Hindag-an Falls
and Tree Park is about 8 kilometers (about 4 miles) south of St.
Bernard, Southern Leyte. The place has multiple cascading falls under a canopy of trees. It is about an hour drive from were we live.
It is a popular attraction and was
crowded when we were there. It has been well developed and maintained by
St. Bernard. The falls are spring fed and there are 6 different
pools for various activities. Pool 1 is at the top of the falls where
you can swim into the falls.
Off to the side of pool 1 there is pool
2, which is actually 2 pools, 1 above the other. Both are deep pools
that can be jumped into from a height of about 10 - 20 feet.
Pool 3 varies in depth with about 5
feet in the middle. Two of the sides have been cemented with the
bottom being large rocks. There is a smaller waterfall on one side.
Attached to and just below pool 3 is pool 4. Pool 4 is a shallow
pool for smaller kids.
Next is the most popular and JJ's
personal favorite, pool 5, the water slides. JJ spent most of his
time on the slides, sliding and jumping off of the end. The water at
the bottom of the slides is about 7 feet deep.
And at the side of pool 5 is pool 6.
Another smaller and shallower pool for small kids.
Since most people go to the falls for a
day, there are picnic huts that can be rented. Renting is recommended so there is a place to put your stuff.
There are a couple of communal cooking
areas. You just pick a spot and cook. The charcoal was already
going and we did not need to mess with starting our own. We had
brought our own charcoal and could have added it to the fire if
needed.
Posted entry fee is 20 peso for adults,
7 – 11 year old were less (I cannot remember) and under 7 were free.
We had 12 in our group and paid 400 pesos for parking, entry and
picnic shed. Exchange rate is about 45 pesos per US dollar.
The family has previously visited the
falls with Joshua, Zachary and Judson. They visited during the wet
season and there was considerable more water at the time. Flor said
that Joshua and Zachary liked pool 1.
Since school is about to start soon, and fiesta season here in the Pacific towns just kicked in, the place is crowded with visitors from all over. We plan to come back in the middle of the school year, probably during the wet season where you can hear the thundering falls just as you turn the corner to park your vehicle by then it should not be too crowded.
Thank you for following and God's blessings be yours.
