One of the most popular destination in Antipolo, Rizal back in the days of "baston pants" and pompadour hairstyle is the Hinulugang Taktak Falls. My mother told me stories of their childhood when they visit the falls, about how beautiful it is and how they enjoy swimming on it. People usually come over to this favored waterfalls right after visiting the Antipolo Church.
But as its popularity rise up, so is the threat to its existence. As time pass by, its surroundings got filthy and the water became polluted. Sadly, I will never have the chance to swim and enjoy the waterfalls like how my mother used to.
This time, my family and I went to Antipolo and we all wondered, what happened to Hinulugang Taktak? How is it this time? Curious on what it looked like today, we rode a tricycle from the church and head on to the waterfalls.
But as its popularity rise up, so is the threat to its existence. As time pass by, its surroundings got filthy and the water became polluted. Sadly, I will never have the chance to swim and enjoy the waterfalls like how my mother used to.
This time, my family and I went to Antipolo and we all wondered, what happened to Hinulugang Taktak? How is it this time? Curious on what it looked like today, we rode a tricycle from the church and head on to the waterfalls.
A few minutes of scooting along small alleys and wide roads, we reached the entrance gate of Hinulugang Taktak Falls. Signages pointing to the waterfalls located on almost every corner of the main road helped travelers to easily locate the said place. Every tricycle drivers in the city know where the falls is.
The sound of the raging water from the falls is getting louder and louder as we walk towards the entrance gate. As I notice, Hinulugang Taktak falls is now operated and managed by the city government of Antipolo.
At the entrance gate, the park personnel greeted us with a smile and pointed us to the desk where we have to register before entering. There's no entrance fee. Bringing pets, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and knives are prohibited.
Excited to see the waterfalls, we walked down the clean walkway surrounded with plants. Sunlight barely touches our skin as tall trees shed us from the heat of the sun. Honestly, I didn't expect this place to be this nice and clean!
The sound of the raging water from the falls is getting louder and louder as we walk towards the entrance gate. As I notice, Hinulugang Taktak falls is now operated and managed by the city government of Antipolo.
At the entrance gate, the park personnel greeted us with a smile and pointed us to the desk where we have to register before entering. There's no entrance fee. Bringing pets, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and knives are prohibited.
Excited to see the waterfalls, we walked down the clean walkway surrounded with plants. Sunlight barely touches our skin as tall trees shed us from the heat of the sun. Honestly, I didn't expect this place to be this nice and clean!
There is a booth along the walkway where massage is offered for a fee by persons with disability. A few steps more and we reached the wide viewing deck of the waterfalls. A full view of the waterfalls is showcased on the viewing deck. It is the perfect spot for taking pictures with the waterfalls as the background. The picturesque beauty of Hinulugang Taktak falls did not fade through time. Sadly, its lifeless water is very evident because of the odor that comes with it.
We crossed a bridge to get to the other side of the river where open cottages are lined up. At the far end is a meditation area where a statue of the Virgin Mary is located. A wishing well is also situated in front of the statue. The relaxing sound of the waterfalls and its serene ambiance makes this spot a favorite place for prayer and solitude.
The water on the basin of the falls is not conducive to swimming and the authorities are strictly prohibiting the visitors to swim.
Alternatively, visitors can plunge in to the swimming pool located at the park. I'm not sure if it is for free but if it's not, I'm sure it is affordable. The pool looks clean and safe. A lifeguard is on duty at that time.
Alternatively, visitors can plunge in to the swimming pool located at the park. I'm not sure if it is for free but if it's not, I'm sure it is affordable. The pool looks clean and safe. A lifeguard is on duty at that time.
There is a small sari-sari store located at the entrance gate which sells snacks but the food is limited so I suggest to buy your food before going to the park.
I was surprised on how the authorities developed and maintained the place. It's also amazing that they don't charge entrance fees. But the difficult challenge for the authorities is the waterfalls' health. For sure, its rehabilitation will need a lot of time, work and money. Let's all help the authorities as they bring back the falls to its former grace by keeping it clean and healthy. Lastly, have fun and appreciate the beauty of Hinulugang Taktak Falls.
I was surprised on how the authorities developed and maintained the place. It's also amazing that they don't charge entrance fees. But the difficult challenge for the authorities is the waterfalls' health. For sure, its rehabilitation will need a lot of time, work and money. Let's all help the authorities as they bring back the falls to its former grace by keeping it clean and healthy. Lastly, have fun and appreciate the beauty of Hinulugang Taktak Falls.
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