Haduan Falls, A Hidden Paradise in Mabalacat, Pampanga

This hanging bridge is 120 meters long and 1.2 meters wide. It links the Aeta community to Clark Freeport and the rest of Pampanga and Tarlac which is the only way used by the tribesmen to transport their commerce outside their community. For the complete info,please click http://balita.ph/2014/04/02/haduan-falls-in-pampanga-now-accessible-to-tourists/

The first time I heard about it was way back in 2008, when my previous company conducted a community service in one of the barangays in Mabalacat. After the event, some of the members trekked to the falls and the following day shared interesting anecdotes of the trip…of rocky roads…and of chilly waters.

Summer of this year, we are thinking of a one-day trip around Clark…and then “the falls” suddenly pop in my mind. I asked around for somebody who knew about it but only got a vague information that its entrance is in Gate 14 of the Clark perimeter fence. After work, Jonjie and I cruised along the perimeter fence but we could not see any opening except for the entrance to the quarry and to a Korean golf club…and the obvious choice, the quarry entrance. Jonjie was referred to Kuya Nognog, a worker in the quarry and a relative of one of the elders of the Aeta Community.

We set the date for the trip which was May 3, Saturday. A day before the trip, some of my officemates decided to join us and we agreed on a “KKB, kanya kanyang bayad, kanya kanyang baon”, which means “pay for one’s way, bring your own food”

This was taken 6:58 am before the start of our trek. We were 12 + Jonjie (taking this photo) + the 3 guides.

The day arrived. Kuya Nognog with two others waited for our group near the quarry entrance and lead us to Gate 14. We started the trek...and...let the pictures describe the sights along the way to the hidden paradise…

Three Bikers on one of Pampanga Rivers affected by lahar during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo last June 15, 1991. Taken by my brother Ombs, while he is on the hanging bridge.

My brother Ombs...

Our unofficial photographer...Daday Jonjie

Oops...hold tight...find your footing...

This is the most difficult path. The water on this part of the river is deep so we had to walk along the steep riverside.

After trekking for one hour and 30 minutes, along or on the river, with a relax pace and short rests in between...we reached the hidden paradise. And then there’s the Haduan Falls…

The water is chilly..."tagos" to the bones!

The Mermaid

The Sun Goddess

Our lunch…courtesy of everyone…


Then, it’s time to leave and go back…to civilization.

Words are not enough to describe the sights…the feelings…the experience. And you will not be able to appreciate the beauty and wonder of Haduan Falls…until you brave the difficult path…

Footnote:

• Located at Sitio Haduan in Mabalacat City.
• No available comfort room in the area...so, be ready!
• Make sure to bring enough food and water...do not worry, the Guides will carry it for you.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes or slippers...and get ready to get wet for the long trek and back.
• Except for the food and drinks...travel light.
• And most important of all, "leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time".

Updates as of March 30, 2016 upon checking with Gate 14 Guard-on-Duty:

1. There is no contact number available as there is no specific personnel to answer queries...only Security Guards on-duty manned the gate.
2. Trekkers can go directly to Gate 14...it is open Monday to Sunday.
3. Clark Gate 14 is part of a leased property, the reason for having an "Individual Waiver" before passing through the gate.
4. Waivers can be obtained from the Security Personnel of Gate 14 on the day of your trek.
5. The Guides, who are members of the Aeta Community, are stationed in the Guard House...ready to assists the Visitors...any day of the week.
6. Prepare to pay a fee of Php70.00 per head for the Guide(s). (And if you are happy with their services, an additional amount would be greatly appreciated...just my thoughts:)
7. An entrance fee was not mentioned...just be prepared. (During our visit, we paid Php50.00 per head...)
8. Best time to trek...the earlier the better.
9. For directions going to Gate 14
• Private Transport - Search for Sitio Haduan, Mabalacat, Pampanga on google map. From SM Clark follow Manuel A. Roxas Hwy until Widus Hotel and Casino Clark, then turn left towards Fontana Leisure Park and Casino, going straight passing the intersection, then end of the road. On the left is the Guard House (BB International)...ask the Guard on Duty. They, or the Guides, will also tell you where to park your vehicle.
• Public Transport - Take a jeepney going to SM Clark and tell the driver to drop you at the jeepney terminal going to Clark. At the terminal, ask the dispatcher what route to take going to Gate 14.

If you like this post or you have some concerns, please share your thoughts. Leave your comments...I will reply as soon as I can.