BALISBISAN FALLS: Bukidnon's Hidden Wonderfall

 Balisbisan Falls in Impasugong, Bukidnon is a smaller version of Cotabato's Asik-asik Falls. Its water-sprouts are randomly spread in a 100-meter stretch of a curvy wall of Atugan Canyon. The main or prominent group of cascades amazingly sprout below the rocks vertically heaped on 90-degree wall. Other cascades randomly sprout on both of the verdant sides of the main cascades. The highest cascade is 15 feet high. The falls has no river source. In fact, it is a tributary to Atugan River lining below the wall. 

Balisbisan is derived from the word "balisbis or bisbis"  -- meaning "sprinkle or light shower", suffixed with "an" --- meaning "a place of..." in Cebuano grammar. Balisbisan, therefore, means "a place of light shower".

Balisbisan also means "eaves" --- an overhang at the lower edge of a roof.

A week after trekking with Farmer Javey to Magubo Falls in Impalutao, Bukidnon, I was so determined to trek to this wonderful cascades he introduced. The owner of the Ant Farm Javey gave me a contact person who could facilitate my trek to the falls. Then I've got to talk with Aler the night before my trek.

Aler, with his buddy Mairol, fetched me on motorcycle at Crossing Patulangan, Impasugong. 

We drove along the highway going to Poblacion, Impasugong. Not far after Atugan Bridge, we entered the road passing through a banana plantation at Sitio Kibangan. 

Around 2 kilometers away from the highway, we stopped at the lone hut and secured the motorcycle below a shade. 

No hint of waterfalls showed. All we could see are farmlands.

There we started the descent.

 We headed down through a steep trail to Atugan River. 

In a matter of minutes, we stepped on the beautiful, clear river. 

After a very short river trek, my eyes were captivated by random small water sprouts from the mossy and forested cliff. 

 

A little trek further brought us to the largest group of cascades sprouting right below the pile of rocks. Whoa! My heart leaped in joy knowing such a magnificent wonder exist in my home province. Unknown, hidden and almost untouched...

We headed past the cascades, trailed along the river to see more of the small sprouts ahead. There are still many of them.

  

Then we got back to the main cascades for I couldn't wait to savor its cool waters. THE CHILD IN ME WAS REVIVED!

 

I spent an hour under the cascades until I shivered. 

My two buddies also claimed their share.

We ate our trail foods. And we trailed back.   

I tried to look back to where we had been. I just grinned in awe how a wonderful waterfall hides in a wall below the farmlands.

To see the waterfalls alive, please watch the video below.

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Malaybalay, take a bus bound to CDO. Drop off at Crossing Patulangan, Impasugong. Keep in touch with the guide.

From CDO, take a southbound bus. Drop off at Crossing Patulangan, Impasugong. Meet your guide.

 

Update as of November 2020:

A tour to  BALISBISAN FALLS is made more convenient through facilitation by John Donasco of Hindu Kaw's Crib. You may contact him through FB by clicking his personal account and page. You may also contact him direct at his mobile number 09564220069.