Iligan City is a highly urbanized city in Northern Mindanao. It has a total of 23 waterfalls in its vicinity and that is why it is known to be The City of Majestic Waterfalls. Today, I'll be introducing you to my favorite - the Tinago Falls. "Tinago" means hidden in English and that best describes its location.

Going to Tinago Falls is easy and it is accessible through two points - in Brgy. Buruun and in its neighboring municipality, Linamon, Lanao del Norte. Consult google maps if unsure or you can ask locals for directions, too. You do not need to be afraid for Iliganons are very approachable and helpful.

To get there: Ride a Buruun or Linamon line jeepney in the city proper. Ask the jeepney driver to drop you off on the street corner to Tinago (either in Buruun or Linamon, depends on the jeep you're riding). From there, you will then need to ride a habal-habal (fare depends on how many you are going and your haggling powersss). If you wish to have a straight journey to Tinago Falls, you can rent a jeep or habal-habal to take you there directly. Price depends on how many of you are going and how you talk to the driver.

Arriving to the main gate of the area, you will still have to trek to the falls. You will be descending on approximately 500 steps to get there, "hidden" is not exaggerated, haha! It is very tiring, my knees gave up on me the moment I took the last step, BUT IT WAS WORTH IT. The view that will greet you will definitely take your breath away.

I have been here for two times already and I am still enchanted by its beauty. The water is refreshing, clean and clear though you cannot see the bottom because it is VERY deep. When swimming, people are required to wear a life vest for safety.

Entrance fee to Tinago is free, what you have to pay for is the car parking (if you own one), the rent for the life jackets (PHP 25), the cottages/tables if you want to rent one (PHP 50-75), and then you can ride the bamboo raft for the price of 10 pesos to go across the lagoon and go under the falls.

If you intend to stay here for the whole day, don't forget to pack your lunches. There are no restaurants or canteen in the area so you have to bring your own food. Do not forget your phones and cameras too!

For twice the fun, explore the surrounding areas of the waterfall. There are small caves at the sides. Swim across the lagoon, ride the bamboo raft and get massaged under the falling water, enjoy nature!