My recent travel to Samar started with this gorgeous waterfall in the heart of Calbiga! Called Lulugayan Falls, this waterfall has amazed me even from afar. I was riding the habal-habal when I managed to get a glimpse of its promising cascades. And when I was finally near it, I couldn’t help but be awed by what I was seeing!

LULUGAYAN FALLS

Dubbed as Samar’s mini Niagara Falls, Lulugayan Falls span approximately 50 m in width, making it one of the widest waterfalls in the country. If you’re going to ask what waterfall is the widest in the Philippines, it’s Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Surigao del Sur.

The waterfall is not yet as popular as the other waterfalls all over the country but I can honestly say it’s one of the prettiest I’ve seen. Locals, usually families and friends, go here to refresh by bathing on Lulugayan’s waters.

The tourism office of Calbiga reports that hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the 14-kilometer rapids from Lake Kalidongan to Calbiga River. Lulugayan Falls is said to be the most beautiful among them all.

WHERE IS LULUGAYAN FALLS?

• Located in Bgy. Literon in Calbiga, Lulugayan Falls is one of the main attractions in this sleepy town in Samar.

HOW TO GO TO LULUGAYAN FALLS?

• If you’re coming from Tacloban in Leyte, ride the van (with the route Catbalagon, Calbayog or Catarman) downtown going to Calbiga. Ask the driver to drop you off in Calbiga. Travel time would take about one (1) hour.

         TIP: Ride in Van-van’s terminal. They’re reliable and fast.

• If you’re coming from Calbayog or Catbalogan, you can also ride a van in their terminals, one of which is Turbanada Terminal.
• It’s best to contact a tour guide before you go. I asked Kuya Alvin, my tour guide in my Langun-Gobingob Cave System adventure, to accompany me in the falls. He agreed, as I would be needing habal-habal to go to the barangay where the waterfall is located.
• We first headed to the tourism office to secure our permit going to the waterfall. I paid the following fees: P30 for entrance fee and P50 for environmental fee.
• Then, we rode the habal-habal for about 45 minutes to Bgy. Literon where the waterfall is located. Two-way ride for the habal-habal costs P300.
• Upon reaching the barangay, I showed my permit and the receipt of the fees that I have paid. I was introduced to my tour guide there who accompanied me and Kuya Alvin towards the waterfall. Guide fee: P300

WHO TO CONTACT?

• While it is okay if you would just head to the tourism office and inquire about your adventures in Calbiga, it is better if you would have a contact before going. At least this way, you will be informed ahead of time of what to expect re: payment, travel arrangement, and the like. You may contact my guide, Kuya Alvin, in this number: 0977-331-1882.

EXPENSES FOR LULUGAYAN FALLS

I’ll be including here the expenses of traveling to Calbiga from Tacloban and also the overnight stay in a budget hostel or lodge. Mind that these expenses will surely lessen if you’re traveling with someone or in a group.

• Van from Tacloban to Calbiga: P120
• Habal-habal to tourism office, then to Lulugayan Falls and back: P300
• Entrance fee: P30
• Environmental fee: P50
• Guide fee: P300
• Overnight stay: P200 to P300
• TOTAL: P900

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I hope I was able to inspire you to go out and head to this panoramic waterfall in Calbiga, Samar! If you have comments, questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to say them out below. Thank you for reading!