Sa Balite Falls - Amadeo, Cavite

   After our fun-filled climb at Mount Batulao, we decided to have a "side-trip". Usually, climbers go to Tagaytay for relaxation, others go straight down to the beaches of Nasugbu. Due to the summer heat and post-climb exhaustion, we all agreed to go swimming. But instead of going to the nearby beaches of Nasugbu, we went to Amadeo, Cavite to visit the Balite Falls.

   I learned about Balite Falls in the past through the Internet. It's one of the falls nearest to Manila and it will only take us less than an hour to go there from Tagaytay. The falls looks very promising from the photos. I can't wait to get there and jump into it!


   From Mushroom Burger Tagaytay, we rode a tricycle going to the corner of Mahogany street and delos Reyes Avenue (it's along the NBI office in Tagaytay). From there, we asked for directions. A tricycle driver offered us a trip to Amadeo for 200 pesos (We should've waited for a jeepney for a cheaper fare). Then from Amadeo, we rode another tricycle going to Balite Falls Resort.


   I can hear the sound of the falls from the gates of the resort. I noticed the parking lot is jam-packed and there are also several people along the entrance. Seems like the resort is very busy at this time of the year. Finally, we went down our way to the raging waters of the falls eager to swim after we settle our things, but just as I thought, that day was too busy for Balite Falls.

   The rock formation of the falls is so magnificent. People can go on top of the falls and there is a spot on top where one could jump off into the waters below (I think it is about 3 meters high). And from the looks of it, the water looks very deep. But there were also some areas where the water is shallow (perfect for the kids).

   As I've mentioned, the resort is very busy. The area is over crowded. The management should have stopped accepting visitors if the resort reached its limits. They shouldn't have accepted us in the first place. All cottages at that time were occupied. We thought of setting up our tent somewhere but we didn't find a vacant spot to set it up.

   I must say it's a big factor that the undisciplined crowd in the area added into making the place look miserable, we saw people washing their dirty dishes to the streams of the falls and trash are being thrown everywhere and just anywhere. I guess crowd-seekers may enjoy going to this place, but not for those who seek relaxation and serenity.

Balite Falls during weekends
   I decided not to jump into the heavily populated swimming area. A number of people are also lined up on every restrooms. Good thing there is these shower area where water comes out of bamboo poles. There I spent a few minutes just to wash myself.

   After our refreshing bath, we decided to leave the resort.

   I have to admit that my experience at Balite Falls was disappointing. Maybe it's just because we went there very tired coming from an overnight hike. Or there's just too many people around because its weekend. Or maybe my Internet research just heightened up my expectations.

   I'm sure the management will do something about it though. No need to develop it as grand as a five star resort. Us visitors can help too! A good start would be maintaining its cleanliness. Sooner or later, Balite Falls will be one of the top tourist destination in Cavite, if not, the Philippines.

Killed Bills

15.00 - Tricycle fare from Mushroom Burger Tagaytay to NBI Tagaytay
67.00 - Tricycle fare from NBI to Amadeo (200 for 3 persons)
20.00 - Tricycle fare from Amadeo to Balite Falls (60 for 3 persons)
75.00 - Entrance to Balite Falls
10.00 - Tricycle fare from Balite Falls to Main Road (60 for 6 persons)
17.00 - Jeepney fare from Main Road to Manggahan
13.00 - Jeepney fare from Manggahan to Dasmarinas (Aguinaldo Hi-way)

Php 217.00 - TOTAL

Comments