Epic Comeback Day Hike at Budlaan Falls, Cebu City

Every once in a while, we need to be physically active to be able to sweat out all stress and cholesterol from our bodies. It has been a while since I last hiked and over the weekend finally had a chance to go back!

In the urbanized city of Cebu unveils a natural wonder one can enjoy and rejuvenate. Budlaan Falls, locally known as Tinisik-uwang falls, is located at Brgy. Budlaan is one of the mountain barangays of Cebu City. The marvelous waterfall can be accessed by hiking. This spot is near my place so I went there for a hike.

A Little Backstory...

Budlaan Falls or Tinisik-uwang falls is well-known for hikers who would like to go to Sirao Peak. It is a fun, adventurous, scenic, and beginner-friendly day hike that one can enjoy. It does have some challenging parts of the adventure but definitely an invigorating experience for the hiker.

However, for the past few years, there have been a lot of changes in Sirao Peak which involve restrictions on its access. The actual Sirao Peak is now restricted to the public, and although there is now a Kan-irag Campsite, you will have to pay a fee even just passing by. Because of these circumstances, my friend and I decided on a route for a Budlaan Hike which is the Budlaan Loop.

Budlaan Loop

Budlaan Loop is a self-made trail route. It is an 8-kilometer hike that starts and ends at Sitio Baugo at Brgy. Budlaan. This trail will take you to the scenic Budlaan Falls, New Zealand-like meadows of Malubog Golf Course, and green lush forests. Unfortunately, this trail will not take you to Sirao Peak and Kan-irag campsite because we're trying to avoid the expenses HAHAHA! But actually, this trail can be extended to Kan-irag campsite if you'd like because why not? LOL!

Before starting the hike, you need to take a motorcycle taxi from Brgy. Talamban's Gaisano Grandmall to Sitio Baugo for P70 each. Then you can start hiking on a paved rough pathway to Budlaan Falls.

In the first 30 minutes, you will be passing various local houses until reaching this part. You can opt to take this trail should you want to do an hour of river trekking (which is fun by the way) or you can take a shortcut and proceed directly to Budlaan Falls.

This time, we took the shortcut because why not? HAHAHA!

We continued the hike and reached this trail fork. One is going to Brgy. Malubog, and one is going to the waterfall. For this route, we will be descending to Budlaan Falls.

The trail going down is steep so you should prepare your knees. The hike is just short, perhaps around 10 minutes, and poof! you have arrived at Budlaan Falls.

First Stop: Budlaan Falls

Budlaan Falls or Tinisik-uwang Falls is a around 66-foot tall waterfall located at the center of 2 mountains. It is part of a river that can be also hiked. The color of the water depends on the weather. If it's sunny, the water is clear green. However, if the weather is bad, then the color is like a chocolate drink because of the flood.

We spent a few minutes in the waterfall and there we met fellow hikers who joined us on our adventure because they didn't know the way to Kan-Irag. The more the merrier as they say!

We continued our hike from Budlaan falls. We went through some challenging river trekking which includes some spiderman-like rock climbing with a view of the river. After a few minutes, we reached the final waterfall which ends the river trekking.

The next part of the hike is going to be uphill. We went through the lush forest, then to an open trail with tall grasses. Take note it is summer here in the Philippines so it's like hiking while you are being cooked. HAHA init bitaw kayo sah?

More minutes have passed and we are getting tired not because of the hike, but because of the fiery heat of the sun. And then we arrived at our next stop.

Second Stop: Malubog Basketball Court

Our second stop is the Malubog Basketball court which is well-known for pitstop for lunch and taking a break. They have a Sari-sari store where you can buy refreshments and have a rest from the challenging hike.

We arrived early around 9 AM so the stores are still closed, unfortunately. Good thing we brought our snacks and water so we took some time for a break and refreshments.

After around 15 minutes, we continued our hike toward the scenic and chill Malubog Golf Course.

Third Stop: Malubog Golf Course

At this juncture, it will be a scenic, refreshing, and chill hike on a wide golf course. As I've heard, this was an abandoned golf course and a private property but you can pass by hiking in this area so we are good.

Since it is a golf course, it is expected that the area is wide open so it is hot as hell. Good thing we had our caps to at least protect us from the heat of the sun, and the view of the area is such a wonder.

We hiked from the end side to another side of the golf course which is now the part where we will start the trail to return to our starting point, that's why it's a loop. Oh, I almost forgot, at this point, you can opt to go to Kan-irag campsite or exit to Busay Holiday Pools where you can ride a motorcycle taxi to go home or continue with the Budlaan Loop.

At this point, we will be hiking through a lush forest and there will be no more pitstops for an hour and a half. Also, it is almost lunchtime at this part so we better get going.

Last Part: Hiking Back to Baugo

From Malubog Golf Course, there is a way back to Baugo which was our starting point. It is through a trail I think by the locals which are letting you go through thick vegetation and forest. Since Typhoon Odette, a number of trees have tumbled down making the trail a bit more challenging. When we hike there, the trails have been covered by leaves and tree branches means there are lesser people hiking on this trail.

Unfortunately (? HAHA) we got lost for a few minutes because of the covered trails but good thing we got back in the right trail. HAHAHAHA! I'm sorry for the joiners who were on their first time on this trail. I hope they will still hike again in the future HAHAHA!

After an hour and a half, we reached Sitio Baugo where we were able to ride a motorcycle taxi going back to the Brgy. Talamban and going home.

Overall, the Budlaan Loop is a fun and a bit challenging day hike in Cebu City. You will experience different kinds of views including a river, a waterfall, and a golf course. It is a great way to spend a weekend for physical activity, and recreation.

That's it for our today's blog, see you on the next one!