Hello Worldmappin Fam!

Alright, let me tell you all about Dodiongan Falls one of those spots that makes you go “wow why did not i come here sooner?” when you finally see it in person..

So first off getting there from Iligan City proper isn’t too much of a hassle but it’s definitely an adventure. You will take a tricycle or hire a habal-habal (those motorcycle taxis we all know and love here in Mindanao) and wind your way through barangay roads lined with coconut trees and small farm plots.

The ride itself is pretty chill you get to breathe in that fresh countryside air wave at locals tending to their gardens and maybe even spot a few kids playing patintero by the roadside. Once you reach the jump-off point it’s a short slightly rocky walk down to the falls nothing too tough, but I’d still say leave the stilettos at home okay?

The moment you round that last bend and see Dodiongan for the first time… man, it’s something else. Unlike some of the super tall waterfalls around here, this one’s about 20 meters high and splits into two main cascades that pour down over light brown rock faces streaked with green moss and hints of orange from mineral deposits.

The water does not just drop straight down either it spreads out like silvery curtains especially when the flow’s good after some rain. And that plunge pool? It’s this gorgeous shade of turquoise green that looks so inviting you’ll want to dive right in before you even think about taking photos.

Speaking of swimming yes you can take a dip here and trust me you will want to. The water’s cool and crystal clear perfect for beating that Mindanao heat. There are some flat rocks around the edges where you can sit and soak your feet or just hang out and watch other people splash around. I have seen families picnicking on the bigger rocks near the pool kids building little dams with pebbles in the shallower streams, and friends challenging each other to jump from the lower ledges (though i always say be careful the rocks can be slippery!).

What i love most about Dodiongan is that it does not feel overcrowded, even on weekends. Sure there will be other visitors but it’s never packed like some of the more commercialized spots. The locals who look after the area are super friendly too they will point out the best spots to take pictures tell you stories about how the falls got its name (depending on who you ask there are a couple of different tales!) and even sell you cold buko juice or grilled corn if you get hungry.

One thing to note while the walk down is easy enough the path back up can make you huff and puff a bit, especially if you have been swimming for a while. But hey that’s just part of the fun, right? And if you time it right maybe go early in the morning or late in the afternoon you will catch the sunlight hitting the water just right making the whole place glow like something out of a dream..

Oh and don’t forget to look around at the surroundings too. The area’s surrounded by lush green trees and bushes and you might spot colorful butterflies flitting about or hear birds chirping away in the branches above. It’s one of those places where you can just sit still for a bit listen to the sound of the water rushing down and feel all your stress melt away.

Whether you are a local looking for a quick escape from the city or a visitor exploring what Iligan’s famous waterfalls have to offer Dodiongan Falls is definitely worth adding to your list. It’s not about being the biggest or the most famous it’s about that laid back genuine vibe that makes you feel right at home in the heart of Mindanao’s nature..

Until my next travel blog
Thank you and happy reading everyone 😊