Having our fill of the decorated houses in Lucban, we set off for a quick side trip to Taytay Falls at the foothills of Mount Banahaw. Located in Majayjay, Laguna, this natural wonder is just a 15-minute jeepney ride northwest of Lucban, making it an ideal retreat for festival-goers looking to cool off.
From the main road, a three-kilometer journey through forested paths leads to the falls. On regular days, it’s a peaceful walk through lush greenery, but today, the narrow roads are packed. Cars, tricycles, and even pedestrians fill the path—proof of Taytay Falls’ growing popularity.
Reaching the falls from the main entrance involves going down the stone steps leading to a kilometer-long trail. But the scorching heat that defined the early afternoon has quickly been replaced by a sudden burst of rain showers, something for which we didn’t prepare. And so there we are, with our bags and the other sets of clothes drenched. It’s a miracle my camera is still dry.
The falls itself is impressive, cascading from the mountain through lush greens. The place, though, is too popular a side trip for Pahiyas visitors and this means today is a very busy weekend. Tents have run out for overnight visitors, and there are trash everywhere – there’s even a used diaper lodged between boulders.
Since we’re already soaked, we put our bags down under a large tree and join the crowds, enjoying the cold waters – never mind the problem of what we’re going to wear going back to Lucban in the evening.
How to Get There:
- From Lucban, take a jeepney to Majayjay (PHP 20, ~15 mins).
- From Majayjay town proper, hire a tricycle to Taytay Falls entrance (PHP 50-100, ~10 mins).
- From the entrance, a 1-kilometer hike leads to the falls.
Entrance Fee: PHP 50
Camping: Allowed, but expect large crowds on weekends.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.
The Tourist Gaze 
Leave a comment