Maria Cristina Falls is famous for being the second highest waterfall in the Philippines (about 98 metres high and has a 320-metre drop). And on a work trip to Mindanao, I was lucky enough to have time to take a side trip to the falls.
It is also known as the "twin falls", because of a rock formation that cuts the waterfall in the middle (which is not that obvious in the photos I took; I came during the rainy season). Its water comes from the largest freshwater lake in the Philippines, Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur. And it is part of the Agus River system.
The falls provides power to the Agus HydroElectic Plant, one of the main power sources of not only Iligan City but also the Mindanao region (because of it's massive drop and powerful water current). The hydroelectric power plant has a 200 megawatt capacity, which is supplied by constant water flow of 130 cubic metres per second.
The Maria Cristina Falls is located within the NPC (National Power Corporation) Nature's Park (opened in 2006). Within the same park, there is a mini zoo, orchidarium, zipline and butterfly sanctuary (all of which I didn't go to; I really only visited the falls this trip).
It was relatively a hot day the day I visited the Maria Cristina Falls, but because of the current and the massive volume of water dropping 320-metres, it was like being in an air conditioned room. And it was very refreshing (like taking an ice cold shower on a hot summer day).
Maria Cristina Falls and the NPC Nature's Park is located 9 kilometres from Iligan City proper. If commuting from the city you can take any jeepney that's bound for Buru-un. Just mention to the jeepney driver to drop you off at the closest stop to Maria Cristina Falls. You then just have a walk about 500 metres to the NPC Nature's Park entrance.
The Maria Cristina Falls is loacted at:
Misamis Oriental - Maria Cristina Boundary Rd, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte
There is an entrance fee/environment fee of PHP 45.00 per person and PHP 35.00 per senior citizen/student that you have to pay upfront at the main entrance.
The National Power Corporation Narure's Park is open daily from 9:00am-4:00pm
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