A Guide to Visiting Taytay Falls – Majayjay’s Natural Wonder

You know that itch to escape the city buzz? Yeah, I feel it too. Manila traffic gives me war flashbacks, and sometimes you just need something quiet, fresh, and actually green. That’s exactly what I found on a random trip with friends to Taytay Falls—a dreamy, jungle-hugged waterfall tucked away in the quiet town of Majayjay, Laguna.

And let me tell you, it’s a whole vibe.

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So if you’re itching for a weekend getaway that doesn’t involve maxing out your credit card or pretending to enjoy a crowded mall, let me walk you through my personal guide to Taytay Falls, aka Imelda Falls (locals call it that, I’ll get to why in a sec).

So, What’s the Deal with Taytay Falls?

Taytay Falls isn’t your ultra-commercialized, ticket-booth-on-every-corner kind of tourist spot. Thank the heavens. This place is raw. Pure. The kind of natural where the air smells like moss and freedom, and the water is so cold it makes your bones question your life choices—in the best way.

It’s located in Baranggay Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna, a place that feels like it hit pause on the modern world and just said, “Nah, we’re good.” You’re surrounded by banana trees, chirping birds, and the occasional carabao doing its own thing. It’s glorious.

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And the nickname Imelda Falls? That’s a quirky bit of Philippine history for you. The waterfall earned that title during the Marcos era because First Lady Imelda Marcos reportedly helped develop the place for tourism. Whether you love her or loathe her, she left her label on it.

My Journey There: A Bit of an Odyssey

Alright, getting there isn’t exactly teleporting via GrabCar. From Manila, it takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and your manong driver’s playlist. We drove via Calamba and Liliw—both pretty scenic if you don’t mind winding roads and the occasional tricycle that refuses to yield.

Tip: if you’re coming via public transport, brace yourself. You’ll need to take a bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna, then a jeepney to Majayjay, then a trike to the jump-off point. It’s not hellish, just a bit… adventurous. Like “This-is-probably-the-last-joint-in-my-spine” kind of bumpy.

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But trust me, the reward is worth every pothole.

Fees and Whatnot (aka “Don’t Forget Your Wallet”)

• Entrance Fee: ₱30 per head. Seriously. That’s like a bottle of soda in Manila.
• Environmental Fee: ₱20 (because nature deserves your coins too).
• Parking: ₱50 for cars, ₱20 for motorbikes.
• Tent Pitching: ₱100 per tent overnight.
• Cottage Rentals: Around ₱200-300. They’re simple bamboo types—perfect for picnics or an afternoon nap.

Also, bring cash. Don’t expect GCash or card readers in the jungle, my friend. The nearest ATM is probably an hour away on foot and tears.

What to Pack (Aka Don’t Be Me and Forget Your Towel)

Let me help you avoid the “soaked and freezing while your friends laugh” situation. Here’s a quick must-pack list:

• Towel & extra clothes – unless you want to drip dry in the wind like a human laundry line
• Water shoes or slippers with grip – rocks here are slipperier than your ex’s excuses
• Snacks and drinks – though there are sari-sari stores nearby, nothing beats homemade adobo under the trees
• Garbage bag – Leave no trace, kapatid
• Powerbank – your phone signal will be in hiding, but pictures? Non-negotiable.
• Tent or mat – if you’re planning to chill or camp

And oh, please skip the Bluetooth speakers. The falls already have their own music, and it’s a lot more calming than reggaeton blaring through the trees.

The Walk to the Falls (A Mini Trek)

From the registration area, there’s a short hike—about 10 to 15 minutes tops—through a mossy path with concrete steps and wooden railings. It’s not hardcore trekking, but it’s enough to warm you up for the freezing dip.

The air gets cooler as you walk in, and there’s a certain quietness that settles around you. No honking, no TikTok influencers filming in traffic, just… peace. You start hearing the water rushing before you even see it, like nature whispering, “Keep going, you’re close.”

And then you see it.

Boom. There it is—Taytay Falls, in all its glory.

The Main Attraction: That Bone-Chilling Waterfall

I kid you not, the water is colder than your crush’s replies. It’s legit from Mount Banahaw’s springs, and it doesn’t care how hot it is outside. The first few seconds in the water will punch the breath right out of you—but stay in a little longer and it becomes addictive.

The pool under the falls is deep enough for a solid swim but shallow enough for kids to wade with supervision. The water is crystal-clear, like you can literally count the pebbles at the bottom. No joke.

And then there’s the actual falls—this stunning vertical curtain of icy water cascading down mossy rock. It’s not the tallest fall in the country, but it has this magical, untouched beauty. Like nature’s screensaver, but real.

I sat there for what felt like hours, toes dipped in the cold, just soaking in the sound. Sometimes I wonder if we really need all the distractions we surround ourselves with. Maybe we just need more waterfalls.

Can You Stay Overnight?

YES. And you should.

The vibe at night? Unreal. Stars above. Crickets chirping. Cold breeze. If you’re into camping, this is the place to do it. Just don’t forget mosquito repellent unless you want to be buffet dinner.

There are basic bathrooms, but they’re exactly that—basic. You’re here for nature, not five-star luxury. That said, the local barangay maintains the place pretty well. Salute to them.

A Quick Word on Locals (Because They Matter)

Please, please, please be respectful. This place is part of the locals’ daily lives. They’re warm, helpful, and chill—but don’t go blasting music or leaving trash around. You’re a guest here.

And if you can, buy something from the nearby stores or locals selling snacks. Support the community that keeps this spot clean and running.

Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went

1. The water really is that cold. Not exaggerating. Bring warm clothes for after.
2. Signal is almost nonexistent. Great for a digital detox. Not great if you’re expecting emails.
3. Weekdays = less people. Try not to visit on weekends or holidays unless you like crowds.
4. No fancy bathrooms. Manage expectations.
5. It’s not Insta-perfect. It’s better. It’s real. It’s messy, wild, and alive.

Final Thoughts – Why You Should Go

I’m not gonna say Taytay Falls is the most mind-blowing thing ever. It’s not a five-star resort or an international landmark. But it feels special in a way that’s hard to describe.

It reminded me how little we actually need to feel full inside. A cold dip, fresh air, trees dancing in the breeze, and laughter echoing through the woods? That’s more than enough.

So if you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or just itching to hit pause, maybe the universe is nudging you toward Majayjay.

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