The Philippines · PAGSANJAN FALLS DAY TRIPS
Two boatmen pole a canoe up a gorge against the current, then you take a raft under the falls. These 7 compare pickups from Manila, what the boatmen expect, and which ones add the lake or the church on the way back.
Leave Makati for Los Baños, ride a hand-pushed wooden trolley, sample coconut pie, then canoe upriver through gorges to Pagsanjan Falls. Boatmen guide you through the rapids, and a bamboo raft carries you beneath the falls. Guides may include Paul, Lea, Jayz, Faith, or Rhia. Bring sun protection and a waterproof bag.
“We really enjoyed the day! Excellent food as well. Couldn't have been more fun!”
Leave Manila at 5:30 a.m. for Tagaytay views of Taal Volcano, then ride with two local guides through rapids to Pagsanjan Falls. Hotel pickup, private transport, fuel, tolls, and entrance fees are included. The optional Taal Lake boat ride costs extra. Bring swimwear, a towel, cash, and sun protection.
“Great excursion. I highly recommend. Make sure to read the details, and know that getting to the waterfall is quite an ordeal. It was awesome, but we had no idea that you get taken in a canoe up the river to get there, take full note of the rRead more”
Leave Manila by air-conditioned vehicle for Pagsanjan, Laguna, then ride a native canoe upstream with two skilled boatmen. Swim at the falls, take a bamboo raft into the cave behind the water, and enjoy Filipino lunch with live music. Guides such as Nori, Troy, and Malou have earned praise for their warm service.
“Great experience! Boatmen were very friendly. Tour guides were very nice. Would definitely do again. Long drive and boat ride though, so just be aware. 3 hr drive from Makati and 3 hr boat ride to the falls.”
Leave Manila at 7:00 am for Pagsanjan Falls in an air-conditioned vehicle. With guides such as Andrei, Joannah, Nona, Criz, and Malona, you travel upstream by native canoe, ride a bamboo raft beneath the falls, and eat Filipino lunch. Pickup is offered in select Manila areas, with groups capped at 10.
“Our experience wasn’t quite what we had hoped because the water levels were too high and it was apparently too dangerous to go all the way up to Pagsanjan Falls (so be aware this can happen). We did get to go most of the way up tRead more”
Leave Manila or Makati at 8:30 am for Pagsanjan Gorge National Park. Ride a dugout banca through narrow rapids with local boatmen, swim beneath the falls, visit a cave by raft, and return for lunch with live music. The tour lasts about eight hours, includes hotel transport, and carries up to six people.
“I went on this tour as a typhoon was moving in, and I would still recommend it. The views as you go up river are stunning, and so much fun to go under the falls.”
Leave Manila at 6:00 am for Pagsanjan Falls, where licensed boatmen paddle a dugout canoe upstream through narrow rapids. Continue to cool Tagaytay for Taal views, then take a local boat toward Taal Volcano. Guides such as Yves, Sean, Via, and Asia have helped make the day run smoothly, though weather and water levels can change the plan.
“Our guide Yves was great! We went to Pagsanjan falls first. As mentioned before take money to tip the paddlers for your canoe up to the falls then the guys that rope you into the waterfall itself. If you have contacts keep your eyes closed in thRead more”
Leave Manila around 6 a.m. with a private driver and guide for Tagaytay views and a three-hour river trip to Pagsanjan Falls. Guides such as Criz, Eddy, Nona, Joannah, and drivers including Jay and Pedro have helped make the long day run smoothly. Expect local food, boatmen, traffic, and a wet, active finale.
“Excellent tour, so great having such a friendly and informative tour guide. Joannah and the team took us on an amazing tour of Tagaytay and its local delicacies, including buco pie, coconut drink, balut and tropical fruits. The team was super Read more”
Pick an island, a reef or a jetty.
