Kabang Falls: Lost and Found (with trek to Sirao Peak)

This is the thing with us, travellers and adventurers, – we can't stay home for long! My feet were itching but I did not have enough money to go to south of Cebu. So I decided to go to within-city places to see which is Kabang Falls, which had been ringing on my hears from people around for quite a while already. 

Three days later I'm at the dropoff point with my buddy, Jobelle. I asked a local which way to the falls and he pointed, then we went on. 

I really thought it was a direct clear path with many people along! Oh dear I have never been so wrong. We encountered split trails quite a few times and heard flowing waters to disappointment of going the wrong way. My buddy and I were taking chances and arguing which way to go! 

And then.. finally; a louder sound of flowing waters. Could it be? YES! I saw the waterfall from an elevated trail. We were looking for a way to go down. We realized we've taken the wrong way but it was too late to go around. So we took the muddy, slipper, and quite dangerous slope that no one ever would take. 

Our way down to the waterfalls

Out of the suicide trail appears the magnificence of Kabang Falls! I felt hope, more than fear... adrenaline, more than worry. It was like finding a civilization. There were people, and not just ordinary people, but adventurers wild at heart.

Just outside that suicide trail

Kabang Falls: Level 2

Elevated view of Kabang Falls level 2

Kabang Falls Level 1

View from the top of Kabang Falls Level 1

We met and greeted used-to-be strangers that are now good friends with whom we joined for a stronger force towards Sirao peak. 

The trail was worse but fun. 

It took some time but we were not completely exhausted because of the views nature provided, as always. 

After 2 hours of fun and pain, we reached Brgy. Sirao, stopped for a cold and refreshing drink of Sparkle and few shots of Tanduay, which I do not recommend to do during a trek! 

I've noticed a small circle crowd so I went to check it out. Oh my, one of favorite my childhood games and hobbies – fighting spiders. I asked the guy how much the bet is and he told me, "just a small bunch.." They were gambling and he also added that it gets serious when the other Barangay comes for a battle! 

It was fun meeting additional people in Brgy. Sirao, even for only a short time. That's what travelling is all about. Travelling isn't about places or outdoor adventures. Travelling is about growing and learning indefinitely with different people and culture. 

During the second half of the trek, I went through physical trials as my body isn't used to trekking for long hours; I had cramps on one leg, and then the other, and then both! I could barely walk but I had no choice but to chase the setting sun before darkness closes in. 

A hudred steps or two beyond, we reached relief: a sight of the peak.

When we reached the peak, there were already climbers there wearing a smile. No words. No need for it, we all knew the feeling of exhaustion and hardship. 

We set foot on the flat ground and our eyes on the setting sun! 

The adventure literally destroyed me physically as I am not used to long hours of trekking, especially uphill. But that's not something to be afraid of. It's something up for a challenge! I will be going back, in a better shape and in a better perspective. 

How to go to Kabang Falls

1. Go to Talamban and dropoff in Sunny Hills
2. Get a habal-habal ride to the dropoff point of the short trek to the waterfalls
3. Get yourself a guide, or be lost like us, in a fun way

Necesarry costs

• Habal-habal ride to dropoff point (Budlaan) - P25 (one way)

* I did not provide any how-to's for Sirao Peak as I cannot remember the trail as it was very confusing and unclear. Maybe next time.