Tinago Falls is one of the main tourist attractions in Iligan, a city known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls. It is located in a deep ravine in Barangay Ditucalan, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. This breathtakingly beautiful falls drops vertically some 240 feet (73 meters) into a deep and calm basin-like pool which appears like a blue-colored lagoon. Under the falls is a small cave where people can enter and listen to the rumbling water. Trekking to the falls requires approximately 500 descending steps called the winding staircase.

Photo by: Jojo Nicdao

Tinago is a Filipino term meaning "hidden", the falls being hidden from view unless you trek down to reach its hiding place. Legend has it that there once an enchantress, disguised as a beggar, who begged help from an influential and powerful Sultan Agok and his wife. Rejected by the proud and selfish rulers, the enchantress cursed the couple's unborn child to become ugly. The child did become ugly. To avoid embarrassment, the couple hid the child in a cave and named her Tin-ag, which means "hidden face". When the child grew up, she came out of the cave and became amazed at what she saw. She felt she was in paradise but suddenly a person saw her. She immediately went back to the cave sad and crying knowing that she was not free to do anything. The enchantress saw her and made an offer to transform her into something of great beauty and splendor. She accepted the offer and became the Tinago Falls.

Photo by: Ivan T.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Iligan City proper, take a jeepney bound for Buruun. Inform the driver to drop you at the crossing going to Tinago Falls. From the crossing, hire a habal-habal going to the jump off area of Tinago Falls. Fare is from P50 to P80 one way. Walk for less 10 minutes towards the entrance of the falls. Just ask directions from the locals. From the entrance area, take the steps going down to the actual drop. The way is quite slippery so take an extra caution. Take your time going down. You can reach the place after 15-20 minutes depending on your stamina.

Photo by: Alvin Lajara

Tops is a popular observation deck that offers a 180 degrees panoramic view of the whole city of Cebu and Mactan Island. It sits 2000 feet above sea level on a mountain in Barangay Malubog, Busay about half an hour away from the city proper. The area is about a hectare wide with the main ground covered by concretes in hexagon form and Bermuda grasses. The resting and eating area is enclosed by a big concrete stone designed in curves and circles. Near the viewing deck is a lover's bell and a dozen of benches where visitors can used to relax and enjoy the view. There is not much to do in the area but to breathe the cool fresh air, relax, enjoy and take photos of the panorama. The important thing is that you will get to marvel at the sight itself. The best time to visit is just before sunset or sunrise as you will be able to experience both daytime and nighttime views. Don’t forget to bring your camera for that perfect shot!

Photo by: Maria Janeth Rosales

HOW TO GET THERE

The easiest way to get up to Tops is by taxi but this could cost you money. Taxis may charged around P800.00 to P1,000.00 to get you to and from the lookout. Choose a new taxi as the older model will struggle up the steep hills. Another option is to take a motorcycle from JY Square on Salinas Drive. This is a mall where motorcycles wait for passengers going to Tops. Fare is P75.00 per per per way. You can also take Lahug jeepneys. The only drawback is that these jeepneys can only get within 500 meters from the lookout. You will have to hike up the area.

Photo by: Luchog

Mimbalut falls is another must-see when visiting Iligan City. This beautiful cascading falls stands about 90 feet high and 18 feet wide at Barangay Buru-un, near the boundary between Iligan City and Linamon, Lanao del Norte. It is the most accesible of the city's 23 waterfalls, being just 500 meters away from the national highway. Travelers in their own car can easily make a turn and drive for less that 5 minutes to reach the falls. For commuters, it will be an easy 15-minute walk under the shade of trees. With a quick turn, visitors may swim in the pool, enjoy a water massage at the foot of the falls or simply relax in the scenery. 

Photo by: Geejay Gelogo

HOW TO GET THERE

From the city proper, take a jeepney  with a "Buru-un" signboard. Tell the driver to drop you at Mimbalut Falls. He will drop you off at Sgt. Miguel Canoy Memorial Central School where you can walk to the falls. Just ask directions from the local living along the way. They are always helpful and will point you the way. Fare from the city proper is Php15.00 and travel time is about 15-20 minutes. The trail to the falls is slippery so take an extra caution. Entrance is Php15.00.

Basco Lighthouse is a lighthouse in the town of Basco in Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines.  It is a round concrete mounted on a round rubblestone base with a red lantern. Attached to it is a small rubblestone cottage that serves as a visitor entrance. Standing at approximately 66 feet (20 meters) on Naidi Hills in Barangay San Antonio, the lighthouse provides a viewing deck with a fantastic uninterrupted view of the whole Batan, Sabtang and Ityabat Islands. Backdropped by a beautiful blue sky and lush green hills, the place is perfect for photo taking. It can be reached by a walk of about 1.2 km (3/4 miles) from the town.

Photo by: Nindy2008