Asik-Asik: The Spectacular Curtain Waterfall
Mindanao, the southernmost and the second largest main island of the archipelagic Philippines, is indeed bestowed with the nature's finest gifts. From the northern region known for its majestic waterfalls all the way to the south, known for its beautiful and serene beaches - this place can be likened to that of a collage depicting nature itself. Every region will always have something to be proud of.
Alamada, in the province of North Cotabato was once unknown to tourists until the discovery of Asik-Asik Falls. This Spectacular Curtain Waterfall brings thousands of visitors to Alamada and its neighboring towns - Libungan and Midsayap, every year. Tourists from neighboring provinces and from as far as Manila and even abroad flock to this once hidden treasure all year round.
Rumor has it that this place was discovered by soldiers surveying the area but others say that this place has always been known to the locals who kept the place hidden until it was discovered. Since then, people from different places, having heard of its beauty, started visiting the area and thanks to the internet, pictures of this majestic falls has reached the world far and wide.
Getting To Asik-Asik
Getting to Alamada is not that difficult since the place is pretty accessible from all major cities in this part of the Philippines. If you are from Luzon, you may take a plane bound for Cotabato City, from there you can take a bus or van bound for Davao - it will have a quick stop at Libungan and Midsayap terminals. From either Midsayap or Libungan, you can hire a Habal-habal driver who can take you to Asik-Asik. Now this the fastest and the most expensive but you can always negotiate with the drivers. Another route to take, if you still have enough time, is to take a jeep bound to Alamada. This is less expensive although the travel time is considerably longer than taking the Habal-habal.
Those who are from the southern part of the Mindanao, take a bus bound for Cotabato City and get off at the Midsayap terminal.
What To Expect
Asik-Asik Falls is not like any other places you might have visited in the past. You don't have any cottages in the area, no videoke machines, no restaurant, or anything like that - this is purely an undeveloped spot. Yes, this is undeveloped but I wouldn't really mind not having these things around in Asik-Asik. You will be totally amazed of the beauty around you that you will surely forget about restaurants and videoke machines!
The water is cold - just the kind you need to cool off your body heat from all the walking you have had to endure to get to there. If you don't feel like swimming as yet, have a walk and see just how beautiful the place is. Listen to the chirping birds; breathe the cool, fresh air; enjoy the sight of towering trees around you; lose yourself in nature. And oh, did I mention that this falls is not like any others? You can't climb up the mountain to see where the water is coming from. The water comes out of the rocks at the cliff - interesting, isn't it?
And on your way back, there are other exciting things that await you. You can enjoy a horse ride for only 50 pesos or shop for souvenirs from the local vendors. wait, there is also a botanical garden - courtesy of one of the vendors.
Things To Remember
You can bring all the food you want as they do not charge you corkage fee although it would be wise to bring just enough because you will have to walk a 750 step stairs to get to the falls. If can't help it though, hire someone who can carry them for you.
Cash is very important here because you don't have access to any atm in the area. Charge your phone and other gadgets as there are not charging stations there. You may also bring power banks as a back up.
Now because this is outdoor and in the middle of a forest, bring with you an insect repellent lotion.