It is almost Christmas, but that did not deter us from rediscovering places before the year folds. I received a text from my sister that her colleague is organizing a trip to Canding Falls, San Clemente, Tarlac, so when I heared about this, I told my self, “Tarlac finally!”
I visit far away places, so why not rediscover my home province? I have been in Tarlac my entire life, but the province still seems so unfamiliar to me!
Follow me through as we both unveil what this humble province has to offer!
How to get to Canding Falls
Canding Falls is situated in Brgy. Maasin, San Clemente, Tarlac. Our group opted to hire a jeepney from San Miguel and departed around 9am.
It is actually very easy to reach the falls. It is almost a straight 2 hour-travel from San Isidro bridge.
Upon reaching Brgy. Maasin, one has to pay the entrance fee of P10.00. You will need to do a short trek of about 20 minutes and cross three river trails. Just be cautious in crossing as the rocks can get really slimy. One technique that I was told of was to avoid the reddish rocks because those are the slippery ones. It will help trust me.
The river’s width is about 15 to 20 steps so you will not break a sweat at all! You just really need to walk slowly but surely!
While trekking, you will pass by boulders, string beans plantation, tall weeds and bamboo bushes. The place is not that hilly, so it will not be a difficult one. You will just need the usual sun-block, hats for the shade and a good pair of sunglasses.
What to do in Canding Falls
Swimming
The falls is multi-tiered so it means there are several pools to choose from. The lowest tier has 3 falls but the shortest among the three. It also has the narrowest pool so less tourists flock on it. The deepest point of the pool is around 6 feet.
The second tier is the main pool. I consider it the main one because most tourists do the swimming here and this is the spot where cliff diving is done. This is just an easy trek from the first tier so no wonder why it is the most crowded one. Its deepest point is 20 feet according to some good swimmers.
The third tier requires rock climbing. The climb is not really hard, but one has to have strong limbs to do it. You can have a good view of the lower tiers on this area and I have to say that it is breath taking! There are large boulders on this area too and the place is just perfect for pictorials! Its pool is also wide and is around 6 feet deep. This is the spot where you can do a cliff dive to the second tier pool.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing will start on the second tier. As mentioned, the climb is not hard but one has to be cautious.
Cliff Diving
The second tier is perfect for cliff diving. The third tier can easily be climbed to do the plunge and the deep pools are very ideal for this adrenaline pumping jump!
Fishing
The river has catfishes so you can use the rods if you have spare time for it. Unfortunately, cooking and eating is prohibitted in the area so you gotta bring the catch home. 🙂
Personal Insights
The place is captivating. I never knew that this place exists until a few months ago. The easy trek, the clear and clean waters, fun-filled activities available on the place and affordable prices will convince you to take a visit. The area is also less developed so you can have a close encounter with nature.
The water in Canding falls is cold. Very refreshing and very revitalizing. It can tend to be very chilly though, but one thing that I discovered was that you just need to keep swimming so you won’t feel the chill! Perfect if you want to lose those calories after the holiday season!
One sad thing that I have to say is that irresponsible guests ruin the place. Trash is evident and the place is not so maintained. I just hope that the local government would collect ample entrance fees to maintain the place. May this blog reach them so we could keep the place for our future generations to enjoy!
Overall, experience with Canding falls is a must try! Easy to access and very affordable! An 8.5 rating is well deserved!
So now you know that Tarlac is not just about rice fields and highways! We have rivers and falls too! 😛 Why not complete your project 81 and take Canding falls for Tarlac? Visit San Clemente, visit our province!
-Jiyon
jiyon the soloist 