Rust and crimson colored rocks carpeted with lush green moss, crystal clear pools and icy cold waters, high rock walls draped with vibrant greens - these are what greets you when you reach Bukal Falls. Its another "hidden gem", if you prefer that cliche.

Tucked in a deep ravine at the base of Mt. Banahaw in Laguna, two adjacent towns lay claim to the area. Folks in Liliw call it Kilangin Falls, while those in Majayjay call it Bukal Falls or Bucal Falls. The word "bukal" literally means spring, and the water that flows down the cascades is from a emerald green pool fed by springs.

Related: Liliw's Brick Church

Although the trail going there is well established, the area itself is not yet developed (thank goodness!) and it does not have an established camp site. Trails from both Liliw and Majayjay will take you through  fields planted with string beans, tomatoes, and pepper, with an occasional grand view of Mt. Banahaw.  But its mostly just locals that pass through the area on their way to their fields or hunt giant fruit bats. Majayjay's poster falls is the Tanay Falls and that where the crowd heads to.


The source of the water is a pool surrounded by a green wall. There is supposed to be a waterfall on one side, and this falls is what folks primarily refer to as Kilangin Falls (based on photos on the web). But this particular waterfall is "seasonal", and it was a no-show when we were there. A more permanent one, about 10 feet fall, can be found a few meters downstream.

Further downstream are countless unnamed cascades and inviting pools. And whats perfect is that you'll most likely have one just to yourself, at least for now. There is a plan to develop the place and actively promote it to rival the more popular Tanay Falls (oh no!)

Notes:

• From the signage near the falls, looks like Majayjay has won the claim. But is it Bukal or Bucal? Maybe both.
• The trail from Liliw starts in Valiche and will take about 1.5 hours, easy hike. Its single track all the way, some parts cemented, some with deep mud and there are lots of forks along the way. Its advisable to have guide if its your first time going there, or to ask for directions from farmers you'll meet along the trail (which is not too many unfortunately)
• The trail from Majayjay starts in Brgy Bukal and will just take about 30-45 minutes hike on a cemented single track, with clear signage pointing you to the right direction.
• The area around the falls is being maintained by the Philippine Farmers' Association (Bukal Chapter). They can provide a guide if you need one. Look for Eduardo Argayoso in Bukal's barangay hall.