Situated in the mountains of Iligan City and Talakag, Bukidnon, this gem is so hidden that only a few know of its existence. Nestled on the boundary between the two towns, this majestic waterfall goes by two names, depending on which town you ask.
Known as Limunsudan Falls in Iligan City, it is also called Mindamoro Falls by the people in Bukidnon. Although it has two different names, one thing remains true about this waterfall—it is one of the grandest and most wondrous waterfalls to exist in the country, or perhaps even the world.
Even though there is an ongoing dispute as to which town has jurisdiction over Limunsudan Falls, it is technically part of Iligan City. That is why the Talakag Tourism Office is in charge of its tourism efforts.
Limunsudan Falls nestles in the ancestral domain that stretches from Bukidnon to Iligan. This important piece of land is under the protection of the Ancestral Domain Law, Republic Act (RA) No. 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997.
Limunsudan Falls is a two-tiered waterfall with an astonishing height of 870 feet, making it the second highest waterfall next to Aliwagwag Falls, which we have already featured in our Car Rental Davao travel guide Series.
How to get to Limunsudan Falls
Let’s assume your starting point is Davao City. The first thing you need to do is to go to Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) or contact a car rental agency. From there, you have two choices to get to Limunsudan Falls: either take public transportation or rent a car from us.
If you prefer public transportation, head first to DCOTT. Once you’re there, proceed to the ticketing booth and ask for a bus bound for Cagayan De Oro. Upon arrival at the Cagayan De Oro bus terminal, look for a van bound for Talakag, Bukidnon. The travel time takes about an hour.
Once you’re in the town proper of Talakag, Bukidnon, look for a habal-habal (motorcycle) ride going to Limunsudan Falls. All in all, travel time from Davao City to Limunsudan Falls would take an estimated time of two hours.
For practical reasons, renting a car is more advisable and convenient. By doing this, you will cut the travel time from 2 hours to 1 hour and also skip the hassle of transferring from one mode of public transportation to another.
If you decide to go for a car rental, the first thing you need to do is to select which type of vehicle best suits your trip. That depends on how many are included, what you plan to bring, and also your budget for this.
Car Rental Davao will make everything seamless for you as you can get there by renting a vehicle from us. We offer sedans, SUVs, and vans, all properly maintained but very affordable rental cars.
Once a reservation is confirmed, we can have your chosen unit delivered anytime and anywhere in Davao. For longer car rental terms, we can also offer a special deal for you, just discuss this with us.
Now, once you have reached Sitio Limunsudan, you and your group will pass a humble community of the Higaonon tribe. A ritual will be performed by the Datu to ask for visitors’ protection from Magbabaya or God and the spirits surrounding the place before heading to the waterfall to witness its grandiose beauty. The ritual is done by offering blood from chicken and coins.
The Datu of the Higaonon tribe, together with a few tribesmen, usually guides the visitors to the view deck. You have to trek for 10-15 minutes to reach the view deck where you can have a view of Limunsudan Falls.
If you wish to see the waterfall up close, you can trek further down to see its water basin. However, despite its inviting and refreshing water, visitors can only stand in admiration of its colossal height and astounding water curtain. Swimming in its water basin is strictly prohibited due to its strong and dangerous currents.
What to expect at Limunsudan Falls
Witness the stunning, breath-taking, and mesmerizing view of Limunsudan Falls
Prepare to be awe-struck by the breathtaking spectacle of Limunsudan Falls. Its majestic cascade of water plunging from a height of 870 feet is a sight to behold, leaving visitors speechless in its awe-inspiring presence. As you stand before this natural wonder, the sheer magnitude and beauty of Limunsudan Falls will create a lasting impression, making it a moment you’ll never forget.
Have an immersive experience
Get to know the rich culture and customs of the Higaonon tribe by staying in their simple and humble community to experience their way of living, after arranging it with the Talakag Tourism Office and obtaining permission from the Datu for your safety. This brief but eye-opening experience at Limunsudan Falls will remind you to always check your privilege. The struggle of our indigenous peoples for millennia should have ended after our nation achieved freedom from colonizers, making it our mission as privileged citizens to be their voice and end the systematic abuse of power and perversion of our constitutional rights. Taking a trip isn’t just about experiencing the thrills; it’s also about learning different points of view and perspectives from people you meet along the way. With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers a diverse range of cultures, experiences, and struggles to explore and learn from. Until our next trip!
How to contact Talakag Tourism Office
Talakag Tourism Office
Talakag, Bukidnon
Mobile: 0917 978 4057
Email: talakagtourism@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalakagTourism/