A Royal Destination | Prinsesa Falls, Caraga, Davao Oriental

---

There were only two places in my itinerary that day, Pusan Point and Mindanao Saga Flying Club in Mati but the quick visit in Pusan left me with a lot of time to spare for a spontaneous trip.

Prior to the trip, I knew there were one or two waterfalls in the area. Based on Google Map it's very near from the highway. I decided to give it a go! I've been in all sorts of vehicles; motorcycle rides give me the most thrill amongst inland transport. I feel so alive and one with the world around me. The photos below were taken on our way to my next stop, a royal waterfall.

Gladly, the young driver knew where Prinsesa Falls is located. I bet it's a famous destination even for locals here in Caraga. Soon we found ourselves in an unpaved, muddy path. I told the lad he could drop me and I'd walk the rest of the way but he insisted on taking me nearer the waterfall. During that ride I spotted water randomly springing left and right. It makes sense! There's ammassive waterfall nearby; water is bountiful in this area.

He dropped me in the midst of houses, coconut trees and such. The problem? There was no trace of a waterfall. I asked around, reached the house that collected the entrance fees and proceeded to the waterfal afterwards.

Who would've thought that behind what seemed to be a normal countryside neighborhood lies a massive and stunning waterfall? The waterfalls was bigger than I expected; with the unique curved shape of the cliff from where the water falls, the cascades were somehow divided into three parts, one on each side and one in the middle.

You could say that for a while, I had the entire waterfall to myself. Maybe guests had enough of the waterfalll that they spent more time in the swimming pool built a few meters away from the falls. I'm glad I came on a weekday, too; there were only a handful of guests which translates to a more peaceful stay.

After exploring and taking photos of Prinsesa Falls, I took a quick and refreshing dip in the waterfalls. It was a very hot day, an ice-cold bath was all I needed to recharge!

Before leaving Baganga, I brought packed lunch with me. I wasn't sure if I could easily find a carinderia in Caraga; the best way to ensure I won't go hungry is to bring food with me. I had the best spot to bring out my packed lunch: the waterfall!

I ate my lunch by the waterfalls, my feet dipped in the cold water, my eyes kept staring back and forth at the nonstop flow of water everywhere. It was one of the rare moments that reminded me that happiness isn't difficult to find. You only have to be in the present, acknowleding all there is for you to experience. "What a good life this is!" I told myself.

It was a pleasant surprise to find this warm swimming pool. And because my entrance fee gave me access to the pool, I didn't miss the chance to swim here together with a few kids and teens. Not long after, I dressed up and left to Mati.

---