Buntot Palos Hidden Falls
Location: Brgy. Balian, Pangil, Laguna
Height: 80 meters (this info is from pinoymountaineer)
Travel Length: 2.5 hrs (based from our experience)
Local guide said that there are those who could make it in 45min, though in average 2hrs is best.
Falls Background: Based from some gathered info from local folks and bloggers no one really knows why it was called Buntot Palos (Eel's tail). Our guide said that he came there guiding tourists and hikers alike hearing the name 'Bunot Palos' but does not know why. Other sources claims that it was called such because it resembles an eel's tail from an aerial view (I have to see this for myself once I got hold of a drone :) ). Before, Buntot Palos was a truly hidden beauty for only few people knows about it. My first time here was way back college and the route going in is not as populated as now. Though still a beauty, it is not hidden anymore from tourists and hikers alike, thanks to multitude of blogs and promotions all over the net, not to mention being one of the most accessible falls destination from Manila. Be prepared for jam-packed outdoor goers during summer. I advise that you schedule your trip here when it is school season, weekdays or weekends, for only a few people come to visit.
Location: Brgy. Balian, Pangil, Laguna
Height: 80 meters (this info is from pinoymountaineer)
Travel Length: 2.5 hrs (based from our experience)
Local guide said that there are those who could make it in 45min, though in average 2hrs is best.
Falls Background: Based from some gathered info from local folks and bloggers no one really knows why it was called Buntot Palos (Eel's tail). Our guide said that he came there guiding tourists and hikers alike hearing the name 'Bunot Palos' but does not know why. Other sources claims that it was called such because it resembles an eel's tail from an aerial view (I have to see this for myself once I got hold of a drone :) ). Before, Buntot Palos was a truly hidden beauty for only few people knows about it. My first time here was way back college and the route going in is not as populated as now. Though still a beauty, it is not hidden anymore from tourists and hikers alike, thanks to multitude of blogs and promotions all over the net, not to mention being one of the most accessible falls destination from Manila. Be prepared for jam-packed outdoor goers during summer. I advise that you schedule your trip here when it is school season, weekdays or weekends, for only a few people come to visit.
My intention for revisiting this falls is first to check the security of the place, as I have heard several cases of theft from other mountaineers. Secondly, all because it's nostalgic. My first visit was roughly around 7 years ago, having no idea about documenting my wonderful experiences outdoors. And so, to accomplish what I was not able to do before, I have to visit it once more.
I've searched for some sample itinerary for Buntot Palos. There are a lot to be found especially from similar blogs such as this. Upon finding one, I edited it a little gauging the capacity of the group and the motive in mind.
Here's our trips itinerary
0430H From Alabang, Star Mall
0500H Bus to Sta. Cruz: Stop at End Terminal
0715H Jeep tp Siniloan: Get off at Brgy Balian Outpost
0750H Register at Outpost & Get guide, Breakfast
0830H Start Trek
1045H Buntot Palos
1400H Resort/Wash up (I forgot the name of the resort, but some blogs says it's Nissy's)
1500H Back to Manila
We are all coming from Las Pinas, although one of us came from Bacoor, Cavite. Anyway, the idea is to get on a bus headed to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The alternative way is to head towards Rizal. I did not choose the Antipolo-Rizal route for fear of traffic, though some says the travel time is the same, it boils down on where you are near and most comfortable.
It really amazes me on how we were on the dot with our IT, I felt like I've seen through the future. Not to mention our pacing was a bit relaxed.
I've searched for some sample itinerary for Buntot Palos. There are a lot to be found especially from similar blogs such as this. Upon finding one, I edited it a little gauging the capacity of the group and the motive in mind.
Here's our trips itinerary
0430H From Alabang, Star Mall
0500H Bus to Sta. Cruz: Stop at End Terminal
0715H Jeep tp Siniloan: Get off at Brgy Balian Outpost
0750H Register at Outpost & Get guide, Breakfast
0830H Start Trek
1045H Buntot Palos
1400H Resort/Wash up (I forgot the name of the resort, but some blogs says it's Nissy's)
1500H Back to Manila
We are all coming from Las Pinas, although one of us came from Bacoor, Cavite. Anyway, the idea is to get on a bus headed to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The alternative way is to head towards Rizal. I did not choose the Antipolo-Rizal route for fear of traffic, though some says the travel time is the same, it boils down on where you are near and most comfortable.
It really amazes me on how we were on the dot with our IT, I felt like I've seen through the future. Not to mention our pacing was a bit relaxed.
Want to read more? See more pics and details of this climb, just click the link below!