The newly discovered tourist
attraction of North Cotabato is located at Brgy. Dado in the town of Alamada.
From Midsayap town, the center of commerce of the PPALMA (Pikit, Pigkawayan,
Alamada, Libungan , Midsayap and Aleosan) Alliance, we traveled by a private car to the town of
Alamada which took us about 30 minutes.
Another way is to commute through public transport, which is composed of “Double-tyre Jeepneys” which will take
you to the town of Alamada or directly to Brgy. Dado. From the town of Alamada,
we left our private car in a police station and negotiate for single-motor
drive which will take us directly to Asik Asik falls. The standard price is PhP700
and we ended up to 600 per motor. Each motor can carry up to 3 to 4 people but
it is recommended that 2 passengers should be the maximum since the road is not
that good and to prevent accidents.
The ride directly to Asik asik
falls took us about an hour from the town proper of Alamada. The road way up is
composed of dusty and rocky parts. Inclinations are about 45-50 degrees, that’s
also the reason why a maximum of 2 people are allowed.
After an hour, we arrived in the
jump off point. The local government has developed the place where there were
already some stalls selling local delicacies like Patil, a rice with chicken
toppings covered with banana leaf. There were also soft drinks and other food
items.
From this point, we walked down
in a hill where the falls is hidden. The walked down is composed of about ~300
steps in a half developed stairs. The local government improved the trail path
after people all over the province began to visit the place.
After a few minutes, we arrived
in the majestic asik asik falls. The falls looks like a curtain of falls
adorned with green wild plants. The source of the water is still unknown at
this time since the water is coming out of the rocky wall at the top. The
current of the water is quite strong indicating a possible bigger water body
source. As I would assess it, I think there exist a “Tinagong Dagat (Hidden
Lake)” up in the mountains which is a
possible source of the water.
There‘s no existence of huts in
the area, this is to prevent people to stay long in the area where possible
accumulation of garbage can happen. It is suggested that you bring your own
food to save money. The water is freezingly cold and there are deep parts but composed
mostly of shallow parts. The current of the water also depends on the weather.
Generally, Asik Asik falls is a
beautiful and breath taking place to visit. It is worth the effort to go there.
