Shots of Life: A visit to CDO and Iligan - Day 2:Ma. Cristina and Tinago Falls

A visit to CDO and Iligan - Day 2:Ma. Cristina and Tinago Falls

After a long “Day 1” at CDO, it’s now time to explore Iligan City. Iligan City is known for waterfalls (or should I just say water?). I've seen plenty of hose with running water without pails. I think anyone can just grab a hose and use it for car wash, etc. At least now we know where we can fetch water if in case we suffer again from water crisis. :p
Our itinerary for the day is to go to Maria Cristina and Tinago Falls. On our way to Ma. Cristina, Boyps gave me empanada for breakfast. I liked it. It’s delicious and it has more potatoes than meat. I actually had two. :p

Anyways, Ma. Cristina a.k.a the Twin falls is a short drive from Boyps’ house. According to en.wikipedia.org, Maria Cristina Falls powers the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant, one of the several hydroelectric plants that harness Agus River. I was so amazed of its beauty. I can feel water splashing on my face. The flow of the water is just so fast but the current turns so slow after passing thru the big rocks underneath.

Aside from sightseeing, tourist can also enjoy activities like zip line and rock climbing. They also have zoo that has very few animals (like monkey, crocodile, and ostrich). The construction of other activities and park areas are still in progress.

We left Nature's Park at around 1pm. Before going to Tinago falls, we had our lunch first at Gloria’s Ihaw-Ihaw. We ordered:

lechon baboy (my craving for that day)

kinilaw (Boyps favorite)

atchara (can’t believe that I liked it. I don’t eat atchara that much)

8 rice wrapped in banana leaves.

We also got fish tinola (something new huh? For me it didn’t taste like the usual "chicken tinola" but it was ok).

After eating, we rest for a while. Our next stop is the Tinago falls. It’s not a joke to go to this place. We have to pass thru the 365 stair steps (based on my count) before we can see it.

Start of the trail

Stairs are made up of stones with bamboo handles on some parts. Some steps are too high and quite slippery. It was tiring and we’re all sweating. But the trek gets more exciting when I started hearing the water falls. I can even see a glimpse of it from afar. Upon reaching the falls, I can say that it’s all worth it. Unlike in Ma.Cristina, people can go swim at Tinago. They even have “balsa”, a bamboo raft, which they use so then can bring their selves directly under the falls. This is another water splashing, nature tripping adventure.