The only thing better than finding a hidden waterfall is finding another hidden waterfall on your way there. That’s exactly how we stumbled upon Naparil Waterfall in Amlan. We were on our way to Pasalan Falls (turns out we went to the wrong waterfall), ended up on the path to Cantalina Falls and found Naparil Falls instead. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Naparil Waterfall in Amlan, like how to get there and what to expect.
READ: 23 EPIC WATERFALLS IN NEGROS ORIENTAL
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES
HOW TO GET TO NAPARIL WATERFALL IN AMLAN
The best way to get around in Negros Oriental is via scooter or motorbike, which you can rent for $8 USD a day but if you’re not comfortable driving a scooter, you can rent a car for $40. Alternatively, you can get a public Ceres bus going to Amlan and get off at Amlan proper, then take a habal habal (motorcycle taxi) to Brgy. Silab, just tell the driver you want to go to Cantalina Falls.
If you use the Google Maps coordinates to Cantalina Falls, you’ll unknowingly arrive at Naparil Waterfall in Amlan as well! Just follow the directions all the way to Cantalina Falls, where you’ll park your car or motorbike before trekking for less than 10 minutes down to the river below. The view from up top is beautiful and you’ll feel so far away from the rest of the world. There’s even a little wooden shack to sit and enjoy the view.
The most difficult thing about this waterfall was figuring out its name. It wasn’t until writing this, a week after visiting, that we realised we didn’t actually go to Pasalan Falls. We hadn’t seen many photos of Pasalan, Cantalina or Naparil Falls, and the writing on a boulder had us convinced we were at Pasalan. If there’s any Amlan locals reading this, feel free to leave a comment and correct us if we’re wrong!
OUR EXPERIENCE AT NAPARIL WATERFALL IN AMLAN
Our first reaction to Naparil Waterfall in Amlan was “how do we get down there?” Standing on top of the waterfall, it almost looks like you can slide down into the beautiful blue swimming hole. It also looks very, very jumpable for the brave souls. But, our rule is no jumping without a local going first and there was no one else around to ask. We also wondered how the heck do you get back up?
So, instead of risking our lives and literally jumping into the unknown, we sent the drone up. If we couldn’t swim down below, we might as well get some shots with the drone. We were not disappointed, if anything we’re even more motivated to go back and get down there.
After a bit of research for this post, turns out you can rappel down if you have a proper guide with all the gear. We also found a path along the edge of the mountain that looked like it led down to the swimming hole, but we discovered this way too late as it was already getting close to sunset and we had to get home.
Naparil Waterfall in Amlan was an awesome accidental discovery on our way to Cantalina Falls just upriver a little way. You can check out our guide to Cantalina Falls here, or keep reading to find the best accommodation near Dumaguete.
READ: 26 BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN DUMAGUETE
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WHERE TO STAY NEAR NAPARIL WATERFALL IN AMLAN
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.
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.
MORE NEGROS ORIENTAL GUIDES:
Cantalina Falls, Amlan
Palaypay Falls, Pamplona
Bin Bin Falls, Bayawan
Niludhan Falls, Bayawan
Casaroro Falls, Valencia
Pulangbato Falls, Valencia
Tottyn Falls, Valencia
Original Casaroro Falls, Valencia
