned 800 pesos per passenger..and the rest will gothe municipality... Government of pagsanjan made a mistake making this centralized boatman..kumikita Lang ay sila,Haag na kyo mag tip sa boatman.ang.hotel malaki gastos sa building,m staff, waterbill Dahl nags shower guest, electric bill. Pnapatay ng pagsanjan govt ang negosyo sa falls, hay sila na Lang ang mabuhay...
ReplyDeleteHi, im rosana a balikbayan from canada..we are from pampanga and my familyhere in pinas tried to explore on the south.. We went to pagsanjan falls last sunday.. Thru the info given to me by my friend na try na nila mga shooting the rapids. Ana my friend recommended to me LAvista Pagsanjan resort which is conveniently located near 7-11, andoks and plaza.. We stayed there for a night..we took the airconditoned rooms @850 only for two with own bathroom, cable tv, very clean and ms beth is very very nice..sobrang maasikaso at mabait..malinis...here is her cp no. 09129471843 . Their website is www.lavistaresort.multiply.com...Boatride fee is 1250 pesos per pax, legal rate. Tip is not mandatory. According to ms.beth boatmen in pagsanjan is now centralized and operated by tourism dept in pagsanjan..so hotels operating legally is under govt law,like them.. Sa iba kase sassvihin dw po ay mas mura but in the end mas mahal kase marami alibis and charges add on through the trip..kYa ingat po..1250 is the legal fee per pax all inclusive in shooting the rapids..
ReplyDeleteBecause of the generosity of ms. Beth i promised her to write a review of Lavista..they also have a fan room, also very clean tinignnan ko rn, but with a common bathroom only, price is only350-450 Per room for two pax.if you really wanted a safe trip, legal rate yung hndi kayo maiisahan o mgagancho..i strongly recommended Lavista pagsanjan resort..a minute walk to plaza,mercury, 7/11, andoks,lots of restos, supermarket, shell gasoline station...Ms beth also accept a meal order if you want because they also have a restaurant in Lavista dos..We came to visit Lavista Dos,because we wanted to maximize our trip to laguna, they have two swimming pools, videoke and yummy cheap food...entrance fee for swimming is very very cheap 55 adult,35 kids4ft below...over all im enjoyed my trip in laguna,
ReplyDeleteHello, I'm planning a tour and boat ride this coming April 13 and 20, 2013 with my friends from Manila.
ReplyDeleteI just confirmed the boat ride rate with Pagsanjan Falls Lodge and La Vista Pagsanjan Resort.
As of April 06, 2013, the official standard rate is Php 1,250.00 per head.
You are not oblige to give extra tips. Better if you can have an ocular inspection of the resorts and places especially if you are travelling in big groups - Teacher
Hello! Im a traveler backpackers..thanks to this site,i tried to contact Lavista Pagsanjan Resort thru the number here and so very greatful that i chose this place. Very cosy, clean, cheap and friendly nice people like ate Ms Beth. Their rooms are very cheap too but clean. No price increase as of 2015. Boatride fee is 1250 per person and we enjoyed our trip. Guaranteed honest legal no scam with Lavista Pagsanjan Resort..we also tried to see their Lavista fos in Lumban 5-10 minutes by jeepney and we ordered their yummy foods at very reasonable prices. For our group of four we ordered less than 1k bucks with full tummy... satisfied guest!
ReplyDeleteThe two pools are clean and warm spring a little hot, with videoke 5 pesos only!,yay... And the cottages were also very reasonable,we paid 150 for the mushroom cottage..a paradise full of different plants,trees, overlooking ricefields, so relax to look at.they also have rooms their aircon with own grilling place and tables w bench while catching up. For sure We will be back again! Thanks for the wonderful vacation!
1350 pesos per head? ripped off yan. just add 50 and you can rent a boat for 4 persons to hundred islands pangasinan. that amount per person has no lunch included? what a joke.
ReplyDelete1250 pesos per head? so expensive. if they want more income lower it down. More tourists local and foreigners more income.
ReplyDelete