Philippines · Luzon
Pagsanjan Falls
Magdapio Falls
Reached only by dugout canoe paddled upstream against the current by two boatmen through a series of rapids, the falls themselves are almost secondary to the thrilling approach. Francis Ford Coppola famously filmed river scenes for Apocalypse Now along this same stretch of river in the late 1970s.
Reached only by dugout canoe paddled upstream against the current by two boatmen through a series of rapids, the falls themselves are almost secondary to the thrilling approach. Francis Ford Coppola famously filmed river scenes for Apocalypse Now along this same stretch of river in the late 1970s.
Pagsanjan Falls drops 30 metres (98 ft) on the Bumbungan. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Pagsanjan, with MNL the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Dry season keeps the rapids on the upstream boat approach manageable for paddlers.
What you can do here
Swimming
Plunge pools, natural infinity pools and the occasional lip pool you can legally sit in.
Boat cruises
The classic approach: come at the falls from the water, usually at sunset, usually with a drink.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Dry season keeps the rapids on the upstream boat approach manageable for paddlers.
Entry: Boat ride fee ~1500-2000 PHP shared
Getting there
- Base townPagsanjan
- AirportMNL
- CountryPhilippines
- RegionLuzon, Asia
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
14.2703, 121.4531
Quick answers
How tall is Pagsanjan Falls?
Pagsanjan Falls drops 30 metres (98 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Bumbungan.
When is the best time to visit Pagsanjan Falls?
Peak flow is January to April. Dry season keeps the rapids on the upstream boat approach manageable for paddlers.
What can you do at Pagsanjan Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: swimming, boat cruises and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Pagsanjan Falls?
The usual base is Pagsanjan, and the closest airport is MNL. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Boat ride fee ~1500-2000 PHP shared.
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