Refreshing Kairukan Falls

BACKGROUND

It was an enthusiastic and great day for me to be together with my previous mentor and friends in a fun climb activity. They told me that they wanted to experience the fun and rigors of mountaineering, change of passion will do the trick after all they're all successful in their careers.

It was everyone's first taste of of hiking, so I suggested a minor trek on waterfalls and streams before climbing the highest mountains of Bataan Peninsula. We all ended relaxing into the fresh chilly water of Kairukan falls. Kairukan falls is located in one of the two upper tributaries of Kairukan river, which drain the northwest flank of Mt. Silangan (is part of Natib mountain range). On the foot of the mountain, the narrow, cascading 150 feet high Kairukan falls descends into a deep pool about 30 feet in diameter. Tarak Ridge, Pantingan Peak and Mt. Natib are considered as major climbs in Bataan.

Destination	Kairukan Falls, Mt. Silangan
Location	Sitio Kanawan, Brgy. Binaritan, Morong, Bataan, Philippines
Nature of Climb	Minor Climb, Level 1, Difficulty 1/9, Trail class 1-3
Jump-Off Point	Sitio Kanawan Elementary School
Day/Hour Required	1 day / 2-3 hours to falls

HOW TO REACH

Here are two ways to reach town of Morong, one is via Balanga City the other one is through Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Olongapo City which is more  practical as one can save about 90 minutes trip. Upon reaching Morong town proper one can buy the supplies needed. To reach Kairukan falls, take a 20-30 minutes tricycle trip from the town proper to Sitio Kanawan, fare costs is 100php/tricycle ride.

Sitio Kanawan is near the Bataan Technological Park Inc. (BTPI) or Formerly Philippine Refugee Processing Center (PRPC). Its concrete road leads to a hanging bridge about forty meters in length spanning the Batalan River. This footbridge serves as the only link between kanawan and the lowlands. From the bridge, a trail of loose stones slopes upward, leveling off on a grassy plateau where the Sitio, an Aeta community, is located.

Upon reaching Kanawan, pay courtesy call to its Barangay Captain/Chieftain and for registration as well as for the assistance/services of an Aeta. The Aeta will be your guide as there are many misleading trails. Only a light single trail is used as an access to the falls. Traverse the river upstream for 45 minutes until you reach the waterfall.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1

02:30 AM          Assembly Time at any Bus terminal from Manila going to Olongapo

03:00 AM          ETD to Olongapo

06:00 AM          ETA Olongapo

06:15 AM          ETA SBMA Gate 2 Morong terminal

07:00 AM          ETA Morong Town Proper (buy supplies if necessary)

08:00 AM          ETA Kanawan Hanging Bridge Trek to Sitio Kanawan Proper (Registration and guide)     

08:30 AM          Start trek to waterfalls

11:00 AM          ETA Waterfalls Prepare lunch, Swimming and Explore the wild

01:30 PM          ETD Waterfalls

04:00 PM          ETA Sitio Kanawan

04:30 PM          ETA Hanging Bridge (Prepare to go home)

07:00 PM          ETA Olongapo

10:00 PM          ETA Manila Home Sweet Home…

SPECIAL CONCERN

Going to Kairukan falls is a totally satisfying experience, from its fresh cool air and streams, and  the friendly Aeta's villagers of Sitio Kanawan. There are numerous misleading trails as there were no visible trail markings that will lead to the waterfalls. An advice to secure the services of a guide (provided by the Captain)for the minimal fee of 300php for dayhike and 500php for overnight stay. Registration fee is not compulsory, but for humanitarian reason, 10-20php per head assistance would mean a lot to the  community.

During rainy days, be careful because some portions of the trails could be severely muddy and possible, waters in the river is unpredictable, so bring necessary safety gears and equipments. 

Tricycles are available going back to town proper up to 7pm, but you can also get their cellphone number to fetch you on your way back. Last trip of bus going to Balanga is only 5pm and going to Olongapo is 8pm.

Water source is available, just bring 1.5 -2 liters of  trails water.The campsite is small and can only handle a few tents. Globe signal is present throughout the climb.