The heart of Zamboanga del
Norte beats in Dipolog City: a city of breath-taking geography, which was
miraculously created by the sands of time.
As a haven of pleasure seekers,
Dipolog offers a myriad of fun-filled and exhilarating activities that will
surely intrigue even the most carefree tourist. For simple pleasures, one can
go strolling along the immaculately clean 1.5-km Dipolog Boulevard or go
nature-tripping through the verdant forests at the outskirts of the city, or go
camping, trail trekking, canoeing, or simply swimming in the clear waters of
Dipolog’s grey sand beaches.
For more exciting
adventure, one can go mountain climbing or exploring the 20 feet high Sungkilaw
Waterfalls which is 25 kilometers away from the heart of Dipolog City.
Magnificence
Sungkilaw Falls is a
20-foot high waterfall situated in Sitio Virginia, Barangay Diwan, the farthest
barangay of the city. Such magnificence endowed with beauty so natural makes
tourists adore it so much. The natural spectacle is positioned in the midst of
lush forest and reaching the falls will require the adventuresome a trekking
spree of approximately 400 descending steps winding along verdant trees, flora
and fauna.
To
get there one must first take a long and jarring ride that will take you about
40 minutes from the heart of the city. You should go first to the Integrated
Bus Terminal (IBT) at Barangay Miputak, then take a bus, jeep, or truck bound
for or that will pass “Diwan” or “Cogon.” Don’t forget to inform the conductor
that you wish to get off at the Sungkilaw intersection. Remember be alert, keep
your eyes open and watch for a sign that says: “SUNGKILAW FALLS => 14 KM.” Negotiate with your charm with
the motorcycle “habal-habal” drivers parked near the waiting shed at the
intersection for a ride to the falls. Don’t forget to bring with you your
camera to capture all breathtaking views and moments with your friends and
loved ones.
The trip is so invigorating
that even gives you a tremendous feeling of excitement to behold the splendid
beauty of Sungkilaw falls.
“This is the only tourist
destination without an entrance fee. There are native crops the visitors could
buy and it’s a tourist attraction where one should not miss to visit,” said
Evelyn Balancar, SK Chairman of Barangay Diwan in an interview with this
writer.
Once there, one can behold the gushing of
waters surrounded by rock strewn cliff that thrills the carefree. You will walk across
concrete steps to reach a Y-trail. The left trail will lead you to the view
deck of Sungkilaw falls roughly 30 meters away. The right trail will direct you
to the “mineral” well and spring where you can take a dip into the enticing cool
water.
However,
one must have a rough walk in going to the rugged peak of the falls, at the
bottom of which the wondrous river lies.
There
are trails prepared by the city government to aid visitors in traversing the forest’s
terrain.
Near
OISCA
The Sungkilaw Falls is near the OISCA (Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural
Advancement) forest park, a project of the Japanese government. So, visitors
will have a great opportunity to try some challenging outdoor sports and
adventures. This amazing site also offers exciting
outdoor sports like rappelling, Tyrolean traverse, canoeing, or swimming is a
must experience especially for the newcomer. Facilities in the area include a
wide parking area, entrance hall, mushroom-shaped picnic groves, showers and
comfort rooms.
A mineral spring spurts
near the swimming area and the water tastes salty. Locals and folks living
nearby believed that the waters have therapeutic properties.
“It is a God-given
spectacle. The area was being developed by the City Government to guide
tourists in their trip to the magnificent falls. You will be overwhelmed and
astounded on a certain part of it that releases water and tastes salty,” the SK
Chairman exclaimed.
The
spring is the foremost swimming area for tourists. The cool cascading water of
the spring flows directly into the waterfalls. The presence of gigantic rocks
makes it a perfect spot for swimming and pictorials.
Waters from the falls
streams down to several divisions of creeks that all ends up at Punta River at
the southern part of the city.
Revitalize,
Invigorate and Energize with Sungkilaw Falls
Legends
have it that waterfalls has always been a favorite habitat of mystical spirits
and creatures. Nevertheless, everybody feels relaxed and in a special mood
while near them. The reason behind this spring up with the formation of negative
hydrogen ions from the splitting water molecules caused by the falling waters, water waves, or
water evaporation from plants.
It
boosts the flow of oxygen in the brain thereby increasing your concentration,
awaken your tired senses and speeding up your mental alertness. Moreover, it
acts as a shield against microorganisms in the air and preventing you from
gasping particles like dusts that will cause you to sneeze, cough or have a
throat irritation.
Remarkably,
the ardent feeling of romance and passion imbued by this dazzling panorama has
a direct link with our serotonin level in the bloodstream caused by the rushing
waves of negative ions from the splash of the falls. It is evident that as our
serotonin level increases we feel afloat about ourselves and everything around
us. This will ease tension, relieve stress and treat cases of depression which
can lead to symptoms like anxiety, droopiness, fear and insomnia. Serotonin
plays a vital role in shaping mood, mental processes, sleeping and eating
patterns, reaction to external stimuli and control of motor activity.
Be
aroused and stir up your ingenuity as you glide beneath the overhanging trees
with the soft whispering sounds of animals moving about, the chirping of birds
and the reverberation of the babbling water as it cascades through a formation
of large rocks.
The
alluring beauty of Sungkilaw falls and its exciting package of adventure made
its way to be featured in “Weekend Getaway” of GMA 7 hosted by Drew Arellano in
2011.
Verily, with the
irresistible charms and cool waters of Sungkilaw Falls, alongside the massive
environmental projects that abound in the area, Dipolog has made its reputation
as one of the eco-tourism sites suitable for a tourist or a visitor who wishes
to drown himself with the serenity, greenery, and detachment from the hustles
and bustles of city life.
Be in love with nature!
Try something new like this splendid gift of mother earth. Whether planned or a
sumptuous trip with friends and loved ones, this is an amazing escapade to another
astounding world of adventure. Come and feel the soothing freshness of
Sungkilaw waters. (FPG/MAA/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
