Biyaheng Antipolo : The Hinulugang Taktak Falls

After a quick visit to Antipolo Cathedral, we all went to one of Antipolo’s top tourist destination, the famous Hinulugang Taktak Falls. Located in Brgy. Dela Paz Antipolo City lies a 12 meter high falls of Hinulugang Taktak which gain its fame through the song “Tayo Na Sa Antipolo” written by German San Jose (Gerry Brandy) of Malate, Manila which immediately made national attention.
The entrance to Hinulugang Taktak. Due to its popularity and the overwhelming amount of visitors from different parts of the country, the fall was declared as a National Park in 1952

So Why Hinulugang Taktak?
Well, this comes up with a very interesting story. It took place in the 16th century where the residence nearby the church (Check : Antipolo Cathedral) complained for the rowdy sound produced by the bell during Angelus. The people demanded the local priest to remove the bell. And so the priest had to take it to the nearby river. This explains the name “Hinulugang Taktak” which means “Where the bell was dropped“.

“The Sad Fate of Hinulugang Taktak”

A place is being tagged as a National Park not just to symbolize a national pride but also as a way for the authority to conserve such nature. Unfortunately, the fate of Hinulugang Taktak went the other way around. Due to its popularity especially during the 80s, the falls was overly spoiled. The falls that is once known for providing a great , serene and relaxing atmosphere that is characterized with green leaves, smooth ambiance, healthy environment, clean sorroundings, clean flowing water, sweet chirping of the birds were all gone. Instead, it was replaced with heavily polluted water and trashes everywhere.
In fact, Hinulugang Taktak was declared a National Park in 1990 and a Protected Landscape in 2000 but heavily suffered from years of environmental degradation because of illegal settlers along its tributaries. The fate of the well known waterfalls is truly depressing but luckily, the local government and some other organization exerted their continuous effort to bring the place back to its former glory.
The national park underwent major restoration and a make over. They planted trees and bamboos and created an inviting landscape too.
The water is still polluted though and is no longer suitable for swimming and is also no longer accessible to general public. They placed barricades around the falls and the visitors can only marvel the remaining beauty that this popular tourist attraction in Antipolo has to offer. You can still spot this smelly foams floating in the water near the falls. Hinulugang Taktak was also badly affected by an oil spill which occurred two years ago. The place was closed to public to give enough time for the authority to rehabilitate the area. They spent P134.4 million (from the Department of Public Works and Highways) to restore the place. When we went there, the restoration is still on going. You can spot these huge machine surrounding the falls. It was really devastating and all i have in mind is that “look what have the people done in this place?”. I appreciate the Local Government unit’s effort to restore the place though but don’t you think this should have been done years ago? Despite the fall’s current condition, Hinulugang Taktak is still a great sight to behold. The green trees and the colorful plants are the proofs that this place can still be restored. I just hope that the local government will remain faithful with their mission to bring the Hinulugang Taktak back to its former glory so that the younger and future generation will witness the beauty of Antipolo’s treasure!

What Are the Other Things You Can Do in Hinulugang Taktak?

Since the falls is no longer suitable for swimming, visitors can go here and appreciate the sight of the falls. The place is also offers cottages which could be ideal for picnic. Interestingly, ever since they reopened to public, they are not charging anyone yet. Yes, there is no entrance fee to Hinulugang Taktak as of this moment. You just have to register your name upon entering. They also have a meditation area. A simple space near the falls with benches to rest and a grotto of Our Lady of Peace and Good VoyageThe grottoThere is also a swimming pool in the area but by the we get there, the pool was closed and I didn’t get enough info regarding with the rates

Things You should Know before going to Hinulugang Taktak falls
►As of this moment, there is NO entrance fee to Hinulugang Taktak. You just have to sign up your name though.
►The cottages can also be used for NO CHARGE
►There is a swimming pool in the area (not sure about the rates though)
►The place is surprisingly spacious and ideal for family bonding or team building
►Foods are allowed but cleanliness must strictly be observed
►No vandalism
►Pets are NOT allowed
►No Smoking
►The Park is open from 8am to 5pm

How to Get to Hinulugang Taktak Falls
►Antipolo is accessible by jeepney or FX taxi, with terminals in Metro Manila including one in Araneta Center Cubao and Valero Street behind RCBC Plaza in Makati. This will drop you off to Antipolo’s Town Proper. From here, you can ride a tricycle which can take you to all nearby destinations including the Hinulugang Taktak. Places along the main roads are accessible by jeepney.

Where to Stay in Antipolo
For those who are looking for a nice place to stay in Antipolo whether you are in a tight budget or not, you might consider this list of hotels and resorts in Antipolo as compiled by TravelBook (with discounted rates too). Again, Antipolo has so many great places to offer that you guys can explore and a day tour may not be enough to discover them all.

After visiting the Hinulugang Taktak falls, we headed to our next destination. A place in Antipolo which is becoming one of the city’s top destination especially by the millennials! The Pinto Art Museum and I am going to share it with you on my next entry.

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Feel free to watch the Video Summary of my Biyaheng Antipolo below and please don’t forget to subscribe. Thanks

In case you missed our previous entries, feel free to visit the links below
►Biyaheng Antipolo (Prologue)
►Antipolo Cathedral
►Hinulugang Taktak Falls
►Pinto Art Musuem
►25 Artworks That You Should Not Miss in Pinto Art Museum
►Jardin De Miramar
►Casa Santa Museum
►Mystical Cave
►Cloud 9 Hotel and Resorts
►Things To Buy When Visiting Antipolo

You might also want to check the previous Antipolo-related entries
►The First Procession In Antipolo
►Via Dolorosa in Pinagmisan Hills
►The Transfiguration of Christ Church
►Loreland Farm Resort