It’s that time of the year again. The so-called Adivay Festival of my province, Benguet. The month-long celebration ends in about a week, and before that happens, I thought it fitting to post about this now, that time I went on a dayhike-slash-climb of Badi Falls in Kapangan, as organized by IgoAdventurePH, a Cordillera-based group bound by their love for the great outdoors and adventure while doing good on the side. Incidentally, IgoAdventures is a recipient of this year’s Everlasting Award at the Adivay, for its contributions to various schools and individuals in the province. Well-deserved, ka-IGO! (Warning: A bit image-heavy, but that should no longer come as a surprise, should it?)
(In case you’re curious, I have made several posts in the past related to Adivay, particularly this brief intro to the 13 municipalities of Benguet, so do check that out.)
FINALLY! I was able to go to Badi Falls!
A couple of years back, the desire to check out this waterfall hit me, and hit me hard, primarily because, one: I LOVE WATERFALLS (I’ll never tire of making that declaration) and two: it just seemed… sad, somehow, that I haven’t seen it yet, considering that it is in MY FREAKIN’ HOMETOWN of Kapangan (albeit on the other, far end of where I’m actually from).
There were several attempts in the past, none of which materialized. Until IgoAdventurePH stepped in, and made it happen.
“Altruism is Contagious”
That’s the phrase that encapsulates (at least, in part) the advocacy of IgoAdventurePH, a homegrown group of outdoor enthusiasts/hikers/climbers who combined their passion with the desire to help or provide assistance to those in need. Founded by Mr. Romeo U. Licyayo, Jr., the group, which is growing by the day, started by conducting Hikes for a Cause, until it has evolved into more similar activities for fundraising purposes. To date, many individuals and schools, particularly in remote areas of the province and the region, have become recipients of the proceeds from these activities. This Badi Falls Expedition was one of them.
Badi Falls Expedition
Officially dubbed as the “Badi Falls Expedition”, the proceeds of this activity will go to Baby Ariel Fesetan, Jr., to augment his liver transplant.
I’ll be honest and say that, initially, all I wanted was to go to Badi Falls. As the day neared, I slowly came to realize that I am actually going on an adventure that has more meaning attached to it, no matter that mine would be a minuscule contribution.
July 28, 2019, Sunday. We left Baguio at dawn and arrived at Suvani’s Avong in Datakan, Kapangan, before 6am, where we had a sumptuous breakfast while getting to know each other, and later geared up for the hike. It’s going to be mostly walking and river crossing, so the idea was to pack light, and be ready to get soaked.
It was a reunion of sorts for me and Christine and Hazel, who haven’t gone on a hike in a long while. Good thing our sked’s matched, and we were able to join this one.
We left Suvani’s Avong and proceeded to the Barangay Hall of Sagubo, where we had a brief orientation as led by the barangay officials. Registration with the barangay is required for anyone aiming for Badi Falls. This is also where we met our guides for the trek.
At 9:40 am, the group arrived at the jumpoff point at the Ampongot FMR (farm-to-market road), and we lost no time in getting started, because we knew it’s going to be quite a walk.
The trail was quite friendly, although the tire paths at the start of our walk was a bit slippery, and at a slope, so that certainly didn’t help traction any. At one point, the concrete tire path ended, to be replaced by gravel- and dirt-packed paths. It’s a continuous downhill trek, and gradually became more challenging as we went on, especially at some parts where the trail transformed to patches of loose dirt and soil.
At 10:20 we all had a first glimpse of Badi Falls from afar. And I think it was a good idea to do the hike as early as possible, because the heat is going to be ruthless if you are caught in the middle of the day while hiking. As much as possible, you’d want to be in the water when the sun is at its hottest.
At 11:00, the downward trek ended, and we finally arrived at the river. Which turned out to be the bottom, by the way. From this point, you’d start a series of river crossing to go up.
Basically, you’d be climbing the waterfalls. All four tiers of it.
The water current was particularly strong that day, brought about by rain several days prior. Which meant it made the river-crossing a bit more challenging than usual.
But, guess what? That was what made it even more thrilling.
20 minutes of river-crossing and rock-clambering, we arrived at the first tier of Badi Falls.
