Asik-Asik Waterfalls in Alamada Cotabato
The Philippine province of Cotabato, known wholly as the “Vegetable and Fruit Basket of Mindanao”, is geographically divided into the north and the south. Although Southern Cotabato is more well-known for its tourist spots (like Lake Sebu), its northern counterpart shouldn’t be left unnoticed. Just recently, Northern Cotabato’s attracting both tourists and locals alike with its magical Asik-Asik Waterfalls. Wanna know more? Read on!
Asik Asik Falls by Renan Barco Follow his Instagram @renanbarco
About Asik-Asik Waterfalls
Asik-asik is a Hiligaynon term which literally translates to “to sprinkle”. And indeed, Asik-Asik Waterfalls in Alamada, Northern Cotabato, has been sprinkling its magical waters well enough for it to be known as “Northern Cotabato’s Pride”.
Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada by Jpquidores – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Like most natural formations in the Philippines, Asik-Asik waterfalls is believed to be the house of local enchanted beings… but this is no longer a myth. When you get there you’ll be an enchanted being yourself—literally, enchanted!
Asik-Asik is like the setting of a fictional movie (picture the secret facility hidden in the jungle in Disney’s The Incredibles. That’s the closest comparison). Its cliffs are covered with thick, green vegetation, and its magical ‘curtain-like’ falls literally look like they are falling from the skies. The water is cold but refreshing, and is also crystal clear, like running tap water. The place is also very, very secluded: it’s in the middle of a forest!
Waterfalls in Alamada Cotabato by Rawen Balmana via Flickr
Things to do
Listing all the possible things you could do while here in Asik-Asik Waterfalls would make this article too long; there a variety of things you can do here. Given the terrain you could also do a variety of extreme sports such as hiking and trekking, aside from the typical swimming. Be also sure to have a long monopod, or a waterproof camera for taking pictures. Nearly every spot in the form is ‘sprinkling’ water.
How to get there
Asik Asik Falls by Rex Songcayauon via Flickr
Asik-Asik waterfalls was just discovered last 2012. Of course, being a very new attraction, getting to Asik-Asik waterfalls won’t be too easy like most destinations. Getting to Alamada won’t be a problem (shortest public road route is via a jeepney from Midsayap. This would take only 45 minutes at most), but getting to Asik-Asik just might be. As mentioned earlier it’s secluded and total travel/walking time may reach up to an hour. But all of this would be worth it once you reach the waterfalls, anyway.
Where to stay
As mentioned earlier, the youth of the destination demands more time for development and accessibility of the place. You can’t exactly stay next to the waterfalls, or in the barangay where it is located (Barangay Upper Dado), but you can stay in the closest areas. Don’t expect 5-star hotels here nearby.
White Hut Inn Resort in Midsayap would be a closer choice, but for those who wouldn’t mind venturing too far off from Alamada, Marco Polo Davao in Davao would be a good choice: it’s a luxury hotel but it’s far from the Alamada center.
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Travel Tips
Going to Asik-Asik won’t be a walk in the park. The roads are not yet developed, and commercial establishments are very rare here. Be sure to bring enough water and other supplies to last the hiking trip to the waterfalls. Wear sleeves, a bandanna, a shawl, or any other light materials that would block the sun. When you get to the waterfalls (there is still yet a looooong way down the staircases), don’t get too excited and watch your step!