Sungkilaw Falls is now a Tourist destination in Dipolog City

Sungkilaw Falls

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Sungkilaw Falls in Dipolog City, ZaNorte is now included in a tourist destination after proven as one of a haven within Zamboanga Peninsula for pleasure seekers.
Dipolog City offers a myriad of fun-filled and exhilarating activities that caters to all types of tourists.

For tourists seeking simple pleasures, the city offers a stroll along the immaculately clean 1.5-km Dipolog Boulevard or nature-tripping through the verdant forests at the outskirts of the city, or camping, trail trekking, canoeing, or simply swimming in the clear waters of Dipolog’s grey sand beaches

For the more adventurous tourists, Dipolog offers mountain climbing or exploring the 20 feet high Sungkilaw Waterfalls which is 25 kilometers away from the heart of the City. 

Magnificence
Sungkilaw Falls is a 20-foot high waterfall situated in Sitio Virginia, Barangay Diwan, the farthest barangay of the city. The natural spectacle is positioned in the midst of lush forest and reaching the falls will require the adventuresome a trekking spree of approximately 400 descending steps winding along verdant trees, flora and fauna.

To get there, one must has to take about 40 minutes long and jarring ride from the heart of the city at the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) at Barangay Miputak. There, take a bus, jeep, or truck bound for or that will pass “Diwan” or “Cogon.”

Inform the conductor that you wish to get off at the Sungkilaw intersection. Remember be alert, keep your eyes open and watch for a sign that says: “SUNGKILAW FALLS => 14 KM.” 

Motorcycle or locally know ‘habal-habal’ are parked near the waiting shed at the intersection for a ride to the falls.

“This is the only tourist destination without an entrance fee. There are native crops the visitors could buy and it’s a tourist attraction where one should not miss to visit,” said Evelyn Balancar, SK Chairman of Barangay Diwan.

Once there, one can behold the gushing of waters surrounded by rock strewn cliff that thrills the carefree. Concrete steps will take one to reach a Y-trail. The left trail will lead you to the view deck of Sungkilaw falls roughly 30 meters away. The right trail will direct you to the “mineral” well and spring where you can take a dip into the enticing cool water.

However, one must have a rough walk in going to the rugged peak of the falls, at the bottom of which the wondrous river lies.
There are trails prepared by the city government to aid visitors in traversing the forest’s terrain.

Near OISCA
The Sungkilaw Falls is near the OISCA (Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement) forest park, a project of the Japanese government. Visitors here will have an opportunity to try some challenging outdoor sports and adventures. This amazing site also offers exciting outdoor sports like rappelling, Tyrolean traverse, canoeing, or swimming. Facilities in the area include a wide parking area, entrance hall, mushroom-shaped picnic groves, showers and comfort rooms.

A mineral spring spurts near the swimming area and the water tastes salty. Locals and folks living nearby believed that the waters have therapeutic properties.

“It is a God-given spectacle. The area was being developed by the City Government to guide tourists in their trip to the magnificent falls. You will be overwhelmed and astounded on a certain part of it that releases water and tastes salty,” the SK Chairman explained.

The spring is the foremost swimming area for tourists. The cool cascading water of the spring flows directly into the waterfalls. The presence of gigantic rocks makes it a perfect spot for swimming and pictorials.

Waters from the falls stream down to several divisions of creeks that all ends up at Punta River at the southern part of the city.

The water gushing from the falls soothes and reinvigorates the body, relieving stress and tensions.

The alluring beauty of Sungkilaw falls and its exciting package of adventure made its way to be featured in “Weekend Getaway” of GMA 7 hosted by Drew Arellano in 2011.

With the irresistible charms and cool waters of Sungkilaw Falls, alongside the massive environmental projects that abound in the area, Dipolog has made its reputation as one of the eco-tourism sites in the south. It has slowly become a haven for tourist who wishes to drown himself in the serenity, greenery and beauty of the place, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. (Mary May A. Abellon/FPG/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)