The Tinago Falls of Iligan City, Philippines

Tinago is a word in Cebuano, a Filipino dialect, which means "hidden" in English. The word aptly describes the waterfalls in Ditucalan, Iligan City, Philippines which is indeed somewhat difficult to find without exerting physical effort. Although the way to the falls passes through upland coconut groves, the surrounding area at the falls is covered with trees, bushes and small wild plants.

To see the waterfalls, one has to climb down a 360-step trail that is carved on a side of a cliff because he cannot see it on the high ground because of the thick vegetation surrounding the area. Negotiating the route to the ravine is no mean feat. It requires strenuous effort to get there. During the wet season some of the steps can be slippery so that one needs a footwear with corrugated rubber soles for traction. A slip or a fall off the steps may cause a serious injury. The various wild plants that grow on the cliff below or above the steps somehow provide the visitor a safe descent and passage to the ravine. As he gets near the ravine the rumblings of the water gradually become louder, and he begins to see the views that were concealed from him when he was on a high ground.

Deep down below, the visitor is greeted with the beautiful surroundings that he sees. There are a 120-foot waterfalls and cascades. There are waters flowing out from the sides of the cliffs. Water from the waterfalls gathers in the lagoon-like pool and drains into the river channel. Along the pool are stones and boulders. Tall trees and wild plants adorn the top and sides of the cliffs. The mist and the rumble of the falling water create a peculiar atmosphere to the place. Below a cascade is a natural cave which is concealed by the falling water. It can be reached by swimming onto it or by boarding a raft.

The water in the pool is cool, clear and refreshing. Some people swim into it to have a respite from the summer heat. Others just love to see its clear bluish color especially during sunny days.

People from other parts of the Philippines to include foreign tourists come to Iligan City to see the beautiful Tinago Waterfalls and to swim in the refreshing cool water below it. Filipino actors Sam Milby and KC Concepcion had the Tinago Waterfalls area as one of the settings of their movie titled "Forever and a Day". There was a scene in the movie where they took a dip in the pool. They also entered the cave at the bottom of the waterfalls.

After enjoying the view of the waterfalls and its surroundings and the cool water of the pool now comes the hardest and the most tiring part of the journey because the visitor has to climb up the steps to get back above the ravine. On the way up he has to exert twice or thrice the amount of effort that he made when he was descending to the ravine. Young people and even children can easily reach to the top, but older and less physically fit people will have a brief pause along the way if need be. The activity is not ideal for small children and for people with health issues.

Reaching the high ground, the visitor breathes a sigh of relief in the thought that the arduous climb is finally over, and he instantly realizes that his hardship and effort are rewarded with the memorable experience he had at Tinago Waterfalls. Going there is for those who love adventure and for those who admire the beauty of nature.