Kamaluya Falls

Kamaluya Falls

	How to get there? (Access to Kamaluya is from the same point as in Kagbuho until the latter branches out to its own tributary.) Pagbilao is the next town, 9 km from Lucena City traversed by the National Highway going to Bicol. After about 4 km eastbound from Pagbilao town proper, look out for the high voltage transmission lines of the National Power Corp crossing the highway about a hundred meters after KM142. While you could already see gigantic towers even before reaching the area, don't be confused as the wires cross the highway only in that vicinity where you will find a Barangay Road branching out to your left. At this point, the highway goes uphill and curves to the right. There is a limited line of sight against incoming dowhhill traffic which is dangerous while you are attempting to swerve to the left. Thus, it is suggested that while still far away from the said curve, you may carefully swerve to the left when the road is clear and use the shoulder to "crawl" to the start of the Barangay Road. That way, you will keep the main road free. Don't forget to turn on your hazard lights to warn incoming vehicles that you are staying on the shoulder. Likewise, don't turn your headlights on as it may confuse the oncoming vehicle that you are coming back to the pavement. Thru this Barangay Road, proceed to the residential area (locally known as "Boyet") at Brgy Ilayang Palsabangon. It is about 1.1 km from the highway. You will have to park your vehicle in that area if the water in the river is too deep to allow a safe crossing. From that point, it is a leisurely two-hour hike across the river and thru an old quarry road and thru a trail along, across and within the river. During the summer months, even a sedan may cross the river. That would save you about 1.5 km hike. On other seasons of the year, when the water is deep, a 4WD vehicle or a 6 wheeler truck may ferry hikers accross the first river-crossing up to the end of the quarry road (locally known as "Sentro"). From "Sentro" you will have to wade thru the water most of the time. Hiking sandals or aqua shoes are recommended. Aside from the falls itself, the hike features interesting geologic formations. You will also see smaller falls along the way. Hiking upstream, a right turn two tributares after the Kagbuho junction will bring you later to the highest falls in the Palsabangon River system:
		How high is that? Kamaluya Falls feature three cascades as viewed from the bottom. I calculated the height, using crude trigonometry, to be about 160 feet. Imagine 8 pieces of 20-ft pipes stacked end to end. Had it not been during summer when this picture was taken, a bigger volume of water will be falling and mist will be over the place. That gives us a reason to go back there.

	Here are two of the smaller falls (cascades) downstream on the way to Kamaluya:

<<Here is our Certificate of Participation. HILI KAYO ANO? (Eat your heart out.) Pity those who need to get on an airplane just to be here!!! Pity those who are already here in Pagbilao but have not seen these wonders of nature. (Picture taken in summer when water volume was minimal) Standing, in white T-shirt, is the Webmaster.

Photos and Narratives by 

Engr. Gerry B. Lontok ©2002