Featured Posts

Featured Posts
Featured Posts

JADSpirits Travel Log

JADSpirits Travel Log
JADSpirits Travel Log

Daday's Kitchen

Daday's Kitchen
Daday's Kitchen

Haduan Falls, A Hidden Paradise in Mabalacat, Pampanga

The first time I heard about it was way back in 2008, when my previous company conducted a community service in one of the barangays in Mabalacat. After the event, some of the members trekked to the falls and the following day shared interesting anecdotes of the trip…of rocky roads…and of chilly waters.
DSC_0944
This hanging bridge is 120 meters long and 1.2 meters wide. It links the Aeta community to Clark Freeport and the rest of Pampanga and Tarlac which is the only way used by the tribesmen to transport their commerce outside their community. For the complete info,please click http://balita.ph/2014/04/02/haduan-falls-in-pampanga-now-accessible-to-tourists/

Summer of this year, we are thinking of a one-day trip around Clark…and then “the falls” suddenly pop in my mind. I asked around for somebody who knew about it but only got a vague information that its entrance is in Gate 14 of the Clark perimeter fence. After work, Jonjie and I cruised along the perimeter fence but we could not see any opening except for the entrance to the quarry and to a Korean golf club…and the obvious choice, the quarry entrance. Jonjie was referred to Kuya Nognog, a worker in the quarry and a relative of one of the elders of the Aeta Community.

We set the date for the trip which was May 3, Saturday. A day before the trip, some of my officemates decided to join us and we agreed on a “KKB, kanya kanyang bayad, kanya kanyang baon”, which means “pay for one’s way, bring your own food”

DSC_0924 Haduan Falls, A Hidden Paradise in Mabalacat, Pampanga
This was taken 6:58 am before the start of our trek. We were 12 + Jonjie (taking this photo) + the 3 guides.
The day arrived. Kuya Nognog with two others waited for our group near the quarry entrance and lead us to Gate 14. We started the trek...and...let the pictures describe the sights along the way to the hidden paradise…

DSC_0934
Three Bikers on one of Pampanga Rivers affected by lahar during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo last June 15, 1991. Taken by my brother Ombs, while he is on the hanging bridge.
IMG_6866
IMG_6891
My brother Ombs...
DSC_0951
IMG_6912
Our unofficial photographer...Daday Jonjie
DSC_0971

DSC_0981
Oops...hold tight...find your footing...
DSC_0992
This is the most difficult path. The water on this part of the river is deep so we had to walk along the steep riverside.
After trekking for one hour and 30 minutes, along or on the river, with a relax pace and short rests in between...we reached the hidden paradise. And then there’s the Haduan Falls…

The water is chilly..."tagos" to the bones!


DSC_1000

DSC_0999
DSC_1004
The Mermaid
DSC_1026_crop
The Sun Goddess
DSC_1023_crop
Our lunch…courtesy of everyone…

DSC_1027

Then, it’s time to leave and go back…to civilization.

DSC_1039
DSC_1046

Words are not enough to describe the sights…the feelings…the experience. And you will not be able to appreciate the beauty and wonder of Haduan Falls…until you brave the difficult path…

Footnotes:

  • Located at Sitio Haduan in Mabalacat City.
  • No available comfort room in the area...so, be ready!
  • Make sure to bring enough food and water...do not worry, the Guides will carry it for you.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes or slippers...and get ready to get wet for the long trek and back.
  • Except for the food and drinks...travel light.
  • And most important of all, "leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time".

Updates

As of March 30, 2016 upon checking with Gate 14 Guard-on-Duty:
  1. There is no contact number available as there is no specific personnel to answer queries...only Security Guards on-duty manned the gate.
  2. Trekkers can go directly to Gate 14...it is open Monday to Sunday.
  3. Clark Gate 14 is part of a leased property, the reason for having an "Individual Waiver" before passing through the gate.
  4. Waivers can be obtained from the Security Personnel of Gate 14 on the day of your trek.
  5. The Guides, who are members of the Aeta Community, are stationed in the Guard House...ready to assists the Visitors...any day of the week.
  6. Prepare to pay a fee of Php70.00 per head for the Guide(s). (And if you are happy with their services, an additional amount would be greatly appreciated...just my thoughts:)
  7. An entrance fee was not mentioned...just be prepared. (During our visit, we paid Php50.00 per head...)
  8. Best time to trek...the earlier the better.
  9. For directions going to Gate 14
    • Private Transport - Search for Sitio Haduan, Mabalacat, Pampanga on google map. From SM Clark follow Manuel A. Roxas Hwy until Widus Hotel and Casino Clark, then turn left towards Fontana Leisure Park and Casino, going straight passing the intersection, then end of the road. On the left is the Guard House (BB International)...ask the Guard on Duty. They, or the Guides, will also tell you where to park your vehicle.
    • Public Transport - Take a jeepney going to SM Clark and tell the driver to drop you at the jeepney terminal going to Clark. At the terminal, ask the dispatcher what route to take going to Gate 14.
If you like this post or you have some concerns, please share your thoughts. Leave your comments...I will reply as soon as I can.

