Katapang Falls

Katapang Falls

N14°00.0080' E121°45.7330'

Katapang Falls is probably the highest waterfalls in Pagbilao. To describe how high it is, you need to take photos from at least three locations to capture the whole height. First photo position is at the two cascades at the bottom. Then you have to climb these two cascades to take another shot of the next set of cascades. At this part, the cascades are difficult to count as the water falls in various locations along the angled slope of the rock face. After climbing the rocks along these cascades up to the top, you will see another set of cascades to your right. In other words, coming from the topmost part, the falls took a left turn. Thus, with the turns and numerous cascades, the whole falls will not fit in one frame. My daughter Geraldine and her cousin Roderick at the first two cascades at the bottom of Katapang Falls Only when you are on top of the first two cascades could you have a good view of the second set of cascades. The number of cascades in the second set is difficult to count. The rock slope is climbable though for a beginner Hikers will enjoy scaling the angled rock face such that the climb gets tougher as one gets higher. I have proven myself that it was more difficult climbing down on the way back. I contented myself up to the top of the second set of cascades where I took the GPS mark of this feature. My nephew Roderick climbed one-third of the topmost set of cascades before I asked him not to go any further. I judged that that part is better scaled by trained mountaineers. When taking pictures at the bottom of the falls, it is difficult to visualize the height. This downward-angled shot from the second set of cascades gives a better idea of how much it would hurt if you fall (i.e. roll). In this photo, there are two people standing at two different locations. If you can't see both of them, that tells you how high the falls is - and we are not yet at the top. Similarly, when you are on top of the second set of cascades, you could have a good view of the topmost set of cascades. The climb gets tougher as one get higher Since the name "Katapang" pertains to "Brave", I can only surmise about its meaning: One needs to be brave to scale the rocks up to the top.

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 Katapang Falls and Bahay-Pagi Falls. (Opps! Don't click these links now. Click that later after seeing the Katapang 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. At the T-junction, you have two options:

Option 1
If you want to reach Katapang via Bahay-Pagi, 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.
From Bahay-Pagi Falls, walk further upstream for another 460 meters and find a small tributary to the left. Enter this tributary which is the Katapang Creek. After about 45 meters upstream of this tributary, you will find the remnants of an spillway crossing the river. Disregard this road crossing and continue walking upstream the Katapang Creek. From hereon, the route will be the same for the two options

Option 2
If you want to go direct to Katapang (by-passing Bahay-Pagi), disembark at the T-junction area and start walking thru the road (along the "head" of the "T") straight ahead to the north. The road ahead is in sad state, so it is advisable to leave your vehicle near where there are houses and walk the rest of the way. After walking for 600 meters, find the remnants of a spillway crossing the creek. At this road/creek crossing, turn left and continue walking upstream the Katapang Creek. From hereon, the route will be the same for the two options


Whether you walked direct to the spillway/road crossing at Katapang Creek or passed by Bahay-Pagi Falls thru the Locohin River, you cannot be lost from hereon. Katapang Falls is just another half-a-kilometer walk upstream.
Therefore, the trip to Katapang would be only 1650 meters from the highway and 2160 meters if via Bahay-Pagi Falls.

Tip: Be ready to get yourself wet. Fording the water means it could be chest deep on some portions (depending on your height). 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 Katapang Falls Feature at WaypointsDotPH

See Katapang Falls Vicinity Map at WaypointsDotPH

Photos and Narratives by 

Engr. Gerry B. Lontok ©2004