It was small and unassuming, but unapproachable at the same time. The water was strong, the basin was clearly quite deep, and us non-swimmers had to make do with standing on the shallow parts. Even from this distance, the spray was already quite impressive.
Another half hour of clambering on rocks and boulders, and we arrived at the 2nd tier.
No doubt, the most visually spectacular part of Badi Falls. Probably also the most photographed, if I’m not mistaken.
This is one of those things: it looks so tall and imposing, you’d be easily intimidated. And the strong spray of water just…. attacks you, full frontal, but YOU JUST HAVE TO GET CLOSER. It repels you, in a way, but still draws and sucks you in, such that you have no choice but to get drenched in it.
And drenched we all were. Even standing a good distance away, some of the spray are still bound to get to you. And wouldn’t it be a shame to be in front of something so majestic, so magnificent, and not get a taste of it.
Or, in this case, a full dousing? Granted, it can be quite overwhelming, and painful in parts. But hey, this is what I came here for.
Another wonderful thing about waterfalls is that they look different wherever you are looking at it. From the side, it looks different; from another side, it gives off another vibe.
Also, depending on the amount of water, its appearance is also variable. I have been to waterfalls that are practically dry to those with small trickles, and then to ones that are roaring in full force.
Kinda like this one. But on rainier days, I am pretty sure it’s a complete torrent, and no one would be allowed to visit, lest they be swept away by the water.
We spent more than half an hour here, and even when we were called out that we have to move on, it was with heavy hearts and heavier footsteps. But there were other parts of Badi Falls waiting for us upstream, so we have to go on up.
One thing’s for sure, though. This sight is going to be one of my favorites.
After leaving this tier, what followed was probably the most challenging part of the trek. We found ourselves clambering up damp to muddy soil with nary a foothold and flimsy plants as handholds. Word is that the local government once thought of putting up a manmade trail in this part, to make it easier for hikers to manage the trail, but the idea was vetoed by the local chief executive, who said that the difficulty in the trek is “part of the package”.
I’d have to agree.
And that’s what was playing through my head when we were faced with having to climb an almost 90-degree slope, while hoping the person who went ahead won’t accidentally send clumps of soil (or worse, rocks) tumbling down on you.
Finally, at 12:45, we made a stop for lunch in what looked like a secluded “mini-falls” area. Compared to the earlier waterfalls, the water is much calmer here, perfect for a picnic-in-the-water.
Here, we got to rest, get our bearings, and partake in the packed lunch that our companions oh-so-kindly lugged around with them throughout the trek.
At 1:30, all full and ready to continue, we made way for the next tier. Which meant more clambering, more crossing…
….more slipping and sliding…. you get the idea.
Ten minutes later, we arrived at the 3rd tier. The water here is not much gentler, I’m afraid, and getting down in the water meant practically getting pelted by it… if you don’t get banged against the rocks down there first.
We made do with viewing it from a distance. Although at one point, we approached the part a bit on the side and stayed under the curtain for a bit. It’s a good spot, if you want to find a place where you can’t even hear yourself think.
We didn’t linger long, however, as we made that short hike up to the 4th tier of the waterfall. The last stop for this adventure.
This tier was clearly made for relaxation. The area was much friendlier to those who wanted to frolic in the water. Even the size of the waterfall itself is quite manageable, so it didn’t take much to muster the courage to go near it. And even laze around beside it.
At times like these, it certainly makes a difference when you are going somewhere with kindred spirits, with people who are clearly on the same boat as you. Sure, it gets tiring and exhausting, but you find yourself pushing forward, and even sharing encouragement with others.
Although it didn’t require much encouragement, not really, considering how everyone wanted to see more of Badi Falls.
At 2:30pm, we finally bade farewell to the beauty that is Badi Waterfalls, and made that long and arduous trek back up to where we started. It was a 2-hour trek at a moderate pace, not even stopping when the heavens opened up and let out a bit of its own waterfall. A bit anticlimactic now but, thank you, still.
The body aches and pains came a day or two later, but it was a pain that I welcomed and even relished, because I knew it was ALL WORTH IT. Plus the idea that it also meant I had a bit of a hand in providing assistance to someone in need? Makes it even more worth it.
IgoAdventurePH has more outdoor activities lined up in the coming months, and I do hope I get to join one or two again.
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