CASARORO WATERFALLS IN DUMAGUETE

In the town of Valencia, Negros Oriental located 9.4 kilometers west of Dumaguete City lies the beautiful Casaroro Falls considered to be the most photographed waterfall in the entire Negros province.

Casaroro Falls is lodged deep into the rock crevices of the rugged Valencia mountains. With an astounding height of 100 feet, the water plunges into a deep cold basin before it flows down to a stream. The waterfall is considerably narrow, instead of the usual wide cascade, but this is precisely what makes Casaroro unique. Though despite its narrowness, the volume of water that drops is heavy and causes a roar as it touches the pool. Around the basin are natural boulders huge enough to rest any traveler’s weary feet.

The valley is covered in wild vegetation, mossy rocks and boulders with vines hanging down from the top. You still have to watch your way, clamber over some large boulders and carefully step into the rushing stream to get to the pool area beneath the falls. This area is usually in the shade due to the enormous trees and plants growing at the top of the valley, but around midday the sun sometimes manages to break through the canopy and clouds.

In the rainy season the force of the water from the 50–meter high waterfall is tremendous and the pond is a swirling mass of foam, so it's quite dangerous and can be very cold. If you do manage to get into the water, it is so refreshing but it's best on a hot day as you'll be surprised how nippy the pool gets. It's too risky to swim under the falls themselves as the force is so great and the currents are very strong, but at the edges of the pool it's a ideal place to have a dip and chill.

The spray from the cascading water causes a mist to hover over everything close by so be prepared to get damp. The pressure of the falls has carved a huge hollow into the rocks over the years and from the pool the milky blue water flows out down the valley past the stairs from where you entered it. When it's time to head off you face a slow, steep climb of 335 steps back up to the top and as you are panting and sweating you wish you were once again in the cold water below.