TREKKING TO SINULOM FALLS: A Quick Guide

Sinulom Falls is a newly discovered tourist spot near Cagayan de Oro. The falls streams directly to Cagayan River that borders Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon. Geographically, the falls is located on the walls of Talakag, Bukidnon but it is best accessed in Sitio Impakibel, Brgy. Tignapoloan, Cagayan de Oro City, 45 kms from the city proper.

Sinulom comes from the Cebuano word "sulom" meaning "black ant". According to tales, a very long drought happened long ago. Most of the water sources dried up, even the mighty Cagayan River. In quest for water, people packed like ants to this consistently streaming waterfalls to get sufficed.

Sinulom Falls has more or less 30 sprouts magically popping out from the verdant cliff. The stretch measures around 100 meters and the highest cascade measures around 30 meters high.

Sinulom Falls is accessed through the private farmland of Pascual's family. As of May 2015, though the site is not yet open for commercial tourists, Brgy. Captain Jay Pascual is so generous to welcome the visitors. In fact, he ordered their farmguards and workers to accommodate and guide the tourists. Plans have been drafted by the local government and the Department of Tourism to make this place more accessible and convenient to guests. Rest assured that the natural grandeur of the falls will never be altered. 

The photos were taken on a drizzly afternoon.

Watch Sinulom Falls alive here.

HOW TO GET THERE:

1. When in CDO, go to Carmen Public Market taking an R2 jeep. Then take a jeep/van bound for Talakag as early as 7:00 am and drop off at Dansolihon, particularly in Crossing Tignapoloan. Take a habalhabal to Sitio Impakibel (past Tignapoloan proper) and drop off at the crossing Jehovah's Witness Church. From the waiting shed, enter the crossing. Trek for about half a kilometer and you will reach the view deck overlooking the falls from afar. Continue trekking downhill for 2 more kilometers to reach the guard house. Ask permission from the caretakers. Enjoy the falls. 

Jehovah's Witness Church

Waiting Shed at the Crossing

The unpaved road starting to downhill

At the view deck, 2 kms away.

The guardhouse

2. Another option is taking a jeep direct to Sitio Impakibel, but the first trip departs CDO by 11:00 am and arrives by 12:30 pm. You may opt for this if you prefer to stay overnight.

Note: Habal-habal drivers can be negotiated to take you close to the falls when the road is not muddy.