Niludhan Falls - Guide to Negros Oriental's Underrated Waterfalls

The grandeur of Niludhan Falls

Exploring waterfalls is one of the best ways to get close to nature when visiting Negros Oriental in Central Visayas. On my Couchsurfing (stay temporarily in other people's homes, making use of improvised sleeping arrangements) experience on this island, I had the chance to visit three waterfalls - the Palaypay Falls, Punong Punong Falls, and Niludhan Falls, all situated off the beaten track amid coconut and sugarcane plantations on the island.

The thundering sound of Niludhan Falls is music to the ears.

Compared to the most photographed Casaroro Falls in Negros Oriental, Niludhan Falls is considered underrated but still has the potential to become a backpacker's and photographer's choice.

These ladies welcomed us to their playground.

A 25-meter wide curtain waterfall with a 40-meter vertical drop is being fed by a river across the newly cemented Mabinay-Bayawan Road. The rough road described on blogs is now history because the road's rehabilitation is almost complete. What you need is perfect timing for your trip to this waterfall.

Getting ready for a swim.

Niludhan Falls doesn't require a long walk (sorry trekkers and hikers, this is not your cup of tea). From the highway, a short walk on a dirt road about a hundred meter leads you to a stairway down to the falls. There are huts and benches for your disposal as well as toilets and washing area. All of these for free.

The locals enjoying the cold water of the waterfall

How to Get to Niludhan Falls

Below, you'll find ways on how to get to Niludhan Falls from Dumaguete, Mabinay, Bayawan City.

Habal Habal rentals are expensive, usually Php 400 - 700 depending on your point of origin. A better way to reach Niludhan Falls without spending too much is by taking a bus.

From Dumaguete: Take a Ceres Bus bound for Mabinay. Tell the driver that you are on your way to Niludhan Falls and you are alighting at Paniabonan Crossing. From Paniabonan Crossing wait for Ceres Bus coming from Mabinay station bound to Bayawan City. Tell the driver to stop at Niludhan Falls.

From Mabinay: Take a Ceres Bus to Bayawan City and tell the driver or conductor to stop at Niludhan Falls. There are six trips daily (5:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM).

From Bayawan City: Take a Ceres Bus bound for Mabinay and stop at Niludhan Falls. The Ceres Bus schedule is the same as Mabinay - Bayawan Route.

From Dumaguete to Bayawan City via Pamplona and Sta. Catalina: Since we were based in Barangay San Isidro in Pamplona town, we waited for a Ceres Bus from Dumaguete to Bayawan, then we hopped into another bus from Bayawan City to Mabinay. Bus schedules from Dumaguete to Bayawan City are 5:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM.

Tips to Niludhan Falls Adventure

• There are sari-sari stores and an eatery a few meters away from Niludhan Falls but I suggest you bring your own food. It seemed like these stores are only open to accommodate the workers of the ongoing road project.

• Daily trips of Ceres bus in the area is limited so check your watch once in a while.
• The place has no Entrance Fee.
• There is no hotel in the area but there are nice inns in Bayawan City and Mabinay.
• It is best to visit Niludhan Falls during the rainy season.
• There's no trash bin in the area so you better bring home your own trash bags.
• A tour guide is not needed.

A sad fact.

Map of Niludhan Falls