pongas falls

We decided to take the challenge of going to the falls without a guide. We drove our truck south from Sagada. Turned left towards the caves. Followed the really nice smooth road down (went right at the fork) an parked at the top before the steep part to Akeling. There is a white sign on the left. Then our adventure began. We took the steps to the right of the sign and walked and followed them in the direction of the hills. We found out later that we didn't go the most direct route. But this didn't matter, our adventure through the villages, talking with every local person, the pigs, dogs, chickens, ducks, etc. All of it was beautiful. We finally made it to the falls... And we were the only ones there. The view from them is breathtaking. All around it was a great way to spend a morning. And stopping for some basketball with the school kids on the way out was another bonus :)

This is our first stop in Sagada the road going to Pongas Falls is narrow, muddy, rocky and elevated so expect that you will be climbing on some rocks and will slip in some muddy area. After 45 minutes of hiking and trekking we finally saw the falls from afar it is beautiful. We continue to climb some rocks and went closer to Pongas fall after 15 minutes we are right in front of the amazing falls the wateris so cold, clear that even the nature around it is inviting us to take a dip and so we did...

I cant leave Sagada without visiting this attraction. After the thrilling cave connection a day earlier, we opted to bring our truck to the jump off point going to Pongas. We cant be too exhausted as hubby had to drive from Sagada back home. We woke up at 7am, had a brief breakfast, then we met our guide near Shamrock. It was a 30 minute drive from Shamrock passing/ascending narrow and winding but smooth road. There are a few rough roads but overall, the route is manageable.When we reached the jump-off point we parked our vehicle and hiked for about 45 minutes climbing the steep and slippery path, crossing a "hanging bridge" and passing through the farm, terraces and residences of friendly locals.The experience of Sagada local life was unforgettable. There was this dog who followed us from the jump off to the first village we passed by, little chicks stranded on the the sewers agitating the mother hen, children who never failed to smile and elderly people greeting us. Its so rural and simple which made me miss my childhood.Then came the slippery path...Again I have to remove my flip flops. I love the feel of earth on my feet. The water is so cold but refreshing. You will be looking down from a hundred feet of elevated and narrow footpath. Scary but worth the adventure. The we heard the splashing. Yes it's the majectic Pongas Falls. So pretty sight with big boulders and all. We wanted to dip into the cold water but cant risk hiking back to the truck freezing. If unable to arrange for a Bomod-ok Visit (like me) this is a must see in Sagada. Reserve the last day for it.

We did this the day after we did the cave connection. We were still recovering from the aches of yesterday's activity and we were again doing a heavy physical activity. The first part of the trail is steep, then a scenic view of farm land. Then moving on to jumping different rocks, passing by a number a small falls. This is an enjoyable hike. The falls itself is magnificent. The height and the pressure of the water was amazing. On our way back, it started to rain and so it was so slippery but still was able to get back before nightfall.

We were unable to go Bomokod Falls so we settle in Pongas falls instead. However, the trekking was all worth it. The view in the falls is beautiful, but you cant go dipping for long because the water is freaking cold.

Pongas Falls was just opened to the tourist trail a couple of years back and is now making its mark as Sagada’s new most extreme adventure. The Lumiang – Sumaging cave connection is still the popular choice, but the trek to Pongas is slowly gaining ground as the main attraction to best try once in town. Those who have been to Sagada before went back as soon as they found out there’s a new Pongas attraction – that includes me. Hearing that a newly discovered series of falls (initially reported as the “7-Falls Wonder of Sagada”) just tickled our curiosity and sent us packing to go back right away.The hike to Pongas offers a 1-hour river-trek going up, which adds to the mystique of the whole adventure. You will pass by a series of smaller falls and plunges, and it gets better and better as you get nearer to the main falls. Be careful not to slip on the slippery rocks and on the rice terraces along the way. When you start to see Pongas and the its immediate surroundings, you’ll be captivated by the cascades. Wrap the trek up by having a dip at the ice-cold main plunge, but there are other spots there where you can just literally chill. Going down the falls, there’s an easier trail carved at the side of the mountain and it will take you just 30mins back to the jump-off point.If you’re the hardcore adventure junkie, avail of the extension tour! You will have to scale Pongas to get to the higher and more breathtaking falls. From what I heard, there are at least 4 more taller and more imposing falls up there, and will require you to spend the whole day for the extension tour. When we get back, we’ll definitely try it. You’ll be surprised to know the local Pinoy celebrity who got to those falls first.Hire an experienced guide at the town proper, be on your dri-fit get-up and start your Pongas adventure now.Gie and Pipo

After almost 1 hour of trekking in some rice terraces, big boulders of rocks will welcome you at the foot of the 3majestic waterfalls. Its such a photographers' haven. I will never get tired of having great shots all the time!I dislike how the tourist are leaving their trash such as the candy wrappers around the place.

Sagada is a place for people who clamour for adventure.It definitely means doing intangible things and beyond measure activities a city life cannot offer.The rocky trails and quite steep cliffs route to Pongas Falls just made the whole trip FUN!The walks along the dikes and some muddy areas were totally bearable coz when you reach the series of falls,you might not wanna find your way back as the sight was spectacular!The quick plunge at the small pool is a must do as well!My friends and I vowed to keep Pongas Falls as one of the best places to visit in Sagada.Forget about how hard it was to get there,Sagada afterall is a place to brave the unexpected!

I did this trek with 2 other guys, we had 2 guides from Saggas, one carried our stuff whilst the other led the way up the waterfalls. We scaled all 3 waterfalls and saw Tap-Ew falls at the end, having a swim in the freezing plunge pool. This trek was just what I wanted, off the beaten tourist track and through the real countryside. We spent 8 hours trekking through rice paddies, climbing up waterfalls using ropes and rock hopping up river. All in all, it was an exhausting but exhilarating trek, very rewarding, the views of the valleys and rice terraces are unrivaled.Do this trek if you are looking for something more challenging and to get away from the tourist trail. Didn't another soul on the trek except for the occasional farmer.

we went there with friends unfortunately i had not reach the exact location because the road is very slippery with cliffs on side and i was scared for i have poor balance, i suggest they will improve the road, install hand rails , it was so dangerous for first timers like me i wont suggest for not experienced trekker or mountaineer, no safety measures installed.

We were one of the first to visit this place and I can actually say we almost died there. The guide didn't know the path, got lost several times. He made us cross on the EDGE OF THE WATERFALL, didn't tell us that we will climb a FOUR STORY WATERFALL. We were totally unprepared for it and it was a very traumatic experience. If they offer it to you, make sure that you make them explain to you in great detail what to expect. But based on what we've experienced, I doubt if it has changed or if they could still change it.