Lourdes Falls in Bayawan is one of the more well known waterfalls in the area, and for good reason. It’s an impressively tall fan waterfall that’s very easy to get to, so it’s popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
If you time it right, Lourdes Falls is a beautiful, clear waterfall, but unfortunately we visited right after really heavy rain so it was the colour of chocolate milk. No matter, we still had a fun time at Lourdes Falls Bayawan and recommend it to anyone in Negros Oriental wanting to get out and explore beyond the cities.
READ: 23 EPIC WATERFALLS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL
WHERE IS LOURDES FALLS BAYAWAN
Lourdes Falls Bayawan is clearly marked on Google Maps, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it. It’s only around 10 minutes from Bayawan City, however if you’re coming from Dumaguete City (which most tourists are) it’s a pretty far drive. It’s roughly 2 and a half hours from Dumaguete City, so we recommend renting a car for your journey. Your butt will definitely hurt after that long on a scooter. You can rent a car for $40 USD, or if you insist on taking a scooter you can rent one for $8 a day in Dumaguete City.
WHAT TO BRING TO LOURDES FALLS
Prepare for your trip to Lourdes Falls with our must have travel essentials.
Waterproof backpack & phone case: Earth Pak 35L or 55L Heavy Duty Backpack, IPX8 Waterproof Phone Case Included (click for price)
Quick dry microfiber travel towel: Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel (click for price)
Action camera: GoPro HERO9 Black (click for price)
GoPro dome: TELESIN Dome Port Lens for GoPro Hero 9 (click for price)
HIKING TO LOURDES FALLS BAYAWAN
The sign for Lourdes Falls Bayawan sneaks up on you, so keep your eyes peeled as you approach it on Google Maps. This is where we parked our car and started our hike through the field and into the canyon below. There is a clear path from the car park to Lourdes Falls, but if in doubt just keep going downhill, following the sound of water.
The hike started off on flat ground but we soon descended down the mountain towards the river and Lourdes Falls below. It’s not a difficult hike and only took around 15 minutes to get down, but going back up it is quite steep. Be sure to wear hiking sandals or shoes, especially if it’s been raining, as it’s easy to slip and slide down the path.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT LOURDES FALLS BAYAWAN
The path leads you to the cliffs edge overlooking Lourdes Falls Bayawan from the other side of the river. You can choose to stay up here and admire the view, or hike down the steep cliff to the water’s edge. Had it have been better swimming conditions, Zowie would’ve climbed down, but as it was she decided to just hang out at the top while the boys went down to the water.
We ended up hiking a little further down the jungle to get photos on the massive boulders along the river. It was a lot easier to get down to water level this way, rather than where the boys went earlier. If you climb up onto the boulders for photos, be careful as they’re insanely slippery and covered in moss.
We were having such a good time at Lourdes Falls despite the crappy weather, but that took a turn for the worse when we stumbled upon a heaping pile of trash that had been swept along by the coursing river. There’s nothing more disappointing than visiting a beautiful place and finding it littered with rubbish. If you do decide to visit Lourdes Falls, we beg of you, take your crap home with you!
VISIT NILUDHAN FALLS
If you’ve still got time to visit another waterfall while you’re in Bayawan, we recommend you make the short trip from Lourdes Falls to Niludhan Falls. It’ll blow your mind! Read our guide to Niludhan Falls here.
READ: 26 BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN DUMAGUETE
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WHERE TO STAY NEAR DUMAGUETE
Most people who visit Negros Oriental are told to stay in Dumaguete, but what they really mean by that is stay around Dumaguete. True, Dumaguete City has plenty of tourist inns and budget hotels, but it’s the surrounding towns of Dauin and Zamboanguita that offer the best spots to stay. There’s not a whole lot to do in the city itself, so when you stay in the nearby municipalities there’s plenty of nature to explore whilst still being nice and close to Dumaguete City. Check out our top picks for accommodation near Dumaguete City.
LUXURY: Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Dauin
Atmosphere Resorts & Spa in Dauin is the resort to stay at if you’ve got a big budget and fancy the finer things in life. Atmosphere has hosted its fair share of local celebrities and deep pocketed divers looking for the best beachfront luxury in Dauin. Read our full review of Atmosphere Resorts & Spa here.
MIDSCALE: Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort, Dauin
If you want to stay by the ocean without breaking the bank, Mike’s Dauin Dive Resort in Dauin is a comfortable midscale accommodation option perfect for diving enthusiasts. If you’ve never dived before, you can get your certification at Mike’s, and divers of all skill sets can enjoy the abundance of macro diving opportunities in and around Dauin.
BUDGET: Bongo Bongo Divers, Dauin
Bongo Bongo Divers is one of the most popular hostels in Dauin for backpackers looking for cheap accommodation in a convenient location. The rooms are simple, without any glitz and glam, but the vibe is fun and welcoming. They have a variety of room styles to choose from, ranging from couples rooms to AC or fan only dorms.
AIRBNB: Villa Amani, Zamboanguita
Villa Amani in Zamboanguita is the perfect holiday home for small families or groups of friends looking for privacy that a traditional resort or hotel can’t offer. The main house sleeps 4 with additional space for 2 in the guest house, or you can book the guest house separately if it’s just the 2 of you and you’re on a budget. The property has a swimming pool, an unbeatable view of Apo Island and kayaks to use whenever you want. Read our full review of Villa Amani here.
MORE NEGROS ORIENTAL GUIDES:
Niludhan Falls, Bayawan
Bin Bin Falls, Bayawan
Pulangbato Falls, Valencia
Upper Pulangbato Falls, Valencia
Lake Balinsasayao & Danao Twin Lakes, Sibulan
Casaroro Falls, Valencia
Swimming with Apo Island Turtles, Dauin
Original Casaroro Falls, Valencia
Tottyn Falls, Valencia
