Since I didn't go home for Christmas and New Year last 2019, I had the chance to explore the northern part of Mindanao. I could say that my journey to Asik-Asik Falls was one of the most exciting and unprecedented travel getaways in the year 2019 (I think I always have unplanned travels). It did not take a minute for me to say "yes" from an on-the-spot travel invitation from Lai (thelittlelai.com) who was already in Tupi, South Cotabato because it would only take an hour for me to travel from General Santos City to Koronadal (Marbel) Terminal.
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| "From my vintage point, Asik-Asik Falls is one mesmerizing falls I have explored so far." |
It was a quick fix for my backpack since I had my Davao-Bukidnon-Cagayan Trip just a day interval before the Asik-Asik Falls Trip. Jaunting and hurrying up for a meet-up with Lai and the rest of the group, I was then again feeling nostalgic to explore Mindanao.
Welcome to North Cotabato!
Not to be discouraged, I heard a lot about North Cotabato - from bombings, some aggressions, and rebels which then I contemplated all throughout my journey. It was one of the most heavily guarded places in Mindanao next to Sultan Kudarat. But despite that, I still look forward to its beauty and its gem.
From one checkpoint to the next, and listening to Islam prayers on the bus, I found my joy immersing myself in its culture and religion. Ever since I set foot in Mindanao, I always feel at home and contented. I love its varied culture, and its diverse people and their languages and dialects. Again, like a lover, I adore Mindanao so much!
The Long Ride and the Long Hike
The group and I spent an evening in Cotabato City before we had our journey in Alamada. Mind you, it was a long ride tracing back from bus to jeepney to motorbike and all the way up to Alamada where Asik-Asik Falls is. It was not the only challenge that we had but the real one was to hike from the entrance going down to the falls.
It took us some minutes before we eternally embraced the stunning view of Asik-Asik Falls. Since it was a holiday, it was expected that there were an influx of tourists in the vicinity but we found a peaceful and relaxing spot away from the crowd. Although none of us dared to take a dip, I am sure that we drank to its beauty.
More than Beauty. It's Geography!
"Sat down and contented with this view of Asik-Asik Falls"
Why did I describe Asik-Asik Falls as stunning? It is because of its science! Seldom do we see waterfalls magically springing out from its mountainside because usually, we see them flowing down from a ravine. That is the reason why it is hailed as such - Asik-Asik, which literally means sprinkles.
Asik-Asik Falls is a direct source of clean water in the area of Alamada and its natural waters is captivating. I basically just sat down in silence while drenching my thoughts of all its positive things. Its beauty draws a line between fantasy and reality. Until now, I would never have thought that the scene I only got to see in photos and websites was the very scene I came face-to-face.
Truly, my Christmas on 2019 was one of a kind. It etched a memory in my mind and heart that everything is worth the wait and worth exploring!
I have always wanted to visit certain parts of Mindanao but am worried about the danger lurking somewhere which the local media always underscore. And Asik Asik falls looks so gorgeous. I would have enjoyed a dip in its waters :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, please! Give Mindanao a visit and you will see how wonderful it is. The media exaggerated their reports about terrorism. The people there are very sweet and caring. I met several of them and even gained friends.
DeleteThis will be one of my bucket list. I just had my trip in Cagayan de Oro and visited Manlumot Falls. Looking forward to going there.
ReplyDeleteYeah! I saw your Manlumot Falls video. Would love to take a tour in Cagayan de Oro again. No matter its distance from General Santos. Basta walay layo sa laag. Hehehe!
DeleteI haven't really traveled to any other places in Mindanao except for Davao City. It would be a nice experience to be able to see all of these suggested places. Thanks for coming up with this post.
ReplyDeleteHello, Margaux! True true! Mindanao is such a vast place to explore even Davao City, itself. I used to stay in Davao City every weekend in a year duration. Wala pa jud ko nakasuroy sa different places didto.
DeleteOh my! I am so in love with waterfalls. I know our country has many of them and I wish I could explore all of them. Asik-Asik is middle earth! It is so magical! I want to visit this place, too, someday. Thank you for sharing about this, Ang.
ReplyDeleteHi, Armie! Please visit Asik-Asik Falls and I know how you'd get enchanted with it. Bahala na long drive but grabeh pud ang imong makit-an na view.
Deletehala ka nindot sa iya porma no mura syag wide lush wall with matching water falls, amazing!
ReplyDeleteSakto gyud! Mao na ila gipanganlan og Asik-Asik Falls kay sa Ilonggo ang Asik-asik kay "Sprinkle" ang meaning. Mura ra xa og sprinklers sa bukid. Nice gyud kaayo diri ba!
DeleteSuch a beautiful place! We haven't been anywhere in Mindanao in the last three years and we miss it. Hopefully, traveling there will be possible (without a swab test) soon. Cross fingers!
ReplyDeleteOMG you were with littlelai. Got to meet him once. By just looking at the pictures, Asik-Asik Falls are very stunning. It's a lovely place to visit. I feel like the long journey will be worth it. I really wish to visit Cotabato City someday because my mother grew up there.
ReplyDeleteAsik-Asik Falls looks magical! Surreal! Grabe. I agree nga medyo scary gyud sa Mindanao area but hopefully I can also visit there soon.
ReplyDelete