Awao Falls: Monkayo's Treasure
Mindanao is indeed "The Land of Promise". Subjective title it would seem but I have seen first hand the promises that this beautiful island holds. Tourism for example has been growing continuously fast in this side of the Philippines. Thanks to its numerous natural wonders, people from all over the country and even others from half way across the world travel to marvel at the treasures that it posses.
Awao Falls in the the town of Monkayo, in the province of Compostela Valley is one of the so many that showcase the grandeur of the Philippines' natural wonders. With three tiers (some say four), all of which are equally magnificent, travelers will be greeted with a sight to marvel and the whole place being surrounded by trees and mountains, makes the site all the more refreshing to weary travelers.
Getting to Awao
Getting to Awao is not easy as it is majestic. The falls is located deep into the mountain ranges of Monkayo so travel time is certainly one of such important considerations when planning to visit this wonderful place. The travel time would have been lesser had the roads been paved plus not to mention travelers would have to cross a river to get to the other side and continue the journey all the way to the location of the treasure.
Sounds like one hell of a trip to get to a falls, right? Well, most treasures are hidden and it's never easy looking for one and Awao is definitely not an exception.
Should you decide to take your car, know I would only recommend cars which are designed to traverse a mountainous terrain and motorcycles (no scooters). There are however, Skylabs (Habal-habal) which can take you all the way to the vicinity of the waterfall or you many opt to charter a tricycle for the same purpose.
Activities
Once in the vicinity of the waterfall, you can take pictures, trek all the way up the highest tier, and go swimming. I have seem a number of young and courageous fellow jumping off the cliff. This however, is never encouraged no matter how tempting because of the great risk it poses.
Amenities
There are restrooms in the area which is one of the first few things I will be looking for when visiting places like this. There is a "sari-sari" store that sells soft drinks, beers, "chichicria", etc. for a relatively low price considering that the area is quite remote. You may rent a cottage for 100 pesos with no entrance or corkage fees whatsoever. You may opt to prepare your own food upon arrival as they also have a cooking area or you may opt to do it in a more interesting manner by campfire cooking.
Awao Falls might be one hell of place to visit due to its distance from the main road, the rough road with all its ups, downs, and twists, and the river crossing, but one thing is for sure - your efforts will be all the worth it once you see this this magnificent waterfall before you. A treasure indeed.