There’s a great big world to explore, there are beautiful places around our islands that are off the radar, and the best way to discover these unknown places is through locals. This particular river cascades into fabulous and unique displays of falling water as they wind over the undulating landscape en route to Brgy Fatima, Pamplona town, Negros Oriental. Adventure awaits, not just one but several levels from 1-8 in Libas waterfalls.
The single photo I saw on Facebook while searching for a waterfall destination in our province was actually a beginning of a much bigger scenario. The photo consists of a cascading waterfall, a group of local women and a dog at the bottom of it, dwarfed by its height. The view definitely draws my attention.
The photo where tagged somewhere in Brgy Fatima, a highland village in Pamplona town Negros Oriental. Being a mountainous area, farming is a common livelihood here. The base of its mountain ranges flows the connecting rivers in Santa Catalina or Tanjay City and nearby towns. It’s the home of some unknown waterfalls and caves not much explored by people due to isolation.
How did I get there:
Jun, who was my usual contact in Pamplona town denied my request to accompany me to go there, he stressed out that the road is his main concern as it is the worst I could imagine. While he has relatives in the area, he recommended a local guide whom also works as a Habal-Habal driver.
Ariel, his relative agreed on my itinerary as soon as I called him, he will be my guide and driver. We decided to meet in Pamplona town proper and discuss on the plans and costs. Below was our itinerary:
- 8:30 am – meet up with Ariel at Pamplona town proper
- 9:30 am – arrival at Brgy Fatima, Pamplona/jump off point of vehicles
- 9:40 am – descend to river stream
- 10:00 am – arrival Libas falls-1st level
- 11:00 am – 7th level to 8th level
- 12:00 noon – back at vehicle jump off point
I showed the waterfall image to Ariel to confirm if he knows the exact location. He then confirm, growing up in the area, it was their playground during their early age. There were five of us in the motorbike including a 2 year old boy and his father, me at the end of the row and another local, like a usual Habal-habal scenario, the motorbike has a lot of stuffs on board, there were chickens, sacks, plastics and among others.
It was an hour ride from the town proper to Brgy Fatima. While heading our way to it, then I understood what Jun had told me about his concern. The road is not favorable at all, it was seriously unpleasant, the ride was intense and a mix of agitation knowing that we had a young boy in between. Nevertheless, we arrived all well and safe.
From vehicles jump off point we descended to a hill down to the river stream at around thirty minutes, we followed the waters easily and arrived to Libas waterfalls at 10 in the morning, the view was exactly the same in the picture. Seeing it for real is truly impressive, the water pours down dispersing on some tiny steep rocky slope on a great height. It was a satisfying view after a difficult trip. But what I didn’t know is that there are still a number of waterfalls on top. The two locals asked me if I am ready for an adventure, we will literally climb up through its waterfalls up to the topmost level. Absolutely, YES I answered.
The second level has a shorter drop, large swimming basin with an undetermined depth, then we continued.
The third level, has a curtain fall form, what makes this chase exciting is the unique formations of its levels. Like this one, as you can see, the water drops soft firmly to its rocks, a different sight to the previous.
Fourth level is another unique waterfall, the water drops to greater height down to a 15 feet deep of swimming basin, would you dare to jump? I will, if someone jumps first, but not for now, probably next time.
Fifth and sixth has also shorter height, both has different drop forms.
Seventh stop, the tallest of them all, this is were we bathe underneath its drop. The greatest feeling when the water gives you a back massage :D. The push to its summit involved some exhilarating climb.
The eight level was our last destination but the chase is not yet over as there are still a few more further, though I haven’t seen it all, the eight levels were far the most remarkable experience I had. Scrambling up over steep rocks is not new to me but this is the longest waterfall chase I had to date in one day.
This is definitely a new outdoor leisure to do in town. I’ve met new people and became friends to share the same interests. Rounding it up, I ended my day seeing how usually people lived in simplicity in the hinterlands and Sunday is mostly a recreation time among locals in the Brgy, they gathered in one location, some women are selling food stuffs, the men were in variety of gamblers, and a particular location were turned into a cockpit.
There are still more to explore in this town, something I look forward to return.
