I was told by my former office mate Art Decena, a fellow Bicolano about their wonderful adventure in Vera Falls in my hometown in Malinao, Albay. They traversed across terrains, hills, forest trails in three hours coming from the main highway. They clung through vines and stepped into the slippery walkways getting down the main falls. He described Vera Falls as a “hidden paradise”, a sanctuary of nature’s finest gift. From then on, I’ve been dreaming of getting there, to experience that amazing trek, and see how stunning the waterfalls really are.

This summer, I was thrilled much when my cousin Poy and his wife Mercy who were living in Barangay Quinastillohan (near the turn-off point in going to Vera Falls)  told me that the waterfalls could now be accessed through a single motorbike. But the bad news, no one from my buddies wanted to go far now. Our trip to Sorsogon and other scenic spots in Albay for three days had drained their energies. Instead, our last day was spent visiting our relatives in our neighboring barangay.

We indulged ourselves with kamustahan, eating our favorite Bicol meryenda “pinakro”  (saba boiled in coconut milk with sugar) and a refreshing swim in cold natural spring. When I mentioned Vera Falls to my aunties, Tiya Glo and Tiya Nor who were also on a summer getaway just like us, we immediately planned for our sojourn activity. After few minutes of discussion, Gil generously transported the three of us to Poy’s house and enjoined my cousin to accompany us. Gil went back when we reached the turnoff point in Barangay Cumon.

There were boys sitting in single motorbikes beside the road. Knowing where we will go, they offered a ride to the waterfalls for a fixed price of P70, one-way only. Poy haggled it to P50 but the boys declined in unison. We didn’t mind the monetary figure since we are after an exciting adventure. We agreed to pay for it, and so the four of us boarded in four separate motorbikes.

The ride was smooth and amazing as we passed beside a breathtaking view of a long river with bluish hues.  I was so overwhelmed watching its color and the waves flowing swiftly. Our ride was temporarily cut as we were asked to step down from the motorbike. The concrete bridge was destroyed by a rampaging flow of heavy rain recently. What was left was a stiff, narrow road to where motorbikes and bicycles are the only vehicles that could pass on it. We walked for few minutes until we reached the main road and there we went again for our trip.

Few more minutes and I was thrilled of our roller coaster ride. It was so wonderful seeing the lush vegetation, Mt. Malinao in a distance, the majestic but elusive Mayon Volcano, the clear blue skies, the locals, and vast plots of rice fields.  The cool wind that gently brushed my face was so invigorating. For a nature lover like me, this place was heaven and I just can’t sustain my happiness as of that moment. What thrilled me the most was the last portion of the ride where I gripped the driver’s shoulder tightly as he drove the highest hill in getting to the parking area.

Our joy ride was twenty minutes only. Vera Falls was in Barangay Bulang, the third barrio from the main highway. We were told by our riders that the cemented parking area was also a helipad. They told us also about a certain priest, Father Vera who introduced this place to the people, hence the name of the falls. From the helipad, we went inside the virgin forest.

I was so excited to see the trail downhill. Art’s adventure in this main spot flashed into my mind as I imagined how they clung to the vines like Tarzan in getting down to the waterfalls. Indeed, it was a great adventure. There’s no hard trek now for a concrete stair with safety handrails was built for easy access to the waterfalls.

We crossed a small wooden bridge and presto, we were at the base of the waterfalls. All of us were in awe admiring how nature revealed its magnificent masterpiece. Vera Falls was truly stunning. For the next minute, we got so busy taking pictures of what we found “paradise.”

I tapped my feet into the cold and clean water and quivered a little. It was so cold! Haha! It was safe to swim because it was shallow. There were no big rocks and stones in the catch basin so it’s not surprising that there were lots of boys jumping from the peak. Few walks to the left, I saw two thin bamboos which according to the bathers, flowed the safest water to drink.

There were thirteen small waterfalls coming from limestones covered by moss and ferns. An overwhelming feeling surrounded me seeing nature dominated the whole place.  It sets the mood of everything. You can feel its nurturing spirit as it will penetrate you, through the gushing sounds of water, through the humming of birds, through the mountain air.

There were few tents pitched on big rocks and a group of teens busy cooking their food using firewoods. There is no restroom here so it’s best to bring big towels in changing clothes. There is no entrance fee, no store, and no electricity. Everything is of basic facility. It is advised to register with the Barangay Captain if a certain group is planning to stay overnight.

I was thankful to Art for introducing this wonder to me. His adventure seven years ago was so memorable for he had tasted the “true paradise”, for everything was basically unspoiled. Malinao was truly blessed with two wonderful waterfalls. And I was so grateful that I had been there both.

Next time or maybe next year, I will go back with the whole family. I’m sure everyone will enjoy it here. I am hoping that the local government will build another concrete bridge so Vera Falls could be accessed by four-wheel vehicles again.

HOT TO GET THERE?  Vera Falls is located approximately 40 km from Legazpi City. If you have your car, from Legazpi City, take the route going to Tabaco City via Sabloyon Road.  From Barangay Quinastillohan turn right to Barangay Cumon. You will pass Barangay Soa and will end at Barangay Bulang.