9 Hidden Waterfalls in Cordillera Mountains, Philippines Worth the Hike
The Cordillera region holds some of the most underrated waterfalls in the Philippines. They’re not marked by signs or swarmed by tourists. They’re hidden behind mountain trails, tucked between rice terraces, and guarded by quiet forests.
Finding them takes effort. You’ll hike, ask around, and maybe get lost once or twice. But what you’ll get in return is cold, clear water, untouched views, and that rare feeling of discovering something real.
Some require a hike, others a guide, but all are worth it. Ready to chase waterfalls where tourists rarely tread? Let’s go.
Why the Cordillera Mountains Are a Waterfall Wonderland
If you’ve ever wondered why the Cordillera Mountains region hides so many magical waterfalls, it all comes down to its wild landscape. Picture rugged mountains, endless valleys, and thick forests where rivers twist and tumble; it’s basically the perfect recipe for breathtaking cascades.
Since the Cordillera mountain range is high in the northern part of Luzon, (Philippines’ main island) the weather stays cool most of the year. That makes chasing waterfalls here way more comfortable than in the lowland heat – even a tough hike feels refreshing when the breeze smells like pine and mist.
And maybe the best part? Many of these hidden waterfalls are tucked inside tribal lands. Indigenous communities have been protecting these places for generations, keeping them clean, sacred, and untouched. It’s real eco-tourism at its finest – raw nature that still feels pure.
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures, secret waterfalls, and untouched eco-tourism gems, the Cordillera Mountains, Philippines, is where you’ll find your next real escape.
9 Hidden Waterfalls in the Cordillera Mountains, Philippines
1. Tappiya Falls (Batad, Ifugao)
If you’re up for a little adventure – and by little, I mean a sweaty, leg-burning trek through centuries-old rice terraces, Tappiya Falls will be your reward.
Hidden deep in the heart of Batad, this powerful waterfall crashes into a giant, rocky basin surrounded by towering green cliffs. It feels like stepping into a natural amphitheater sculpted by the gods themselves. The hike isn’t easy (expect a steep, muddy trail and lots of stone steps), but once you hear the roar of Tappiya and feel its misty spray on your face, every step will have been worth it.
2. Bomod-ok Falls (Sagada, Mountain Province)
They call it the “Big Falls” for a reason. Bomod-ok thunders down a sheer rock face, sending mist into the cool mountain air like a natural fireworks show.
Reaching it is half the magic. The trail weaves through traditional villages, where locals still dry their rice by the roadside and greet you with quick smiles. You’ll pass hand-carved rice terraces, rickety footbridges, and pine-scented hillsides before the waterfall reveals itself, roaring at the end of the valley like a secret only the mountains knew about.
Bomod-ok Falls is one of Sagada’s best-kept eco-tourism treasures as it’s a perfect mix of cultural hiking, wild landscapes, and that quiet sense of discovery you can only find in the hidden corners of the Cordillera region.
3. Bayyo Falls (Bontoc, Mountain Province)
Tucked behind the sleepy village of Bayyo, this underrated waterfall feels like a postcard waiting to happen.
The falls spill gracefully down a layered cliff, with mist drifting over the surrounding rice paddies like something straight out of a dream. It’s not a huge waterfall by Cordillera standards, but that’s what makes it special, Bayyo Falls feels personal, peaceful, and untouched by the usual tourist crowds.
You can catch glimpses of it from the main road, but trust me, it’s worth getting out of the car and taking a closer look. For anyone hunting down hidden waterfalls in Mountain Province or craving a quiet moment deep in nature, Bayyo is a true escape.
4. Chico River Falls (Tinglayan, Kalinga)
Some waterfalls demand a grand entrance while others just appear, quietly and unexpectedly, like Chico River Falls.
Tucked alongside the famous river that winds through Kalinga’s wild, mountainous terrain, these low-key cascades are more about vibe than volume. They aren’t towering or dramatic, but what they offer is even better: cool, clear pools perfect for a dip, backed by jungle-covered slopes and rock walls carved by centuries of flowing water.
You’ll often find them near river trekking spots or while passing through Tinglayan on the way to a tattoo session with Apo Whang-Od. Most travelers miss them completely, but stop for a moment and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto a private sanctuary in the middle of the Cordillera highlands.
5. Fowa-as Falls (Sagada, Mountain Province)
Fowa-as Falls doesn’t come with road signs or souvenir stalls, you have to earn it. And honestly, that’s the best part.
Hidden deep beyond Sagada’s main trails, Fowa-as is the kind of place you’ll only find if you know a local guide and are willing to follow a barely-there footpath into the hills. The trek is rugged, sometimes steep, but the reward is a quiet, misty waterfall tucked inside a cradle of rocks and forest.
Unlike Bomod-ok or Pongas, you won’t bump into other travelers here. Fowa-as feels raw and untouched like you’ve slipped into a secret garden that even Sagada itself forgot. It’s the perfect spot for travelers craving true off-the-beaten-path adventures and looking to experience Sagada beyond the usual tourist trail.
6. Gololan Falls (Kabugao, Apayao)
Long before you ever hear it, Gololan Falls makes its presence known by the sound of water crashing through the jungle hitting your chest like a distant drumbeat.
Hidden in the dense rainforest outside Kabugao, the Capital of Apayao Province, this towering 30+ meter waterfall crashes down a rugged cliff face into a misty pool below. On a sunny day, the light hits just right and you might even catch a rainbow forming through the spray. It’s one of those moments that makes you stop, breathe, and feel lucky to be exactly where you are.
