Pagsanjan River Rapids: A Wild Ride to Pagsanjan Falls

Pagsanjan River is totally awesome. Covering the municipalities of Pagsanjan, Cavinti and Lumban, a cruise down its waters will provide riders a chance to appreciate nature, both on land and on the waters. For starters, Pagsanjan River is the major source of water, food and income for the three municipalities.

The wide expanse of the river allows bangkas to navigate back and forth the world famous Pagsanjan falls. On this day, we would meet over 10 bangkas coming from the falls all boarded by Korean tourists.

The 15 feet deep river snakes through a gorge covered by vegetation so rich and unexplored, the view is fantastic. We were told wild monkeys inhabit it, along with an advise to beware of their naughtiness.

As we inched closer to the falls, rocks and boulders became the impediments for our bangka as well as our boatmen. It was a struggle navigating between the small and big stones with the three heavy bodies in our bangka. I could tell the boatmen were not having a picnic at all (hint, hint…get ready with your tips)

Occasionally, bangkas would move to the side to allow an approaching bangka to pass and also to give time for the boatmen to recharge.

After less than an hour of boat ride, we would arrive at the awe-inspiring might and force of Pagsanjan Falls where an awaiting raft would take us under the powerful cascading water. Our excitement, as we were moving closer to the falls, got stronger and everyone started screaming excitedly until we were quieted by the hard pounding the strong current of the waterfall gave us, a natural masseuse indeed.

The real wild ride happens on the way back to the river where the boat freely moves wherever the strong current takes it. The surging water would push the bangka faster downward causing it to tilt deeper forward or go up higher, so we held tighter to the banka yet careful not to have our fingers caught between the rocks. Indeed it was a scary ride but exciting as well.

Everyone on board our bangka was probably holding his breath, preparing for what’s going to happen in the rushing waters, doubting whether the orange floaters around our bodies would hold up. After two hours, our boatmen safely maneuvered us back to the main stream which was as placid as a sleeping baby.


How to get here:

From Metro Manila, ride a bus at either HM Transit in Quezon Avenue or Greenstar in Pasay City that goes to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. At Sta. Cruz terminal, you will find many jeeps that ply the route from Sta. Cruz to Pagsanjan at any time of the day. The fare costs only P10.