Don Victoriano is a special and charming town. It’s secluded, separated by Mt. Malindang from other municipalities in Misamis Occidental. It’s quite far that if you need to go there from the city via public transport, you have to go out of the province, pass through Zamboanga Del Sur, then enter Don Victoriano.
Though there are road projects that will connect directly to Don Victoriano, it’s a fact that among all municipalities of the province, it is the farthest and somehow least visited.
It was evident by the warm welcome of the people. Some expressed their gratitude, thanking us for visiting their lovely town. According to them, it’s seldom that they’re visited by a large group from different parts of the country. I was thinking, we should be the ones to thank them for welcoming us, and experiencing the raw beauty of Don Victoriano.
Their Subanen welcome dance showcased not only their immense talent but the authentic and rich culture of the indigenous people. It is said that Don Victoriano currently has the most number of Subanen people in the province.
A warm welcome from Don Victoriano, MisOcc
Siempre selfie. Haha
Smile!
Ayan, ok ba back-up dancers natin? Haha
After the warm welcome, we hopped on a 4×4 and traveled going to the strawberry farms in the mountains. Oh man, it was quite a ride, actually an adventure. There are paved roads, but there are still parts that need development.
It was a thrilling adventure but honestly quite tiring with all those bumpy, steep, and muddy roads, so we need something to relax our minds. Well, good thing that our next destination is a waterfalls – the Piduan Falls.
When we reached the jump-off area, a rushing crystal clear river welcomed us. It was like a prelude to a beauty that we were about to witness.
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The Piduan Falls Experience
Our soft-spoken guide said that it would only take 15 minutes of trekking going to Piduan Falls. And being a hiker, backpacker and traveler, I’m quite familiar with the famous phrases like “dyan lang” and “malapit lang.” Based on experience when a local said that it’s just near, it’s actually on the other side of the mountain. Haha So I realistically set my expectations.
Well, Piduan Falls is actually not that far. You just have to prepare a little because of the rocky terrain. Be sure to wear sturdy sandals and hiking shoes. Just take your time while hiking and I think you’ll be there in more or less 30 minutes.
The waterfall’s name is derived from its location, Sitio Piduan in Barangay Napangan in Don Victoriano Chiongbian. A curtain-like falls with fresh waters flowing from Mt. Malindang.
After the hike, we knew that we had finally arrived when we heard the gushing of water. Then, the stunning Piduan Falls emerged from afar. It was beautiful. And it was getting more stunning as we got closer. The sound of the crystal water crashing into the rocks was like an irresistible invite to take a dip.
A lot of people are saying that it looks like Asik-Asik Falls of North Cotabato, but Piduan Falls is definitely a beauty of its own. It’s pristine and raw, offering something new to adventure-seekers and travelers.
Beautiful. 😉
Since I was one of the first people to arrive, I definitely took advantage of it. I need to take some photos before the crowd.
Well, you know being a solo traveler, I am mostly okay with a selfie with a view of the destination. But Piduan Falls’ beauty is an exemption, I need to have pictures of it with me, a whole body photo, no matter how awkward my pose can be. Haha
So I mustered the courage to ask someone from the DOT Region 10 to take some photos. Luckily, he was not just a nice dude, he was also a good photographer. Look!
In a matter of minutes, lunch was served. I grabbed some food and went to a table in front of the waterfalls. Oh, what a life. Munching my way through fresh seafood, vegetables, and Lechon while surrounded by nature is definitely one of the most satisfying meals.
We still had ample time to enjoy the waterfalls. I couldn’t resist the call of Piduan Falls anymore, so I finally gave in and took a dip. To say that the icy cool water is relaxing is an understatement. It was the chill and refreshing experience that I really needed.
I was just genuinely happy, and refreshed trekking back and ready to explore more of the beauty of Misamis Occidental.
READ THE ARTICLE ABOUT MIS OCC: Laag-Laag sa Misamis Occidental: 20 Top Tourist Spots (+Perangat Festival)
How to get to Piduan Falls (Don Victoriano)
The airport of MisOcc is in Ozamiz city. Upon arriving in Ozamiz, take a public bus going to Molave (Zamboanga Del Sur). Then, there are vans there that will take you to Don Victoriano.
Once you arrive in Don Victoriano, ride a habal-habal going to the jump-off area of the waterfalls. It is advisable to call and coordinate with Don Victoriano Tourism to assist you in your travel. You may call them at 09187103278.
Don Victoriano Tourism also shared that there are also vans going directly to Don Victoriano from Ozamiz. Just give them a call for further assistance.
Note: This travel to Misamis Occidental is part of the Laag-Laag sa MisOcc2022 program by the Provincial Tourism in cooperation with the Philippines Tourism Promotions Board, DOT Region 10, and all the LGUs. Thank you for this opportunity! I truly enjoyed my time in MisOcc and I would love to come back!
More Misamis Occidental Blog Post
- Bawbawon Island: The Hidden Gem of Misamis Occidental
- Cotta Fort: Historical & Cultural Heritage of Misamis Occidental
- Subanen Village Eco-Tourism Park in Tudela, Misamis Occidental
- Jimenez: A Heritage Treasure in Misamis Occidental
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