The trek to get there isn’t easy. You’ll encounter muddy paths, overgrown trails, and no cell service, but that’s part of the magic. It’s peaceful, raw, and completely untouched by tourism. Gololan Falls isn’t just one of the most beautiful spots in Apayao, it’s one of the most soulful.
7. Palan-ah Falls (Tulgao, Kalinga)
Palan-ah Falls is the kind of place that reminds you just how powerful and beautiful nature can be.
Tucked in the mountains of Kalinga, this towering waterfall drops more than 300 feet into a wide basin, sending up clouds of mist that shimmer when the sun breaks through. It’s not overly commercialized, which means you get the raw, untamed vibe that adventure travelers dream of.
With natural hot springs nearby and the cool mountain air all around, it’s the perfect stop for anyone exploring Kalinga’s wild side. Whether you’re into hiking, eco-tourism, or just chasing secret waterfalls in the Cordillera, Palan-ah delivers the kind of experience that sticks with you.
8. Pongas Falls (Ankileng, Sagada)
At first, it’s just another dusty trail winding past rice terraces and old stone walls. You’ll wonder if you’re even going the right way. Then you hear it…that steady, low roar, and a few more steps later, Pongas Falls comes into view, tucked between cliffs like it’s been waiting for you all along.
Getting there isn’t too crazy, but it’s enough of a trek to make the waterfall feel like a real reward. Along the way, you’ll cross a hanging bridge, pass through sleepy village paths, and see the kind of everyday life that makes Sagada feel frozen in time.
When you finally reach the falls, it’s not just one stream crashing down – it’s two. Twin cascades spilling over rugged rocks into a deep, cool pool. The air smells like wet stone and pine, and everything else; your hike, your tired legs, your worries – just kind of fades out for a while.
Pongas Falls isn’t the biggest or the loudest around, but that’s part of the charm. It’s quiet. Raw. Exactly what hidden waterfalls in the Cordillera are supposed to feel like.
9. Hydro Falls (Tuba, Benguet)
Tucked just off Kennon Road, Hydro Falls feels like one of Benguet’s best-kept secrets. The short hike starts with a hanging bridge, a stroll past a village and basketball court, and then a rocky trail that follows the sound of rushing water.
It’s not a tough trek (maybe 30 to 45 minutes) but it’s enough to make the falls feel earned. When you finally get there, you’ll find a slender cascade spilling into a cool, clear basin surrounded by mossy rocks. It’s peaceful, raw, and usually empty, making it one of the best-hidden waterfalls around Baguio for a quiet escape.
Hydro Falls is a reminder that sometimes the best spots aren’t the ones with the most signs or the biggest crowds but the ones you find when you’re willing to take the path less traveled.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Cordillera’s Waterfalls?
If you’re planning to chase hidden waterfalls in the Cordillera region, timing can make all the difference.
The dry season, from November to May, is ideal. The hiking trails are safer, the river crossings are manageable, and the weather plays nice, making it perfect for day hikes, camping, and slow adventure travel through the mountains.
On the flip side, the rainy season (June to October) brings out the wild side of the falls. They’re louder, fuller, and honestly pretty breathtaking, but so are the slippery rocks and sudden downpours. It’s still doable, but definitely more rugged.
For the best experience, avoid weekends and local holidays when popular spots can get crowded. Go midweek, early in the morning, and you’ll get to enjoy Cordillera’s waterfalls the way they were meant to be…peaceful, raw, and all yours.
What to Bring on a Waterfall Hike
Cordillera trails can be rugged, muddy, and full of surprises, so it pays to be prepared.
Wear sturdy hiking sandals or shoes with good grip, especially for wet rocks and steep descents. Bring a waterproof bag or dry sack to protect your gear (phones, cameras, anything that hates getting soaked).
Pack light but smart: a small day pack with snacks, plenty of water, and a basic first-aid kit is essential. And if you’ve got a drone or action cam, now’s the time to use it as these hidden waterfalls are made for those epic wide shots.
Most of all, bring a sense of adventure. You’ll probably get wet, dirty, and a little tired, but that’s part of the fun.
How to Travel Responsibly and Respect Local Culture
Many of Cordillera’s waterfalls are tucked deep within ancestral lands, cared for, and protected by Indigenous communities for generations. So when you visit, you’re not just stepping into nature; you’re stepping into someone else’s home.
Always ask permission before entering tribal areas or taking unfamiliar trails. Hiring a local guide isn’t just about directions, it’s about honoring the land, staying safe, and hearing stories you won’t find in any blog.
Pack out whatever you pack in. Most of these eco-tourism spots don’t have trash bins or cleanup crews. And when you see signs or quiet zones near sacred sites, respect them. Some places aren’t just beautiful, they’re deeply spiritual.
Responsible travel isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware, being humble, and making sure these hidden places stay wild and welcoming for everyone who comes next.
Wrap it Up
The Cordillera Mountains region isn’t short on beauty, but its hidden waterfalls offer something different. They’re not always easy to reach. Some require long hikes, muddy trails, and a bit of guesswork. But that’s part of the magic.
These places don’t just hand themselves over. You have to slow down, look closer, ask locals, follow rivers, and listen for the sound of falling water. And when you finally find them tucked behind rice terraces, deep in the forest, or at the end of a quiet valley, you feel like you’ve earned something real.
So take the trip. Bring your curiosity. Support local guides. And tread lightly. Because the best kind of adventure travel isn’t about checking off locations, it’s about connecting with places that still feel untouched, sacred, and alive.e.
