Bahay-Pagi Falls

Bahay-Pagi Falls
N13°59.8830' E121°46.0930'

Bahay-Pagi Falls, is another one of Pagbilao's favorite picnic destination. With a relatively small but strong waterfalls. Brave-hearted individuals have fun jumping over the falls and fought their way out of the underwater current. Why is it called Bahay-Pagi? Pagi is the vernacular for Stingray, So, Bahay-Pagi could mean "Stingray's House". I did not ask any old hermit, but I think anyone can see the answer from the area itself. So I used my camera to capture the stingray. Read on: The natural swimming pool downstream of the waterfalls Viewed from the top, anyone can see the Stingray or "Pagi" complete with tail. To get to the top of the falls, you need to swim across the pool and climb a big rock. Items that you do not want to get wet needs a little technique of passing to the next person. The rocks are not too slippery that allow you to excitedly hang by the brink of the falls. Why pay for expensive jacuzzi when you can have it here for free? (after a 400 meters walk actually).

How to get there? Pagbilao is the next town, 9 km from Lucena City traversed by the National Highway going to Bicol. From Pagbilao, just follow the National Highway going to Atimonan. Counting bridges may help to let you know that you are at the right track. First is Tambak Bridge right at the boundary of the town proper. Second is Palsabangon Bridge. Third, at Sta. 145+500, is Iringan Bridge. Fourth, at Sta. 147+388.70 is Binahaan Bridge. This bridge (also known as Locohin Bridge) can be found a few hundred meters after KM Post 147. The access from the highway is common for Bahay-Pagi Falls and Katapang Falls. (Opps! Don't click these links now. Click that later after seeing the Bahay-Pagi Falls feature). Just before crossing Binahaan Bridge, find a dirt road to your left near a waiting shed. This area used to be a Log Pond, hence, the locals call it "Lagpan". You will notice the expanse of vacant area, which also features the ubiquitous basketball court. If you are commuting, your target stop would be that corner of the dirt road just before Binahaan Bridge

Turn left to the dirt road just before Binahaan Bridge (Sta. 147+388.70)

If you have your own vehicle, you may drive further thru the dirt road. Follow the road that goes beyond the former Log Pond. From here, the road makes an abrupt right turn and then gradually winds its ways through a coconut plantation. After driving for 555 meters from the highway, you will reach a T-junction.
Turn right at this T-junction (to the "stem" of the "T") and drive (or walk) the remaining 200 meters of the road until you reach the Telemetry Station by the river bank. At this point, the road ends. Park and lock your vehicle and start walking along the river bank following the Locohin River upstream. After a few meters, you will get off the river bank and ford the water upstream. Bahay Pagi Falls can be found after the next river bend. The walk (or fording) from the road end is only 400 meters.
Further upstream of Bahay-Pagi Falls into a small tributary lies Katapang Falls - which is separately featured in this website.

Tip: Be ready to get yourself wet. Fording the water means it could be chest deep particularly at the pool at the foot of the falls. Wallets, cellphones, etc are better wrapped in plastic and kept in your backpack. My daughter was smart to bring an inflatable flotation toy which I used to keep my camera (and GPS too) above the water. Sandals or aqua shoes is the recommended footwear - leave your expensive sneakers behind. When leaving your vehicle, it is not difficult to ask one of the locals to watch it for you. When parking, make sure you leave enough space for other vehicles to pass by. Yes even at the road end, you have to park properly as other vehicles may need the space to make a round-about. The road to the Telemetry Station has a gate, we do not know if there are ocassions that it would be closed. The road is a common passage for the locals so maybe it stays open.

See Bahay-Pagi Falls Feature at WaypointsDotPH

See Bahay-Pagi Falls Vicinity Map at WaypointsDotPH

Photos and Narratives by 

Engr. Gerry B. Lontok ©2004