I woke up at 5:30 am, hailed the curtain, and was captivated to see the sun embracing the vast rice field. I took my cam and hastily went outside our vacation house. I stood at the edge of the main road and captured my favorite sunrise photo. Soon there was a cheerful blue sky. What a lovely sight to start the day.

I caught a glimpse of Mayon Volcano in its full splendor.  I was so excited to capture a perfect shot. Haha! I felt a flare of delight watching this beautiful volcano. I was filled with wonder. Words can’t express the tranquility and stillness I felt while savoring the moment with nature.  Life is really good.

After three years, we’re here again in our hometown in Albay for a five-day exciting vacation.

Good weather awaits a new adventure… sunrise, and ricefield right in front of our house

We will rest for the day in preparation for our tour in Albay and Sorsogon tomorrow. But in the middle of our breakfast, my sister Gie mentioned Palale Falls. The itchy foot team did not want to stay at home and so an off-the-cut hike attack to this enchanting waterfalls was settled. This is for Gie, Noel, and Pol who haven’t been there yet.

I’ve been twice to Palale Falls which is several barangays away from our house but till now I’m not familiar with the trail starting from the jump-off point. Our uncle Tiyo Ion volunteered to be our guide together with my nephews Macky, Ambet, and Ervin. Our mother and my two-year-old niece Rion were left for they can’t afford to take a strenuous activity. We will only swim before midday. We brought bread and water for there are no stores along the trail. We were equipped with caps, beach towels, and umbrellas.

the tough walkers

As we set forward, I was surprised to see our little Shen Shen leading the hike with his big cousins.  Me, my hubby, Pao, Miko, and Pol were left behind. I was the last because I was so busy taking pictures with all the beautiful things that my eyes perceived. It’s nature tripping anyway. We easily traversed the first river to the third. The fourth river was wide and with playful waves.

Pao in his dramatic pose with Mayon as a backdrop

The water was knee-deep level but it was so tough walking on slippery stones with a strong current. Macky helped me and Shen crossed the river successfully. My Manila-grown buddies who were not used to provincial life crossed hand in hand with a motto, “United we stand, Divided we fall.” hahaha! It took several minutes for all of us to reach the safest area.

shallow river but the current was quite strong

The next three rivers were fairly flat. When we reached Baryo Diaro, Tiyo Ion approached his kumpare for a buko delight (young coconut).  He was so kind for giving us a refreshing drink.

buko delight

According to Tiyo Ion, rainy days had passed two days ago and though it was sunny, plants and trees were filled with moisture. I was so delighted walking on a forested trail with verdant vegetation, wild orchids, exotic plants, tall coconut trees, and big leaves scattered on the ground.

The sound of rushing water became louder and louder as we were nearing the end of the trail. We passed by a big and tall tree with big slippery roots going up to the main entrance where everyone will pass atop the big rock leading to the falls.

It was then I found myself alone in this particular area. My buddies were all out of sight so no one will help me get to the top of the big rock. Holding my camera bag, I climbed seriously and was extra careful because it was slippery. Until I did it!

the last river

I slowly stepped down to the other side of the rock and finally, there I saw again the beauty of Palale Falls. A tropical paradise teeming with lush surroundings. What amazed me here is the unusual kind of wall rock that enclosed the water basin which nature had wonderfully crafted to perfection. I have no idea how high is Palale Falls, but certainly, it is higher than Vera, Busay, Majayjay, Kabigan, Hagimit, and Daranak Falls.  

My buddies laid our bags on a flat place enough to eat our snack and started heading to the cascade. I took my cam to capture the whole waterfalls which was my previous failures. I concentrated on navigating the area with lots of slippery big rocks to climb on. The wrong move might send me and my camera falling down the sides.

And through patience and luck, finally, I smashed on my dream shot of Palale Falls.  See this picture?

at last, I captured the whole falls

After taking my captured memories, I slid my cam to my bag and joined my buddies getting wet and wild on water. Just like the other waterfalls, the water was freezing cold. The surging cascade was a bit strong. We sat on the rocks splashing water on each other. Later we headed to the lower pool which was hip-level deep. My hubby and Noel enjoyed the massage therapy from a series of small falls spilling down their backs.  The water was clear and really really cold.

After an hour, we finally forced ourselves to retreat. hahaha!

We ate our snack and after a while, we packed up leaving no wastes around.

enjoying the icy cold water

There is no entrance fee to Palale Falls.  No huts to sleep overnight.  No bathroom.  No electricity.  Everything is basic. This is open to everyone who wants to escape from the stifling atmosphere.

We had the place all by ourselves and so we had fun immensely. But what irritated me was seeing bottled mineral water and other plastic waste materials scattered near the entrance left by irresponsible people. The last time we were here in 2007, the surrounding was so clean though there were many bathers around. What happened now?

Nature was so kind for sharing its gift of wonder to us for free, but there are people who do not want to give kindness in return.

Our returned trek took us forty-five minutes only. I was so grateful for this wonderful adventure with my family and relatives.

I’m sure I will go back here with another set of buddies next summertime.