Malibiclibic Falls: Cavite’s Hidden Three-Layer Waterfall
Okay, so Cavite isn’t really known for its waterfalls. Laguna, next door, gets most of the glory. But there are two worth the trip, and Malibiclibic is the first.
It sits at the foothills of Mt. Mataas na Gulod in General Emilio Aguinaldo, where three rivers meet, and it’s less than two hours’ drive from Manila. It’s a three-layer waterfall set inside a massive gorge, with rock formations shaped by thousands of years of erosion.
It isn’t the easiest place to find. There’s no signage at all, which is the whole reason I filmed the video below.
The Walk In
You register at the barangay hall, pick up a guide, and walk in. There’s an established trail with steps carved into it, and the rails are flimsy bamboo, so watch your footing. The rocks are solid underfoot. Allow 45 to 60 minutes to reach the main falls, and the last part follows the river coming down from the waterfall.
You don’t need to be super fit, but you do need to be reasonably steady on your feet. It wasn’t the hardest hike I’ve done, but there are a few boulders to negotiate near the bottom.
The Falls
The rock pool at the bottom isn’t very deep around the edges, but it does fall away. There’s also a cave right next to the waterfall that acts like a vacuum and sucks the water in as it crashes down. Our guide warned us not to go near it, and that’s the main reason they bring life jackets. You don’t really need them, they’re just a precaution.
You can still swim in the deeper parts without any problem. The water is cool and fresh, which is a great relief after the hike. When we got there, there was nobody else around, and it’s a lot more private and peaceful than Pantihan.
I reckon it works for a family picnic, but with the boulders on the way in it’s probably not one for young children. Teenagers would be fine.
Ginger And Turmeric On The Way
We missed the turnoff, which turned out to be no bad thing. We ended up at a ginger and turmeric plantation and bought a couple of kilos straight out of the ground, dirt still on the roots.
Watch The Full Video
Dezza’s Tip
Go to the barangay hall first. There’s no signage at all, so it’s reasonably hard to find, and you need to register and get a guide from the local Kagawad before you walk in. Wear running shoes for the hike, bring slippers for the water, and pack a towel.
How To Get There
Drive to the Barangay Poblacion III Barangay Hall in General Emilio Aguinaldo, Cavite. From Manila it’s about 1 hour 45 minutes by car. Use Google Maps, because there’s no signage anywhere along the road. When you arrive, ask for Malibiclibic Falls and they’ll sort you out with a guide.
Cost when I went (2019): P20 entrance, paid at the barangay hall. Tip the guide whatever you’re comfortable with. P500 is an acceptable figure.
Pantihan Falls is another 15 to 20 minute drive, so you can do both in one day.
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