After our trek to Kipilas Falls, we took some rest then went to Bani or Matigol Falls in Arakan Valley, Cotabato. From the jump-off point, we trek 30 minutes going to the campsite. We had lunch in there, roamed around then got bored and decided to go down to “kawa-kawa” for a swim. Kawa Kawa is described as a swimming pool located on the upper portion of Matigol Falls.
We failed to watch the sunset in Matigol Falls due to weather condition. It was raining that time but still a good and fun hiking with friends. We went back to the campsite because it’s getting late and heavy rains poured already. Lights off at 10:00 PM then early in the morning, we trek from the foot of Matigol Falls going up to Kawa-Kawa then back to the campsite.
Since we brought only valuable things and leave other stuff at the campsite, the trek was supposed to be as easy as a piece of cake. But why it was still a struggle for me, I don’t know hahaha.
So just like what we did in Kipilas Falls, with a strong-willed to accomplish what we had started, we managed to reach this view deck. An overlooking view, you can see the whole Matigol Falls. Awesome, isn’t?
Then we continued our never-ending journey. We reached half portion of Matigol Falls, rested a bit, water refill and picture taking. On the cottage I was sitting, I saw a white chicken grabbing some of our food laid on the table. Nice chicken, mukaon ug piatos hahaha. I talked to one of the guides and she said that chicken was sacred, like “punong tagabantay” around Matigol Falls.
Then we continued and this time more on assault. Glad they were ropes to hold on while going up, as they said those ropes don’t exist before thus making it more difficult to climb. We reached this nice portion of the waterfalls. It was similar to Kawa-Kawa.
Almost there, patience and a little more steps, the last wave going up and voila! kawa-kawa can be found. A nice pool indeed! But be careful going over the edge, the strong current might drag you down the cliff.
It was a 4 hours hike. We depart from the campsite around 7:00 AM. The lunch was ready when we reached Kawa-Kawa. Kaplag Adventours is so awesome. Adventure plus abundant food equals happiness. Thumbs up to you guys!
Unlimited photos and swimming because we had all of our time. Indeed nature is so wonderful and life is so beautiful. I’ll come back to this place, I’m sure of it.
A nice view of streams below
Time to go home, how sad. We trek back to the campsite. That time it was raining hard, a muddy trail going up but it feels so good walking above the hills, in an open air and looking up you’ll feel the rain on your face.
I enjoyed everything I saw, from the green fields and the mountains from afar. Hoping to see sunset and sunrise by the time I’ll come back to Matigol Falls.
On our way going back to Davao City was also a struggle. They are repairing the road at that time and our van cannot go up. So the van change it’s route and went on the other side. We offer to just walk thinking it is a few minutes walk and to lessen the load of the van.
We ended up walking for 3 hours in a high way with no lights. 6 of us were being left behind and the other group went ahead of us. It was getting dark and raining and we don’t have any flashlights, money and mobile phones. All our stuff were in the van. We shared horror stories like “wrong turn”, laugh at it and then go running to reach our destination faster, (nahadlok na d i to, lol).
We tried to hitch on motorcycles, then got one after a couple of failed attempts. Until we reached the main road where the van was in a repair process due to rough road. How unfortunate! hahaha. Situations like that are funny if you have your crazy friends with you. I went home like I joined a hazing, body pain all over me.
Thank you guys! Until our next adventure!All photo credits to Arian Llego
Thanks to Kaplag Adventours. Until next travel!
HOW TO GET THERE (from Davao City)
Option 1: By Public Transportation (Budget DIY)
- Davao City → Arakan via Kidapawan
- Step 1: Ride a van or bus to Kidapawan City
- Van Terminal: Gaisano Mall (Bajada)
- Fare: ₱200–₱250
- Travel time: ~3 hours
- Step 2: From Kidapawan Terminal, ride a van or habal-habal to Arakan Valley Proper
- Ask to be dropped off at Brgy. Datu Ladayon / Matigol Falls trailhead
- Fare: ₱100–₱150
- Travel time: ~1.5 hours
- Step 1: Ride a van or bus to Kidapawan City
Tip: Locals may refer to the area as “Eden, Arakan” or “Eden Falls”
Option 2: Private Vehicle (Faster & Flexible)
- Route: Davao → Calinan → Buda → Kitaotao → Arakan
- Use Google Maps/Waze: Search “Matigol Falls” or Brgy. Datu Ladayon
- Parking available at the jump-off area (limited space)
- Road condition: Mostly paved but some parts are rough or muddy, especially during rainy season
