Casaroro Falls

Casaroro Falls, Valencia, Negros Oriental

Casaroro Falls is one of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in Negros Oriental, tucked away in the mountains of Valencia, just outside Dumaguete City.

Casaroro Falls is in Valencia, Negros Oriental, about 30 minutes inland from Dumaguete, which is roughly an hour and a half by air from Manila.

I visited in July 2019 while staying with a friend in nearby Bacong. We drove up into the mountains, and after tackling 335 steps and a rocky trail alongside the river, we finally reached the waterfall.

And what a sight! This enormous waterfall comes crashing down a narrow rock face into a beautiful gorge surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Being the wet season at the time of our visit, there was plenty of water flowing, which made it even more spectacular.

Getting there takes a bit of effort, particularly the climb back up those stairs, but I’d happily do it again.

Best Time to Visit Casaroro Falls

November to February is a good period to consider visiting Casaroro Falls, particularly if there’s been plenty of rainfall during the preceding months.

Unlike beaches, where you’re generally looking for sunny weather, waterfalls are a little different. Rainfall makes a huge difference to how spectacular they look, so visiting during or towards the end of the wet season is the way to go.

Here’s what to consider:

• June to October: Generally wetter months, with potentially stronger waterfall flow. However, heavy rain can make the river crossings dangerous.
• November to February: A potentially good balance of decent water flow and improving weather, depending on recent rainfall.
• March to May: Generally drier conditions, although the waterfall may have less water flowing.

I visited in July, and the waterfall was absolutely pumping. There had been some rain around, but nothing particularly torrential during my visit.

One important consideration from a trail perspective is recent rainfall. Even during a normally favourable month, several days of heavy rain can make the trail unsafe.

My advice is to aim for a period when there’s been some decent rainfall, but avoid visiting during heavy rain or when river levels are unusually high. Always check local conditions and whether the trail is open before heading up.

Things to Do at Casaroro Falls

Experience the Waterfall

The main (and only) attraction is obviously Casaroro Falls itself. The waterfall plunges down a steep rock face into a narrow gorge, making it one of the more impressive waterfalls I’ve visited in the Philippines.

It’s a fantastic spot for photography, particularly when there’s a decent volume of water coming down.

Explore the River Trail

Getting to the waterfall is part of the experience. Once you’ve descended the steps, you’ll follow the river for approximately 300 metres, negotiating rocks, boulders and several river crossings.

When I visited, there were three crossings, including makeshift bamboo and timber walkways. These arrangements can change, particularly following heavy rain. The scenery along the river is beautiful, so take your time and enjoy it.

Cool Off in the Rock Pools

There were clear, fresh rock pools around the river when I visited. Although I didn’t go swimming myself, there were areas that looked suitable for a dip.

Whether swimming is permitted or safe will depend on the current conditions, water levels and local restrictions. Avoid the plunge pool directly beneath the waterfall and any strong currents.

Discover Other Nearby Waterfalls

On our drive back, I noticed a small sign advertising several other waterfalls along a separate trail. We stopped briefly and spoke with a local guide, but unfortunately I didn’t have time to explore them.

I was flying out of Dumaguete that afternoon, so we were a little conscious of the time. If you’ve got a full day available, it may be worth asking local guides about other accessible waterfalls in the area.

The Walk to Casaroro Falls: 335 Steps!

There’s no getting around it. Visiting Casaroro Falls involves a fairly steep descent followed by the same climb back up.

The stairs have approximately 335 steps, with sections of concrete, stone paving and steel stairs. When I visited, the stairs themselves were generally in reasonable condition.

Once you reach the bottom, there’s still a rocky walk alongside the river before reaching the waterfall.

Following is a guide of the time to allow:

The toughest part for me was definitely the climb back up. It’s not so much the distance as the steepness.

Our guide, Tommy, was excellent. He encouraged us to stop every 10 or 15 steps, catch our breath, drink some water and enjoy the scenery.

There’s no need to rush. Just be realistic about your fitness, particularly if you have knee problems, ankle issues or difficulty climbing stairs.

My Experience at Casaroro Falls

I visited Casaroro Falls with my friend Greg, who lived in Bacong, just outside Dumaguete City.

We drove up to Valencia and found the entrance near a restaurant and car park. After registering and paying the entrance fee, we headed down with our local guide, Tommy.

The walk was fantastic. I loved the scenery, particularly the river crossings and the enormous boulders scattered along the gorge. And when we finally reached the waterfall, it certainly didn’t disappoint.

The only real frustrations were the climb back up and the photography. We arrived while the sun was shining directly onto the waterfall, making the white water incredibly reflective. I spent quite a bit of time trying different angles to get a decent photograph.

I’d recommend arriving closer to midday, when the sun is higher, although lighting will naturally vary depending on the season and weather.

Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It’s a beautiful waterfall, and I’d definitely recommend visiting if you’re spending time around Dumaguete.

How Many Days Do You Need?

You don’t need an entire day to visit Casaroro Falls.

Allow around two to three hours for the waterfall itself, including the walk, photography and a few breaks.

If you’re travelling from Dumaguete City, I’d suggest allowing half a day, including transport.

If you’ve got more time, you could explore other attractions around Valencia or ask about additional waterfalls in the area. Baslay Hot Springs and Manjuyod Sandbar also make good day trips from Dumaguete.

Where to Stay

Dumaguete City is the most practical base for visiting Casaroro Falls.

There are plenty of hotels, guesthouses and other accommodation options around the city, particularly near Rizal Boulevard, where you’ll also find restaurants and places to enjoy the waterfront.

During my 2019 visit, I stayed with my friend Greg, just south of Dumaguete, rather than in a hotel. For most visitors, I’d recommend staying in Dumaguete and making Casaroro Falls a half-day trip.

How to Get to Casaroro Falls

Casaroro Falls is in Valencia, approximately 30 minutes inland from Dumaguete City. There are several ways to get there.

From Dumaguete City

• Private car or motorbike: Drive towards Valencia and follow the road up to the Casaroro Falls entrance. Allow approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
• Public transport: Take a jeepney or multicab from central Dumaguete to Valencia town proper, then hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) for the final uphill journey.
• Private driver: A good option for groups or anyone wanting to combine Casaroro Falls with other attractions around Valencia.

The final stretch is uphill, so public transport doesn’t take you directly to the waterfall entrance.

From Manila

Fly from Manila to Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From there, arrange transport through Dumaguete towards Valencia and Casaroro Falls.

From Cebu

Travel to Dumaguete via southern Cebu using a combination of bus and ferry, typically around five to six hours, depending on connections. From Dumaguete, continue to Valencia by road.

Check current flight and ferry schedules before travelling.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Wear proper hiking shoes. The rocky river trail can become slippery.
• Allow extra time for the steep climb back up those 335 steps.
• Hire a local guide, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the river crossings.
• Check rainfall and trail conditions before visiting, especially during the wet season.
• Bring drinking water and consider visiting late morning for better photography.

Dezza’s Tip

The biggest challenge at Casaroro Falls isn’t getting down to the waterfall. It’s getting back up!

When I visited, our guide Tommy encouraged us to stop every 10 or 15 steps, catch our breath and take in the scenery. It made a big difference.

I’d also recommend arriving around 10 to 11 am or a little later if you’re keen on photography. The early morning sunlight was reflecting directly off the waterfall when I visited, making it difficult to get decent photographs.

And don’t forget, waterfalls are often at their most spectacular after a decent amount of rainfall. Just make sure conditions are safe before heading down.

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Where Is Casaroro Falls?