Surigao is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, showcasing some of the Philippines’ most stunning tourist destinations.
Who hasn’t heard of the famous Enchanted River in Hinatuan, the internationally acclaimed Siargao Island, or the majestic Tinuy-an Falls? These spots are on everyone’s travel bucket list.
But beyond these well-known places lies a hidden gem in the laid-back town of Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Known for its crystal-clear, turquoise-hued water and picturesque surroundings, Bao-Bao Falls is a must-visit.
But unlike other waterfalls with towering cascades, Bao-Bao Falls has a short rock boulder. Fortunately, this unique feature is what sets it apart.
Surrounded by lush greenery and unique rock formations, this majestic waterfall offers a picturesque view reminiscent of postcards.
Its name is derived from the Bisaya term ‘Bao,’ which translates to ‘tortoise.’ Locals who discovered this waterfall saw rock formations resembling tortoises.
Although the management allows tourists to explore the waterfall even during heavy downpours, visitors are advised to take extra precautions due to stronger water currents and a drastic increase in water levels when it rains. Therefore, we recommend visiting Bao-Bao Falls when it’s not raining to ensure everyone’s safety.
Aside from swimming in its turquoise-hued waters, you can also jump from the waterfall’s cascade into its deepwater basin.
Over the years, Bao-Bao Falls has slowly gained the recognition it deserves, thanks mainly to the efforts of the tourism and local government units, as well as vloggers and bloggers who have featured this waterfall on their platforms.
Honestly, words will not be enough to justify the beauty of Bao-Bao Falls. You simply have to experience it for yourself. If you’re planning to explore the gems of Surigao, be sure to add Bao-Bao Falls to your list of must-visit spots.
Things to keep in mind when visiting Bao-Bao Falls
Keep in mind that there’s no dressing room in the area. However, there is a restroom available for use, not just for basic needs but also for changing clothes.
Recently, the management added makeshift open cottages in designated areas around the waterfall to accommodate the influx of tourists.
The entrance fee is P15 for adults, P5 for children, P10 for local adult residents, and P10 for senior citizens and differently-abled persons.
Ultimately, visitors are highly encouraged to practice CLAYGO (Clean As You Go) to preserve the nearly untouched beauty of Bao-Bao Falls. Let’s all be responsible tourists and leave no traces of trash behind.
How to get to Bao-Bao Falls
To get there, you have two options: take public transportation or rent a car from us.
If you opt to take public transportation, first head to the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCCTO).
Once there, proceed to the ticketing booth and ask for a bus bound for Tandag, Surigao del Sur. The bus fare ranges from P375 to P580, with an estimated travel time of six hours.
Upon arrival in Lianga, look for a skylab—a modified motorcycle—to reach Bao-Bao Falls. To avoid overcharging, negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand.
After arriving at the waterfall entrance, take a moment to stretch your muscles, as you’ll need to trek down more than 150 steps. As you descend, you’ll be greeted by the refreshing breeze and picturesque views of lush greenery surrounding Bao-Bao Falls.
The most convenient way to get to Bao-Bao Falls
Skip all the hassles of public transportation by renting a vehicle from us. By doing this, you will experience not only convenience but also relaxing and hassle-free travel.
As many people are also en route to Surigao del Sur, renting a car is the best possible way to ensure you and your loved ones’ safety.
Aside from that, you can also save a significant amount of money when you opt to rent a car from us. The best thing is, you can also cut your travel time from 6 hours to 4 hours or even less.
Car Rental Davao has everything you are looking for in a car rental agency, from SUVs, vans, trucks to sedans. We guarantee premium rental cars with cheap rental fees. Plan your travel goals with us by contacting us through our Booking Page, call/email us at +63906-059-1323 or sales@carrentaldavao.com.
If you’re a tourist or visitor outside Davao, we can have an airport car rental arranged for you and have the unit delivered at Davao City International Airport.
Suppose you intend to stay in Surigao del Sur for longer. In that case, we can also offer excellent and affordable car rental deals for you. Just contact us directly, and we’ll gladly arrange one for you.