The Electrifying Beauty of Ma. Cristina Falls, Iligan City
Ma. Christina falls is one of the twenty-seventh natural waterfalls that could be explored in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte; no exemptions that this City known as “The City of Majestic Waterfalls”. Ma. Cristina Falls waters are coming from the Lanao Lake, flowing to the entrance toward Agus River going through the small town of Baloi, then, split up into different directions; one sheltered to Tinago Falls and the bulk of waters streaming onto the Ma. Christina Falls.
The water separated with the rock formation at the waterfall entrance on the top flows down to the bank that is why Ma. Christina falls is called “Twin Falls”, as always heard during my grade school days. Ma. Christina Falls is located 9.3 kilometers from the downtown of Iligan City, between the boundaries of Barangay Ma. Christina, Ditucalan, and Buruun inside the National Power Corporation Natures Park.
Very famous in its natural and impressive appearance from the viewing point with a 320 feet high, enough to generate electric power and became the main source of electricity in the Province. Ma. Christina falls currently power the AGUS VI Hydraulic Plant with a potential capacity of 200MW managed by the National Power Corporation (NPC).
For just a P30 pesos entrance fee, you will enjoy the mystic view of these Waterfalls by looking into the Viewing site. Swimming is not allowed in the area due to the deadliest current of waters and management restrictions for safety reasons.
The management also limits the number of visitors to get inside, and most of the time, for now, they never allowed tourists inside because of some Alert status especially during the time of the Marawi siege since this place is just 30 kilometers away from the incident.
I suggest visiting the site is Saturday and Saturday as the perfect timing since the management opens it to the public every weekend. To make sure for a good visit, first, coordinate first with the NPC.
No worries, you can still see this majestic waterfall at the main entrances of the Power Plant which seems to greet you for visiting its fantasy place. Aside from the main attraction, you can also enjoy some particular sites of the park like the botanical garden, hanging bridge, cottages, and a mini zoo.
Bringing food is allowed inside and get bonded with nature at the large viewing deck. Again, getting to the waterfalls is very much impossible since the management restricted it.
HOW TO GET THERE
The Laguindingan International Airport (CDO) is the closest airport from Iligan City which flights available from major cities in the Philippines (Manila, Cebu, Davao City, Zamboanga City, Ilo-Ilo City). From the Airport, catch up a minibus or a Van bound for Iligan City, then get off to the Terminal.
From the Iligan City terminal, ride a going to the City Proper, then, another jeepney ride bound for Buruun or Linamon (P12 pesos). For bus rides, catch up with signage (Pagadian, Aurora, Dipolog, or Ozamis), then, ask first the driver if they can unload to the corner of the Waterfall gate entrance (P20 pesos). Hire a motorcycle (habal-habal) to reach the Falls for P30 pesos for a single ride.
From Cagayan De Oro City; Catch up a Bus at Bulua Bus Terminal bound for Iligan City. Upon disembarking at the terminal, ride a jeep going to the town proper. From the terminal, ride a going to the City Proper, then, follow the Iligan route mentioned above
