Bantay Silangen Falls - Namnama Falls: Trekking in Zambales

Bantay Silangen Falls or Namnama Falls

They call it Namnama Falls or Bantay Silangen Falls; to some locals, it is Flooring Falls. Whatever we may call them, let's check their origins for us to understand better.

Namnama is an Ilocano word translated in English as "hope".

Another photo of Bantay Silangen Namnama Falls

For Bantay Silangen, Bantay is an Ilocano word for "mountain", Silangen on the other hand, might come from a mountain name in Zambales' Redondo Peninsula.

And last, Flooring - a plain English word everybody knows the meaning of.

My snapshot before swimming

For the benefit of the locals who coined this waterfall with different names, we will use them interchangeably in this blog.

Hiking the Namnama Falls, Bantay Silangen or Flooring Falls

The jump-off point of Namnama Falls was at a friend's house in Barangay Angeles in San Antonio, Zambales. We were not prepared for the trek, it was sudden and an unexpected one. It was due to monsoon rain. Thus, when the sun finally smiled for the day, we gave it a go.

Pamatawan River during the Summer months

Our contact tour guide wasn't available that day. Instead, we went to a local house close to the Old Pamatawan River just to ask for a guide.

The trail to Bantay Silangen Falls or Namnama Falls

The wide river of Pamatawan needed to be crossed. After the river crossing, we trekked onto a private property fenced by barbed wire. The land was sandy and dominated by cogon grasses. 

The trail was flooded with crystal clear water.

Then we passed a beautiful place covered by small grass with small fruit-bearing trees, shrubs, and small species of bamboo. The place was perfect for camping!

The trail was the same going to Capalngan Falls but after crossing a once dry riverbed during the Summer months, will lead to Bantay Silangen Falls.

We passed this dead tree at the river.

We traversed the river cautiously for about forty minutes. It was hard due to the strong water current and the slippery rocks.

The waterfall was at its glory when we arrived. Its water torrent was at its best. For a week of rain, water reserves from the mountain was at its peak.

There were locals in the area whom I interviewed. I've learned that its name Flooring Falls came from a huge flat rock, like a table in the water basin. It wasn't visible during our visit because the water was high.

At the top of the waterfalls, there is also a basin but according to the locals, it is not safe during the rainy season because of the strong current. It can push you to the edge and fall.

Going back home was faster but risky from the start. We had to climb the edge of a cliff beside the waterfalls plunge pool. 

Tips Before You Go to Namnama Falls

• First, you need a guide. You may contact our guide Paul at 09292606612 or Joester at 09090194531.
• The waterfall flows year-round. During the wet season, the Pamatawan River's water level may rise up to the waistline after consecutive days of rainfall. Expect to get wet even during the summer months.
• Secure your gadgets in a ziplock or plastic bag.
• Bring enough food and water.

How To Get To Bantay Silangen Falls

From Manila: Take a Victory Liner bus bound for Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Alight at San Marcelino District Hospital. Take a trike to Brgy. Angeles. Make sure to contact one of the guides above for jump-off point instructions.