Things to do in The Philippines: Ingkumhan Falls

Another day another trip it seems we will never run out of things to do in The Philippines. Many of the local tour guides had been going on and on about these secret waterfalls to go check out and looking at the airbnb 'experiences' section we were able to find the name and find them on the map. So we hopped on the scooter and away we went. It was about an hour ride and not far from the Tarsier Conservation area so we were feeling pretty confident. We took the costal road along Bohol and kept going passed the turn for the road leading up through the jungle. a couple miles up there was another turn and we took it again heading up into the jungle. There are no signs for the falls so we just kept looking at the map to see when the turn was coming up. There were no turns other than into little housing areas. As we continue down the road another scooter pulled up next to us.

"Hello!" the man yelled over the sound of the motors.

"Hi!" We replied. People in this area are very friendly and lots of people honk and wave and say hello. (In fact, a couple of kids had run out into the road to highfive us as we drove by.)

"Are you looking for the waterfalls?"

"Yes."

"Follow me" He said, "I'll show you, The road is hidden and rough." So we followed him down into one of the little housing areas and parked outside of a house. A man came out with a notebook and we signed our names and wrote what country we are from. We paid a small parking fee.

"My name is Bob, I am a local tour guide." The man who escorted us down to the parking area said. "I will show you the way." We followed Bob down a trail into the jungle and then down some stairs. the jungle gave way to a beautiful lagoon with bright blue water and water cascading down a craggy rock face. It's unlike anything I'd seen in my entire life.

Bob led us up a path on the side of the lagoon and showed us where we can jump out into the water. It felt very high. I climbed halfway down and jumped from there. Grant, however jumped from the "Level One" cliff jump. Bob explained there are three levels you could jump from. Grant said "What's level three?" Bob took him up the cliff side again only instead of stopping at level one they continued up. Bob then shimmied up a tree stood up on a branch and said "Make sure you jump out" and then he was gone in a splash. When he resurfaced he said "Monica get the camera" So I did. With a deep breath Grant looked up and threw himself out into the water!

Bob asked about our plans for the rest of the day. We told him we were thinking about going ziplining.

"I know a shortcut." He said. "I'll take you after this!"

Part 2 of our day with Bob coming soon.