Have you ever read the Divine Comedy from the Italian poet Dante or set an eye to the group work of French sculpture, Auguste Rodin? What about 'Darvaza' the fiery crater that has been burning in the desert of Turkmenistan since 1971? If Portugal has 'Boca do Inferno,' the Philippines in the province of Botolan has its own 'Mouth of Hell.'
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| The Mouth of Hell's opening in an underwater photography |
The Mouth of Hell in Botolan
The Mouth of Hell in Botolan is actually a waterfall with a very deep catch basin where you can't see the bottom of the plunge pool. The locals call it 'Bubey Impiyerno' or 'Bibig Impiyerno' in Tagalog. You will pass this waterfall going to the four-tiered Tukal Tukal Falls.
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| The Bibig Impiyerno Falls (Mouth of Hell) from above |
It is hidden from the established trail. From the jump-off to Tukal Tukal Falls, it is a ten to fifteen minutes trekking when you follow the river upstream. It was summer when we visited the place so the water on the river wasn't too high.
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| The catch basin is perfect for underwater photography |
At a height of approximately 15 feet from its overhang to the plunge pool, the roaring sound of rushing water echoes through the rocks. Our guides were hesitant to go underneath the waterfall torrent due to the dangerous undercurrent of water underneath.
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| A tourist wearing a life vest swimming in the deep plunge pool |
According to our guides, there were a few deaths in this waterfall. Tiyo Paeng, one of our guide told us that there's a cave underneath the rocks close to where the water falls from the ledge. Because of this, it is really a dangerous waterfall! So thrill-seekers should be very careful when side tripping to this place.
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| Don't dare to enter the Mouth of Hell |
Photo opportunities for Facebook and Instagram will be safe as long as you stay in the shallow part of the pool. So thrill-seekers and daredevils, beware!
Camp Kainomayan and the Mouth of Hell
Your only chance to see this waterfall is by registering at Camp Kainomayan in Sitio Tumangan Barangay San Juan, Botolan, Zambales. It is a new gateway to outdoor recreational destinations in Zambales. Since its opening sometime in March 2017, Botolan is now becoming a top tourist destination in Zambales.
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| Camp Kainomayan's Outdoor Activities |
Camp Kainomayan offers ATV Ride, Camping, Mountain Biking, Kayaking in Bancal River, Skim Boarding, Trekking/Hiking, and the Mt. Pinatubo Adventure.
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| These ATV's are waiting for riders |
When trekking to Tukal Tukal Falls, tell your guide to take you to the 'Bibig Impiyerno Falls'. I am not sure if they will agree because it is not included on Camp Kainomayan's advertisement but you can try, who knows. (It's a worthwhile experience if they let you take a peek).
Nakakatakot naman, Sa picture pa lang nakakatakot tingnan. Pero nakakaingganyo pumunta. ��
ReplyDeletePunta ka na po sir Junjun.
DeleteHi po pwd pasend ng estimated n mggastos pg sa olongapo mnggagaling
ReplyDeleteHi Ms. Precious! 750 po yata nagastos ko. We were 10 in the group nag arkila akmi ng van. 500 pesos po magagastos niyo when you go to Tukal tukal, that includes atv ride and guide. pamasahe to botolan by victory hindi ko po sure.
DeleteNgayon ko lang to nakita, meron din silang ATV. Nice! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteShare ko lang :) ATV Philippines
Go ahead Ms. Josephine! Share the fun and thanks for dropping by! :)
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