29 comments

  1. I just want to share the FB post of Ms.Icecycles Florentino "didnt know so many hidden paradise in Pampanga,"

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice view. For a fee of P50 someone will carry my stuff? Good deal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jerboy Lupisan. Yes, the view is really nice. The P50 is per head...I am not sure if that rate depends on the number of persons.

      Delete
    2. Sir Jerboy...I'm sorry for the confusion caused by my reply as above. The rate is P100 per head: P50 for the entrance + P50 for the Guide

      Delete
  3. Wow that's one cool adventure ��

    ReplyDelete
  4. the "kuya nog-nog" remark referring to the relative of the aeta is racist. lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Anonymous for pointing it out...this made me double check what I wrote. But I guess I am not being racist by writing "a relative of one of the elders of the Aeta Community"

      Delete
    2. Kuya nog nog is not racist if that is how he reffers to him self. He introduced him self as Nog Nog... Just saying

      Delete
  5. Hi Ms. Annie, may i just ask if May 3 of what year did you visit the Haduan Falls? wondering if it is still accessible until now and if the beauty place is still preserved. Thank you.
    -RD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! It's May 3, 2014. The area is still preserved and the Aeta Community of Brgy Haduan with their Tribe Leader is responsible for maintaining the area. Their members also served as "The Guide".

      Delete
  6. Hi Everyone! Please note that the rate as of last year was P50 (entrance) + P50 (Guide) = P100 per head. And the only constant thing is change...

    Also, please note that inside Clark there is no signage or direction to the entrance to Haduan Falls. The best way is to ask the Security Personnel stationed at Main Gate or Mabalacat Gate for direction. They may not be familiar with Brgy Haduan or Haduan Falls...so ask for Gate 14 entrance or the entrance to the Hanging Bridge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi do you have a contact number for the tourist guide ? my team and i are planning to go on april 12

      Delete
    2. Hi. Me and my friends are going there tomorrow, may 15 2015 and until now i dont how to get there. Im living in angeles city. Please i need to know how to get there :( im so excited and we want to go there so badly but we dont how. Please. I need direction. Im from angeles city

      Delete
    3. I am very sorry if I was not able to reply as needed. I got caught up with work and seldom visited my blog.

      I hope you were able to visit Haduan and had a good time just as we did.

      Again...I'm sorry!

      Delete
  7. Hi. Me and my friends are going there tomorrow, may 15 2015 and until now i dont how to get there. Im living in angeles city. Please i need to know how to get there :( im so excited and we want to go there so badly but we dont how. Please. I need direction. Im from angeles city

    ReplyDelete
  8. Parang magandang pumunta jan ah para mamundok at mag swimming.. Thank you for sharing this! :)

    See you soon Pampanga! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maganda po Sir Clyde! The falls is not as majestic...but according to the Guide, there is another falls unseen from below.

      I enjoyed the journey to the hidden paradise...and the falls is a reward.

      Delete
    2. We've been planning na, baka this month.. :)

      Delete
  9. Hi there.. how long will it takes to reach the hidden paradise?? Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jade! It would take an hour and a half or two hours depending on you pace.

      Delete
  10. Replies
    1. Yes Ben...anlupet talaga. Mas malupit if you will experience it!!!

      Delete
  11. hi is it safe to go alone? i mean just me and have guide to tour me? thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! If you are a lady, I would not advise. Besides, with that long trek...it is nice to have company to banter with or just to enjoy the scenery together in silence.

      Or I am just being protective?

      Delete
  12. Thank you for this blog, and this information is very helpful. Will check on the weekend if we can visit this lovely place...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are much welcome...glad to be of help even by just sharing this information. I hope you were able to visit the place.

      If not yet...please do so...and remember to enjoy the journey...the falls will just be a reward.

      Delete
  13. I wonder what is history of that place. I think that's more interesting.

    ReplyDelete