Melo Villareal
Tamaraw Falls in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Puerto Galera is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines, known for its spectacular beaches and beautiful diving sites brimming with coral reefs and marine life. Considered a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Puerto Galera also boasts other natural wonders, such as Tamaraw Falls.
It’s one of the famous tourist spots in Puerto Galera, perfect for a fun-filled day. And if this natural gem piques your interest, read on to learn more about Tamaraw Falls in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro!
About Tamaraw Falls
Tamaraw Falls is a scenic and towering natural wonder with a height of 423 feet (128.2 meters), comparable to a 40-story building. Situated in Barangay Villaflor, Tamaraw Falls is a common stopover for tourists for its convenient location, accessible from the main road, the same way heading to Calapan. If you’re going on a land tour in Puerto Galera, this majestic spot is definitely worth visiting. It features a series of small merging waterfalls resembling a Y form.
The falls were named after a Dwarf Buffalo or Tamaraw, a native animal only found in Mindoro. Back then, many Tamaraws resided in Mindoro. However, this rare species is now endangered due to human habitation, logging, and hunting. That’s why, in 2004, Proclamation No.692 was passed to make October 1 a special holiday throughout Mindoro, reminding the locals about the celebration of Tamaraw Conservation Month and its environment.
In short, naming the idyllic falls after Tamaraw is a way to help preserve their species. Moreover, there are various holidays and festivals on the island related to the Tamaraw that you can only experience in Mindoro. So if you’re exploring the Heart of Asia, add Tamaraw Falls to your bucket list.
Things to do
Since Tamaraw Falls is located just along the highway, you can view it for free. Meanwhile, if you want to see what the stunning falls have in store, you can enter its small resort for a minimal entrance fee. Now, you may be wondering how the falls measured 423 feet tall. The side of the falls near the bridge is about 3-story tall, where you’ll see the twin waterfall. But it’s only a short portion of the entire falls. So getting inside the mini resort is ideal to see its beauty.
Once you enter the tiny resort, you’ll be greeted by a man-made swimming pool filled with cold water from the falls. There are also cottages where you can hang out with friends and family. As you explore further, you’ll find another swimming pool, offering a thrilling view of nature filled with lush greeneries, perfect de-stressing. If you want to trek a bit, you can also explore the path heading up the mountains. Also, don’t forget to take a photo with the Tamaraw statue on site.
Entrance Fee
The mini resort in Tamaraw Falls charges a small entrance of P30 for adults and P15 for children. As for the accommodation, the resort charge around P140 for the cottages and P30 for the tables. They are open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm and have a restaurant and toilet on site.
How to get there
The Tamaraw Falls is around a 40-minute drive outside of Puerto Galera and accessible by varying means of transportation. You can access the falls by hiring a trike, renting a motorbike, or a private van for big groups. Also, you can reach Tamaraw Falls by riding a jeepney in Puerto Galera heading to Calapan or vice versa.
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Read:
- MIMAROPA: Discovering the Wonders of Occidental Mindoro
- Treasures of Oriental Mindoro
- Nice and Cozy at White Beach Resort in Puerto Galera
- Travel Guide to Puerto Galera: Travel Requirements, Things to Do, and More
