Lulugayan Falls in Calbiga, Samar is neither the widest nor the highest waterfall in the Philippines. It is also not the most famous. But it is certainly one of the prettiest cascades you wouldn’t want to miss in your travels around the country Some people climb mountains while others chase waterfalls. Ask anyone to name must-see waterfalls in the Philippines and you’re bound to hear answers like the Maria Cristina Falls, Pagsanjan Falls, and Hinulugang Taktak. Chances are, you won’t hear the name Lulugayan Falls in any of the answers.

Don’t let its anonymity fool you. Sure, it’s not the widest waterfall in the country, neither is it the tallest, but it’s certainly just as magnificent as any waterfall in the Philippines.

Located in Calbiga, Samar, it takes a while to get to the falls itself. The journey from the town to the jump-off point can take an hour to an hour and a half on a habal-habal (motorcycle for hire), the primary mode of transportation in the province. You can make arrangements and pay the necessary fees at the tourism office.

From the jump-off point, one has to hike a 740-meter trail. Even if you’re bad at directions, don’t worry: the trail is lined with stone slabs to guide tourists to the falls. The trail itself is only around 20-30 minutes. Although the trail is relatively easy to hike, certain areas can be a bit slippery.