Huffing and puffing, I made my way towards the hundred-foot apex of Jawili Falls in Tangalan. Its numerous basins came into full view as I reached its highest elevation. I counted and reached up to seven. I mounted a camera on my tripod and heaved a sigh, I finally reached one of the not-so-famous waterfalls of Aklan.

Coming from a four-day tour of Capiz, it was just a few hours since I arrived in Aklan. After quickly dropping my bag at the La Esperanza Hotel Kalibo, I boarded a bus again, this time to the quiet town of Tangalan.

Aklan is known for two things, the world famous Island of Boracay and Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan Festival. Other than that, I haven’t heard anything else about the province. Since I still have two days before my flight back to Manila, I decided to check out places not usually found on the tourist map.

►SEE: BORACAY TRAVEL GUIDE

It was already past four in the afternoon when I arrived at the town of Tangalan. From its town center, I boarded a tricycle, asking to be dropped at the falls in Barangay Jawili. The rain poured as I arrived at the foot of the waterfall. Good thing there’s a resort nearby where I was able to take shelter.

From my vantage, I can already see the Jawili Falls, its basin steaming from the falling rain.

►CHECK FOR AFFORDABLE LODGINGS IN TANGALAN

A rainbow appeared as the rain tapered off. Quickly gathering my stuff, I headed towards the waterfall.

Jawili Falls is not really that impressive upon first view, but I can see how unique it is. Made from rough limestone, its dark natural pools cascade like gigantic steps carved from a mountainside. Gush of water pour from each basin, creating numerous waterfalls along its wake.

The wet stones making up the waterfalls were slippery but once I saw a concrete steps that led towards the upper levels of Jawili Falls, I decided to risk walking along its surface. Taking my time, the basins of Jawili Falls came to view as my legs led me higher.

From the apex of Jawili Falls, I saw a stream that led deeper into the mountain. The view is both beautiful and mysterious. I so wanted to follow the trail and see where it would lead but the day was already nearing its end. I spent a few minutes of solitude just watching the silent stream before going back down.

I was curious to know how deep Jawili’s natural pools were but it was too inconvenient to swim since I was wearing shoes and have no extra clothes with me. Good thing I spotted a group of teens wading along one of the larger basins of the falls. A quick hello revealed that the pools reach as deep as ten feet on some parts.

That explains the cliff jumping kids I saw earlier.

Before leaving, I descended a rocky slope and checked out the base of Jawili Falls—from its highest level, down to its lowest one. The sun started to dip and I decided to head on. I have two more stops in the sleepy town of Tangalan before the day ends—Jawili Beach and Tangalan Church.

How to Get There: From Kalibo Bus Station, ride a bus that will pass by Tangalan. From its town center, ride a tricycle and ask to be dropped by Jawili Falls.

   

Jawili Falls
Address: Brgy. Jawili, Tangalan, Aklan
Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Daily
Entrance Fee: ₱10.00
Parking Fee: ₱50.00 to ₱100.00
GPS Coordinates Map: 11.791544, 122.222926  

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