Kagbuho Falls
14° 01.036N 121° 43.882E

(Access to Kagbuho is from the same point as Kamaluya until the former branches out to its own tributary.)

Pagbilao is the next town, 9 km from Lucena City traversed by the National Highway going to Bicol.

After about 4 km eastbound from Pagbilao town proper, look out for the high voltage transmission lines of the National Power Corp crossing the highway about a hundred meters after KM142. While you could already see gigantic towers even before reaching the area, don't be confused as the wires cross the highway only in that vicinity where you will find a Barangay Road branching out to your left. At this point, the highway goes uphill and curves to the right. There is a limited line of sight against incoming dowhhill traffic which is dangerous while you are attempting to swerve to the left. Thus, it is suggested that while still far away from the said curve, you may carefully swerve to the left when the road is clear and use the shoulder to "crawl" to the start of the Barangay Road. That way, you will keep the main road free. Don't forget to turn on your hazard lights to warn oncoming vehicles that you are staying on the shoulder. Likewise, don't turn your headlights on as it may confuse the incoming vehicle that you are coming back to the pavement.

Thru this Barangay Road, proceed to the residential area (locally known as "Boyet") at Brgy Ilayang Palsabangon. It is about 1.1 km from the highway. You will have to park your vehicle in that area if the water in the river is too deep to allow a safe crossing.

From that point, it is a leisurely two-hour hike across the river and thru an old quarry road and thru a trail along, across and within the river. During the summer months, even a sedan may cross the river. That would save you about 1.5 km hike. On other seasons of the year, when the water is deep, a 4WD vehicle or a 6 wheeler truck may ferry hikers accross the first river-crossing up to the end of the quarry road (locally known as "Sentro").

From "Sentro" you will have to wade thru the water most of the time. Hiking sandals or aqua shoes are recommended.

Hiking upstream, a right turn to the second tributary will bring you later to this magnificient view.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Aside from the falls itself, the trail features interesting geologic formations. You will also see smaller falls along the way.

Talon Bilog
This is called Talon Bilog (Round Falls) due to the shape of the pool and the sorrounding rocks.

After an exciting rock climb over a 60° cliff, you will enjoy a smaller falls with a deeper pool (Talon Bilog, left) less than a hundred meters upstream of the main Kagbuho Falls.

Going Back
At about 100m right bank downstream, find a trail going to the hilltop Mang Kanor's tapahan. Cellphone signal will be available there to inform the outside world that you are on your return trip.

Clockwise from right: The first cascade with a pool about 4 ft deep. The second cascade with a pool more than 6 ft deep. The third cascade serves as a background for Mars, the pitbull who reached the falls with us. (Don't you envy him? He had his own packed lunch too)

<<Here is our Certificate of Participation.

HILI KAYO ANO? (Eat your heart out!)

Pity those who need to get on an airplane just to be here!!!

Pity those who are already here in Pagbilao but have not seen these wonders of nature.

(Photos of Tatlong Talon and River Crossing were taken during summer when the water at Kagbuho and Talon Bilog were not as majestic as shown here)

For GPS Trekkers, waypoints data may be downloaded from www.waypoints.ph. But you still need a guide for safety reasons.

WARNING: Palsabangon River System is prone to flash flood and is extremely dangerous. If you wish to go hiking as we did, we recommend securing the services of a guide who can bring you to safer grounds in an emergency. For assistance, please come to my house landmarked as Geraldine Store (N13°58.7010' E121°41.7790' Alt 12.0) along the National Highway in Brgy Ikirin, Pagbilao, Quezon. Coconut farmers and copra haulers from our neighborhood may serve as guides. We will be glad to help you arrange with them. You may email me direct by clicking my name below.

See Kagbuho Falls Feature at WaypointsDotPH

See Kagbuho Falls Vicinity Map at WaypointsDotPH

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Gerry Lontok

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The watermark background is an aerial shot of Pagbilao Bay taken aboard an airline
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...the adventure continues...

Do you know that Palsabangon Bridge has a place in World War II history? And it happened on a Christmas Day?

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