Many beautiful waterfalls can be found in Mayoyao, a charming town located in the Ifugao province of the Philippines. Even though there are several cascades in the area, only a few of them are advertised as tourist destinations, such as the breathtaking Tenogtog Waterfall, the lovely Ah’phaw Mahencha Waterfall, and the captivating Mun-alaja Waterfalls. These chosen locations are renowned for having waters that are crystal clear, enabling travelers to get a peek at the delights that are below the surface.

Let’s start our tour in Mayoyao by letting the charm of Alihu Waterfall overwhelm us. This natural wonder features a huge pool of water that is 20 feet above the waterfall and is thought to be the size of a basketball court. As shown in the following photo, it is shaped like a perfect oblong, and the surrounding walls extend from left to right, giving the sense of a massive fortress.

It’s essential to load your bag with personal necessities before going to this intriguing location. Additionally, it is strongly advised that you bring a complete medical kit to ensure your safety and wellbeing throughout the journey. A slight difficulty is presented by the path leading to the waterfall, especially when negotiating the river’s plunge. 

Planning your visit during the dry summer months is advised because the stones can become quite slippery during the rainy season. You will pass by a number of natural treasures on your journey to the Alihu Waterfall. Along the way, you’ll be serenaded by stunning mountain vistas, meandering rivers, and the sweet sounds of singing birds. Every step you take on this magnificent journey will make you more eager for and more appreciative of the undiscovered rewards that lie ahead.

The moment has finally come for Alihu Waterfall to display all of its beauty. You will be startled by the pool’s sheer size as you stand there in wonder; it will far exceed your highest expectations. The experience of seeing this magnificent waterfall will definitely stay with you forever, allowing you to cross something off your bucket list and realize a long-held dream. A testimonial to Mayoyao’s magical charm is the experience of discovering Alihu’s hidden beauty.

At last, Mayoyao, Ifugao, Philippines, is home to numerous beautiful waterfalls. A select handful, such as the magnificent Tenogtog Waterfall, the charming Ah’phaw Mahencha Waterfall, and the captivating Mun-alaja Waterfalls, have drawn notice for their crystal-clear waters, while the majority are still unknown to mainstream tourism. 

Alihu Waterfall, a hidden gem among these alluring locations, beckons daring adventurers with its enormous water pool and breathtaking surrounds. Don’t pass up the chance to witness the breathtaking grandeur of Alihu Waterfall as you go through Mayoyao; this location will leave you fascinated and eternally in awe of nature’s treasures.

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Date: 2005, Source: English Wikipedia, Author: Mike Gonzalez, from (TheCoffee)

Mayoyao is a scenic municipality in the Philippine province of Ifugao. It is made up of 27 barangays which are Aduyongan, Alimit, Ayangan, Balangbang, Banao, Banhal, Bongan, Buninan, Chaya, Chumang, Guinihon, Inwaloy, Langayan, Liwo, Maga, Magulon, Mapawoy, Mayoyao Proper, Mongol, Nalbu, Nattum, Palaad, Poblacion, Talboc, Tulaed, Bato-Alatbang, Epeng. Each has its own unique charm and story to tell. This is hidden among magnificent scenery and breathtaking mountains. According to the 2020 census, Mayoyao is a 4th class municipality with a population of 15, 621 people living in 3, 942 homes. They form a rich tapestry of history and culture.

With an elevation of 1,186 meters (3,891 feet) above sea level, Mayoyao features a pleasant temperature that offers relief from the heat of the lowlands and you enjoy watching, relaxing and more to do. Its total land area is 238.05 square kilometers (91.91 square miles). The area’s tallest peak, at an astonishing 2,122 meters (6,962 feet) in elevation, provides tourists with breathtaking panoramic views. The diverse geography of Mayoyao, which ranges from flowing waterfalls to terraced rice fields, highlights the beauty of nature at every step.

Mayoyao Ridge Battle: History

Filipino soldiers and American worked together in order to reclaim Mayoyao from July 26 to August 9, 1945. The1st Infantry Regiment, 11th and 14th Infantry Regiments were involved in this operation. Furthermore,  American bomber pilots from the United States Army Air Force were the instrumental in order to get back the place of Mayoyao. They joint together and fought fiercely against the Japanese Imperial forces,  The Battle of Mayoyao Ridge is were do the climax or the peak on which they stop, which signaled the end of World War II. 

Historic Locations

A monument or historical marker commemorating the significant “Battle of Mayoyao Ridge,” which pitted the Japanese Imperial forces against a combined front of Filipino and American soldiers during the closing stages of World War II, is located atop Mount Nagchajan in Mayoyao, Ifugao. The result of this vital conflict was a key factor in General Yamashita’s final capitulation at Kiangan, Ifugao.

Mayoyao’s diversified population means that in addition to Henanga, a number of other languages are also widely spoken there.  There are several indigenous communities living in the area, and they speak languages including Tuwali, Ilocano, Tagalog, English, and others that contribute to the area’s linguistic diversity.

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The Lumaguid waterfall lies between the two barangay which are Balangbang and Buninan. The only way to go there is to walk and you can choose the two paths to go there. You may walk at barangay Balangbang or in barangay Buninan. Once you are there you will hear the loud and roughness of the water but it also has a beautiful view from the sides of Buninan the rice terraces, native houses, and mountains.

Lumaguid has two pools, the first one is in the falls and the second one is in the lower part of it. Sometimes the water is clear and it depends on the weather or the upper stream source of it if the source of the water were contaminated or the water is caused by natural disasters like too much water from the forest, landslide, and others. 

In the vicinity of the area, there are two available cottages but only one is being used because the other one is ongoing for construction. You may be wondering why did they call it Lumaguid Stone Waterfall, at the top of the falls there are two stones the bigger and the small stone that holds the large one. In the olden days, a believe that there were no stones over that waterfall but the fairy put it there as their house. according to the folklore one night they hear noise coming from the river that they are carrying a big stone, the fairies’ when to the neighborhood house to borrow a “tagkhai” a small version of a winnower if I am not mistaken.

Early morning the villager were woke up and shocked that there is a huge stone at the waterfall, then they saw a slice of meat on the “tagkhai” at their house. The elders believe that as long as the stone stands they are still happy.  It also believes that don’t throw stones, garbage, and breakable object as it has consequences for the unseen creatures that leaving there.

From then on the story of the large stone in that waterfall was passed through generations to generations up to now. As a human no matter if they are living in that places we must pay respect to their cultures, beliefs, and practices. Also, we just need to practice eco-friendly picnic anywhere and not throw garbage everywhere.

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