Before leaving Samal Island after our stay at Chemas by the Sea, we took time out to drop by Hagimit Falls—a picturesque spot I came across online while researching places to visit in Samal. It happened to be the day of the high-stakes Manny Pacquiao versus Ricky Hatton boxing match. Missing the fight live on television was tough, but I knew I could always watch a replay later. Standing in a tropical paradise like Samal, I simply couldn't pass up the chance to visit Hagimit Falls—not even for a Pac-Man fight.
Hagimit Falls: Samal Island
Trekking to the Cascades
After a thirty-minute habal-habal (motorcycle) ride from Chemas, we arrived at the jump-off point for the waterfalls. A brief seven-minute downhill hike brought us to the first series of cascades. Eager for news about who won the fight, I checked my mobile phone for SMS updates, but there was no cellular signal down in the ravine. Hearing the soothing sound of streaming water, my anxiety over the match quickly dissolved, replaced by excitement for the natural sanctuary ahead.
A lively crowd was enjoying the falls, which consist of numerous tiers ranging from three to six feet deep, carving out a series of natural swimming pools along the riverbed.
Swimming the Natural Pools
We picked a quieter spot with fewer people around. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful day swimming and enjoying family picnics under the shade of the forest canopy. Wasting no time, Marianne and I jumped into the crystal-clear water. It felt cooler than usual at first, but once fully submerged, the refreshing temperature was pure bliss.
Having explored a few waterfalls during my UST Mountaineering Club days, Hagimit easily ranks as one of the most accessible and charming. With manageable water levels and a steady current, it's easy to swim around and explore the rock formations, which aren't overly slippery. I saw families with small children splashing safely in the shallows, while a few daring locals dove into the deeper pools from overhanging ledges—a thrill-seeking leap I opted to skip due to my lingering fear of hitting submerged rocks!
Good News and Returning to Davao
We spent a blissful hour at the falls—just enough time to fully soak in the beauty of the place before starting our journey back toward Davao City.
After a brief rest, we headed to the bus terminal at Peñaplata to catch a bus back to Davao City (a seamless bus-barge-bus commute). Right on cue, as we emerged onto the main road, a signal pinged on my phone with a text from a friend confirming Pacquiao's dramatic knockout victory over Hatton—putting a wide, triumphant grin on my face for the rest of the trip!
